/ Register

Replacement PU for 1972 Precision

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by estesbass, Apr 19, 2012.

  1. Apr 19, 2012 #1
    estesbass

    estesbass

    Dec 6, 2004
    Nashville, TN
    I have a 1972 P Bass that I've never been quite happy with.

    It has to be the coolest looking bass of all time, and it plays great. Sounds great acoustically, but plugged in...well - it's really a bit tricky to record.

    The sound is very heavy in the upper mids from 1k-3.5k, giving it a harsh/honky sound.

    I know that's a characteristic of all P basses, but this one has it in spades. Much more than any other P bass I've played.

    I'd looking to change the pickup and am looking for recommendations. Something dark, fat, bassy - even a little mid scoop would be nice.

    I even don't mind having a bit more of a modern pickup to balance the extreme midrange-ness of this bass.

    Anybody have any recommendations or experience with a 70's P bass?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Apr 19, 2012 #2
    C130AVN

    C130AVN Stringed Tubist

    Apr 19, 2012
    Winterpeg, Manisnowba
    Hard to beat Lindy Fralin Vintage P bass, hand wound, and can be overwound to suit your needs. I use one meters just shy of 11K and I can describe the sound as very balanced with tremendous clarity, definition and depth; never getting muddy, honky, or brittle.The output is not hot, but sound over the stock fender pup is significant without losing the vibe that a precision should have. A little pricey but isn't a 70's American P is worth the cost.
     
  3. Apr 19, 2012 #3
    bassingeorge

    bassingeorge Supporting Member

    Jul 28, 2003
    San diego, CA
    Talk to Curtis Novak. He'll fix you up.
    I play one of his stock Vintage-wound P bass pickups and it records wonderfully. Very focused, clear sound. Very balanced as well. A wonder with flats.

    He knows a LOT about vintage Fenders, he can custom wound you a pickup to 70's spec's.

    CurtisNovak.com - Pickups and Guitars | PB-V Pickup
     
  4. Apr 19, 2012 #4
    brandau

    brandau

    Jan 30, 2008
    NYC
    I have a 65 P that came with a Fender Original pup installed (with exposed pole pieces). It was harsh and barky like your describing... I found an old Seymore Duncan SB-1 and dropped it in... It sounds really great...warm, round with plenty of attack when I want it...

    I like it better than my buddy's 74 P with Fralins in it... could be the bass, but it felt a little "too flat" for lack of a better description... sounded good but just a little tame...
     
  5. Apr 19, 2012 #5
    georgestrings

    georgestrings Inactive

    Nov 5, 2005
    I have a '76 P with Seymour-Duncan SPB-1 pups in it - they are a slight improvement over the originals...


    - georgestrings
     
  6. Apr 19, 2012 #6
    Jazzdogg

    Jazzdogg Less barking, more wagging!

    Jul 29, 2006
    San Diego, CA
    I replaced the stock p'ups in my '73 with quarter pounders decades ago and never looked back.