Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

[bonga_rascal]

Hi All,

I am looking to add a bridge pickup in my precision bass. So obviously looking at hum cancelling jazz bass pickups. He's the small problem - I am not in the USA right now, a friend of mine is coming down in two weeks so I have order the pickups real soon. I have been checking out various online stores and have found the following pickups in stock.

Any recommendations out of these? I am looking to add that classic bridge pickup growl. I understand of course that a PJ will never sound like a jazz bass, but I'd like to get as close as I can. Also, the bass is a 50's precision bass with an alder body and one piece maple neck.

Seymour Duncan Apollo Jazz Split Coil
Seymour Duncan STK-J2b 4 String Jazz

In addition to this, what wiring do you recommend? Vol/Vol/Tone or Vol/Blend/Tone or Vol/Tone/3-Way Switch?

Thanks!

 

[dystrust]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

I've never played the Apollo, but the Hot Stack balances with the P pickup much better than a vintage output J does. Wiring is personal preference and I really like vol / blend / tone. I think you'll be happy as long as you avoid using a 3-way switch. Being able to balance individual pickup volume is extremely useful.

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[Mincer]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

Welcome to the Forum!

I like the newer Apollo Jazz pickups- they are noise cancelling, and have enough output to compete with the split P. I'd also wire it like a Jazz, with a blend knob. It seems to get the best range of tones. Most people don't bother soloing the bridge pickup on a bass, anyway. But it is great to add to the P in the middle.

 

[bonga_rascal]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

Welcome to the Forum!

I like the newer Apollo Jazz pickups- they are noise cancelling, and have enough output to compete with the split P. I'd also wire it like a Jazz, with a blend knob. It seems to get the best range of tones. Most people don't bother soloing the bridge pickup on a bass, anyway. But it is great to add to the P in the middle.

Thanks man! I am concerned that the apollo isn't as hot as the hot stack. Have you tried the Apollo in the bridge with a P bass pickup? Don't want my jazz bridge to be totally drowned out. That's a big concern of mine

 

[Mincer]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

I haven't tried it in a PJ configuration. If you are worried about balance, check out the Hot Stack, where you won't have any balance problems (it is what the blend knob will do, anyway).

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

How do you plan to use it? P mostly? Blend in the J? Both full on? Solo the J every now and then? I wouldn't worry about one drowning out the other really. I have a PJ where the J style pickup is deliberately not as hot as the P pickup and it changes the color of the tone dramatically when turned on alongside P pickup.

 

[mjsmanahan35]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound SPB-3
https://youtu.be/_INMEhbojOI
 https://youtu.be/BjUKQTUZLgY
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[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound SPB-3 pickups https://youtu.be/382RdROEE90
https://youtu.be/0YH0kgG1RBc

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Not hum-cancelling.

 

[BlueTalon]

Re: Bridge Pickup for Precision Bass

Given the choice, I'd go with the Apollo rather than the Hot Stack. The reason is I prefer the dual in-line coil ("split-coil") arrangement. It's a hum-canceling pickup, but you still have the single-coil tone -- the best of both worlds. And the split-coil arrangement provides plenty of output, I know this from personal experience. THe Apollo actually has a higher output than the Hot Stack, according to someone whose opinion I trust.