Recommendations for P-bass pickups

What's wrong with the pickups that are in the bass? Yamaha makes great basses, BB series is one of the best imo. Unless you have a specific problem you need to address, I suggest two things: try a few different sets of strings (check out the Strings subforum for ideas), and tweak the setup (particularly pickup height), both of which have a massive influence on tone.

 

Slant is adjusted to maintain balance across strings. You can raise and lower the pickups, while maintaining the slant (and thus balance), but it will change the tone of the bass. In general, I'd recommend lowering pickups for a more "vintage" tone, but it's worth dialing it in to your idea of a vintage sound - just use your own ears.

There are many different kinds of strings, and flats are not the only "vintage" strings. For a middle-of-the-road sound, I find nickle plated steel string work very well, and even among those there are so many different brands and models that it can keep you busy for a while trying them. Then there are pressurewounds, which are a nice balance between my favorite aspects of rounds and flats.

If you want to change the pickups, SPB-1 and GZR are really good choices for a more classic sound. I just don't know that they will sound that much different from the stock pickups. One thing, though, I think Yamaha uses a single coil J, so it will hum...I'd probably go with GZRs to get a humcancelling set.

 

If you're wanting that "classic" P sound, the Duncan SPB-1 and EMG GZR are both good options. Don't forget to look into the Nordstrand offerings as well. Personally I have been looking into that same series Yamaha BB as a backup and putting a Dimarzio Model P and Model J it, not exactly "classic", more on the aggressive side.

 

If the wiring, pots and jack are that big a concern, then yeah the EMG sets will be the better deal as it's a full replacement of the guts. The BB434 I tried sounded great to my ears in stock form and was very versatile, even when comparing it to my Fender US P5. Honestly, I don't think that Yamaha uses "cheap" pots and wiring, but I suspect that they do use parts in keeping with the price point of the instrument while trying to keep the instrument as versatile as possible.

 

Whatever it is you’re looking for with regards to P pickups, people here will most assuredly recommend their favorite.

 

No worries. I think everyone wants to customize their instrument to some level, the same as most people do with their cars. I bought my BB415 probably 12 years ago and immediately started looking at ways to upgrade/personalize it. Ended up doing nothing to it. Do what makes you happy. Your tastes may change over time and when that happens so will the parts your prefer to reach a given tone.

As far as standard pots go, CTS will run you about $6 each, Bournes will run you about $4 each. Some will be more, some will be less. They really are not that expensive. "Cheap" is kind of a relative term. You can always go to somewhere like https://www.bestbassgear.com and look around to get an idea.

@sikamikanico recommended it previously, but before you start replacing parts, try different brands and types of string sets. You may be surprised at how that alone will change the sound of your instrument. And it's not a permanent change. Don't like what you got? Put something else on. My Precision sounds entirely different going from just Rotosound RS66 steels to the RS66 Nickels, nevermind the difference to EB Slinkies or Slinky Steels, D'Addario ProSteels or Chromes, even DR HighBeams or Pure Blues. Every string type from every manufacturer brings something different to the table.

 

That's a LOT of ground to cover for one string set. Believe me we would ALL love a single string set that did everything. Much will depend on the genre you're playing and the techniques you employ as to which string will work better. You'll likely end up with several sets of strings laying around to cover multiple scenarios. I've got ProSteels on right now, with Chromes on the shelf for my classic rock and church sets, as well as an old set of slinkys and Rotosound RS66s as backups.

I've been curious about the D'addario half wounds as well as the Rotosound RS55 Solo Bass set. Similar product, Nickel vs Stainless, ground wound vs pressure wound. Feel of flats, brightness of rounds, minimal finger chirp. Could also look into EB Cobalt flats, flats that are as bright as rounds supposedly. Considering all the ground you're trying to cover, the half rounds may be a good bet for you.

 

These seem interesting

 

Recommend you two underating p bass puckup.
Tonerider TRP1(Aguilar AG4P60 like tone ) and Pribora traditional P (Fralin P like voice).

Hopehelp

 

Chromes are a good choice. When I'm in the mood for flats I like them pretty well. There's a whole club on TB devoted to Chromes, just FYI.
Flats are a very particular thing. They vary greatly brand to brand, probably as much as rounds. Chromes aren't *super* bright and they are pretty flexible, but they have a weird upper mid thing about them. Rotosound flats are nice, but they aren't very smooth (still grippy like most stainless steels, but it wears down) and they are brighter, but they are very high tension.

 

Sheesh! You sure you're tuning them to the right notes? If you are, then your strings should be fine, although accidents can happen.

And congratulations on your excellent taste in pickups