SPB2s

[Inflames626]

Hey bass players, I'd appreciate your thoughts on the SPB2s.

I'm still looking for my ideal pickup type combination (P, J, MM, soapbar, etc) as well as manufacturer. This may ramble a bit but to show you where I've been:

I've tried the SPB3s and I find them too bassy and scooped. I end up just rolling off a lot of the lows in the mix, which defeats the purpose of that pickup. It sounds like it would work out great for hip hop, though.

Right now my favorite P bass pickups are these: http://www.fender.com/parts/pickups-preamps/fender-original-precision-bass-pickups/0992046000.html

I have two of them in a BC Rich Warlock and I like them even for metal. I compensate for output via the amp in software. The upper mid attack on the bass is nice, but I'd like a little more low end. I like the bass to stand out against the guitar but also fit into the mix. People tell me the SPB1s sound similar but with more low mids, which I want to avoid (for me, around 300-700 hz).

That said I'm considering the following P bass pups: SPB1s, SPB2s, Steve Harris, Antiquities, Fender Custom Shop 62s.

I've heard the Harris pickups online and they sound a little hot and brittle in the mids. I'm aware that he used SPB1s for years and probably stock Fenders before that back in the day. I was wondering how the SPB2s compare.

As far as the Fender Custom Shop line, I hear very good things. I'm thinking about picking up a circa 2000 Peavey David Ellefson Zodiac PJ used online for about $250. It came stock with SPB3/SJB3s. The pickups alone would be worth half the price of the bass and I think that is a steal. I'd be switching them out for the Custom Shop P and J.

As far as another tone I like, the SSB5s sound good to me--I think they're pretty underrated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-E4f6yR9mw

I guess I'm not one for the hotter pickups. The vintage ones seem more articulate and controlled, and that alone, to me, more than makes up for their lack of output relative to hotter pickups. Also I'll be sticking to passive bass pups. Actives sound fine to me for slap and funk but they're a bit too bright to my ear for what I want to do.

Thanks.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: SPB2s

funk

Funk is about timing, not EQ settings.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: SPB2s

Funk is about timing, not EQ settings.

The logic there was funk=bass up front=brighter tone.

That said, there's Rick James funk, and there's this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V2sBURgUBI

The second is a synth, but it's the sound I associate with the bridge pickup of a roundwound active jazz bass. It's not what I'm looking for, as I can already get that sound on the gear I have.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: SPB2s

Jump to 17:20.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: SPB2s

I consider Jamerson and Motown to be R&B, but not really modern funk.

I'd say modern funk is much more technical and syncopated, with a brighter, more aggressive tone. There is a warmer variant, like Rick James, that I mentioned, but usually when I think of it I think of something bright from the bridge.

Some of the modern Japanese bassists with their extended range instruments come to mind. I have a particular duet in mind that I saw on YouTube but can't find it at the moment.

This might be the best example I can find at short notice. The subtle shifting in the pocket, syncopation, etc., is exactly what you mentioned--timing and groove, and probably to a degree greater than the bassists of the 50s and 60s could imagine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZaB9urlkgA

 

[Inflames626]

Re: SPB2s

Some might find my choice leaning more toward fusion though.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: SPB2s

Here's another example. The song isn't funky, but the bass line is. Again, very bright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKgjOCuW_MU&feature=related

As a side observation, Japanese luthiers had some very interesting ideas back in the 80s. I've always found their take on American vintage designs to be elegant and interesting. They took more chances with designs while keeping a lot of vintage qualities (Fender Japan in the 80s especially).