Ultra boutique P bass pickups

[franklindayala]

I'd also like to hear from anyone who's had a chance to try Aero's P offerings.

I have the 5 string configuration in my P5 that came with Ulyate Pups. The sound is heaven to my ears.

Nothing wrong with Ulyate pups. They sound great. Since 2005 I have aero pups in all of my bass guitars.

Edit: in terms of sound aero seems to have low mids that isnt muddy at all just great sound. Ulyate pup seems to be in the upper mids comparing them with aero.

 

[Zoobiedood]

I equate "hi-fi" to being "sterile". Squeaky clean, crisp, clear.

And so is the nature of words to describe a sound. It sounds like what is being described is an active sound in a passive pickup (or passive pickup with active preamp).

 

[petrus61]

Yes, “hi-fi” would be a good description for what I’m going for. I mean, as “hi-fi” as you can get for a passive pickup...

Also might want to look into a Bill Lawrence (Wilde) pickup. It’s a bit more full range than a typical P pickup. G&L also might be an option.

 

[d00dr]

Also might want to look into a Bill Lawrence (Wilde) pickup. It’s a bit more full range than a typical P pickup. G&L also might be an option.

Yes, the Wilde P-46 seems to be right about in the area I’m trying to get with this particular bass. Also, based on what I’ve read, the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pounder sounds like it might be right in that area as well...

 

[leavetheconnoli]

I’ve got a P (2001) with a Custom Shop ‘62 in it and it is very warm and round. Sounds HUGE compared to my other P (2010) that has the stock pickup in it. And I’ve also heard the Pure Vintage ‘63 pickup is even warmer, rounder, and bigger sounding than the Custom Shop ‘62.

I’ve also got a Lollar currently in transit for my newest project but I went with an overwound one for this bass. I’d be more than happy to share my thoughts on it once everything arrives and I can get this bass put together, though I’m not sure it’ll help you out much.

Still waiting to hear what anybody has to say about the Flying Mojo “The Duck pre-CBS” pickup...

Is this pv ‘63 the same pickup that comes stock in the American Vintage Series ‘63 P Bass?

 

[d00dr]

Is this pv ‘63 the same pickup that comes stock in the American Vintage Series ‘63 P Bass?

I do believe it is.

 

[leavetheconnoli]

I do believe it is.

If it is, It is one of the best pickups i’ve ever heard. My Amer vintage 63 is a tone monster

 

[d00dr]

If it is, It is one of the best pickups i’ve ever heard. My Amer vintage 63 is a tone monster

Sounds about right!

 

[Type-55]

So, I've called Klein 3 times and no response, not a good thing IMHO.
The question I never got an answer to is what is the difference between the Epic 62 P and the 57 Epic P bass pickup.
They look to be made from the exact same materials.
Any info is appreciated.

 

[Pbassmanca]

So, I've called Klein 3 times and no response, not a good thing IMHO.
The question I never got an answer to is what is the difference between the Epic 62 P and the 57 Epic P bass pickup.
They look to be made from the exact same materials.
Any info is appreciated.

I had a good experience ordering an Epic Series 62' from Chris Klein, so keep trying him ; who knows, he could be unavailable for any number of reasons.
Edit : Also they do a 58' repro not a 57' FWIW...

 

[Type-55]

It's actually a Epic 59. I had to double check.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

sound clips may or not be helpful. ive heard pickup makers post clips of their stuff installed in total piece of poopie basses and its made me not want to try their stuff.

I'm not sure it's even that so much as playing style, set up, and tone choices might mean that only the most gross differences (mudbucker versus single coil P) are really valid.

 

[Pbassmanca]

It's actually a Epic 59. I had to double check.

I really want to try that pickup! @Snaxster had posted a review of it a while back.

 

[Snaxster]

So, I've called Klein 3 times and no response, not a good thing IMHO.
The question I never got an answer to is what is the difference between the Epic 62 P and the 57 Epic P bass pickup.
They look to be made from the exact same materials.
Any info is appreciated.

Hi. This caught my attention because of events reported in the AudioKinesis thread.

Our own Duke LeJeune of AudioKinesis was flooded out recently. He lost connectivity at home and at his shop. During the outage, Duke found a library where he could correspond with TalkBass and his customers. AudioKinesis is located in Princeton, Texas.

Klein Pickups is a stone's throw from there, in Denton, Texas. I would think there's a good chance that they were flooded out, too:

As for the various Klein models, may I suggest that 1. by looking at photos or reading the product descriptions, you cannot tell what exact materials are used, and 2. even if the materials were identical across models, I assume that the design of each model's construction differs enough to matter.

Although among his split coil P pickups I only ever played the Epic 1959 P so far, I am confident that Klein's Epic 1958 P is a very different sounding pickup.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Hi. This caught my attention because of events reported in the AudioKinesis thread.

Our own Duke LeJeune of AudioKinesis was flooded out recently. He lost connectivity at home and at his shop. During the outage, Duke found a library where he could correspond with TalkBass and his customers. AudioKinesis is located in Princeton, Texas.

Klein Pickups is a stone's throw from there, in Denton, Texas. I would think there's a good chance that they were flooded out, too:

View attachment 2978124


As for the various Klein models, may I suggest that 1. by looking at photos or reading the product descriptions, you cannot tell what exact materials are used, and 2. even if the materials were identical across models, I assume that the design of each model's construction differs enough to matter.

Although among his split coil P pickups I only ever played the Epic 1959 P so far, I am confident that Klein's Epic 1958 P is a very different sounding pickup.

I know Denton, and if Klein is in the middle, it's probably OK (but I wouldn't mind visiting next time I am over). But if Klein is 'in Denton', but actually around the edge, then yes, there might well be flooding, power outages, etc. The point marked 'Lake Dallas' there certainly seemed to be under water about a month ago, even though it looks like dry land on that map. It not that exact point, then certainly all around Lake Dallas.

Edit: underwater just before the Lake Dallas mark, going north, with buildings rising from the water, although they look like barns, storage, or boat houses. Quite a few houses in Shady Shores got flooded out three or four years ago, and I think that counts as Denton.

 

[Type-55]

Side bar question, what amps go best with Aguilar P bass pickups?
Other than Aguilar. So if you include Aguilar which one, TH500 or AG 700?

 

[SteveBlair]

I'm running the 4p-60 with the TH500. So buttery. It sounds like putting a stethoscope up to a piece of chocolate torte. RICH!

 

[thisSNsucks]

Side bar question, what amps go best with Aguilar P bass pickups?
Other than Aguilar. So if you include Aguilar which one, TH500 or AG 700?

Funny I was just going to post how much I like these pickups.

They kill through my Ampeg SVT. Sounds great through the micro VR and my GK 800RB.

I still have a set of Delano P bass pickups I need to try, but I’m hooked on the Aguilars right now.

I really like that they can go from super deep yet articulate to bright and snappy without being too harsh.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I still have to chuckle when people say things like "ultra boutique" and precision bass in the same sentence. It's like you're just trying to take something super simple, basic and effective and complicate it way more than you have to. Also, if you aren't even sure as to how these "ultra boutique" pickups sound, why even consider them? Just because something is "ultra boutique" (I just see that instead as being "ultra expensive"), artisan made, handmade by one guy, made in small batches, etc., doesn't mean it's automatically what you're looking for or has some crazy magical properties that will give you magical tones that other well-made pickups wont. It's a P bass pickup for christ sake! But who am I to argue? If these guys can get you to throw your money at them for something "ultra boutique", then more power to them. It's just kind of hilarious how many equate that if it costs more it just absolutely has to be "better", and the most expensive is, without question, the "best".

 

[Type-55]

I think the term "Ultra Boutique" refers to small batch builders who adhere to strict standards of materials and QC.
Weather or not they will appeal to you is subjective. I have tried several different P bass pickups as of late and
they all seem to have different tonal qualities. I agree about the Aguilar P pickup. I went from LaBella flats to a set of Chromes
and the tone of the pickup really opened up. Very nice balance top to bottom.