Seymour Duncan SPB-1 vs. Dimarzio Model P?

[Crackle]

I am considering swapping out the original ceramic Dimarzio P pickup in my 100% original 1981 Ibanez Roadster for an alnico-based Seymour Duncan SPB-1. The reason is the Dimarzio seems to be all loud all the time . . . literally, it sounds about twice as hot as a typical P bass and while that is cool at first, it gets old quick. This would be the only modification I make to this bass, and it can always be reversed. I do love the off white pickups against the black bass and I can't get that in a Seymour Duncan. What would you do?

 

[stratovani]

$65 to find out. I'd give it a shot. If it don't work out you can always sell them.

 

[Nedmundo]

I used to have the DiMarzio, so I know what you mean. The Duncan gets great reviews for providing solid vintage tone at a reasonable price. I went with Lindy Fralin, and have never looked back. It has lots of punch and clarity, but all the vintage character you could want.

 

[giacomini]

The Model P is known for its Fender P pickup-likely tone, only with a tad more gain.

And the SPB-1 is supposed to be a "copy" of the original Fender P pickup, so I'd take that the difference between those 3 is not so great...

I have a bass with the Model P and had others with the original Fender P, Squier P, 1/4 pound and Lace Sensor. The Model P is the one that sounds more like the Fender P.

Maybe you have the pickup too close to the strings, if so, lower them to add more "air" to its sound.

OTOH, if the pickup is set too low, you might be getting an undefined tone, lacking the P punch and sounding kinda "meh" like you said...