Vintage sound from a modern 5 string Precision?

[Element Zero]

Just in case... keep in mind that what it sounds like in your home/music room/studio while be quite different when playing with a band.

I quite enjoyed Chromes half step down on my ATK but TIJF at standard on it is simply bliss. They’re NEVER coming off that bass.

 

[Ric5]

I recently acquired a 2016 Fender American Standard Precision V. I'm hoping to find an old-school Jamerson/Duck Dunn P-with-flats sound. I put on a set of Chromes, but the sound is way too clanky, with weird out-of-tune overtones. I ordered a set of TI Jazz Flats, but's going to take a couple of weeks to get them. Is that all I need? There aren't that many different flatwound 5 string sets available. Do I need a different pickup? Again, I don't think there are a lot of 5 string split pickups around.

try lowering the pickup …

 

[devnulljp]

With the tone all the way off there is no possible way for there to be too much "clank" unless it isn't functioning properly.

As far as mutes go, the Nordymute is excellent and doesn't effect intonation at all:

NordyMute

I shove a piece of foam under the strings a the bridge, or on my 62 I have weatherstripping in the bridge cover. That nordy mute just looks like a piece of weathestrip on a wood backing with slots cut for the strings? Might try making one.

 

[FatStringer52]

I've got a 2013 American Standard Precision Bass V myself. And what you are describing sounds a lot like setup issues. Did you set the bass up after you made the string change? That would be the first thing I would check to resolve these issues. If you would like, I'll pass along some of my setup tips for the 5-string P-bass. I had to do several setups myself before finding just the right settings.

 

[ashtray]

Yes, rolling back the tone. Still too much clank and not enough thump. I haven't found a mute that doesn't mess with intonation.

Sounds like you got some bright flats. Also, the “weird overtones” sounds like it could be the pickups too close yo the strings. For an old school type tone, I’d back the pickups up away from the strings a little more than normal. This will reduce the brightness a bit.

As for mutes - just cut a sponge or foam to fit. If it is pressing on the strings so much it affects intonation, cut it back some. Otherwise, I forget the company, but there’s an adjustable mute you can install that has 3 settings for off, medium, and full mute. I think that device is something like $100, but you can go from regular to muted with the flip of a switch while playing. A 99 cent sponge is cheaper, but much less professional looking.

 

[mbasile]

Chromes definitely take some time to break in, and a proper setup does wonders as well. That being said, a good set of appropriate pickups will help round out the sound, too.

I love my Aguilar 60s P with Chromes.

 

[JW56789]

. . . . I'd settle on what strings I was going to stay with. Then . . . .

. . . . I'd then fine tune my set-up with particular attention to the pickup heights. Remember, you want to double-check their heights while pressing down at the last fret to ballpark that clearance: Do it with the strings at rest and once you start playing they may, indeed, be too close once you start fretting notes. These two things may go quite a ways to fixing what you're hearing for not much money.

. . . . Five-string Precision Bass-style pickup choices are aggravating in that the industry has not settled on 'a standard': That is, some feature a design where both pickups are three strings wide, and the rest feature a '2-string, 3-string' shell pattern. Interestingly, the guys that bought the Squier P5 and traded the pickup for the genuine Fender article heard not a big (if any) difference. Seymour Duncan offers the 3+2 style thru his custom shop in any winding you want, and Carey Nordstrand offers some 3+2 sets in several vintage winds as well.

. . . . Best of Luck !

 

[Double E]

That being said, a good set of appropriate pickups will help round out the sound, too.

I believe the Fender already has an appropriate pickup.

 

[Munjibunga]

The TIs will be brighter than the Chromes.

 

[DJ Bebop]

The TIs will be brighter than the Chromes.

 

[Mike Marshall]

I recently acquired a 2016 Fender American Standard Precision V. I'm hoping to find an old-school Jamerson/Duck Dunn P-with-flats sound. I put on a set of Chromes, but the sound is way too clanky, with weird out-of-tune overtones. I ordered a set of TI Jazz Flats, but's going to take a couple of weeks to get them. Is that all I need? There aren't that many different flatwound 5 string sets available. Do I need a different pickup? Again, I don't think there are a lot of 5 string split pickups around.

I noticed the overtones and weird note decay with chromes

 

[mongo2]

Once you settle on strings, a proper setup can help.

As far as pickups go, the best (IMO) "vintage" tone I got with a modern P bass was using Duncan Antiquity II pickups. Duncan Vintage were also good. But AFAIK they're both only available in 4 string.

 

[Real Soon]

My GHS flats sounded perfect on my P...after 6 months of break-in time haha

That said, I didn't play my P the *whole* time, so it could take much less if this is your main/sole axe. I'm pretty sure flats of any brand just take getting broken in past that zingy new sound, and then you've got 20 years of thumptacularity waiting for you. Jeez, a flatwound low B string is gonna bring the thump something serious.

 

[Frenchy-Lefty]

Nah! Your best friend is a set of GHS 3050-B. The ultimate old school tone.

 

[eJake]

Though your precision bass is modern in construction date, the design (minus the 5th string) is old. So ya as mentioned above, I would change the electronics as a last resort.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

I believe the stock Fender pickup in the American Standard should easily cop a good Motown sound. Just roll the tone back at least 3/4 of the way and work on your palm muting technique... or use a piece of foam under the strings at the bridge to dampen or mute the strings.

The V-Mod on the Am. Pro. are even better at this

 

[Sid the Kid]

I gave up on Chromes for a 5 because the quacky sounding highs didn’t balance with the muted tone from the E and B. The TI’s I switched to did not have that problem.

If you need a brighter flat than TI’s I have found that Ernie Ball Cobalts have a nicely balanced sound and are surprisingly bright for a while. TI’s did not have that problem! Be patient, it is worth it.

 

[retslock]

I’m using Chromes on both my main 5 stringers without any problems though neither is a Fender. I agree with most of what’s been said about pickup height, truss rod adjustment, foam dampening, action a little higher than you might otherwise prefer and I would add be sure the B sits properly in the nut slot. I had to make a slight adjustment so that it sat down properly and also make sure your witness points are properly set as well. What you’re describing is an anomaly and ought to be sorted out with a little work.

 

[franklindayala]

I don't think they make a 5 string P pickup.

Yes they do. I have them in my 5 string P bass (Avatar). You can always contact Larry Pollack and ask him [email protected]

By the way, I have no affiliation with Aero pickups. Just a happy customer.

 

[GravyGoodness]

I've got to say, the LaBellas offer a very subdued tone compared with others I've tried. FWIW, I settled on Roto 77's. As stated, setup is KEY to making those work properly. Intonation is not even in the same ballpark with those flats, and I had to change pickup heights from the LaBellas to the Rotos because I was getting the chorus sound with the Rotos.

I wonder how much string tension there is with one of those sets of heavy LaBellas? Probably a billion pounds.