Seymour Duncan SPB-1 Pickups Vs. SPB-2 Pickups

[acebase62]

I've used the SPB-2 in a couple PJ basses, in combo with an STK-J2 (Hot Stack J) in bridge position.

(500k volume pots and Fender TBX tone in both).

The SPB-2 is a great sounding pickup, but I ended up switching to SPB-1s.

I found the SPB-1 more versatile overall, and balanced better with the STK-J2.

In a stand alone P, I like them both, and the descriptions from Seymour Duncan are accurate, IMO.

The SPB-2 is good for thick pumping bass tone.

 

[bluesdogblues]

I've used the SPB-2 in a couple PJ basses, in combo with an STK-J2 (Hot Stack J) in bridge position.

(500k volume pots and Fender TBX tone in both).

The SPB-2 is a great sounding pickup, but I ended up switching to SPB-1s.

I found the SPB-1 more versatile overall, and balanced better with the STK-J2.

In a stand alone P, I like them both, and the descriptions from Seymour Duncan are accurate, IMO.

The SPB-2 is great for that thick pumping bass tone.

IMHO both are good pick-ups, but actually, from what the OP described, I think SPB-1 will suits his need more. But since now he already chose the SPB-2, I only wish all the best.
Any pick-up you chose will be good if you're happy in using them to make your music.

 

[Dogghouse]

Have you called me yet? I'll be back to work next Tuesday to take care of you. If you can't wait (like me when I want somethin) call Scott. He'll give you an RA#. Cheers

 

[walterw]

another vote for the duncan 1; it has everything in the right place, while the 2's always just sounded dull by comparison.

 

[mouthmw]

+1 on SPB-1. It's just a perfectly well rounded pup. It can get smooth or aggressive, however you like. Pair it with Phat Phuk B and you're in P bass heaven. Stomp on a VMT and you've got yourself the best OD P bass pairing IMO.

 

[TjMetalhead]

Hey guys! Sorry I've been gone for so long and this post is so old already, but I've had a year to try them out and I really do like them! It took some warming up at first but once I broke 'em in and messed with my amp eq for a while I was able to get the tone I was looking for with these pick ups. I still might consider the SPB1's though since that seems to be a favorite around here. I'll probably put them on another p bass when i can get another. Thanks for every ones feedback!

 

[Laurent]

Throughout this tread the tone of these pickups has not been defined. I've owned both so I'll take a stab at it. In fact I'll add the SBP-3 to the mix as well.

Spb-1. This is a 50's style pickup. Lots of highs, moderate lows, good mids. It's got a really nice vintage vibe going. For more of all that, the SD Ant is a good choice.

SPB-2. This is a hot pickup (overwound) with the biggest bass I have encountered ever on a P style pickup. With the tone turned full on towards the bass it sounds like a subwoofer. It hits pretty hard too (meaning fast transients). This is not a pickup for everybody but if you want big bass, moderate highs good mids this one will do it. It's a bit of an extreme pickup but there is little like it.

SPB-3. This one is easier to define. It's hot and it's scooped. Lots of bass (way less than the SPB-2 however), lots of highs and less mids. It's a rocking pickup. Comparing the highs with the SPB-1 these are more aggressive while sht SPB-1 is more airy, transparent.

When looking at these pickups consider what tone you're trying to achieve but also what your bass sounds like. If you have a bass with pronounced mids, the SPB-3 might correct that and bring the instrument in balance. For a bass shy bass guitar, the SPB-2 might be a good choice. For a really bassy instrument, the SPB-1 might work well. Some people might consider doing the opposite, by putting a high rich pickup on a bass guitar that has naturally a really bright character. This works well for guitar but I find it's better to try to achieve some balance with a bass rather than reinforce a tonal character.

You got to give it to Seymour Duncan for making great pickups. Also one of my favorite is the Antiquity II. For a 60's warm vintage vibe it's a great one.

 

[MNM]

I feel the strong need to remind everyone of SD latest pickup, the SPB-4, or Steve Harris signature pickup. I got this baby for my Pbass a week ago and wow! It replaced my SPB-3. The SPB-4 is vintagey like the SPB-1, but has some great pushed mids. It's very versatile to my ears. It gives a higher output than the SPB-1, but much less than the SPB-3. Very full spectrum tone. It's a great alternative to the SPB-1 for players looking for classic Pbass tone but with some extra presence and growl when you need it.

 

[kraigo]

I´m SPB-4 curious, but I´ve compared the SPB-1 vs. the Antiquites II and it would be difficult (impossible) to tell the difference in a performance situation. I don´t know what the SPB-4 would give me. but if the price point is in there, I´m inclined to try it. I´m not about ¨Now with even more vintage!¨, but the SPB-1 has been good to me.

 

[VoodooChild]

Would it make sense to put a SPB1 into the neck position of a blacktop jazz and the SPB2 in the bridge position or would the hotter SPB2 pickup dominate the sound too much?

edit: am i supposed to start a new thread for questions like this?

 

[Basic Lee]

This is one of the few good videos I can find on youtube with the SPB-2's, what do you guys think?

Man, they sound great