If you can got to the music store and try some Active P bass models and see if having a preamp and/or modern pickups in the P configuration sounds like what your looking for. If you find that it does in fact get you much closer to the sound you like then you can make those changes. Nordstrand's NP4a is a more modern take on the p bass pickups and obviously Bartolini, EMG, Delano etc... then you might get the same or similar preamp as you have in the Ibanez. P bass in modern tone territory I a very interesting animal.
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Tone advice
- Thread starter BassTheory
- Start date
There's a few things you can do to help that tone in your head become what goes through the bass. I would think about adding an active preamp. You can find some that give you everything in 2 or 3 knobs. I'd get a decent 3 band and have it installed with a passive option. P basses have lots of room in there so you could fit everything no problem. Emg geezer butlers are good options. DiMarzio makes the pickups that go in Billy Sheehan's basses and he's got lots of mid range. Amp eq really matters as well. Start with changing the pickup and if you're still not happy then try a preamp in there. Strings help as well and I'd look up sadowsky blue labels or something else that isn't scooped in mids. In fact maybe if you see a used sadowsky bass you might like it enough to buy that and sell of the Ibanez if you're not liking the feel. But regardless there's ways to make that pbass work for you. I would have done lots of things to mine if I didn't just sell it and use the money on other things. I would have routed a rear pickup and changed the front all around and everything kinda like Billy Sheehan's basses but looking for more bark since I like a good rear pickup.
Maybe test out some basses with soapbar pickups and a active preamp to see if you can find one you like the feel on. Short of adding a Preamp and soapbar pickups to the p bass I don't think you will get tone anything close maybe you could try emg pickups or Bartolini's but they will still have the relative sound of a P-bass pickup
These two are entirely different instruments. You may close the distance of their difference somewhat, but I'd think only somewhat.
If you like the active tone of the Ibby, how about an EMG PA pickup for the P-bass? It will have the roundness and clarity of tone you may be after, and it will definitely not be thin. Or if you want even more depth of tone, the EMG PCS will be as broad and deep as you want to be.
Maybe sell them both and start from scratch. Get two basses that are comfortable to play and tweak the tone from there. The faux P bass may be a good modding platform. If it isn't going to fetch a good price, replace the pickup. Hope this helps.
The sound of a bass is HIGHLY influenced by WHERE the pickups are - why P's and J's sound different. The location of a P pickup doesn't really get you to "scooped", but 2 J pickups (both on) will. So, first off, you may be using different terminology than what most folks would for the sound of P.
Will the P ever sound like the other bass? Not entirely, and I don't think you want it to - the point of multiple basses is to have diversity in the tones and vibes) but you can at least make it sound different than it currently does. Strings are THE place to go first - you can alter the vibe of a bass a LOT with a different set of strings.
Let's discuss 4 types of strings - stainless rounds, nickel rounds, Pressurewounds, and flats. Those 4 general string types will give you different vibes - from brightest to least bright in that order. Whatever your bass has now, try something different. Or, if the strings are old, maybe just new ones. The price of 4 sets of strings is about equal to a new pickup (give or take) You've tried one, and don't like it. Buy the other 3 and experiment.
And have the thing set up - a good setup will give you a bit of bite on the attack of a note (a tiny bit of fret clank). If you bass hasn't been set up in a while, and has high action, it'll sound dull because you don't have that bit of clank. Before you go changing pickups, try strings - they make more of a difference than a new pickup in most cases, and cost quite a bit less.
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Hey everyone - thank you all for the advice, much appreciated!
I didn't necessarily want to match the tones - but amazing how much I like the Ibby over the P at the moment - disclaimer though the P is newer, so maybe not used to it yet.
I posted that late here (in AUS) and didn't fully explain. I play the Ibby in passive mode - so am not missing the preamp, I usually play passive basses. I'll keep both for now, try more EQ changes and some different strings! I am looking into a pup swap, maybe a Model P or similar.
But yeah, will probably offload the ibnez or keep it at home - still great for a 90's grunge tone and Tool stuff. The P is so good to play, I had so much fun at the first rehearsal with it. Have a gig in 3 weeks so will see how it plays there.
Further explanation - I have liked the P sound, especially others on recordings (old and new bands, big and small). My first few basses were PJ's and I mostly rolled off the J until I learnt how to use it. I might stick a J or extra pup in the P!?!
I'm not wedded to the soapbars, I just like the versatility I guess. For example I had a TRBX604, but hated all the tones, active and passive. However, I fully appreciated band tone and live tone vs bedroom. Maybe I need to tweak my amp more too.
Also yes to string changes! The bass has been set up and then tweaked by me, nice low-ish action which I like, some clank but play softer and its clean. Accommodates pick and finger style well. So far I preferred any strings (pitbull, D'add, elixirs) a few weeks old at least, I like rounds but I like then duller. Need to pull the pin I guess on flats (I tried once and didn't like it) or a variation before I move on a pup as many have suggested.
Anyway, all the advice has helped a great deal, heaps to try before I make drastic decisions haha.
I didn't necessarily want to match the tones - but amazing how much I like the Ibby over the P at the moment - disclaimer though the P is newer, so maybe not used to it yet.
I posted that late here (in AUS) and didn't fully explain. I play the Ibby in passive mode - so am not missing the preamp, I usually play passive basses. I'll keep both for now, try more EQ changes and some different strings! I am looking into a pup swap, maybe a Model P or similar.
But yeah, will probably offload the ibnez or keep it at home - still great for a 90's grunge tone and Tool stuff. The P is so good to play, I had so much fun at the first rehearsal with it. Have a gig in 3 weeks so will see how it plays there.
Further explanation - I have liked the P sound, especially others on recordings (old and new bands, big and small). My first few basses were PJ's and I mostly rolled off the J until I learnt how to use it. I might stick a J or extra pup in the P!?!
I'm not wedded to the soapbars, I just like the versatility I guess. For example I had a TRBX604, but hated all the tones, active and passive. However, I fully appreciated band tone and live tone vs bedroom. Maybe I need to tweak my amp more too.
Also yes to string changes! The bass has been set up and then tweaked by me, nice low-ish action which I like, some clank but play softer and its clean. Accommodates pick and finger style well. So far I preferred any strings (pitbull, D'add, elixirs) a few weeks old at least, I like rounds but I like then duller. Need to pull the pin I guess on flats (I tried once and didn't like it) or a variation before I move on a pup as many have suggested.
Anyway, all the advice has helped a great deal, heaps to try before I make drastic decisions haha.
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I apologize I didn't realize you are in Australia, and I didn't pick up (pun intended) that you prefer passive. That changes everything. Have you considered a Kinman P-pickup? Link with description to see if it is something you might like: https://kinman.com/model-products.php?pid=17&products=Bass&linegroup=yes&modelid=133&model=P-Bass+Chameleon&group=Single Bass Pickups
Haha, good one, no need to apologise at all! I didn't make it clear nor did I mention I played/preferred passive. I'm checking out the Kinman's now, they sound great!
JeezyMcNuggles
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Put a split single in the bridge.
Or, route it for a Bartolini soapbar, and slap in a big split.
Passive EMG Geezer P-pickup and the Tech 21 Geddy YYZ, DI-2112, or the new MP40 Limited Edition. The DI-2112 will give you more tone options. A little compression helps too.
The YYZ pedal works well with a P-bass, that's what I giged for over a year with, simple to get a great tone. Maybe just try the pedal first then consider other options.
As said in other replys, strings will help too. Consider DR Drop tune strings in whatever gague you currently use, they are really good also the DR Nickel Low Riders are good on a P-bass.
The YYZ pedal works well with a P-bass, that's what I giged for over a year with, simple to get a great tone. Maybe just try the pedal first then consider other options.
As said in other replys, strings will help too. Consider DR Drop tune strings in whatever gague you currently use, they are really good also the DR Nickel Low Riders are good on a P-bass.
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.47 uf caps are the best. Go for the Oil and paper ones. I have them on my Yamaha with Agi's. So good!
sorry to say it, but no matter what effects or pedals you use, you’re not going to get a p bass to sound like anything but a p bass. It will never sound like an sr600.. if you want it to sound similar, buy a set of nordstrand pj pickups and have your local tech route a new pickup cavity and install the nordstrands.. you’ll get much closer to the sound of the sr600
Ok, this changes everything for me from what I posted earlier.
The at-home P tone is something that has turned off many bass players who were otherwise used to dual humbuckers. The reason for that is its emphasis on mids. For some, it sounds honky and not at all what they aim for when they think of tone.
However, all that changes in a mix. The mids that sounded honky and obnoxious at home suddenly make totally different sense live and in the mix. It sounds like you’re starting to come to this same conclusion.
I EQ my amp now with a slight cut to lows and highs, a slight bump to low mids, and high mids flat. That changes slightly per room, but I usually cut something before I boost something else, and changes are very slight.
Strings - if you want to try flats, try Chromes first. You do need to give them a chance to get to the point where you like them - for about 25 years or so, I kept trying flats and then taking them off 2-3 days later, mostly because I hated the feel. That “sticky” string feel goes away though, and once they break in they sound incredible, and I now prefer the feel and sound over any rounds. However, in my current band mix I need some more top end and some strong lows, I’m using rounds and typically prefer a dual humbucker bass. DR Nickel Lo’s on the Dimension and GHS Pressurewounds on my P - tonight will be my first rehearsal with a P with rounds since about 2007 or so, and I’m looking forward to it. So don’t feel like you have to do flats, they may be totally wrong for your current band. A P with broken-in rounds also sounds pretty incredible. What you said you’re aiming for with strings though is ultimately what I found with flats.
Ric5
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Change the P pickup. There are Lota of great pickups... Arcane p pickups, Aero pickups, Nordstrand... And the list goes on
First, it is .047 microfarads for the "standard" tone capacitor.
Second, there is no mojo to any particular brand or make of capacitor. Capacitance is capacitance. The conventional wisdom is to use a moderately priced name-brand capacitor, like Sprague, Mallory, etc., because they are reputable and consistent. I have even used the Asian "chicklet green" capacitors with no discernable difference in performance.
Third, I absolutely disagree with oil-and-paper. Over time, the oil dries out and the value of the capacitor changes, degrading the performance of the tone circuit. I will hope yours lasts longer than average before it deteriorates.
Fourth, the only reason to get a "special" capacitor is if you have a vintage instrument or similar that needs restoration for selling and retrofitting an OEM capacitor will mean a significant difference in resale value.
Buzz kill!
JkMojo is where I find it. As is fun. Point taken on them drying out. Nothing lasts forever. Nothing you said in your post is incorrect. I have more caps so not a big deal there for me. To me there are so many things that go in to the alchemy of tone - again my opinion.. Yes we can be all sciencey and accurate and in many things I am. My father was an electrician and I was taught well. Changing out a cap is not a big deal for me. However, the combination I used sounds incredible to me. It is in an alder Yamaha jazz style bass (BB404) - that's what they made early jazz basses out of. I also used cloth wire. (Wire is wire). Just wanted to see what I would get. I had the oppurtunity and the time to try it. And it happened to work for me. I got a very vintage tone with a little extra mojo which I was not getting prior. I tried several combinations of pickups from vintage to modern before landing on this combo. I was very methodical in my endeavor and I tried a variety of things within my budget (science!). This is an area I feel like experimentation is part of the fun though. Would a green chicklet do the same thing? Maybe? Probably. But it also doesn't hurt to try. Yes I know paper and oil caps are more expensive but not to the point of being cost prohibitive. Especially not with the cost of gear these days. I see cups of coffee costing more. So to each thier own. If others didn't feel this way there wouldn't be any market for it right? Again...imo
To the op...Try things out. Have fun. Be inspired.
