• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Which P for PJ?

manchego_eggo

manchego_eggo

Supporting Member
Jun 28, 2019
1,783
2,684
Brooklyn, NY
#1
Hey TB, I'm working on putting together a PJ Bass and I'm fairly set on using a Dimarzio Ultra Jazz (or possibly a Model J at the bridge), but open to suggestions to something hot that can keep up with a P. I've already ruled out the GZR set as I had that in the past and hated the J. I play a range of styles, but mainly singer/songwriter/country stuff, 90s rock and modern R&B / hip hop. Some ideas I've had based on some youtube demos I've watched are below; what do you think? Am I missing something here?

Wilde P46
Nordstrand NP4V (I already have this and loved the tone roll off with the 33uf cap)
Dimarzio Model P
Dimarzio Sixties P
Lindy Fralin Stock Wind or 5% Underwind - I have a 5/10% overwound split coil jazz set in my other bass and love them




 
#2
There are tons of threads on TB about PJ pickups, and the general consensus is there just isn't a great output-balanced set in the passive realm- its a unicorn. If you really want balanced output, you need an extra hot J pickup combined with an extra low-output P pickup. This means sacrificing the tone of both pickup options in order to get balanced output, since you can't just change output in a passive pickup without also affecting response/tone. FWIW- I've used Model Js for the bridge pickup paired with typical vintage-wind P pickups like Fralin and Lollar and the combo works about as well as anything else without too much sacrifice.

If you really want balanced PJ output without tonal sacrifices, then an active/buffered blend control with adjustable internal gain for each pickup is the best way to go about it- then you can pair literally any P and J pickups and balance their output using the internal pickup gain adjustments. Bartolini, Underhill, and a few other companies make blend and/or buffer options like this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DaveAceofBass, SuperFunkyPete, Riff Ranger and 4 others
#3
sunbeast said:
There are tons of threads on TB about PJ pickups, and the general consensus is there just isn't a great output-balanced set in the passive realm- its a unicorn. If you really want balanced output, you need an extra hot J pickup combined with an extra low-output P pickup. This means sacrificing the tone of both pickup options in order to get balanced output, since you can't just change output in a passive pickup without also affecting response/tone. FWIW- I've used Model Js for the bridge pickup paired with typical vintage-wind P pickups like Fralin and Lollar and the combo works about as well as anything else without too much sacrifice.

If you really want balanced PJ output without tonal sacrifices, then an active/buffered blend control with adjustable internal gain for each pickup is the best way to go about it- then you can pair literally any P and J pickups and balance their output using the internal pickup gain adjustments. Bartolini, Underhill, and a few other companies make blend and/or buffer options like this.
Click to expand...

thanks, good to know that the model bridge can keep up with lollars or fralins.

I am not expecting perfect balance but my I found the balance on previous sets Ive used (Model PJ and GZR) were not as balanced as I liked, especially the GZR.
 
#6
bowthing said:
I like the Geezer P with a diMarzio DP123 (I think that's the "Model J"). Passive balance is pretty close and the adjustable poles are great to fine tune the strings.
Click to expand...

I had the geezer P before too and liked it but didn't love it, so looking to try new things.

I'm keen to try the Fralin, but am worried the 5% overwind will be too aggressive, but glad to hear you're liking it!
 
#7
DiMarzio - Pickups - DP127 Split P Black - Best Bass Gear

i have not used this split-coil in any of my PJs (i love PJs!), but i'm so gobsmacked by it (installed in my favorite P-bass) i recommend it everywhere on TB when the subject comes up --- but no one else is the slightest bit impressed! :wideyed: :laugh:

anyway, it may be another option to consider for your ax, good luck with your PJ! :thumbsup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: ravlin
#8
manchego_eggo said:
thanks, good to know that the model bridge can keep up with lollars or fralins.

I am not expecting perfect balance but my I found the balance on previous sets Ive used (Model PJ and GZR) were not as balanced as I liked, especially the GZR.
Click to expand...
It is probably the best option I've found that kinda retains vintage-ish tone for both pickups without using active mixing. The Model J is on the middier/honkier side vs a vintage single-coil J, but that is the sacrifice you get.
 
#12
manchego_eggo said:
I'm keen to try the Fralin, but am worried the 5% overwind will be too aggressive, but glad to hear you're liking it!
Click to expand...

r_bnks said:
Dimarzio Model P. And if also use the Model J with it as a set. The best aftermarket PJ set.
Click to expand...
The 2 P parts basses I built recently--one had the stock wind Fralin, and the other has a Model P with a parallel/serial switch.

@manchego_eggo The stock wind Fralin + LaBella flats is sooo vintage sounding. I think +5% will not be too aggressive for you.

The Model P has rounds on it--first DR Pure Blues, now DR Highbeams. It's possible to get vintage sounds out of it, but it wants to be more aggressive for sure. Agree with @r_bnks Model J would be a good pairing for the OP's needs. May not be completely balanced, though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: winojunko and manchego_eggo
#13
SharpCat said:
The 2 P parts basses I built recently--one had the stock wind Fralin, and the other has a Model P with a parallel/serial switch.

@manchego_eggo The stock wind Fralin + LaBella flats is sooo vintage sounding. I think +5% will not be too aggressive for you.

The Model P has rounds on it--first DR Pure Blues, now DR Highbeams. It's possible to get vintage sounds out of it, but it wants to be more aggressive for sure. Agree with @r_bnks Model J would be a good pairing for the OP's needs. May not be completely balanced, though.
Click to expand...

this is really pushing me towards Fralins! Yeah I plan to AB the Model J and Ultra Jazz bridge pups at some point as well, but I am currently really liking Ultra Jazz Bridge I have in right now (not so much the neck pup or both pups together).
 
#18
manchego_eggo said:
what wind is the Fralin?
Click to expand...
If you are looking for balance between P and J, you’ll want to underwind rather than overwind the P since the P design is naturally more high output than a J AND in a location with more string excursion (and so more potential output). I’m a big fan of the stock Fralin myself though, and the Model J pairs decently with one. Tonally I preferred pickups like the Nordstrand NJ4SE paired with a Fralin or Lollar, but you lose some of the extra output balance from the J with that pairing (the Model J is more powerful). I also had a Fralin PJ set and preferred the Nordstrand in the bridge personally (more upper clarity)
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back