Pickup recommendations: Fretless P&J bass a la Fender Tony Franklin

[JPJ]

Hi all,

Looking for recommendations for pickups for a fretless passive P bass project I'm starting. The finished article will be in the style of the Fender Tony Franklin bass with an unlined ebony boarded neck (thanks to our very own petergales). The intended use is in a rhythm and blues power trio/quartet so will need to 'cut through' with a healthy dose of mid-range snarl, burp and mwahh.

I'm tempted by the Wizard P/J combo as I've heard good things about these pickups but I'm open to all other suggestions for a balanced pair of pickups in the P/J style.

[franzbassist]

Mid range snarl? Not sure about the J pickup but that sounds like the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder SPB3 for the P position!

[chris_b]

My PJ is passive with Duncan’s, which sound fantastic with huge, fat and clear tones.

Delano's are a great sound and Nordstrand’s seem to be the best of the crop at the moment.

[Conan]

Well, my bitsa J copy sounds bloody great with Wizard Hammers in it! I guess you could pair a Hammer in the bridge position with a Thumper in the P position?

BTW, you are welcome to have a try of mine if you want to get an idea of how it sounds.

[jonnybass]

I have went through Fender, Dimarzio, Seymour Duncans, Wizard and finally got to Lindy Fralins. If money is no object I would go with the Fralins, on the cheaper side Seymour Duncan Quarterpounder P with a hot jazz stack at the bridge. The fralins can be overwound to give a good 'grunt'.

jonnybass