I'd suggest you do two things:
1) find the specs on the two top contenders
2) pick the contender whose specs are closest to the pickup you like
What specs?
wire gauge and insulation type
resistance in kOhms
coil height
magnet type and strength
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Ultra boutique P bass pickups
- Thread starter Laurent
- Start date
I'd suggest you do two things:
1) find the specs on the two top contenders
2) pick the contender whose specs are closest to the pickup you like
What specs?
wire gauge and insulation type
resistance in kOhms
coil height
magnet type and strength
That's the far, far smarter thing to do than what I just did.
After getting a baseline of materials, coil height, wire gauge, well, all of those items as info could be found for a couple of different pickups incl the Lollar, Arcane, the three main Novaks, and one or two others (I've had a busy two hours!), I got struck by this thought:
My only in-person scientific listening on my own gear can happen with the old, thin, probably-needing-work pickup currently in the '60 and the thick and chunky pickup in the '50s Classic.
So I really wouldn't understand what the materials and measurements actually sound like even comparing them to those, as I just don't have enough of a sample size.
Maybe accompanied by a bit of cabin-fever-inspired temporary insanity and the realization that not going out the last two weeks has saved me enough money to pay for half the pickup if not more (holy hell, what a realization where I'm dumping money)... I just sent an order to Mr. Novak with an outline of what I want to do with the PB-V in case he has an idea of what to get instead. Digging around for sound clips was inconclusive, but seemed maybe a bit to tell me the same thing as @AMJBASS 's description (and many others), and life is short, hence that particular Precision decision.
So yeah, I probably have a Novak PB-V coming for the 1960 P.
After getting a baseline of materials, coil height, wire gauge, well, all of those items as info could be found for a couple of different pickups incl the Lollar, Arcane, the three main Novaks, and one or two others (I've had a busy two hours!), I got struck by this thought:
My only in-person scientific listening on my own gear can happen with the old, thin, probably-needing-work pickup currently in the '60 and the thick and chunky pickup in the '50s Classic.
So I really wouldn't understand what the materials and measurements actually sound like even comparing them to those, as I just don't have enough of a sample size.
Maybe accompanied by a bit of cabin-fever-inspired temporary insanity and the realization that not going out the last two weeks has saved me enough money to pay for half the pickup if not more (holy hell, what a realization where I'm dumping money)... I just sent an order to Mr. Novak with an outline of what I want to do with the PB-V in case he has an idea of what to get instead. Digging around for sound clips was inconclusive, but seemed maybe a bit to tell me the same thing as @AMJBASS 's description (and many others), and life is short, hence that particular Precision decision.
So yeah, I probably have a Novak PB-V coming for the 1960 P.
The Novak PB-V is a terrific choice... I’d be interested to hear your thoughts once it’s installed!
Have you thought about having the original pickup re-wound, or do you want to leave it all original? Curtis Novak, Lindy Fralin, Arcane, and last but not least when it comes to rewinds: Tone Master.
It shipped today! Should be here mid next week, and if I end up rehearsing, I can take another bass for that so no delays in making the swap.
I have; something tells me it's functionally not at 100%. The bass has already been refinished & mangled by prior owners and rewired by me, so having a pickup doctor look at it for possible re-wind won't hurt, and if I end up with a spare, well, I could test the PB-V or original rewind against a 50s Classic stock pup too. So, good info!
I have; something tells me it's functionally not at 100%. The bass has already been refinished & mangled by prior owners and rewired by me, so having a pickup doctor look at it for possible re-wind won't hurt, and if I end up with a spare, well, I could test the PB-V or original rewind against a 50s Classic stock pup too. So, good info!
Pulled from my IG stories, where I posted the process of working on the bass while swapping pickups....
The old one was literally hanging on by a thread: with barely any wiggling, both connections on one half broke, and a large dollop of solder was rolling around inside. Also, there was a metal plate below the old pickups, and get this: it was wired not to the negative/ground connection, but to the positive! Literally a hot plate.
Anyway, the Novak went in, and after sanding the crappy aftermarket pickguard to fit the larger covers, all went smoothly.
I don't know if the bad connections affected the voicing of the old pickup or if it's really worn out, but the presence in the mids is infinitely fuller now! Tone control actually interacts with the sound; it's rich, it's woody, and it's balanced. How balanced? Well, before, trying even simple open triad harmonies sounded like two upright basses dueling, and now, it's more like two baritone singers performing a duet. So much more clarity!
I've seen the PB-V referred to as "polite" compared to the PB-90, and agree that it's not inherently super aggressive. For my uses, too much aggression would interfere, and it feels like this thing was made to make my flats sing, and only bark if I dig in. I'm sure with fresh rounds it would go straight rock n roll, but this bass is more class, less crass. (I've got an EMG rig on another if I need to get obnoxious)
The old one was literally hanging on by a thread: with barely any wiggling, both connections on one half broke, and a large dollop of solder was rolling around inside. Also, there was a metal plate below the old pickups, and get this: it was wired not to the negative/ground connection, but to the positive! Literally a hot plate.
Anyway, the Novak went in, and after sanding the crappy aftermarket pickguard to fit the larger covers, all went smoothly.
I don't know if the bad connections affected the voicing of the old pickup or if it's really worn out, but the presence in the mids is infinitely fuller now! Tone control actually interacts with the sound; it's rich, it's woody, and it's balanced. How balanced? Well, before, trying even simple open triad harmonies sounded like two upright basses dueling, and now, it's more like two baritone singers performing a duet. So much more clarity!
I've seen the PB-V referred to as "polite" compared to the PB-90, and agree that it's not inherently super aggressive. For my uses, too much aggression would interfere, and it feels like this thing was made to make my flats sing, and only bark if I dig in. I'm sure with fresh rounds it would go straight rock n roll, but this bass is more class, less crass. (I've got an EMG rig on another if I need to get obnoxious)
That slab board is gorgeous
I haven't decided yet on if I'm going to have it refinished in an authentic color or professionally clear coated. They had some REALLY cool & rare colors then but the natural wood is mighty nice lol
Update: had a bit of time to sit with the bass with the Novak PB-V in place, and now I'm experimenting just a bit with pickup distance. It sounded beautiful at the first setting, but hey-- I wanna know what sort of potential's under the hood of this puppy.
With my recording chain of Darkglass Vintage Ultra pre/DI to Black Lion B173 preamp, I'm getting huge, clear, articulate response. Adding either VU or Neve-style breakup takes cutting the highs a bit (guess the GHS Precision flats still aren't fully broken in yet!), but it keeps that midrange clarity in spades. This pickup's a work of art.
I'd likely still have the bass producing unsatisfactory tone, and with incomplete shielding, were it not for this thread. Y'all rock!
With my recording chain of Darkglass Vintage Ultra pre/DI to Black Lion B173 preamp, I'm getting huge, clear, articulate response. Adding either VU or Neve-style breakup takes cutting the highs a bit (guess the GHS Precision flats still aren't fully broken in yet!), but it keeps that midrange clarity in spades. This pickup's a work of art.
I'd likely still have the bass producing unsatisfactory tone, and with incomplete shielding, were it not for this thread. Y'all rock!
I'mahuge fan of mine. It just plain works in a mix either live or recorded. Couldn't ask for more in a P-Bass pickup.
All these glowing reviews of the Novak PB-V have got me strongly considering it for a parts P I have in the works. Roasted alder body with roasted maple/braz rosewood neck. I've had the Lollar before and thought it was excellent. To me sounded just like my vintage P but louder which I chalk up to new magnets. Was going to try the Arcane 65 to change it up but that pickup has been difficult to source with both the manufacturer and amp shops websites on the fritz lately. Do I play it safe with the Lollar again or try the Arcane/Novak?
I have an Arcane 65 if you are interested PM me!
Me too! I just had the Arcane 65 in my RoadWorn swapped out for a Kloppmann 63 PB. Really digging it so far....
I just replaced the stock V-Mod pickups in my American Professional with Curtis Novak PB-90s. HUGE difference. The PB-90s could slice through brick wall, while at the same time can be very smooth and round as you roll the tone knob back. The V-Mods were a bit too low output, especially with the E and A strings. The PB-90 is exactly what the doctor ordered. Two thumbs way up. 
where'd you get your Kloppmann '63? I only found one US dealer, and they're currently sold out. Also, what do you like about the Kloppmann with respect to the Arcane?
I tried the PB-V and confess I found it too mellow for my tastes, but what I've heard from the PB90 sound awesome. Vintage tone with tons of punch. Is that how you'd describe it?
I just replaced the stock V-Mod pickups in my American Professional with Curtis Novak PB-90s. HUGE difference. The PB-90s could slice through brick wall, while at the same time can be very smooth and round as you roll the tone knob back. The V-Mods were a bit too low output, especially with the E and A strings. The PB-90 is exactly what the doctor ordered. Two thumbs way up.
You nailed it. That’s exactly how I’d describe it.
I picked it up from Fat Bass Tone. Is that who you were referring to? I’m sure they’ll be getting more in and it’s very easy to sign up and get notified when they’re back in stock.
That was what I did.
It’s tough to describe what the edge is for the Kloppmann as the Arcane is a great pickup as well. It is very balanced across all four strings (the D & G are very full) and is just has something special to my ears. The entire tonal spectrum is just right.
Pretty happy with Jason Lollar and Lindy Fralin.
Youtube has plenty of references. I like the Lindy Fralins but there are so many that are good. Its all about your taste in pick ups. I recently bought fralins and the emerson pre wired and felt the difference right away. All Positive. What's good about the prewired is you can change up easily.
