Something like a P pickup but different?

[sikamikanico]

I’d probably go with a TV Jones Thundermags. I’d confirm string spacing, but seems fine on a Fender-like bass here:

 

[KidAmnesia]

I've been watching a few videos.

Those Novak Goldfoil look amazing seem to sound just as good. Not humbucking but I think I could live with it (or maybe get some sort of dummy coil down the road?). I will continue the research, but it's a tempting option.

 

[ravlin]

My Avatar bass is a p bass that doesn't look like it. That pickup is an emg35p4a-rc, it's about 1/2" toward the bridge from a traditional p.

 

[sotua]

Wow ! What a nice kit and so easy to retrofit !

I just installed EMG Js on my JB2 and I cannot believe how simple it was. I'm not really good with a soldering iron so all the pickup replacements I've done have been super painful. For this one I had to use the soldering iron only to remove the old electronics and to solder the jack (the JB2 uses a barrel jack, if it had used a typical pickguard mounted jack I would have not needed *any* soldering at all!)

 

[kyral210]

Im planing a new build that is essentially a fretless pbass with a different aesthetic. But I don't love the look of the classic split black plastic pickup, or that of any other black plastic box slapped on the middle of a bass and would like something that looks different but sounds kind of the same. I'd love something that looks like a goldfoil, or a Rick toastertop or a thunderbird pu would also look cool... I like shiny metal.

I'm not a tone purist, all pbasses sound good to me and a lot other basses can sound close enough. I just want a smallish metal box that delivers some phat punch without hum. What should I be checking out?

Shiney Thunderbird pickups right here: Thunderbird Bass Pickups

 

[Kirklandian]

Shop – Curtis Novak Classic Pickups
Bass Pickups - Serek Basses
Turner Pickups | Unique Pickups For Bass Guitar

Novak has some interesting variations, Darkstar, TBird (which can be top mounted), Serek has some great options as well. I’d also check out Turner pickups they have multi coils which can be routed in P and reverse P, as well as their Gordo pickup. If you email Turner you might be able to get a custom shiny metal version.

of course if you want to stay in the P bass pickup route I’d recommend Delano PMVC or the Dimarzio Relentless if want the chromed out look.

Shop – Curtis Novak Classic Pickups
Bass Pickups - Serek Basses
Turner Pickups | Unique Pickups For Bass Guitar

Novak has some interesting variations, Darkstar, TBird (which can be top mounted), Serek has some great options as well. I’d also check out Turner pickups they have multi coils which can be routed in P and reverse P, as well as their Gordo pickup. If you email Turner you might be able to get a custom shiny metal version.

of course if you want to stay in the P bass pickup route I’d recommend Delano PMVC or the Dimarzio Relentless if want the chromed out look.

Adjustable B90 Single Bass Pickups - Serek Basses The Serek B90 with chrome or nickel thunderbird covers is the way to go for a fat P Bass tone with flats.

 

[Hundred proof]

Another vote for the Peavey T45 pickup with the T45 circuit … I can channel both the signal coil and or split coil sound with a believable degree of convincing tone

 

[iiipopes]

Im planing a new build that is essentially a fretless pbass with a different aesthetic. But I don't love the look of the classic split black plastic pickup, or that of any other black plastic box slapped on the middle of a bass and would like something that looks different but sounds kind of the same. I'd love something that looks like a goldfoil, or a Rick toastertop or a thunderbird pu would also look cool... I like shiny metal.

I'm not a tone purist, all pbasses sound good to me and a lot other basses can sound close enough. I just want a smallish metal box that delivers some phat punch without hum. What should I be checking out?

Check out the Squier Jaguar H bass with the MM pickup in the P-position. I have one. Everyone thinks an MM pickup is only for high end, grindy, or burpy toned solos. But when you move it upstream to the P-position, and wire it '62 P-style, it has a big, full tone reminiscent of a P-pickup.

Your other options are those manufacturers, such as EMG, Bart, etc., who essentially put a P-pickup under a soapbar cover.