Pick Up Selection

[RobBrochu]

I recently switched from a country group, to a harder rock band. I went from flatwound strings to Dean Markley Helix 45-105s. Love the strings. It's got an aggressive growl to it. But I want a little bit more. I've got an Alder body Fender P-bass with I'm going to assume stock pick ups and pots. I use a tech21 Sansamp DI with Ampeg SVT settings. Any direction on pick ups, pots and/or caps would be greatly
appreciated.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Pick Up Selection

Try to post in the Bassment section get more views. This place is packed with guitar players.

 

[RobBrochu]

Pick Up Selection

I recently switched from a country group, to a harder rock band. I went from flatwound strings to Dean Markley Helix 45-105s. Love the strings. It's got an aggressive growl to it. But I want a little bit more. I've got an Alder body Fender P-bass with I'm going to assume stock pick ups and pots. I use a tech21 Sansamp DI with Ampeg SVT settings. Any direction on pick ups, pots and/or caps would be greatly
appreciated.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Pick Up Selection

Quarter Pound is a go to choice for that, or the Steve Harris signature pickup looks cool

 

[VinceT]

Re: Pick Up Selection

I recently switched from a country group, to a harder rock band. I went from flatwound strings to Dean Markley Helix 45-105s. Love the strings. It's got an aggressive growl to it. But I want a little bit more. I've got an Alder body Fender P-bass with I'm going to assume stock pick ups and pots. I use a tech21 Sansamp DI with Ampeg SVT settings. Any direction on pick ups, pots and/or caps would be greatly
appreciated.

Definitely put this in The Bassment!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[RobBrochu]

Re: Pick Up Selection

Quarter Pound is a go to choice for that, or the Steve Harris signature pickup looks cool

I've heard the QP in a bass similar to mine. Not the same strings which may make the difference but while it sounded good, it's not the sound I hear in my head.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Pick Up Selection

The Steve Harris is epic for "a little bit more". It sounds authentic P Bass but when you dig into it, it has that grit to it, just like you hear on the Maiden records. I love it.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Pick Up Selection

My thoughts are echoed here...check out the Quarter Pound first, and also the Steve Harris pickups (less scooped, more lows). You can leave the pots as they are.

 

[zionstrat]

Re: Pick Up Selection

Agreed with pickups- Also suggest EQ and possibly compression- My country bass tone is clean and airy (broad dynamics and frequency) while my rock tone is mainly low end with far less dynamic range.

Fingers also make a big difference- I practically never use a pick for most genres, however, with faster rock, picks really bring out the attack while preserving the undertones.

 

[dg27]

Re: Pick Up Selection

I've got an Alder body Fender P-bass with I'm going to assume stock pick ups and pots. I use a tech21 Sansamp DI with Ampeg SVT settings. Any direction on pick ups, pots and/or caps would be greatly
appreciated.

I have a '76 P (also alder) and also use the Tech21 with SVT settings. I had QPs for years but last year I switched to DiMarzio Model P. I prefer those for that bass.

 

[RobBrochu]

Re: Pick Up Selection

I have a '76 P (also alder) and also use the Tech21 with SVT settings. I had QPs for years but last year I switched to DiMarzio Model P. I prefer those for that bass.

Why? What is different between the two to drive your preference?

 

[dg27]

Re: Pick Up Selection

It's hard to put it into words, but I think the Model Js sound more natural, whereas the QPs are simply LOUD. I was using the QPs in a very loud two-guitar r'n'r band years ago and they were fine, but for material that is more subtle, I find the Model Js more suited. This is all subjective, of course. I love the QPs in my Squier Jazz, but I have more flexibility with that bass anyway (for one, I use S-P switching, which changes things quite a bit).

If you are in a harder rock band the QPs should be fine, but there are other options.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Pick Up Selection

If those strings are nickel plated steel then I suggest trying stainless steel.... those'll give you a "little bit more". If they're already stainless steel then I have nothing else to suggest.

 

[RobBrochu]

Re: Pick Up Selection

If those strings are nickel plated steel then I suggest trying stainless steel.... those'll give you a "little bit more". If they're already stainless steel then I have nothing else to suggest.

They are nickel plated. I've got a set of straight stainless on order. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[crguti]

Re: Pick Up Selection

Alder and PJ is a well known hard rock recipe.

 

[PipeRain]

Re: Pick Up Selection

GHS Contact Core Super Steels. Those things have gobs of snarl without losing your bottom end. If those are too much, and they might be, the straight Super Steels will probably do you well, or Dean Markely Blue Steels. If you can find them (Good luck!) the old SD Active EQ pups will let you dial in exactly what you want tonally from your pups.

 

[RobBrochu]

Re: Pick Up Selection

While I have a Jazz and a P/J also, I don't really care for either. In fact I haven't played my Jazz in 2yrs. I'm having tone problems with both. I'll get around to them eventually. I have ordered a set of Dean Markley SS 55-110s. I've also ordered a Dimarzzio Will Power middle pup just in case.