Best Precision bass pickup?

damonjewel

Hi All

I am restoring an '83 Ibanez roadstar II. It is virtually a P Bass copy having one split pick up which I think has seen better days. I have a budget of 50 - 100€ for a new pickup and want to get something that has a vintage tone. As for the sound I want to achieve it would have to cover Roger Waters to Motown.

The Fender 62 reissue pickup looks ideal for my targe sound, but as I am not a real bass player and perhaps my choice is naive, so I would love to hear what recommendations you have.

Other info on the bass is it has a 4 saddle fender style bridge and a maple neck. I am thinking of fitting chrome covers too.

Many Thanks

Damo

Dord

damonjewel wrote: »

Hi All

I am restoring an '83 Ibanez roadstar II. It is virtually a P Bass copy having one split pick up which I think has seen better days. I have a budget of 50 - 100€ for a new pickup and want to get something that has a vintage tone. As for the sound I want to achieve it would have to cover Roger Waters to Motown.

The Fender 62 reissue pickup looks ideal for my targe sound, but as I am not a real bass player and perhaps my choice is naive, so I would love to hear what recommendations you have.

Other info on the bass is it has a 4 saddle fender style bridge and a maple neck. I am thinking of fitting chrome covers too.

Many Thanks

Damo

Save for the actual know-how there should be nothing stopping you from playing Roger Waters or Motown songs on that bass. If you want to upgrade it with that budget I would suggest rewiring (or getting it rewired) with new pots and jack. Then with the left over couple of quid buy a new set of strings.

I'm a big motown fan and play the songs on anything from a Jazz bass to a Cliff Burton signature Aria bass. So, yeah it doesn't really matter what you use. It's all about timing and feel.

Chrome covers look nice but are restrictive and annoying.

zafo

The old roadsters are supposed to great basses, although I've never played one myself.. You could do a lot worse than a gfs pick up for 30 dollars, get some new pots and o/p jack from them too. New strings on there and it'll be better than getting a new bass (imo of course).

http://store.guitarfetish.com/GFS-Bass-Guitar-Pickups_c_97.html

I wouldn't bother with the chrome covers.

damonjewel

Ok I have updated my Ibanez with CTS knob, new wiring and a new Jack, I put on a Precision scratchplate, so it meant i had to to set route a slightly larger hole as the pickup is 1cm closer to the bridge. The pickup was swapped out for a fender 62 Vintage which has a lovely sound and works well with the set of La bella flatwounds I put on. I bought the chrome but I still haven't decided if i will fit or not. here are the pics and results.

Original Guitar



Updated without chrome



With chrome

Dord

I prefer the original pickguard. The lines flow better and match the headstock.