Recommend me a passive P/J

[Bassblisters]

My 1984 Ibanez Roadstar II is a total dog (I keep it because it was the first bass I ever bought new and I've never seen another like it) but I have nothing but unabashed love for my 1987 Ibanez Roadstar II. I think it has to do with which factory it was built (there were several) and luck of the draw more than year of production.




I had one in the late-80's - I actually bought it because I had a set of EMG P/J with nothing to put them in (the Foundation S came in an active model as well so the battery compartment was already there). The end result was a bass that cut through the mix far better than any bass I had ever played. It put my P, Rick, Ibanez and Steinberger all to shame in a band setting. However, it didn't last as I could never bond with the neck shape and it had atrocious neck dive IIRC.

Yes, I think you're right in noting that with these basses, it is the luck of the draw. I could never gel with my '86 Roadstar II PJ, even though I prefer rosewood fretboards! Thanks for the thoughts on the Foundy PJ!

 

[jbd5015]

Pickin up a nice fender P deluxe is a great way to tick the boxes. But the G&L will get you there even quicker. For some reason, I cant leave a stock fender alone, but the SB2 is great out of the box.

I was in this dilemma recently. Almost pulled the trigger on a G&L but instead i had my local luthier build me a bass.

I put the Aguilar P/J set in this bass. I am incredibly happy with the pickups. Ive used stock fender, Lollar and Seymor quarter pounders in the past. While they are all good in their own right, the Aguilars are simply better in every way. The P has a rock solid fundamental, and the tone knob doesnt suck the life out of it like the other pickups can. The jazz pickup is great as well, but not being used to having one, i can say ive been eager to use it more. They are completely silent with a good copper shielding treatment. DEAD SILENT.

Basically im recommending an SB2, unless you want to mod a fender, in which case id put a better bridge and a set of the Aguilars in it and youll be happy!!

good luck!