SD Quarter Pounder PJ set vs. Geezer Butler PJ set?

I would avoid the Quarter Pound PJ set. I don't like the idea of pairing a single coil J pickup with a split-coil P pickup, that's just begging for noise. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure you get a hum-canceling J to go with the P pickup.

 

I've used both. The QP set is fine, but it's a very hot pickup with reduced highs, a dip in the high mids, and a boost in the low mids. The Geezer set is more even across the frequency spectrum and has more of a vintage-style output level. And the Geezer J is a humbucker. Duncan has some really nice pickups, but the QP ultimately wasn't for me.

 

I don't think you are fair to Seymour Duncan here. Why do you pit the QPs into this choice?

 

I don't get that. Dude's interested in a couple pickups and wants opinions.

 

I've never tried the Geezer P/J set, only the Geezer P by itself. It's an awesome pickup, but that's not what the OP is asking.

I had a Duncan QP P/J set in a bass a while back, and I found the J pickup to be too noisy. Way too noisy. IME, the QP Jazz pickups beg to be in a balanced set (J/J, not P/J) for proper hum cancelling, otherwise they can be very buzzy -- moreso than a vintage-wind Jazz pickup.

Although OT, I will offer up that the Duncan SPB-1 matched with a Dimarzio Area J is a brilliant combination. The only P/J I have at present has this configuration in it, and it's very nice. The SPB-1 is a very solid P pickup, the Area J matches it quite well, and with no hum. Win/Win.

 

+1 to the SPB-1 and Area J. I have to caveat that I've not used them together but they are great pickups for a more traditional, vintage type P and J sound, respectively, without the hum. However, with the OP considering the QP and Geezer, the OP might be looking for a more aggressive type of tone with hotter pickups. I'm sorry, I can't help in that area much as I prefer the vintage tones for my P's and J's. I did go down the path of installing a MM pickup in the bridge position of a PJ bass....but that's another story.....

 

In my experience, the Geezer and the SPB-1 are a lot more similar than they are different. The Geezer is a little pushier in the mids, but is not really appreciably hotter.

If the OP wants "hot," he/she should consider an SPB-2.

 

Thanks for the clarification, Arvin. Good to know...

 

To the OP, what sound are you aiming for exactly? Also, what led you to the SPB-3 and the Geezer?

Many people here have experience with either one, or like myself both...but this will devolve into a flame war if you don't help us help you.

 

Hasn't so far, but I'll try harder

 

Oh, sounds familiar. Ironically you've hit the nail on the head. The quarter pounder is very punchy and aggressive-sounding with a mid-range scoop, which is why punk artists such as Mark Hoppus likes it. The Geezer is more of an even-sounding pickup, with a sweet growl reminiscent of a nice vintage P. It sounds like you (like me) need one of both mate.



If you have, HAVE to choose, I'd go with the Geezer. It's more versatile. The SPB-3 is a one-trick pony, but it's a hell of a trick.

EDIT: I should have mentioned I stopped using a PJ configuration a while ago when I became obsessed with instrument weight. My recommendation stands either way.

 

n+1

 

Since you like both, and folks here have informed you of noise issues with the Quarter Pound PJ set, I think you have your answer.

Was I supposed to flame someone while I was here?

 

Only Gene Simmons.