Favourite pick up configuration

[TheGreek]

Recently acquired a 5er with twin soapbars/ humbuckers but prior to that I had been playing mostly PJ configuration basses. I felt that both Jazz and Precision basses lacked "something" that the PJ set up gave me.

What is your preference? Remember there is no "right" or "wrong" (unless you disagree with me, of course) 😜😜

Edited January 7, 2021 by TheGreek

[4000]

Half-inch position scatter wound toaster and screw-top high-gain......😉

[Dad3353]

A pair of 'Toasters' or 'Staples'.

Edited January 7, 2021 by Dad3353

[TheGreek]

My thoughts exactly...🤔

[DiMarco]

It kinda depends on the instrument. Both my NYC Empire and Sonus are JJ and I absolutely love 'em.
The HJ config on my Stringray usually sits at middle postion though because that's more punchy, and that can do JJ as well.

[TheGreek]

Oops, no "H" option...do I need to add this for our MM contingent?

[Ricky 4000]

1 minute ago, TheGreek said:

Oops, no "H" option...do I need to add this for our MM contingent?

Definitely.

[Guest]

HH with a position selector a la MusicMan etc. Distinctly different tones and all humbucking so no hum. My personal favourite is the Fender Dimension Deluxe layout

[Ricky 4000]

I voted P.

Desert island pickup.👍

[Dad3353]

1 hour ago, TheGreek said:

My thoughts exactly...🤔

Hmm... Not into Hofners then, eh..? 

[Doctor J]

Two MFDs. Much krieg can be had.

[ped]

Also JJ needs splitting to 60s and 70s positions

[Hellzero]

JJ for me and pure single coil only in 60's position for fretless, 70's for fretted.

[karlfer]

Mudbucker & P 🙂

[Saul Panzer]

Double humbuckers is the setup I've enjoyed the most so far, I haven't tried a straight P or a P/J yet though.
I've been considering getting my HH modded with splittable humbuckers to see what that's like.

[Guest]

If it's a PJ, shouldn't it be PH and JH? Interested that PP is bracketed with P rather than PJ. And no differentiation between -H and H- ? [/tediousnitpicking] 😈

I gave PJ a sympathy vote, and then saw it didn't need it.

[Doctor J]

P and Reverse (correct) P is also of merit. 

[Cato]

Active and/or passive is also a big consideration.

For me it's a plus to have the option of both on a single PJ bass, sometimes I like to solo the P in passive mode for a more vintage vibe other times I might go all out on both pickups with the preamp engaged for a more contemporary tone.

Edited January 8, 2021 by Cato

[cetera]

I voted for PJ..... but it's all about the reverse P with that!

[TheGreek]

I was trying to keep it simple....clearly not as simple as I'd hoped

[Dood]

I've selected HH as my two "working" basses have a pair of hum buckers on board, but like others, my answer is also dependent on what I am trying to achieve. As a professional bassist, it's a bit like a painter having different brushes and paint colours.

I do adore my battered and bruised ash P bass though. There's just something about it's sound that is wonderful. Oh and reverse P has been mentioned - I have a pair of Japanese Fenders with rP-J configurations. There's just something really nice about them when in 50/50 blend mode.

 

[Dood]

5 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

I was trying to keep it simple....clearly not as simple as I'd hoped

On the flip side though, it highlights how complex a subject playing bass is! And, you know what? I bloody love it!!  

[Dood]

Did anyone mention @Sims Super Quad pickups yet? 

[Doctor J]

Or piezo and lightwave

[TheGreek]

1 hour ago, Dood said:

Did anyone mention @Sims Super Quad pickups yet? 

I have a set in one of my basses...gives you a combination of H/J/P so fits more than one category.