Ultra boutique P bass pickups

[depalm]

Arcane 65L installed.
12.97k on tag.
First thing I noticed is the distinct Lo Mid and Hi Mid voicing.
Great lows and a specially pleasant high end.
Nice P tone from a very well constructed pickup.

 

[Pbassmanca]

Arcane 65L installed.
12.97k on tag.
First thing I noticed is the distinct Lo Mid and Hi Mid voicing.
Great lows and a specially pleasant high end.
Nice P tone from a very well constructed pickup.

Man, I'm real interested in picking up one of these Arcane pickups....

 

[depalm]

Man, I'm real interested in picking up one of these Arcane pickups....

The 65L sounds really good with my P Bass. I just loved the lo mid bump and the sweet hi end.
But I don’t know if it worth it swapping if you have an already good sounding instrument.

 

[kevinpmajka]

I just picked up the Arcane 65 Experience to go into something that is being finished. Can't wait! (like 4 months).... I have a Duncan Antiquity II in my main bass now that I do like. I'm also fond of the Duncan SPB-1 - but I'm interested in something new. The SPB-1 is one of the best used priced pickups out there though!

 

[SickAura]

Can anyone here share some comparisons of a Lollar to a SPB-4 or a PV63?
These are my two favourite P pickups
Other useful comparisons would be against a GZR or a CS-62.
Any thoughts appreciated

 

[shughey]

Other useful comparisons would be against a GZR or a CS-62.

JimmyM posted a comparison of these two pups a while back, granted, it was an older 62CS model that reportedly sounds somewhat different than the current model.
I still would really love to hear a Klein Epic 62 sound clip.

 

[SickAura]

JimmyM posted a comparison of these two pups a while back, granted, it was an older 62CS model that reportedly sounds somewhat different than the current model.
I still would really love to hear a Klein Epic 62 sound clip.

Yes, thanks for the reminder. I did see/hear that.

My post may have been a little confusing but I am looking for Lollar vs (PV63, SPB-4, GZR or CS62) comparisons

 

[shughey]

My post may have been a little confusing but I am looking for Lollar vs (PV63, SPB-4, GZR or CS62) comparisons

Ah. When I reread your post I caught that. It's hard to find audio comparisons with the Lollar. There's a Lollar comparison on Youtube against an SPB-2, but you're looking for the SPB-4.

 

[shughey]

You know what I've got a Klein 62' P in my parts drawer downstairs that has been patiently waiting to go in one of my basses. I should really get it installed, honestly it's been sitting in my drawer for like a year and a half! As soon as I have it installed I'm going to post clips on this thread for everyone to check out.

Pbassmanca, any way I could persuade you into throwing that thing into a P bass and posting a little demo? I'm on the verge of ordering one just to see if it lives up to the hype. It's the one pickup on my radar I think I'd like at least as much as the regular wound Arcane 65.

 

[Laurent]

Arcane 65L =12.5kOhm
Arcane 65 =10.8kOhm
These are the published reading and will differ slightly.

I have an Arcane 65 and continue to love that pickup. It's my best pickup and it's close to perfection.

The 65L is intriguing but it sounds to me that it's an overwound version of the 65. Typically overwound pups have a hotter output, more bass and mids and less highs. The dynamic aspect of the pickups generally remains the same if one makes attraction of the different EQ profile of the pickup. I also tend to think that overwound pickups don't quite have the harmonic richness/complexity of regular wound pickups. It was my experience when I compared the Lollar, Aguilar and Seymour Duncan regular wound vs overwound.

In this instance, I would love to hear if this is the case or not from someone that might have both the 65 and 65L.

 

[Pbassmanca]

Pbassmanca, any way I could persuade you into throwing that thing into a P bass and posting a little demo? I'm on the verge of ordering one just to see if it lives up to the hype. It's the one pickup on my radar I think I'd like at least as much as the regular wound Arcane 65.

Hi there! I love this thread, and I'm always happy when I see people posting here! I actually just saw the post by @Laurent regarding the qualities and specifications of the Arcane 65 precision bass pickup and notice that it has approximately the same kilo-ohm rating as the Klein at 10.8 kohms with plain enamel wire. I would be very interested to hear a demo of the difference between the Klein epic 62 and the Arcane 65. That said, it's funny that you mention this, because I was just looking at some notes I have kept on various pickups that I have in stock and thinking about how I really want to get this project done. Tell you what, I may now be inspired by this post to get this job done this weekend! If I can find a way to record a decent quality sound clip I will do so ASAP so that we may have a good example of what this pickup sounds like. The bass that I am going to install the Klein epic 62' in is a 1994 Mexican Precision bass, of a medium light weight, with a rosewood fretboard. It is a very nice bass guitar, and it is currently strung with some worn in LaBella medium gauge flatwounds with a bent plate bridge with barrel saddles. I have played this bass out extensively and it has a wonderful sound, that I hope will be enhanced by the quality of the Klein split coil pickup. Thanks for the kick in the ass, and let me see what I can get done here!

 

[Laurent]

Hi there! I love this thread, and I'm always happy when I see people posting here! I actually just saw the post by @Laurent regarding the qualities and specifications of the Arcane 65 precision bass pickup and notice that it has approximately the same kilo-ohm rating as the Klein at 10.8 kohms with plain enamel wire. I would be very interested to hear a demo of the difference between the Klein epic 62 and the Arcane 65. That said, it's funny that you mention this, because I was just looking at some notes I have kept on various pickups that I have in stock and thinking about how I really want to get this project done. Tell you what, I may now be inspired by this post to get this job done this weekend! If I can find a way to record a decent quality sound clip I will do so ASAP so that we may have a good example of what this pickup sounds like. The bass that I am going to install the Klein epic 62' in is a 1994 Mexican Precision bass, of a medium light weight, with a rosewood fretboard. It is a very nice bass guitar, and it is currently strung with some worn in LaBella medium gauge flatwounds with a bent plate bridge with barrel saddles. I have played this bass out extensively and it has a wonderful sound, that I hope will be enhanced by the quality of the Klein split coil pickup. Thanks for the kick in the ass, and let me see what I can get done here!

You're welcome! Would love to hear from you how they compare. I'm always more interested by the description than sound files.
One thing to be mindful of is the fact that certain pickups sound better on certain basses. Meaning it's how the frequency of the pickup mate or pair with the frequency of the bass. I generally like to try the same pickup on different basses and that's how I discover that some pairing of bass, pickups and strings are happier than others.

I have not tried any Klein pickups but he sounds like an impressive manufacturer. Arcane is wonderful too, I was amazed when the 65 had an edge over the Lollar regular wound, a pickup I long regarded as the best and benchmark of the 60's vintage style precision pickup.

 

[AMJBASS]

Ah. When I reread your post I caught that. It's hard to find audio comparisons with the Lollar. There's a Lollar comparison on Youtube against an SPB-2, but you're looking for the SPB-4.

The SPB-4 is my current favorite P-Bass pickup. It just kills in the mix. Its a bit more similar to the EMG GZR, but with less of that always present wiry upper mid range. I find the SPB-4 to be clear, well voiced and fairly strong output. Compared to the Lollar, its going to be a touch more aggressive, with a clearer top end and a clear open bass. Lollar is a little bit smoother. Both are great, depends on what you're going for.

I have a Novak PB-V on order that will be going into my Road Worn P when it comes in.

 

[SickAura]

The SPB-4 is my current favorite P-Bass pickup. It just kills in the mix. Its a bit more similar to the EMG GZR, but with less of that always present wiry upper mid range. I find the SPB-4 to be clear, well voiced and fairly strong output. Compared to the Lollar is going to be a touch more aggressive, with a clearer top end and a clear open bass. Lollar is a little bit smoother. Both are great, depends on what you're going for.

I have a Novak PB-V on order that will be going into my Road Worn P when it comes in.

Thanks! I think you meant to reply to me. This is very helpful and I know you go through tons of gear. I am surprised the SPB-4 doesn't get more love around here.

 

[AMJBASS]

Thanks! I think you meant to reply to me. This is very helpful and I know you go through tons of gear. I am surprised the SPB-4 doesn't get more love around here.

I agree. I think people are sort of lead the wrong way when they see "Steve Harris signature". The pickup is fantastic, and as versatile as any I have played. Records well too...

 

[thisSNsucks]

Here’s another one for consideration. Gemini Pickups from Newburgh, NY.

Small builder who does a lot of unique guitar and bass pickups for some very high end builders.

I asked him to send me his standard take on a P-Bass pickup.

I swapped out the Aguilar pickup that was in there tonight and I was pleasantly surprised.

The best way to describe it is a vintage P-bass pickup with just enough balls without becoming overwhelming.

It’s has a focused and punchy bottom end and it has that grindy treble that I like out of a wide open p-bass pickup.

It reminds me a bit of an SPB-1, but just better sounding overall.

Check him out!

 

[AMJBASS]

Here’s another one for consideration. Gemini Pickups from Newburgh, NY.

Small builder who does a lot of unique guitar and bass pickups for some very high end builders.

I asked him to send me his standard take on a P-Bass pickup.

I swapped out the Aguilar pickup that was in there tonight and I was pleasantly surprised.

The best way to describe it is a vintage P-bass pickup with just enough balls without becoming overwhelming.

It’s has a focused and punchy bottom end and it has that grindy treble that I like out of a wide open p-bass pickup.

It reminds me a bit of an SPB-1, but just better sounding overall.

Check him out!
View attachment 3559549

Very cool! Do you have any specs on it?

 

[thisSNsucks]

Very cool! Do you have any specs on it?

Not really lol. I do believe it’s alnico v magnets, and Rob, the builder says his poles are .06” longer than what you see out there.

He does all sorts of custom winding too, but this one is his standard wind.

 

[bassdude51]

IMHO............the differences between so called "boutique" Precision Bass pickups is soooooooooooo minute! Let's see. AlNiCo 5 magnets. Copper wire. Wax potting or shellac or lacquer potting. Resistance around 10 k ohm to 12 k ohm. Scatter winding or whatever? What's the magic?

Buy a set of Fender Original Precision Bass pickups or Seymour Duncan SPB-1.......same money. Get excellent results. You'll be fine.

Don't get "sucked in"! Unless if it makes you feel secure.

 

[porterbass]

IMHO............the differences between so called "boutique" Precision Bass pickups is soooooooooooo minute! Let's see. AlNiCo 5 magnets. Copper wire. Wax potting or shellac or lacquer potting. Resistance around 10 k ohm to 12 k ohm. Scatter winding or whatever? What's the magic?

Buy a set of Fender Original Precision Bass pickups or Seymour Duncan SPB-1.......same money. Get excellent results. You'll be fine.

Don't get "sucked in"! Unless if it makes you feel secure.

Hi bassdude! I also used to think this until I went on my own little testing adventure a couple of years ago trying a number of different P bass pickups including Fender Original, Fender 62, Fender Pure Vintage 63, Seymour Duncan SPB-1 & APB-2, David Allen P 1088. I was surprised at the differences in tone, especially since they're all supposed to be "vintage-voiced". I ended up loving the David Allen pickup by far vs the others, but that may have also been because it matched up well with the strings I liked on that bass (Sadowsky Black Label flats). I was also going to test the Aguilar 4P and the Nordstrand, which I know others like, but I thought the David Allen was perfect for what I wanted so I stopped the process.

Just my experience that the David Allen with the Sadowsky flats matched the tone I had in my head that I'd been searching for.