Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

[HiFiRebel]

I am going to swap out the pickups on a couple of p-bass guitars I have. I am aware of the output difference between the two, but have no experience with the SPB-2. Any thoughts of the general tone compared to the quarter pounder?

 

[dystrust]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

They sound pretty different IME. The SPB-3 is bassy, scooped, bright, and most importantly LOUD. The SPB-2 OTOH is not quite as loud or bright, while having much more of a midrange emphasis. Of the two I prefer the Hot, while the Quarter Pounder tends to be pretty popular.

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

That's what I was gathering from the clips I heard. But I don't trust laptop speakers where my gear choices are concerned.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

Just for reference my overall favorite p-bass pickup is the EMG-P, so keep that in mind. It's certainly possible that we like different things in a p-bass pickup.

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

I like the SPB-1 but I want to modernize my sound a bit. I may get the Quarter Pouner for a beater I have, but my main Fender just might get that SPB-2.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

Unfortunately, I've heard great things about the Steve Harris as well....

If you have two "non-vintage" P-Basses, I could see having a QP in one and a Hot in the other.

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

That's what I'm thinking. A little variety.

 

[BRHGM]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

I started out with the QuarterPound in my PBass and switched to the EMG PBass pickup because it was much quieter when recording. Computers have terrible grounding. Now that I record to an iPad and iPhone, I have no grounding issues. So, yes the QuarterPound is a great single coil pickup, no it's not vintage. The EMG PBass is much more subdued sounding, not quite vintage either.

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

I like the Quarter Pounder. It's a good pickup. The stock ones in my Fender now haven't given me any noise issues, but they are too weak for my tastes. That's wht I'm thinking the Hot for the Fender.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

I cry every time anybody wants to try the QP as their first Duncan bass pickup.

Why not the SPB-1? It's perfect.

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

I've got this beater Ibanez covered in stickers and various designs and stuff painted on it. It plays great, but it needs new pups. A QP would work great in it.

As for the Fender, I love the SPB-1, I really do. But I have am aggressive playing style. I keep trying to push the instrument further than it wants to go as is. I think a Hot one may be the way to go.

For what it's worth, my experience with Duncan bass pups does not end at the QP.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

The Hot version is a lot more balanced, with a slight mid bump. The QP is very polarizing. For certain music (punk/metal/etc) it is wonderful and many love it. For pop, blues, and jazz, it is too bassy and scooped, and many hate it for that reason. The Hot sounds like a regular P-bass, but, well, hotter. The QP is something else entirely.

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: Bass players! SPB-2 vs SPB-3

Thank you sir. Suspicions and understanding confirmed.