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What is your favorite PJ pickup combination?

#21
Spirit of Ox said:
I'm really interested in the Geezer pickups. I'm not sure if you've tried Dimarzio Model PJ but how would you compare them to those. I'm looking for a change. I like the Dimarzios but they are too hot and lack warmth.
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I've not only tried the Model PJ set, I made recordings comparing the Geezer P and Model P ;) They're normalized by Soundcloud so you really can't tell how much hotter the Model P is but it is. Tonally, the low mids are way hotter in the Model P, the upper and mid mids aren't quite as prominent and even as the Geezer, and the high end isn't as bright, although I wouldn't call the Geezers super bright or anything. I do like the Model PJ's for certain things, but if I could only keep one set, it would be the Geezers. Here you go:



 
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#22
Thanks everyone for suggestions. It seems like a lot of people like the more aggressive pickups, which I don't particularly want on this bass... But that's my fault for not stating that.
raventepes said:
It really depends on the tone you're after. Really, when it comes to asking about pickups, you may as well be asking about a bass in general.

Are you wanting something with low end thump? More growly? Are you a mids kinda guy? Does high end matter to you? Do you like your bass to be more trebley? (if you are, see my signature)

Help us help you with more information.
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As I said, I want to play solo bass stuff on this bass. So the priority is something that'll give a full sound. I also want it to be sweet sounding. I guess out if the 3, treble and bass would be most important.
 
#23
JimmyM said:
I've not only tried the Model PJ set, I made recordings comparing the Geezer P and Model P ;) They're normalized by Soundcloud so you really can't tell how much hotter the Model P is but it is. Tonally, the low mids are way hotter in the Model P, the upper and mid mids aren't quite as prominent and even as the Geezer, and the high end isn't as bright, although I wouldn't call the Geezers super bright or anything. I do like the Model PJ's for certain things, but if I could only keep one set, it would be the Geezers. Here you go:



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Nice, awesome recordings. I've played the hell out of them to get a good comparison. The Geezers are definitely brighter and not as thick. It's hard to say which one I like better but I will end up with a Geezer set at some point.
Another great P bass pickup that I through in my 73 P bass, is the Steve Harris Signature set. Great overall P vintage P bass tone with a modern flare to it (a little overwound ).
 
#26
Wow forgot to mention oneimportant detail... It's a 5 string. I looked for the Bartolini PJ sets for 5 string basses, but did not find any. I have seen Bartolini pickups for 5 string basses though... Would it be possible to get a single Bartolini J pickup and a single Bartolini P pickup (both for 5 string basses) and have the same sound as the PJ set?

Also, since we're talking about extended range bass pickups here I should ask a question I've had for a while. Originally I thought all 5 string bass J pickups should fit in a 5 string bass J pickup hole, 6 string bass J pickups should fit in a 6 string bass J pickup hole, etc (I just used J pickups as an example). But my 6 string basses (SX brand) apparently only has one replacement pickup that will pop into the pickup hole without routing. So if pickup holes (can't remember what they're called lol) vary on all basses, even ones with the same amount of strings, how would I know if a certain pickup can be used without routing? Or is that not usually true, and my SX is a different situation due to it being less quality or something?

Sorry for all the questions raventepes. :P
 
#29
5Bass5 said:
Note the lack of the word "best". I know there isn't one, but I need recommendations to get an idea of which pickups are commonly liked.

Looking to replace pickups on one of my basses. The P pickup is dead, and I thought I might as well replace the J pickup as well since it's a cheap bass. I would like to use this bass for solo bass compositions (usually calmly stuff).

That being said, what is your favorite PJ pickup combination? And which would you recommend for my intended uses?
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bill & becky lawrence
duncan antiquity i/ii
 
#30
I'm planning to use a Nordstrand NP5/NJ5S PJ set in my new Kinal 24-fret five string. It will be an active bass with an East preamp...but having a tough time choosing between reverse or standard P, and the location of the J pup. I think with the reverse P it would sound better, but I also think the treble side of the pickup will get in the way, so the standard layout will likely be the way I go, with a 60s J position, like the Sadowsky 24-fret PJ model.
 
#31
My favorite one so far are the aguilar 4p-60 and hc 4J, they are amazing, they are the most balanced set i tried. I tried fender original + super 55 in bridge position and nordstrand np4 + Nj4s. Nordstrand are great but i prefer aguilar's balance and tone
 
#32
bassman74 said:
My favorite one so far are the aguilar 4p-60 and hc 4J, they are amazing, they are the most balanced set i tried. I tried fender original + super 55 in bridge position and nordstrand np4 + Nj4s. Nordstrand are great but i prefer aguilar's balance and tone
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Oh, this is good. Because that's what I just ordered for my Fender P/J. :)
 
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#34
The Lawrence/ Wylde P46/J45 combo is killer, but...
I'm running a D. Allen CS1088 in the P spot, and a Lull-spec Lindy Fralin Split J in the back. Ear-gasm...

Fact is, everybody builds great stuff, it comes to personal taste. Only real recommendation would be to go for a split-coil J pickup to get rid of both the hum, and inherent phasing issues.
 
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#35
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