Which Pickup for a vintage Fender Bass

[snaverb]

Looking for suggestions as to what company makes the best replacement pickups for vintage ( 70's ) Fender basses.

I've heard really good things about the Lindy Fralin and Jason Lollar pickups, but is there anyone who has used or heard these, or any others, and can comment and help me with finding replacement pickups that are the closest, and truest to the originals. Thanks

 

[odin70]

What about Fender pickups?

 

[LowBSix]

I've heard Fralin, Lollar and Nordstrand pickups. I like them all.
IMHO Nordstrand I tend to like the growl, punch, bottom and attitude...

 

[snaverb]

What about Fender pickups?

I heard that the Fender pickups are good, but are not wound to vintage specs like some others. Im trying to restore the vintage vibe to a vintage bass

 

[snaverb]

anyone else?

 

[Dark Horse]

Looking for suggestions as to what company makes the best replacement pickups for vintage ( 70's ) Fender basses.

WHICH 70's Fender pickups are you replacing, and what sound would you like ? The early 70's pickups are different from the later ones, and some companies may be preferred for either "Jazz" or "Precision" pickups.

For instance, if I were looking for early 70's J Bass tones I'd o to the SD Antiquity "Jive" set, but early 70's P Bass I'd lean toward Lollars. Late 70's Jazz I'd probably go with Fender 75's. Late 70's P, maybe Duncan hots. Etc, etc


Or you could simply email Jason Lollar and have him spec a set for you.

 

[73jbass]

Seymour Duncan Antiquity II's.

 

[Quadzilla]

I've had Fralins, Lollars, Nordstrand, etc and believe it or not, I prefer the Fender Custom Shop 60's. Warm, growly, nice top sheen w/o clank and full bottom. Seriously, give them a try and tell me I'm wrong. Close your eyes and listen with your ears and forget they don't have a custom builders name on them. You may also be amazed...

DO NOT mistake these for the Fender "Original" aftermarket pickups. Those are OK, but these are far superior in IMHO.

 

[thumpbass1]

anyone else?

The Duncan Antiquity line are quite good imho. So I too have to throw a vote for their consideration.

 

[narud]

lollars and antiquity 2's are going to be your best bet. are you looking for a p pickups or j pickups? youll end up getting lots of people recommending fralins,nordstrand or whatever because people like them (they are great pickups) but they dont sound like old fender pickups imo.

 

[Dan55]

I have a '71 with the original p/u and a couple of RIs with the Fender Original '62 model p/u installed. Very close in sound. Hard to beat for around 75 bucks.

Dan

 

[Tom Howland]

I'm a big fan of Lollar pickups.
They have that vintage vibe going on.

 

[mrmurph]

I literally just finished putting a set of Lollars in my 76 P Bass I also took the opportunity to do a good thorough set up on the bass and put a fresh set of TI flats.....and its transformed! I love it (again!)

 

[savit260]

Jason Lollar literaly "wrote the book" on pickup rewinding. Give them a shout, and I'm sure you'll find he knows his stuff, and will likely be able to make what you want.

Fantastic people to deal with.

Highly recomended.

 

[One Drop]

I've had Fralins, Lollars, Nordstrand, etc and believe it or not, I prefer the Fender Custom Shop 60's. Warm, growly, nice top sheen w/o clank and full bottom. Seriously, give them a try and tell me I'm wrong. Close your eyes and listen with your ears and forget they don't have a custom builders name on them. You may also be amazed...

DO NOT mistake these for the Fender "Original" aftermarket pickups. Those are OK, but these are far superior in IMHO.

The Originals are much closer to the vintage Fender PUPs than the CS ones, which sound great but not the same, they sound slightly overwound to me. The Custom Shop uses the originals on their AV RIs and CS Time Machine instruments, as an illustration.

I'm a fan of the SD Antiquity IIs and the Fender Originals. Fralins are cool but I find the top end a bit too clean. Never heard Lollars myself, but they only get great reviews.

 

[dany]

Hi! The closests ? Lollars pickup that's it !
or Lindy Fralin ... personnaly i will keep the originals from 70's; now if you want a mixt between modern and vintage, in my opinion: Lindy Fralin

Best regards and Keep groovin' for all of us.. i love this forum website; Thanks
DanyDan