Which SD P pup is the best match for a SD Antiquity II? Converting JJ to PJ in Geddy

[Thor74]

Hi, new guy here.

I have a Geddy Lee passive Jazz MIJ bass currently loaded with a set of SD Antiquity II Jazz pups. VVT setup right now. I'd like to figure out which P bass pickup would be the best match for that as I am considering converting this bass to a P/J setup.

I'd have no issue over changing the VVT setup if that is indicated, but I'd prefer to keep it passive and not drill plate holes etc.

Would I be better served with replacing both with a P/J SD hum cancelling set?

Would swapping out the pots with new high quality be of any benefit to this bass? If so, which models would you suggest?

I welcome your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[BlueTalon]

Re: Which SD P pup is the best match for a SD Antiquity II? Converting JJ to PJ in Ge

If the pots aren't giving you any problems, then I'd probably leave them alone.

Regarding the pickups, I personally wouldn't change from a JJ to a PJ, but that's my preference. Given that's what you want to do, then I recommend one of two things -- either get a matched set that includes a hum canceling J to go with the P (several manufacturers make them), or choose whatever P you want and then find a hum canceling J to go with it.

One of the things that drives me nuts about PJ basses is when the manufacturer puts a single coil J pickup in there when (A) doesn't match the output of the P pickup, and (B) allows unwanted noise.

I firmly believe that split-coil or dual-inline-coil J pickups sound every bit as good and single-coily as single coil pickups do. Others will disagree with me on this, but most people who want a PJ bass aren't looking for the exact Jazz sound anyway. But even those who might disagree with me that split-coil J pickups sound like single coil pickups without the noise, would agree that split-coil pickups sound better and more single-coil-like than stacks do.

Unfortunately, Seymour Duncan doesn't offer split-coil J pickups except through their custom shop. (I have contacted them before about this.) And the only PJ set they offer is the Quarter Pounder set, which has a single coil J, and that just invites noise.

You might consider going with a Seymour Duncan SPB-2, and matching that with a Fender Super 55 J neck pickup. They are no longer in production, but you can still find them on Amazon or eBay.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Which SD P pup is the best match for a SD Antiquity II? Converting JJ to PJ in Ge

if you want to switch to pj then id go with an antiquity II p bass pup. think george porter

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Which SD P pup is the best match for a SD Antiquity II? Converting JJ to PJ in Ge

The eternal problem when pairing up P and J pickups from the same series is that the P always overpowers the J.

For my Bartolini 8S (P) and 9JL (J) pair, I modified the 8S to four-con + shield output cable and introduced series/parallel switching for its coils via a push-pull pot. In parallel mode, the output of the 8S is more in keeping with that of the 9JL.

Obviously, performing this modification on a brand new pickup will void your warranty.

 

[Thor74]

Re: Which SD P pup is the best match for a SD Antiquity II? Converting JJ to PJ in Ge

The eternal problem when pairing up P and J pickups from the same series is that the P always overpowers the J.

For my Bartolini 8S (P) and 9JL (J) pair, I modified the 8S to four-con + shield output cable and introduced series/parallel switching for its coils via a push-pull pot. In parallel mode, the output of the 8S is more in keeping with that of the 9JL.

Obviously, performing this modification on a brand new pickup will void your warranty.

I did read some of your collective previous posts on this and after chewing on it for a while, I think I should look at another set of options. My current main player right now is an old Ibanez MC924 which was set up PJ from the factory. That has DiMarzio pups in it iirc. It sounds good, and yes the P does overpower the J, I never use the J alone, mostly the P and add the J for a little more detail or mid from time to time.

The antiquity II's on the GL are noticeably strong on the E string. Haven't had noise issues, but I run them both full out. I do like the neck though. I have the tuners modded with a hipshot to drop to D. The Ibby won't accommodate a de-tuner, I've tried, but the 2x2 headstock doesn't have the real estate to accept the Hipshot designs. First I may have revisit the parametric EQ on my amp and cut the G note on the E a bit to even it up.

So I am thinking there are a few possibilities. Find a used MIM or CIJ Jazz, a beater, and fix it up with a P pup as I really don't care for the P body style. Or maybe a Jazz blank to have routed to a P.

I used to have a Burns years ago that had a double P setup. It was kind of klunky, but it sounded awesome. Which then suggests the above options routed to a double P solving the output level issue. Or even route the GL for a double P, though I am shuddering a little on that as far as resale value. I did get it used, so the hit wouldn't be too bad.

So, the wiring diagram exists for the basic P setup. I'll go look and see if I can spot a diagram that would tell me how to wire two P's so they cancel, if such a thing can be done. If not, I'll come back for some advice.
Thanks
Thor74

PS, @Jeremy, were you travelling around with SD maybe 10 or so years ago and visited Noll guitars in RI. If so, I met you there and had my pic taken with SD by Stan. Just curious.