Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

I

Inflames626

New member
Hi guys,
What's the difference between these two lines? I have an "Original" p bass pickup (comes in box with tweed graphics and the magnets are conical instead of flat). I like it a lot vs. the SPB3, as the Fender is very smooth and balanced.

I'm trying to match the Original p in a PJ configuration. I'm torn between the "Original" Jazz bridge and the "Custom Shop" 60s Jazz, which seems to be wound a little hotter.

Thoughts?

Thanks.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

The Custom Shop pickups - as fitted to current AVRI and some recent Am Std models - are excellent. When attempting to match P and LJ pickups, it is wise to choose a hotter than average LJ pickup.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

Thanks FF. It seems like my P bass pickup is of the same product line as the "Original" J bass line. That is, they come on the American Vintage series, according to the website.

Do you think I'd be okay installing a Custom Shop 60s in the bridge and it won't overpower the p?

Also, I'm probably looking to put it in an import Jackson/Charvel. I'm not sure if import basses from the 80s-90s have the issue with the J pups having the same width.

It shouldn't matter since I'll putting it in the bridge and not the neck but I want to be sure.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

I am pretty confident that an "accurate" reproduction of a vintage Precision Bass pickup will overpower even a deliberately slightly overwound Jazz Bass. This is why I am not generally a big fan of the PJ combo. The one exception so far is the EMG 35P and 35J blended via an EMG ABC Balance control.

Where you install your pickups is entirely a matter for you. On the Jackson/Charvel make careful measurements of the string spacing and pickup cavity dimensions.

My mindset would have me put the vintage style pickups in a vintage style bass and something unashamedly modern in the modern looking instrument.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

I wish I had tried more specimens to know for sure.

In what experience I do have, I find myself gravitating toward lower output pickups and letting the amplifier do all the output boosting. Lower wind pups for me tend to be more articulate and sensitive to touch.

I've never played actives but of what I've heard they lack warmth. I also don't like the brittleness with EMGs in the upper mids. It sounds like a guitar detuned an octave to me instead of a bass. Their ceramic and steel variety seems to be a real improvement, though.

I'm still going through what exact form factor is best for me (P, J, dual soapbar, MM, even PP). I know more manufacturers are cramming everything into a soapbar housing and calling it a day, but I wanted a PJ to make sure that I was getting an authentic PJ sound and not something with altered coil geometry trying to emulate a p bass sound. The P wasn't quite articulate and bright enough on the attack, and a J was a bit too bright, so people suggested a PJ to me.

Plus those Fender pickups sound better than anything I've tried and they don't make soapbars to my knowledge, so I have to go that route.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

I love PJs. Actives don't really lack warmth to me, but there is a plasticy texture to the treble that I'm not fond of.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

My, my. What a popular time of day three minutes ago appeared to be. vBulletin screwed up again!
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

Its not only the Jazz bridge single coil pup but also the position to the bridge that matters. The 70ties style is located nearer to bridge and tend to sound briter and stiffer. On the other hand some boutique winder offer these pickups wound as humbuckers - a little rounder and noiseless.
Like nordstrand (http://www.jazzbassparts.com/pickups/nordstrand-nj4sv) or haeussel pickups
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

It has conical magnets? I have never heard of that in any pickup.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

Ah, I get it. The word is beveled. Conical means cone shaped.
 
Re: Fender "Original" vs. "Custom Shop" pickup lines

Not sure why I used conical. I guess I was remembering a thread I saw on the Talkbass forums.

They're a bit unusual looking compared to most pups I've seen.
 
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