P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

[Highway Star]

Hi


I want to replace the stock pickup on my 2006 US Standard Precision Bass. Alder body with rosewood fingerboard and S1 system (which I never use). The stock pickup sound a little too modern to me, and also at times a little muddy at the lowest frequencies.

I’m using an Ampeg SVT-CL with the Ampeg SVT 8x10 cabinet. When my band plays live we do it only using our back gear – not running anything through the PA exept the vocals.

My band primarily plays classic rock and blues like ZZ Top, SRV and Lynard Skynard, so these are also my sonic preferences.


What pickup would you suggest me with the bands I mentioned above. I have consideres the antiquities and the SMB 1, 2 and 3.

Any advice highly appreciated


Highway Star

 

[Thurisarz]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

My vote goes to the SPB-1 Vintage for P-bass

 

[BRHGM]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

I prefer the Quarter Pounders for Precision because they have great growl and really cut through the mix. I use nickel strings to save on the hands and to give it a warmer tone. With a bass pedal, you can still dial in your favorite bass player's sounds.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

I'd go for the vintage model if you like the tone of players like James Jamerson (the Motown bassist on all the 60's hits) or Duck Dunn (the Stax bassist with Booker T).

The Quarter Pound is a great one too...but it sounds like you're after a vintage tone.

Couldn't go wrong with the Antiquity or the Vintage P Bass. The Antiquitys cost a little more but they're always worth it, IMO.

Lew

 

[saladin]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

I use a Dimarzio Model P in my bass and have never had any problems getting lost in the mix. It's very midrangey and will cut thru anything.

 

[jeremy]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

the dimarzio is a cool pup, but not all that vintage sounding. i love the qp p bass pup, ive put it in almost every bass ive ever build or changed pups in but again its not a vintage tone.

lews advice is solid

 

[Highway Star]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

Hi again


Thanks for your advices so far, a lot of different possibilities :dunno:

My preferred sound is the sound of Dusty Hill, ZZ Top, but i still also like that classic P-bass sound


Hopes this helps nder:

 

[John Wymore]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

I'd go for the vintage model if you like the tone of players like James Jamerson (the Motown bassist on all the 60's hits) or Duck Dunn (the Stax bassist with Booker T).

The Quarter Pound is a great one too...but it sounds like you're after a vintage tone.

Couldn't go wrong with the Antiquity or the Vintage P Bass. The Antiquitys cost a little more but they're always worth it, IMO.

Lew

I gotta agree with Lew's call on this one.

 

[Highway Star]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

Hi


The SPB-1 is also one of the pickups i am considering - it appears to be perfect for the blues that i play.

But I'm wondering if it will cut through the mix enough for ZZ Top, where Dusty Hill's sound is very distinct and allmost riff-like.

So I'm also considering the SPB-2 hot - anyone have experienced with it???



Thanks

Highway Star

 

[BRHGM]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

I prefer the SPB-3 as it has a really great and distinct sound. It's not over the top like an active pickup. It does cut through heavy mixes, but is very comforable sounding in blues and classic rock. That's what the tone knob is for. Jaco allegedly used the jazz version in his fretless bass. I plan to upgrade my Squier Jazz to the Quarter Pounders.

 

[Thurisarz]

Re: P-bass pickup for Blues/Rock

Highway star, Dusty Hill is known for playing Fender tele basses, that's why you hear another sort of tone on ZZ's albums. I own a telebass, which is now a mod wreck, anyway i had a tele bass QP in it and it rocked my socks! Against a "regular" precision bass pickup except for the hum it has a sort of unique bite which no other bass can produce. VERY balanced tone wise and a perfect all round pickup.