Should I replace Peavey Foundation S pickups?

[thrashard340]

I have a Peavey Foundation S, circa 1986. I'm about to take this thing apart and freshen it up.

Any thoughts as to whether or not I should swap in different pickup? It is a passive PJ set up. Basically, I am asking if there is an upgrade to the current stock set up. I would like to stay with passive. Also, can anyone recommend what type of pots to use or if I should even replace them?

I know that I haven't provided anything by way of my preferences, but at this time am interested in what everyone's personal opinions are.

Thanks.

 

[MNAirHead]

They really didn't make that many mistakes on these basses..

Much of this is taste..

You can add an active preamp (ask for a dyna preamp) ..

I believe EMGs fit in there.

Vote for keep it

T.

 

[bassmanrocke]

There were a couple of changes made on the Foundation S, and these can affect your dicision. Early Foundation S's had Schaller P-js that were liscensed copies of dimarzios(identifiable by their adjustable allen-head polepieces). These are very good pickups but are of the ceramic type, which many players dislike. Later versions had Alnico v pickups similar to Fender American pickups. These are a little warmer sounding. Either type were high quality pieces and switching for any other pickup of similar design will result in minimal gains at best. Changes in capacitor resistance is likely to make a greater change than pickups.

 

[MNAirHead]

Gopod point - we can fine tune with some pix.

 

[thrashard340]

Here's a pic of my Foundation.

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[thrashard340]

The pickup closest to the neck is a little messed up. I think the screw or bolt is stripped. You have to turn the screw almost all the way in to get the pick up to sit otherwise the top part of the pickup just pops out there.

 

[bassmanrocke]

Those look like alnico V pickups which I prefer. Definitely get the mounting fixed and that should help dial in the tone.

 

[WoodyG3]

That's a sweet bass. I wouldn't change out the pickups if I were you, unless there is something wrong with them.