Single coil or split coil?

[Hammertime3]

Trying to figure out the difference in sound in these two pickups. I have never had a single coil, but I'm looking at a Harley Benton with one and wonder if I'd like it. FWIW, I only play country and bluegrass. Will the single coil get deep enough for me?

Thanks..Bob

 

[ctmullins]

I think you're overgeneralizing here. Both single coils and split coils are capable of all sorts of different tones. There's nothing inherent in the architecture that dictates tone, other than a slight advantage in upper-frequency clarity for the single coil, and even that isn't always readily apparent.

Remember that other factors affect tone as well: pickup position, strings, technique, not to mention amp and cab and room.

 

[kodiakblair]

Will the single coil get deep enough for me?

I take it you are referring to the PB-50 with the Roswell pickup. That pickup is best described as an under wound Seymour Duncan SCPB-3 , both use 1/4" alnico 5 slugs with fibre flatwork.

Should get you deep enough Had the pleasure of owing several PB-50s , affordable does not mean junk.
My advice. Ditch the stock D'Addario roundwounds , always find them too bright.

Only real reason I can think of to swap the pickup is hum. Having spent the morning comparing single coils with split-singles , personally I'll live with the hum.

Remember that other factors affect tone as well: pickup position,

To make things easier. Single coil in the bass OP is asking about is in the exact same position as the 90's Fender MIJ reissues.

 

[Hammertime3]

Thanks guys...that's a big help. If the hum bothered you, what would you replace it with?

 

[kodiakblair]

@Hammertime3

Been part of a discussion on the single vs split single these last couple of days and it's been interesting.

Not much love for split singles in the UK , feeling here is they're a bit polite compared to a single. There's a Nordy 51 S currently looking for it's 4th owner as the previous 3 moved it on and went back to single coils. The Fralin split 51 didn't fare any better ; just one fella swore it still sounded like a straight up single coil. Funny thing is he didn't actually recommend the Fralin but instead the Jess Lourerio split 51.

So what do you do ?

It really depends on what your prime needs are.

Is it the look of a single coil P-bass ? Nothing wrong with that , it's a seriously cool look

Here if the hum bothers you , I'd suggest going with a split. Nordy / Fralin and the rest are expensive so drop Ryan at Bootstrap a line. The standard Bootstrap 51 single is just $35 , custom options for his other products start at just $10. Definitely worth asking Ryan for a quote.

Is it the tone of a single coil P-bass ?

Afraid all you can here is go OTT with shielding.

If you go ahead with buying a PB-50 and simply must reshape the peghead ; drop me a PM , it's something I've done many times.