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Wilde P46 Pickup Question

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Shindig73, Jan 24, 2023.

  1. Jan 24, 2023 #1
    Shindig73

    Shindig73 Supporting Member

    Apr 28, 2018
    Please forgive the noobish question, but given the Wilde P46 pickup is good for 4, 5 and 6 string basses, assume string spacing is not an issue if I want to install on my 18mm 5 stringer?
     
    J Posega likes this.
  2. Jan 24, 2023 #2
    Datsgor

    Datsgor Supporting Member

    Jul 29, 2000
    Should be just fine. Those things act like bar magnets so spacing is good. Are your pickup routes standard P-Bass size or one long and one short. It'll still work, you'll have an open space where the long one is routed. Also, the A string will be picked up by both pickups, giving it a wider sensing length. Tagging @Ric5 as he may be able to elaborate if that makes a big difference or not as he has done a lot of that configuration.
    good luck.
     
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2023
  3. Jan 24, 2023 #3
    Shindig73

    Shindig73 Supporting Member

    Apr 28, 2018
    Thanks much for the response! Much appreciated.
     
    Datsgor likes this.
  4. Jan 24, 2023 #4
    pogipoints

    pogipoints Custom User Title Holder

    Dec 5, 2005
    Atlanta
    I'm not @Ric5, but I have a little bit of experience with this. I had the P46 (and J45) in a Warmoth deluxe 5 string whose spacing was 18mm, and the routing was for a regular 4-string P pickup. The pole pieces seemed to cover all the strings well, and doubled up on the A, as mentioned by @Datsgor. I thought I noticed the A string being a touch louder than the others.

    I eventually changed to a different PJ5 set where only one of the P pickups had poles under the A. I *think* it made a difference, but it could also just be post-purchase rationalization. To be honest, other than *feeling* a difference in the A string, I don't think my new set was an improvement over the Wilde.

    Unfortunately I don't have any recordings of the P46, but I did have it on that bass for at least 4 years. I'm keeping them in case I end up with a PJ 4-string at some point in the future.
     
    TN WOODMAN and Datsgor like this.
  5. Jan 24, 2023 #5
    Shindig73

    Shindig73 Supporting Member

    Apr 28, 2018
    Thanks, Pogi! Very helpful.
     
  6. Jan 24, 2023 #6
    ctmullins

    ctmullins Dominated Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2008
    MS Gulf Coast
    I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
    Me as well. I had a pair of P46 in a five-string. It was subtle, but I could tell that the A string had a thicker tone than the others. I moved them to an eight-string, and put EMG P5s in the fiver. Both sound amazing now!
     
    TN WOODMAN likes this.
  7. Jan 24, 2023 #7
    Outbush

    Outbush

    Nov 6, 2016
    Australia
    A bit different to your thinking; maybe have a look at the Nordstrand Big Blades as a possible alternative? I believe string spacing is basically irrelevant.
     
  8. Jan 25, 2023 #8
    Texan

    Texan 667 Neighbor of the Beast. Supporting Member

    Aug 15, 2004
    Houston, TX
    I had a set in a 6 string bass. No issues, sounded fantastic.
     
  9. Jan 25, 2023 #9
    Shindig73

    Shindig73 Supporting Member

    Apr 28, 2018
    Thanks, all, for the guidance! Talkbass is such an incredible resource.
     
  10. Jan 25, 2023 #10
    Hectobar

    Hectobar

    Nov 10, 2016
    Montana
    P46 in a fiver for me also. The A string sounds slightly different as both pu halves sit under one string. Will be changing it out. Just been lazy and not
    Playing 5 much.

    the sound of th pu was great. Just not even. Saving it for a 4 string.

    Was totally bummed.