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Seymour Duncan pickup advice

kev451

kev451

Supporting Member
Feb 23, 2014
1,853
3,411
New Jersey
#1
Hello fellow TB fam I hope everyone is doing ok during these crazy times. Now is my question I’m installing a new set of PJ pickups in my bass. It currently has EMGs and the BQC control. But I’m not digging the sound. After looking up pups, it’s led me to the Seymour Duncan brand. The Quarter Pounders to be exact. But I also saw the APJ-1 set. I play punk/rock so tone wise it has to be punchy and aggressive. I’m using a tech 21 VT 500 bass head through a DG 2/12 cab and for bigger shows a 2/10 Mesa over a 1/15. Pedal wise it’s simple an old school Sans Amp Bass driver and a DG B7K pedal and a DG compressor. So which set would be better the QPs or the APJ-1 thanks for any advice hope everyone is having a great day !
 
#2
Hi, I don't have experience with those very Duncan models, but I regularly use a P with a VT Bass, though it's the deluxe preamp and not the head. I think the VT interacts wonderfully with my Duncan SPB1, so I think the SPB/SJB1 set would be great. However, don't be put off by EMG: someone will definitely mention the Geezer, which also comes in a handy PJ solderless configuration and many (especially very experienced people rig-wise such as @JimmyM ) have already said that's a very expressive passive Alnico pickup in the ballpark of the SPB1 with some more presence in the mids in a good way. I honestly say I have no direct experience, but based on the style you mention and your tone expectations, I'd definitely keep them on top of my list.
I also think the QP set would work too, but keep in mind that the VT already has loads of bass and treble on tap to deliver, at least IME.
Your rig you mention has all the capabilities to deliver aggressive tones itself, and I've personally learnt that it's easier to spice up your tone with a VT, Darkglass and so on than to tame it.

Again, I would stay in the passive options anyway with your rig. I mean, you can get great stuff with active too (I think Rex Brown uses a VT head and active basses), but IF I'M NOT WRONG, even @tech21nyc state that their VT Bass greatly interacts with passive inputs... I guess it interacts well with every bass you throw at it anyway, as long as you tweak it well, but I've never had the impression an average passive output was too weak for that beast of drive section you have on tap.
 
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#3
Not familiar with the APB-1's, but their sound samples sure remind me of EMG PJ's, so while they might not be a dead nuts match to the EMG's, I'd say they're going to be close to a lateral move. The QP set is a good set, but they're very hot, have reduced treble, and a mid scoop. Ema's correct that I do use Geezers, and his sonic description is exactly what I like about them.

Another set that you may find to your liking if you want aggressive hot pickups are the DiMarzio Model PJ set, which are like QP's without the mid scoop. As for the VT and whether it works best with passive or active, I've found that it works pretty equally well with both, although my levels with the much hotter pickups, especially drive levels, need to be adjusted down compared to what they are with the Geezers.
 
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#4
EmaTheMirror said:
Hi, I don't have experience with those very Duncan models, but I regularly use a P with a VT Bass, though it's the deluxe preamp and not the head. I think the VT interacts wonderfully with my Duncan SPB1, so I think the SPB/SJB1 set would be great. However, don't be put off by EMG: someone will definitely mention the Geezer, which also comes in a handy PJ solderless configuration and many (especially very experienced people rig-wise such as @JimmyM ) have already said that's a very expressive passive Alnico pickup in the ballpark of the SPB1 with some more presence in the mids in a good way. I honestly say I have no direct experience, but based on the style you mention and your tone expectations, I'd definitely keep them on top of my list.
I also think the QP set would work too, but keep in mind that the VT already has loads of bass and treble on tap to deliver, at least IME.
Your rig you mention has all the capabilities to deliver aggressive tones itself, and I've personally learnt that it's easier to spice up your tone with a VT, Darkglass and so on than to tame it.

Again, I would stay in the passive options anyway with your rig. I mean, you can get great stuff with active too (I think Rex Brown uses a VT head and active basses), but IF I'M NOT WRONG, even @tech21nyc state that their VT Bass greatly interacts with passive inputs... I guess it interacts well with every bass you throw at it anyway, as long as you tweak it well, but I've never had the impression an average passive output was too weak for that beast of drive section you have on tap.
Click to expand...

Hmmm interesting, I’ve used active Basses through this rig. Never considered the passive route. Only if cause my other Basses are active Basses.
 
#5
JimmyM said:
Not familiar with the APB-1's, but their sound samples sure remind me of EMG PJ's, so while they might not be a dead nuts match to the EMG's, I'd say they're going to be close to a lateral move. The QP set is a good set, but they're very hot, have reduced treble, and a mid scoop. Ema's correct that I do use Geezers, and his sonic description is exactly what I like about them.

Another set that you may find to your liking if you want aggressive hot pickups are the DiMarzio Model PJ set, which are like QP's without the mid scoop. As for the VT and whether it works best with passive or active, I've found that it works pretty equally well with both, although my levels with the much hotter pickups, especially drive levels, need to be adjusted down compared to what they are with the Geezers.
Click to expand...
JimmyM said:
Not familiar with the APB-1's, but their sound samples sure remind me of EMG PJ's, so while they might not be a dead nuts match to the EMG's, I'd say they're going to be close to a lateral move. The QP set is a good set, but they're very hot, have reduced treble, and a mid scoop. Ema's correct that I do use Geezers, and his sonic description is exactly what I like about them.

Another set that you may find to your liking if you want aggressive hot pickups are the DiMarzio Model PJ set, which are like QP's without the mid scoop. As for the VT and whether it works best with passive or active, I've found that it works pretty equally well with both, although my levels with the much hotter pickups, especially drive levels, need to be adjusted down compared to what they are with the Geezers.
Click to expand...
Ahh ok how do you find the geezers to be when pushed and played aggressively ?
 
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