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Slap Bass Pickups in '53 (RI) P Bass

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by two1frets, Jul 24, 2009.

  1. Jul 24, 2009 #1
    two1frets

    two1frets

    Jul 17, 2009
    Hey Everybody

    So I've been into slap bass lately, but I realized that my bass may not be the best for the slap bass technique. Here's a direct link to my specific bass:

    http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Sting-Signature-Precision-Bass?sku=511022

    I was wondering if there was a compatible pickup that I could use to replace the stock one, to get a better slap bass tone. I would not like to do any routing, etc. Would it be possible to use a J Bass one? I'm a noob at this stuff, so I am grateful of your wisdom. :bassist:

    Thanks,

    -two1frets
     
  2. Jul 24, 2009 #2
    millerfreak

    millerfreak

    Jun 29, 2008
    IMO you should lookup J basses.. For me myself, J basses are the best tone for slapping. I dont know about others.
     
  3. Jul 25, 2009 #3
    Jefenator

    Jefenator Supporting Member

    Aug 22, 2008
    Oregon
    I've had some good moments, slapping with that single coil pickup. (Until I went full retro and put on heavy flatwound strings. :rolleyes:)

    I was getting slamming lows and piercing highs. It was different from what I'm used to - not all scooped and phase-cancelled like a J-bass - but I found it to be very effective in it's own unique way. The attack is pretty harsh, though.

    A high quality pickup might add some depth and clarity and a split-coil might change the character somewhat. But ultimately, IMHO that axe is going to have a different personality than the later designs that are more popular for slap.
     
  4. Jul 25, 2009 #4
    mongo2

    mongo2

    Feb 17, 2008
    Da Shaw
    I've also found the single coil P bass to have a very useful and unique slap tone (with good quality roundwounds).

    Lowering the pickup into the body a bit can allieviate some of that harshness but "turn and try" in small amounts since those pickups seems to be particularly sensitive to the pickup to string distance and a little adjustment can go a long way.
     
  5. Jul 25, 2009 #5
    Diogenes

    Diogenes

    Dec 8, 2008
    Germantown, Louisville KY USA
    What do you mean by "better"? Your bass' tone is limited by pickup location so if you want it to sound more like a StingRay, that's not going to happen... especially not by merely replacing the pickup. You can get a great slap tone with your Sting via technique and eq settings. Just don't expect it to sound like a Jazz or 'Ray.