lushuk Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 Hi folks I read with interest you guys changing the pups in p basses does it make lots of difference that would be unobtainable through eq? Is the any good sound clips to compare the sound? I have a 98 mia p bass to play classic rock and would like to keep it original looking at least is this possible? And is it easy to change the pups, I would like a bit more thump/thud! Thanks for reading Eddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnylager Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 I'm sure this will be the first of many recommendations for Andy at Wizard... [url="http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk/"]Wizard Pickups[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul, the Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 I'm waiting for someone to compare Wizards with Fralins. At the minute, if I were to have one custom P, I would fork the extra £100 odd for Fralins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevbass Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 I hear wizard pups are about midrange more so than thud, Seymour duncans are all about highs and lows, plenty of thud in them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 There's also Bare Knuckle Pickups. Those and Wizards are highly recommended British custom pickup builders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mybass Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 [quote name='lushuk' post='163171' date='Mar 25 2008, 02:39 PM']Hi folks I read with interest you guys changing the pups in p basses does it make lots of difference that would be unobtainable through eq? Is the any good sound clips to compare the sound? I have a 98 mia p bass to play classic rock and would like to keep it original looking at least is this possible? And is it easy to change the pups, I would like a bit more thump/thud! Thanks for reading Eddy[/quote] Yes, changing to a better make of pickup will help get a better sound. You just have to hope you make the right decision when buying a new make of pickup. I would look at EQ on the amplifier as helping to shape the bass sound for the room you are in. If you have bad/mediocre pickups to start with, EQ'ing can make them sound worse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonybassplayer Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Changed the pickups to Wizard Thumpers ( as recommended on this site ) on my recently Ebay acquired Squier Precision last night ( a relatively easy job with a soldering iron and screwdriver ) and at low level it sounds excellent with lots of definition and brightness ( must admit that I changed the strings as well to elite 90, 70, 50, 30's ) We have a gig on Sat night so I am looking forward to trying it out properly ( also bought a Geddy Lee Jazz two weeks ago that will be having it's first airing so I have an exciting night to look forward to ) I will post back with the outcome Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevbass Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 [quote name='The Funk' post='163467' date='Mar 26 2008, 01:06 AM']There's also Bare Knuckle Pickups. Those and Wizards are highly recommended British custom pickup builders.[/quote] Yeah I hear those bare knuckle pickups are supposed to be pretty damn good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr pablo Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 [quote name='kevbass' post='163463' date='Mar 25 2008, 11:57 PM']I hear wizard pups are about midrange more so than thud, Seymour duncans are all about highs and lows, plenty of thud in them[/quote] I dunno about the wizards being all midrange IMO my thumper puts out a belting amount of low end with realy growly (if thats the right term) midrange but yeh +1 on Wizards, Andy can custom wind any of his Pups to your specs as well as rewind your existing pup. God I sound like a salesman for him a bit don't I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 [quote name='kevbass' post='164139' date='Mar 26 2008, 10:29 PM']Yeah I hear those bare knuckle pickups are supposed to be pretty damn good[/quote] I've just had one installed in the bridge of a Fender Jazz 4-string. Once I get it back I'll be able to test it out. I have a feeling it'll sound immense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul, the Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 You see, I would just say, "Whatever sounds best for Motown." But I would have thought the vintage Fender pups I've got are a sensible choice as they're basically a reissue of what Jamerson used. Getting the right tone is such a challenge. I think it just takes years of trying many basses and finding out what woods/electronics work right for you. That's unless you're happy with what you've got. Which I think I am. I'm thinking, screw ~£100 on pj pups, some Radial gizmo will probably do a lot more to warm up the tone. A Fender costs enough in the first place. I think it's cool for a Warmoth build/custom bass, but doesn't make a lot of sense elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 [quote name='lushuk' post='163171' date='Mar 25 2008, 02:39 PM']And is it easy to change the pups, I would like a bit more thump/thud![/quote] It's not too difficult really, you just need a soldering iron & a steady hand, pickups should be a straight swap. I also put something like a newspaper,old towell, etc over the bass itself incase of any little drops of molten solder, protecting the finish I've tried the SD (SPB-3) Quarter Pounders & the (SPB-2) 'Hot' P-Bass pickups. Settled on the SPB-1 Vintage model, with 45-105 flats on my Tokai - gives me plenty of thump & thud. Though, will probably get a Wizard, when I next need another pickup due to all positive reviews Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr1 Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I am waiting for Seymour D. Antiquity for my '50 R P-bass. Will tell you more when install them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul, the Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I've seen pup comparisons sites, [url="http://www.vial-family.ch/bass/"]this [/url]sort of thing. But have yet to see something for Precisions with a wide range of models. Do they just not exist? It's a shame, it makes for great reference and it will help a lot of people out. If I ever play about with pups, I'll definitely record some samples. I'll get that link on the wiki somehow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul, the Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 Right, done. [url="http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/info:industry:sound_sample_links"]http://wiki.basschat.co.uk/info:industry:sound_sample_links[/url] I don't know how to put gaps in, though. Like <p> in html. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 I must admit that I am perfectly happy with the Fender stock pups on my two precisions. I wonder sometimes if it is 'fashionable' to change pups? Whatever you do always keep the originals should you sell the bass on. BTW nick that is a slightly disturbing avatar. Mind you I suppose it gives you somewhere to keep your digestive biscuit between bites! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spider Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 [quote name='lushuk' post='163171' date='Mar 25 2008, 02:39 PM']Hi folks I read with interest you guys changing the pups in p basses does it make lots of difference that would be unobtainable through eq? Is the any good sound clips to compare the sound? I have a 98 mia p bass to play classic rock and would like to keep it original looking at least is this possible? And is it easy to change the pups, I would like a bit more thump/thud! Thanks for reading Eddy[/quote] Eddy, you play classic rock (as do I) you've got a late 90's P-Bass (me too). Stick with it. If that's your setup in your avatar - that Trace rig has more than enough EQ tweakability to get the sound you want. Don't waste your money. As it happens, I'm changing the pickup on my P-Bass but only because it died. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutton Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 Excellent advice spider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lushuk Posted March 29, 2008 Author Share Posted March 29, 2008 (edited) Thanks for interest in the post, I think spider maybe right, its when you see loads of people changing pups I started to think I must be missing out +My standard is not probably good enough to worry about it, so how is that sound achived in the sort of solo in "alright now" its like a thuddy sound (to me) Thanks again ps yes it is my set up on the right! Edited March 29, 2008 by lushuk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr1 Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 however, you should hear the difference with better pick up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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