Replacement pickup suggestions?

[tpaul]

I'm thinking about what pickup to drop into my Squire P-bass. It's a 32" scale Japanese model from the '80s. Very easy to play but the stock pickup is a bit wimpy.

The only thing I recall from my few other bass playing experiments is that I really liked the sound of the SD Quarter Pounder P-bass pickup. But that was in a different instrument.

Any suggestions for reasonable cash?

Thanks, T

[brock29609]

Lots of good choices out there. It would help to know what kind of sound you're trying to achieve. What sounds good to you?

[jbpf]

The SD Qp's are definitely sweet sounding pups. But if you like that sound and you're looking for some cheaper ones, I'd definitely suggest looking at the SD Performer's. I have them on my cheap Epiphone and I was amazed at what a difference they made, especially considering how low-quality the bass I put them in was. They are probably your best bet if you're looking to get the most bang for your buck.

[Tim Armstrong]

I have a Tokai '57 P-bass that benefitted immeasureably by my swapping out the original pickup for a VooDoo pickup. Great tone, and growl when pushed. I got mine for under a hundred bucks, and I love it!

If'n I was on a budget, I think I'd be looking at Bill Lawrence pickups, great stuff for short money. I don't think you can go wrong with anything from Seymour Duncan, either.

Cheers, Tim

[tom grossheider]

Like Tim said, that Voodoo Pbass replacement is excellent, I've got one in a PBass replica. If you are looking for some of that old school Pbass tone, the Fender '62 reissue pup is a very good choice, and quite big on the "bang per buck" factor.

[Bob Rogers]

I have the Fender '62 Reissue in my AS P. Works great with flats for a warm vintage tone.

[tpaul]

Thanks for your replies. I knew I was going to get the "what sound are you after?" question and I don't have a ready answer, since I'm new to the bass. But I can tell you what I'm listening to these days:

Minimalist blues with and without funked-up techno loops (RL Burnside, The Black Keys)

Older rockabilly (Jett Powers, Johnny Burnette Trio)

'60s classics (Dylan, Beatles)

Bluesy pop (Cheryl Crow, Macy Grey, Tom Waits)

And sometimes weird jazz (Thelonious Monk, Dave Tronzo)

So I guess I'd have to say I want some versatility. Something that can give that woody, acoustic tone but can also growl.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[GuitarJonz]

Fender '62 RI or Duncan Vintage P, both yield the basic thumping P tone, the vintage tone that the P is famous for.

[4mal]

another vote for the Duncan Vintage. Really nice, old school sounding and pretty in-expensive. Thump and punch.

[Maj. Lee FUBAR]

I've heard good things about Bartolini pickups. I have EMG's in my Spector, and they sound great.

[Maggot]

I just got the Duncan vintage. They're great for me because I just want the classic P-Bass sound, but if you liked the QPs go for them - they might be more versatile. 32" is my favorite scale for a bass - I had a 32" aluminum-neck Kramer and it played like butter (also sounded like butter, unfortunately).