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SPB-3 with flats?

Just Bill

Just Bill

Sep 27, 2010
162
6
Near Louisville, KY
#1
Since I started playing, in the early/mid 80s, I have never made any modifications to any of my basses and I've always played roundwound strings.

Recently, I've gotten a few basses that I've decided to mess around with. I've put flats on a couple of them; one of them being a Squier P that I've put LaBella Deep talking flats on.

Now I'm considering changing the stock pups on this bass and I'd like to ask anyone that has used SPB-3 QPs with flats, what was your impression? Did you play around with the height of the pups? How did this combination sound to you?

I have searched & read some posts on this but most were in response to someone asking what pups to upgrade to. I'm looking for more specific opinions on the sound of SPB-3 with flats (of any make). I have a set of SPB-3 laying around but don't want to bother swapping if this is just going to sound like mud.

FWIW, I'm not playing with anyone. I don't gig anymore, so I'm not trying to "find the right sound for my band". This is just something for me to play around with. Playing a GK 400RB through a 4x10.

Thanks, in advance, for your responses.
 
#5
Just Bill said:
Since I started playing, in the early/mid 80s, I have never made any modifications to any of my basses and I've always played roundwound strings.

Recently, I've gotten a few basses that I've decided to mess around with. I've put flats on a couple of them; one of them being a Squier P that I've put LaBella Deep talking flats on.

Now I'm considering changing the stock pups on this bass and I'd like to ask anyone that has used SPB-3 QPs with flats, what was your impression? Did you play around with the height of the pups? How did this combination sound to you?

I have searched & read some posts on this but most were in response to someone asking what pups to upgrade to. I'm looking for more specific opinions on the sound of SPB-3 with flats (of any make). I have a set of SPB-3 laying around but don't want to bother swapping if this is just going to sound like mud.

FWIW, I'm not playing with anyone. I don't gig anymore, so I'm not trying to "find the right sound for my band". This is just something for me to play around with. Playing a GK 400RB through a 4x10.

Thanks, in advance, for your responses.
Click to expand...
The SPB-3 is a very bright sounding pickup, I would doubt any string would sound like mud with that pickup, I had a p bass with that pickup and tapewounds and it sounded awesome, what brand of flats are will you be using?
 
#6
markdavid said:
The SPB-3 is a very bright sounding pickup, I would doubt any string would sound like mud with that pickup, I had a p bass with that pickup and tapewounds and it sounded awesome, what brand of flats are will you be using?
Click to expand...

My experience is very similar to this, I have an SPB-3 with Chromes, and there is no mud at all. I can dial back the treble with the tone control, but I also have plenty of treble on tap if I want it. I usually run the tone a little under halfway. I think it sounds great.
 
#8
Thanks for the input, guys.

I just bought used sets of LaBella Deep Talking and Sadowsky flats. I've put the LaBellas on this one and am trying them, first.

Like I said, I never experimented with any of my equipment when I was playing out, so this is all new to me. Now that I'm in my basement, I have one taken apart and ready for refinishing, put one parts bass together, swapping pups & trying flats. This is fun.
 

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