Bass pickups?

[StratTom]

I've been thinking about improving my soldering skills by installing pickups in my bass. I only bought it for $50 off a friend but have been told it's worth about $125. I never really plug it in because I currently don't have a bass amp (no need to buy one, my brother plays) but I may try to get a small amp in the future. I basically would like to try installing a set of pickups just for the fun of it. Which would you recommend. I would like something that would give a nice punchy punk rock tone. Any suggestions?

Tom

 

[rabidrabbit2727]

Re: Bass pickups?

When i think of a punchy, P-bass pickup, I think of the Quarter Pound P-Bass. Have one, and I love it.

I have a Rondo bass on the way, and I'm thinking of putting a Vintage P-Bass into it, but for punchy rock, I'd stay with the Quarter Pound.

 

[kill your scene]

Re: Bass pickups?

I agree with the Quarter Pounder sentiment. The best thing about said pickup is that it's not only adept at "punchy rock" tone, but it's very fat and warm, as well.

I wouldn't make choosing your bass pickup a huge priority if you're just using it as a practice tool for soldering. There are plenty of really cheap pickups that would work equally well for $hits and giggles.... if you're going for tone, however, either a QP or Hot would work nicely.

PS - I have absolutely no idea what bass you're putting this pup into. Might want to include more info. next time. Lucky for you, most Basslines are offered in both J and P configurations.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Bass pickups?

My bass player (byakhee00) has both the Quarter Pound (SPB-3) and Hot for P-bass (SPB-2) in various basses. Of the two, I prefer the SPB-2 by far over the SPB-3 for a "punchy" rock sound. The SPB-3 is hot and loud, but they're so mid scooped you end up with more of a bass-heavy clank than a full bass tone. On the other hand, the boosted midrange of the SPB-2 really fills in the frequencies in addition to providing plenty of volume and cut.

 

[kill your scene]

Re: Bass pickups?

I play and recommend QPs, but Hots are definitely underrated. dystrust has a point.

 

[Byakhee00]

Re: Bass pickups?

I agree with dystrust. Basically, for the stuff that we do which is a heavy alt. rock sound, I'd limit the use of the QP for P-Bass to mahogany/koa basses. The QP for P-Bass doesn't sound very good in an Ash or Alder body to my ears. For those, i'd definatly go with a Hot for P-Bass. If you're curious as to what a QP sounds like in alder, play a Fender Mark Hoppus sig.

 

[StratTom]

Re: Bass pickups?

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I thinking the QP or vintage may be what I'm looking for. I'm gonna see if I can find them on ebay as opposed to buying them new. BTW my bass is a Blade P-bass style copy.