- Looking for the absolute finest aftermarket Precision bass pickups?
- I’ve listed seven of the best P-bass pickups currently available
- Top picks include, Fender, EMG, Lindy Fralin, and more.
- Also, check out our post on the 7 Best Jazz Bass Pickups
The Fender Precision bass tone is the secret sauce of some of the greatest grooves in music history, and every P-bass enthusiast dreams of owning a refined or era-authentic version of this iconic sound.
Well, if you’re feeling “low” about how your stock pickups sound, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve amassed a vast P-bass collection over two decades, as a result of which I’ve sampled over a dozen stock, boutique, and aftermarket replacement Fender bass pickups.
In this post, I’ll recommend and review what, in my opinion, are the best replacement P-bass pickups for different musical styles and genres.
I’ll also provide insights into what you can expect from each model, including their articulation, output, and overall tonal profile.
Selection Criteria
- Construction:The pickups on this list are expertly crafted using top-drawer components and precision winding.
- Tonal Character:The pickups on this list span three sonic qualities: authentic vintage tones, ballsy high output tones, and the classic tone with modern tweaks.
- Reputation:The top picks are tried-and-tested and well-regarded in the bass community.
- Availability:I’ve limited the options to commercially available models because, well, not everyone wants to be on a waitlist indefinitely.
- Price:The “best” pickups are seldom the cheapest. Still, this roundup includes models across a reasonably wide range of price points.
What are the Best P-Bass Pickups?
The Fender CS ‘62 pickup is my top pick for the best P bass pickup, replacement or otherwise. It nails the classic tone and sounds full-bodied, balanced, and gritty, making it a top choice for fretted or fretless P-basses.
The punch and power of the EMG GZR-P make it a stellar choice for rock, punk, and metal genres. The SPB-3 and Model J are equally thunderous, although they deviate a lot more from the traditional P-bass sound.
Lastly, the Lindy Fralin Precision Bass Pickup is handcrafted with high-quality and period-correct materials. It delivers a more refined version of the ‘50s or ‘60s P-bass tones with lots of customization options.
Here my top picks for the best P-Bass pickups on the current market:
- Fender Custom Shop ‘62 P-Bass Pickup (Our Pick)
- EMG Geezer Butler P-Bass Pickup (Best Value)
- Lindy Fralin P-Bass Pickup (Best Overall)
- Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound
- Aguilar AG 4P-60 P-Bass Pickup
- DiMarzio Model P
- Bartolini 8S P-Bass Pickup
1. Fender Custom Shop ’62
“These P-bass pickups nail the vintage flavor better than anyone else.”
Famed for its clarity and articulation, the Fender CS ’62 P-bass pickup aims to faithfully reproduce the sounds of the 1962 model.
It features Alnico 5 magnets with enamel-coated wire and period-correct materials like stamped fiber bobbins and cloth output wire.
Top Features
- ’62-style P-Bass Pickup
- Alnico V Magnets
- Period-correct materials
- Installation hardware included
Review
For those seeking vintage-flavored P-bass pickups, the warm and punchy tones of the CS ’62 excels at capturing the timeless P-bass sound.
It delivers remarkable balance warmth and clarity, whether you play aggressively with a pick or dynamically with your fingers.
Firstly, the pickup’s flush-mount pole pieces ensure an even string response and balanced tone across the frequency range.
These pickups can deliver mellow or upright-like sounds with the tone rolled off, especially if your P-bass is strung with aged flats.
On the other hand, cranking the tone knob while using bright-sounding strings produces biting classic rock tones that sit well in the mix.
IMO, the vintage-inspired tone of the ’62 P-Bass pickups is perfect for blues, classic rock, and all sorts of funk grooves.
However, their merits may not resonate with aggressive styles or bassists willing to trade mid-scooped warmth for a more energetic top-end.
VERDICT
The Fender CS ’62 Precision pickups are an excellent upgrade for any Squire, MIM, mid-market Fender, or non-Fender P-bass.
While some would say they need more muscle and brightness, I believe they offer the best version of the “natural” Fender P-bass sound among currently available replacement pickups.
2. EMG Geezer Butler GZR-P
“The best P-bass pickup to sound clean with your tone all the way up.”
Metal legend Geezer Butler is known for his booming P-bass tone, a sound you can readily sample in songs like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man.”
The EMG GZR-P pickup aims to capture Butler’s iconic bass tone, making it available to you for a little over $100.
Top Features
- Rock-oriented P-Bass Pickup
- Alnico V magnets
- Custom-wound coils
- Solderless installation, hardware included
Review
Designed in collaboration with Geezer Butler, the EMG GZR-P is a high-output P-bass pickup renowned for its powerful and well-defined signal.
It combines Alnico V pole pieces and custom wound coils and delivers clean tones with low noise and hum in high-gain situations.
Simply put, the GZR P pickup has more midrange growl and upper range depth than traditional replacement pickups like the Fender CS ’62.
Its ability to handle dirt and cut through super dense mixes makes it one of the best P-bass pickups for heavier genres like rock and metal.
While I prefer vintage tones, those who favor the GZR-P claim it has more power and clarity than other aftermarket P-bass pickups they’ve sampled.
These sonic qualities are noticeable in the official demos, so it’s easy to see why this signature model is a bass community favorite.
Plus, the GZR P comes with mounting hardware and a solderless kit with a quick connection system, making installation a breeze.
Verdict
All things considered, the EMG GZR-P pickup is the best P-bass pickup for a more aggressive version of the traditional P-bass tone.
Its sound and capabilities are ideal for rock and heavy metal or players seeking a high-output replacement pickup with low noise and hum.
3. Lindy Fralin ’60s P-Bass Pickup
“A modernized (and more refined) version of the classic P-bass tone.”
The Lindy Fralin P-bass pickup is a modern take on the ‘60s Fender pickup design. It combines era-authentic materials with clever tweaks to make it more versatile and appealing to contemporary P-bass enthusiasts.
The result is a replacement P-bass pickup with premium components and top-tier sound quality, making it a top choice for a vintage-modern tone.
Top Features
- Era-authentic Precision Bass pickup
- USA-made Alnico 5 Magnets
- Stock, 5% or 10% overwound, 5% under wound
- Handcrafted with premium materials
Review
Lindy Fralin offers three versions of this pickup– the P Bass (‘60s P-bass tone), the 51 P-Bass (‘50s P-bass tone), and the 51 P-Bass (hum-free ‘50s tone) – along with options for cover color (black, white, cream) and windings (5% or 10% overwound, or 5% under wound).
The flagship ‘60s P-bass version is constructed with premium components like USA-made Alnico 5 Magnets, 42-gauge Heavy Formvar wire, hand-wound coils, fiberboard bobbins, and more.
Vintage in character, the Lindy Fralin pickup sounds exceptionally clean across the frequency range, with a noticeably well-defined low end.
While it’s less powerful and gritty than the SPB or Model P, it has a distinct and refined tonal quality you won’t find elsewhere.
The pickup’s sound is best described as a more “modern-sounding” take on the classic tone, although some players may find it a bit sterile.
Nonetheless, Lindy Fralin offers a good amount of pickup customization options to tailor their tone and output to your playing style.
Verdict
The Lindy Fralin P-Bass pickup is a compelling choice for upgrading stock pickups in most Fender or non-Fender P-style bass guitars, excluding high-end or vintage Fender P-basses.
This video can help you decide how it compares to a Fender pickup:
4. Seymour Duncan SPB-3
“The best P-bass pickup for modern, massive, and cutting bass presence.”
The USA-made Seymour Duncan SPB-3 is a popular “drop-in” replacement pickup for 4-string Precision-style bass guitars.
Based on its high output and ability to produce a “P-bass sound on steroids,” it is my top recommendation for rock, metal, and heavy genres.
Top Features
- High-output P-Bass pickup
- Alnico V magnets
- ¼” diameter Pole Pieces
- Handmade in the USA
Review
ICYMI, Seymour Duncan offers SPB1, SPB2, and SPB3 P-bass pickups.
SPB-1 is designed to produce a vintage ’60s Fender sound, while the slightly overwound SPB-2 is famed for its meaty lows and mid-range.
Conversely, the SPB-3 features large-diameter rod magnets and a high-output coil wind, making it a horse of a different color.
This pickup is called the “Quarter Pound” in the bass community because the pole pieces are a quarter-inch in diameter.
The sizeable pole pieces create a wide magnetic field, stronger pickup-string interaction, and expanded frequency range, resulting in a higher output and solid midrange presence.
At the same time, the SPB-3 is hand-built in USA, featuring top-drawer components such as Alnico 5 magnets, Forbon flatwork, and vacuum wax pots for feedback-resistant and noise-free performance.
In use, this high-output pickup produces a cutting bass sound with thick, clear lows and growling mids. The tones are notably well-defined in high-gain settings or with fuzz and overdrive pedals.
However, its modern and aggressive sound profile is not for everyone, especially those who enjoy the warmth of the classic P-bass sound.
Verdict
The Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pounder is a definite improvement to stock pups in low and mid-level P-style bass guitars for heavy genres.
It’s also worth considering if you if you want thick, bold, and cutting tones.
5. Aguilar AG 4P-60
“A high-regarded P-bass pickup for a modern, transparent tone.”
Aguilar is a revered brand in the bass community, best known for its outstanding line of bass amplifiers and speaker cabinets.
Like the Lindy Fralin reviewed above, the AG 4P-60 pickup aims to deliver a vintage-inspired P-bass tone fortified with modern enhancements.
Top Features
- Passive Precision Bass pickup
- Alnico V magnets
- Period correct materials
- Vintage ’63 Fender Precision Bass Sound
Review
The Aguilar AG 4P-60 incorporates high-quality, period-correct materials, including a cloth-covered single conductor, Alnico V magnets, and 42 gauge heavy Formvar wire.
This pickup is custom-wound to replicate the tone of the ’63 Fender P-bass, renowned for its midrange presence and overall warm character.
True to the vibe of the original, the AG 4P-60 produces clear, smooth, and well-rounded P-bass tones without excessive boominess.
It boasts a wide frequency response and balanced output, allowing the vintage tonal character to shine through even during complex basslines.
Moreover, the pickup is versatile enough for various styles, whether seeking upright-like sounds with slightly aged flatwound strings or well-defined cleans that align with a “modern” P-bass sound.
However, Aguilar offers other replacement pickup options in the series for more aggressive playing styles, such as the over-wound AG 4P-HOT.
Here’s the official demo to sample their sound and performance:
Verdict
The Aguilar AG 4P-60 P-Bass pickup is a definite step up for Squier or non-Fender models and worth considering for MIM or MIA Fender P-basses.
It’s may just be the perfect aftermarket replacement pickup for bass players seeking a refined purr with top-notch clarity and definition.
6. DiMarzio Model P
“A more customizable and less aggresssive alternative to the SPB-3”
The DiMarzio Model P Bass pickup has been around for decades and gained admirers with each passing year.
Constructed with ceramic magnets, 4-conductor wiring, and adjustable poles, this P-bass pickup is available in cream or black plastic molding with option for white, gold, and black pole pieces.
Top Features
- High-output passive P-Bass pickup
- Ceramic magnets
- Adjustable pole pieces
- Aggressive, rock-oriented sounds
Review
The DiMarzio Model P dares you to use ceramic magnets, not something you’ll spot in any other aftermarket replacement P-bass pickups in this list.
Of course, that implies it’s not the best P-bass pickup to cop old-school sounds, but this hum-canceling bad boy is definitely a great shout for bass players who love big, dirty, and punchy bass tones.
To put it bluntly, the DiMarzio Model P sounds delivers fat sounds and evenly balanced response across the strings.
It has an unrivaled reputation for delivering powerful lows with mid-range bark. More importantly, the pickup’s high output ensures your P-bass will mow down a mix, regardless of genre.
The thunderous output makes it a go-to rock and metal pickup, which also explains why the Model P was omnipresent in the ’70s.
Now, some players might complain about the pickup being too powerful, but it’s not as over the top as the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound.
Verdict
The Model P and GZR P are comparable, both excellent choices for rock-oriented genres, but DiMarzio may win you over with its adjustable poles and wallet-friendly price.
Consider it you are after a hot, slightly dark, and mid-forward sound and skip it if you want a more authentic or vintage P-bass sound.
7. Bartolini 8S
“Soapbar split-coils with a blade core instead of magnet rods.”
The Bartolini 8S precision bass pickup delivers the classic tone – full, warm, and vintage – with rumbling lows and excellent definition.
If you’ve been looking for a top-notch soapbar P-bass pickup, this split-coil hum-canceling pickup might end your search.
Top Features
- Passive P-Bass Soapbar Pickup
- Blade core for better string-to-string response
- Enhanced treble and active version available
- Vintage Fender Precision Bass Sound
Review
This model from Bartolini’s deep tone series features Alnico V magnets with a blade core design instead of pole pieces, shielding to block noisy interference, and epoxy coating to eliminate microphonics.
These bass guitar pickups It promises the foundational tones of the original 60s Fender P-bass, with strong lows and slightly subdued highs.
The response is even across strings, and the bass sounds retain balance and clarity no matter where you set the tone or volume knob.
Barts have a sound signature, often described as a “burpy” tone in the bass community. The Bartolini 8S, in particularly, sounds like a delectably darker version of the classic P-bass tone with added mid-range growl.
It’s distinct sonic character is evident when you crank the tone control.
While the Bart is fairly versatile for a vintage-style pup, it’s not ideal for the transparent modern sound and lacks the hi-fi character of Fralins.
On the other hand, it’s one of the best P bass pickups for jazzy or URB sounds with flats because it’s not hot or trebly like modern pickups.
Also, pick the Bartolini 8CBP if you want an active P-bass pickup or enhanced treble response.
Verdict
The Bartolini 8S P-Bass pickup delivers a refined reproduction of the classic P-bass tone.
While it’s full-bodied sound and throaty growl are its greatest strength, the pickup is equally adept at warm tones with softer character.
FAQ
Are P basses harder to play?
P basses are not harder to play compared to any other bass guitar for an average-sized musician. Since they are relatively heavy with a thick neck and wide string spacing, people believe they are harder to play.
You may need to adjust your playing style if you have small hands, but they are as easy to play as any bass guitar once you get used to them.
Is P-Bass good for slap?
Slap-style bassists prefer bright/glassy tones associated with active or passive single-coil pickups, so the split-coil equipped P-style bass guitar is not the most preferred choice for slap bass playing.
It doesn’t mean you can’t slap on a P-bass, but the bass won’t produce the traditional tone associated with slap playing.
Are P Bass pickups noisy?
P bass is fitted with split-coil pickup, which is not noisy if the bass is shielded and the pole pieces are grounded.
Split-coil pickups are inherently noise-canceling. However, vintage P bass pickups may be subject to the 60-cycle hum by design.
Is the Fender P bass pickup a humbucker?
The Fender Precision bass guitar pickup is a split-coil humbucking pickup and the J has a single-coil pickup set (not hum-bucking).
A humbucker refers to any bass pickup that uses two wire coils to “buck the hum” or cancel out noise picked up by the coils, which is true for the split-coil pickups found in a Fender P bass.
Before You Go
If you’ve been mulling over the relative pros and cons of different types of bass strings, our post on Roundwound vs. Flatwound Strings might help.
Here are some other buying guides that may interest bass players:
- 7 Best Bass Octave Pedals (That Actually Track Well)
- 5 Best 5-String Bass Guitars (All Budgets)
- 7 Best Strings For Fretless Bass (All Styles and Types)
