Best
P Pickup
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Overall: Beginner to Professional Players
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Best Feature: Passive 4-string pickup set
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
J Pickup
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Overall: A staggered and raised magnet pattern
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Best Feature: DC ohms are 6.3K with an inductance of 2.87 henries and a Q value of 2.39.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Humbucker Pickup
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Overall: Intermediate and advanced bassists
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Best Feature: Custom-wound coils
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TedScore™: 9/10
Have you ever wondered how to get that perfect bass tone? The secret often lies in choosing the best bass guitar pickups.
The right pickup can transform your playing experience from bright, punchy jazz sounds to deep, growling rock tones. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current setup or just curious about pickups, this guide will help you find the ideal match for your style.
Join me on this journey to elevate your bass sound to new heights! Let’s jump right in and find the perfect pickup for your instrument.
The J Pickups
The J pickup utilizes two single-coil pickups wired in parallel—one located at the bridge and one located at the neck. It’s designed to capture higher frequencies for a brighter, snappier sound overall than traditional pickups. The J pickup is one of the most versatile bass pickups on the market, producing a wide range of tones, from warm to bright.
The Sound of The J Pickup
The sound of the J pickup is sharper and thinner than a traditional passive bass guitar pickup. It has a more treble response and less low end, making it great for cutting through a mix and clarifying intricate musical passages.
The tone is typically described as “bright” or “jangly”, making it an ideal choice for fast-paced rock or funk music. Jazz players tend to favour the sound of the J pickup due to its ability to accentuate the higher notes in their playing.
5 Best J Pickups
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer
The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer is an ideal pickup for those who crave the classic surf rock tone. Its unique design produces sweet highs and percussive lows, giving you a great vintage Strat chime. The ‘push back’ cloth braid hookup wire makes installation a breeze, and its calibrated design ensures it’s perfectly in tune with the instrument.
With a height of .582, a magnet pattern of staggered & raised above flatwork and an inductance of 2.87 henries, it’s no wonder this pickup is one of the best on the market. It’s perfect for playing West Side Soul, Blues, Pop or Surf and will surely give you that subtle vintage sound you’ve been looking for.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: A staggered and raised magnet pattern
OTHER INFO: DC ohms are 6.3K with an inductance of 2.87 henries and a Q value of 2.39.
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A balanced tone with plenty of clarity.
- Effortless installation.
- Excellent string definition and articulation with a fat low end.
- Wide dynamic range.
- Stagger magnet pattern for increased sustain and sparkle.
- Calibrated properties
- Noisy at higher gain settings
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
EMG J Style Bass Pickup Set
The EMG J Style Bass Pickup Set is an excellent choice for bassists who want the best of both worlds: balance and clarity. These pickups are designed to provide the depth and warmth associated with classic jazz bass tones while still delivering a clear, defined sound. The magnetic field eliminates unnecessary noise interference, so you can be sure your notes will always come through crisp and clean.
They’re easy to install, too – no soldering necessary! And they go above and beyond for great bass players, like John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin – so you know they’re good enough to deliver powerful sound in the studio or on stage.
DESIGNED FOR: For Intermediate, Advance
FEATURES: 10 KOhms Output Impedance and 27V DC Maximum Supply
OTHER INFO: Comes with a Volume Pot x 2, Tone Pot x 1, Pair of Mounting Screws x 4, Battery Buss x 1, Pickup Cable x 2, Stereo Output Jack x 1, Connection Cable x 2 and Battery cable
EMG J Style Bass Pickup Set, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Wide-ranging bass tones with deep low-end response
- Punchy mid-range and sharp, high notes
- Precise definition and no noise interference
- Simple to install solderless design.
- Not suitable for beginner
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Aguilar AG 4J-HC 4 String Hum Canceling Jazz Bass Pickups
Looking for a smooth and authentic jazz sound? This set of Aguilar AG 4J-HC pickups is just the right choice. These pickups feature powerful yet balanced output and noise/hum cancelling technology, making them an ideal choice for any bass playing in the jazz style. The AG 4J-HC pickups are designed to provide deep, defined and full tones with punchy lows, crisp highs and a well-defined middle.
The split-coil design eliminates 60Hz hum while maintaining the full frequency response to ensure an optimal tone quality. The heavy formvar 42 gauge wire, Alnico V magnets and single conductor-covered leads also contribute to this pickup’s superior performance. With its versatile tonal capabilities and noise cancellation technology, this pair of AG 4J-HC pickups will surely give you the professional sound you want.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Professional Players
FEATURES: Passive 4-string pickup set
OTHER INFO: Heavy Formvar 42 Gauge Wire
Aguilar AG 4J-HC 4 String Hum Canceling Jazz Bass Pickups
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Delivers Punchy and Powerful Tone with No Hum
- Versatile Tones with Full Lows
- Defined Mids and Crisp Highs
- May Require Professional Installation
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender Custom Shop Custom '60s Jazz Bass Pickups
The Fender Custom Shop Custom ’60s Jazz Bass Pickups, Set of 2, deliver the sound and look of the 1960s-era Jazz Bass. Featuring Alnico 5 magnets and Formvar magnet wire, these ruggedly constructed pickups have more punch and output than vintage Jazz Bass sets. The classic black pickup cover will give you the ultimate vintage look to match your sound. These pickups produce a warm, focused tone perfect for rock, blues or funk.
You’ll also get more midrange, bass and output – meaning even more opportunities to explore the boundaries of your sound. With DC resistance ratings of 7.1K for the neck pickup and 7.4K for the bridge pickup, you can be sure that these pickups are built with quality in mind. The Fender Custom Shop Custom ’60s Jazz Bass Pickups, Set of 2, are perfect for beginner, intermediate or advanced players looking to upgrade their sound. With their vintage look and modern features, these pickups will take your tone in new directions.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate and Advanced Bass Players
FEATURES: Alnico 5 magnets
OTHER INFO: All Mounting Hardware and Black Pickup Cover Included.
Fender Custom Shop Custom '60s Jazz Bass Pickups
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Captures the essence of classic 60's bass tone
- Precise voicing with great clarity, balance and punch
- Overwound pickups provide extra punch and midrange grind
- Alnico 5 magnets for increased output and sustain
- Easy to install
- Installation may require professional expertise
- Some players may prefer a more vintage tone
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender Pure Vintage 74 Jazz Bass Pickup
The Fender Pure Vintage ’74 Jazz Bass Pickup is a vintage-style, single-coil pickup set that offers authentic Fender tone circa 1974. The pickups come with an enamel-coated magnet wire that produces a warm, vintage-style sound. Combined with flush-mounted pole pieces, the Alnico V magnets provide focus and dynamics.
The neck pickup offers balanced output with clarity and definition, while the bridge pickup provides punchy mids and treble tones. Whether you’re playing classic rock, funk or jazz, these pickups will provide the vintage-style tone Fender is known for. Install this set in your Jazz Bass to get a classic sound that will stand out from the crowd. Get the Fender Pure Vintage ’74 Jazz Bass Pickup set and experience that true vintage tone.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advanced Players
FEATURES: Shellac Potted
OTHER INFO: The output rating of the neck pickup is 6/5/5, while the bridge pickup has an output of 4/7/6.
Fender Pure Vintage 74 Jazz Bass Pickup, 2 Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offer full, rich low-end and defined highs with expressive mids.
- Offer full, rich low-end and defined highs with expressive mids.
- Enamel-coated magnet wire provides a classic vintage tone.
- Maximum focus and dynamics.
- Ability to eliminate unwanted microphonic feedback.
- Not the most versatile for modern music needs.
- Slightly higher output than standard pickups, which could affect tone and dynamics.
- Flush-mounted pole pieces can interfere with pickup swapping.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The P Pickups
The sound of the P pickup
The sound of the P pickup is warm and punchy, with plenty of clarity. These pickups are great for most genres of music, from jazz to blues to rock and metal. They are very versatile and can handle everything from clean to distorted tones. The P pickup is an excellent choice for players experimenting with different sounds and styles. They offer plenty of output while still retaining the character of your instrument.
5 Best P Pickups
Bare Knuckle Pickups '58 Split P Bass Pickup
The Bare Knuckle Pickups ’58 Split P Bass Pickup is a high-quality pickup with a vintage, iconic 50s tone. It’s perfect for those looking to evoke the unmistakable sound of classic P-Bass, and it features a split-coil design that helps create a controlled high-end and scooped mid-range.
Its powerful output also ensures each performance is packed with tonal punch. Crafted with the meticulous know-how of Bare Knuckle, this pickup will give you a hum-free sound and provide significant protection against any unwanted interference. It’s the perfect choice for country, reggae, funk, rock, and blues players looking for a classic yet modern sound. Its vintage hot output and magnet provide a robust, thick bass sound that will make every performance unforgettable.
DESIGNED FOR: For beginner to advanced bassists
FEATURES: Alnico V magnet
OTHER INFO: DC: 11.6KΩ
Bare Knuckle Pickups '58 Split P Bass Pickup
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- An unmistakable P Bass tone with a powerful vintage sound.
- Instantly recognisable sonic flavour coupled with a high output for a strong performance.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy installation.
- High-quality construction of the pickup ensures maximum durability.
- Can be a bit bright for some musicians' taste.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
EMG P Style Bass Pickup
The EMG P Style Bass Pickup is ideal if you’re looking for punchy bass tones packed with lots of sustain and attack. Its functional design allows it to easily cut through a mix without losing its natural warmth or articulation, making it an excellent choice for rock and metal players who need plenty of power from their pickups. The ceramic magnets and squat coils deliver a range of tones, from bright highs to warm lows, sure to satisfy any bassist.
The pickup is solderless, making installation easy and fast so you can start playing sooner. With its outstanding output voltage and maximum supply of 27V DC, this pickup will provide sound for any playing style with unparalleled clarity and responsiveness. The box includes all the necessary components, so you’ll have everything you need to start. Its robust construction and versatile tone make it one of the best p bass pickups for any musician.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: Battery Life: 3000 Hours
OTHER INFO: 25K Volume and Tone Pot
EMG P Style Bass Pickup, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Active design with onboard preamp delivers plenty of gain and clarity
- Ceramic magnet allows for a punchy low-end response while keeping excellent high-frequency clarity
- Great for live performance and studio use thanks to its natural sound and noise elimination
- Versatile tonal range perfect for any style or genre of music
- High-end notes are sharp and crisp, mids are clear and defined, and lows have a full, warm tone
- No soldering required
- May take some time to adjust the pickup to your playing style
- The preamp can be noisy if not correctly adjusted
- Higher gain may require some adjustment to your volume and tone knobs on the bass guitar
- The preamp can be noisy if not correctly adjusted
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Aguilar AG 4P-60 4 String Precision Bass Pickups
These passive split-coil pickups utilize large Alnico V magnets with exposed pole pieces and heavy Formvar wire for a warm and harmonically rich tone. The special winding produces a full-range sound that experiences fat lows, punchy mids, and smooth highs. You can also purchase a hot pickup version with larger magnets and overwound coils if you need an aggressive tone that retains its dynamic range.
The four-string set is perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. The Aguilar AG 4P-60 pickups have a classic look with black-coated covers and single conductor output cable. The 2.41″ screw width makes them easy to install on any bass guitar. They also offer an impressive output, ideal for those who want to take their sound to the next level. The Aguilar AG 4P-60 pickups are excellent value and offer a great sound quality that won’t disappoint. They provide clarity even at high volumes, with plenty of thump and perfect articulation in both pickups.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: String 4, but available in 5, 6 configuration
OTHER INFO: Set of 2
Aguilar AG 4P-60 4 String Precision Bass Pickups
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Vintage tone that captures the essence of 1960s bass sounds
- High-quality components for a reliable performance
- Available in 4, 5 and 6 string configurations
- Classic P-style feel with modern reliability
- Warm and harmonically rich tone.
- Affordable price tag
- Might need to be adjusted to fit different basses
- Not suitable for high-gain applications
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Lace Sensor Aluma P-Bass Set
The Lace Sensor Aluma P-Bass Set offers a revolutionary tone for bass guitar players. This set of pickups has been designed from the ground up with Lace’s state-of-the-art Alumitone technology, providing a mighty and dynamic sound previously impossible with traditional pickup designs. The p bass pickup is effortless to install in any bass guitar and provides immense volume without needing an additional preamp.
It offers a full passive current-driven design that delivers incredibly detailed sound with fat lows, focused mids and sparkling highs, making it perfect for contemporary bassists. Its unique construction using aluminium instead of copper creates less resistance while maintaining a high sonic output – creating more highs, bass and super-wide frequency response compared to regular pickups.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to advanced
FEATURES: Superb choice for any 4-, 5-, or 6-string bass.
OTHER INFO: 5.3k resistance and 3800 Hz peak frequency
Lace Sensor Aluma P-Bass Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Revolutionary tone with powerful dynamics
- Easy to install, no additional preamp required
- Low resistance and high sonic output
- Wide frequency response with fat lows, focused mids and sparkling highs
- Aluminium construction may not suit all players' preference
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup
For those seeking the classic P-Bass sound with a vintage aesthetic, the Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil Pickup is arguably one of the best in its class. The single-coil pickup is designed to deliver that classic punchy tone and warmth while providing vintage style.
The pickup utilizes Alnico V magnets, characteristic of many vintage pickups, to give it a smooth, warm sound. Its cloth push-back cable adds to the retro vibe and provides excellent shielding from interference. Perfect for any aspiring bassist, this pickup is carefully built for an authentic vintage look true to its 1960s inspirations.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup is part of their Antiquity series of pickups which capture the vintage sounds and styles while providing modern reliability.
OTHER INFO: No of String: 4
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Authentic vintage sound
- High output performance
- Abundant tonal options
- Alnico 5 magnetism
- Greater harmonic richness.
- Some users reported a boomy low E
- The pickups can produce too much output at times.
- Some users have noted that the tone of the pickups lacked clarity.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Bass Humbucker Pickups
Bass humbucker pickups are perfect for bassists who want a big, bold, and powerful tone. These pickups are designed with two coils that use magnets to capture and amplify sound. Combining these two elements gives the bass guitar a unique sound that stands out from other instruments in the mix.
The sound of a bass humbucker
The sound produced by bass humbucker pickups is typically louder and more articulate than single-coil pickups, making them an ideal choice for those who need to cut through the mix. They also provide a fuller timbre with plenty of low-end growls, making them suitable for playing low notes.
Bass humbucker pickups are also great for adding clarity and articulation to the notes you play. They can capture subtleties in your playing that single-coil pickups can’t deliver, allowing you to express yourself more freely.
3 Best Hambucker Pickups
Fishman Fluence 5-String Bass Pickup Set, Black
This Fishman Fluence 5-String Bass Pickup Set features two dual-coil ceramic pickups delivering higher output than traditional single-coil ones. These pickups offer clear, powerful sound with fantastic articulation and low noise output. The ceramic magnets provide a strong signal, while the Voice Selector pot lets you choose between three different voicings and find your perfect tone.
You can also access a two-band EQ, enabling you to adjust Treble and Bass frequencies independently. The pickup set includes all the necessary hardware and wiring to install the pickups and a 9-18V battery or optional rechargeable battery pack for extended playtime.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: This pickup set includes two ceramic bridge pickups, one in the bridge position and one in the neck position.
OTHER INFO: Peak Frequency response for Voice 1 is 2 kHz, Voice 2 is 7kHz with 500 Hz mid-scoop, and Voice 3 is 7kHz with a mid-flat response.
Fishman Fluence 5-String Bass Pickup Set, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Bright, punchy, and organic tone.
- High output with a broad frequency range.
- Three distinct voicing options.
- Easy installation requiring no drilling or alterations to the instrument.
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Music Man Pickup with STC-3M3
For bassists looking for a powerful, versatile pickup that can handle any style of music, the Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Music Man Pickup with STC-3M3 is an excellent option. This humbucker pickup offers an open and dynamic tone and is highly responsive to variations in playing technique. The STC-3M3 electronics consist of three bands of EQ and a proprietary Slap Switch to give you greater control over your tone. The low frequencies are deep and precise, while the mids range from smooth to punchy.
The SMB-4DS also includes a hum-cancelling design that eliminates unwanted noise in your signal. It also comes with all the mounting hardware you will need and is designed to be a direct replacement for 4-string Music Man Stingray basses from 1976 onward. If you are looking for a powerful and versatile pickup that can handle any style of music, the Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS with STC-3M3 is worth considering.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners To Advanced Players
FEATURES: Designed for Music Man basses, with the hum-cancelling tone, STC-3M3 electronics, and three bands of active EQ.
OTHER INFO: Can subtract EQ at centre frequencies voiced specifically for electric bass guitars
Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Music Man Pickup with STC-3M3
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact design for installation in tighter spaces.
- Its low noise, high output, and comprehensive frequency response make it perfect for many styles of music.
- STC-3M3 electronics add exceptional tonal versatility.
- Smooth, comprehensive treble response without any brittleness.
- Limited to four strings only.
- Proprietary Slap Switch is not as effective as traditional tone knobs.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set, Black
You’ll experience the full force of your bass guitar like never before with the EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set. With Alnico V pole pieces and custom-wound coils, you’ll get a powerful, gritty attack on the low end that will cut through any mix.
The pickups are designed with feedback and hum reduction in mind, ensuring that your basslines always sound clear and precise. You can create majestic bass tones on stage or in the studio with this pickup set – perfect for experienced and novice players alike.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate and advanced bassists
FEATURES: Custom-wound coils
OTHER INFO: The Box Content includes a 250K Tone and Volume Pot, Mono Output Jack, Pair Mounting Screws, and more.
EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Heavy sound with plenty of punch
- Distortion-free playing.
- Noise-cancelling design.
- A variety of components included
- Extra clarity
- Only comes in black.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Other Pickup Types
Piezoelectric Pickups
Piezo pickups rely on physical vibration to generate their electrical signals instead of the magnetic induction used by most other electric pickup types. This type of pickup is often found in acoustic-electric basses and offers a wide range of tonal options due to its unique design.
Traveler Ultra-Light Bass
The Ultra-Light Bass from Traveler Guitar is a great choice for bassists looking for an instrument that is lightweight, easy to transport, and provides excellent sound quality. The bass features a neck-through construction with an Eastern American Hard Maple body, Black Walnut fingerboard, and chrome closed gear hardware.
The Ultra-Light Bass has a standard 1/4-inch jack and an under-saddle piezo pickup for audio output. The included D’Addario EXL 165 strings provide excellent playability and tone.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Intermediate Bassists
FEATURES: Length: 30 Inch
OTHER INFO: Comes with a gig bag
Traveler Ultra-Light Bass, Maple
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Contemporary bridge design
- Maple neck and fingerboard
- Versatile sound
- Clear, balanced tone with piezoelectric pickups
- Extended body ensures comfort during long performances
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Optical Pickups
Optical pickups are a newer type of pickup that uses light to detect the vibration from a string. This pickup type offers many advantages, such as less noise interference, extraordinary accuracy in detecting low frequencies, and improved dynamics. Optical pickups provide an excellent response across all strings, making them suitable for bassists who want more clarity and definition in their sound.
ōPik
The ōPik is a revolutionary pickup system that uses light to detect vibrations from strings, providing an incredibly accurate and dynamic response. This active pickup features programmable preamp settings that can be adjusted via the mobile app to get exactly the sound you want.
It also offers plenty of advantages, such as a lack of magnetic drag, which makes it more sustainable and allows it to work with various string types. The ōPik responds at the speed of light, giving you an unparalleled musical experience that will take your performance to the next level.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: No magnetic drag, giving it more sustain
OTHER INFO: Programmable settings with the ōPik app
ōPik
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Works with a variety of string types
- Low noise interference
- Extraordinary accuracy in detecting low frequencies
- Improved dynamic response
- Can be tricky to set up correctly.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Bass Pickup Placement: Bridge vs Neck
When THE Pickup is Closer to the Bridge?
The placement of your pickups will also affect your tone. If you have a pickup closer to the bridge of your bass guitar, it will create a brighter and thinner sound. This setup is excellent for playing in styles that require quick note articulation and soloing. It’s also helpful when playing with distortion, as the bright tone can help cut through the mix.
You may need to adjust your other tone controls to compensate for the brightness when using this setting.
When THE Pickup is Closer to the Neck?
If you have a pickup closer to the neck of your bass guitar, it will create a warmer and fuller sound. It will bring out more of the low-end and mid-range frequencies. You’ll also get a less aggressive attack and sustain when you play.
In styles such as funk and blues, this setup provides more sustain. It’s also suitable for when you want to add more depth to your playing. Additionally, this is the way to go if you’re looking for a vintage sound with lots of warmth and character.
What to Look for in Bass Guitar Pickups?
Active vs Passive
When looking for bass guitar pickups, it is essential to consider whether you want an Active or Passive pickup.
Active pickups are powered with magnets and a preamp, while passive pickups only use magnets, resulting in different sounds. If you’re going for higher output sound, active pickups might be your best choice.
Active pickups also have the added benefit of allowing you to shape and customize your tone more quickly. On the other hand, passive pickups are great for vintage tones or when you want a warmer sound with less output.
Covered vs Exposed
Covered pickups are primarily used in vintage designs, as they offer more protection against outside sound interference, and the metal covering helps to reduce signal feedback.
The tone-covered pickups usually produce warmer and darker, with fewer high-end frequencies than an exposed pickup.
On the other hand, uncovered humbucker pickups are often used in more modern designs and produce a brighter, more transparent sound with greater focus and definition. They also tend to be more susceptible to signal interference and feedback.
How to Change Your Bass Pickups
Step 1: Remove the Strings
The first step is to remove all of the strings from your bass. This will ensure no tension is applied to your pickups as you work. Use a string cutter or wire snips to cut through each string, then pull them off the tuning pegs and out of the bridge.
Step 2: Loosen the Pickup Mounting Screws
If you have a single-coil pickup, unscrew the two mounting screws and set them aside. For humbuckers, there will be four mounting screws that need to be removed.
Step 3: Pull Out the Pickups
Once the screws are out, you can easily pull the pickups straight up and away from your bass. Be careful not to damage any of the electronics as you do this. Use a soft cloth or another padding to protect your pickups while handling them if necessary.
Step 4: Install the New Pickups
Next, you’ll want to install your new pickups. Place them into the exact location as their predecessors and use the screws to tighten them securely in place. Ensure they are level and even with one another before tightening down each screw.
Step 5: Re-String Your Bass
Finally, you can re-string your bass and tune it up. Ensure you’re using the same type of strings as before to ensure maximum performance from your pickups. Test out the sound of your new pickups.
Best Bass Guitar Pickups
Summary
The best bass guitar pickup for you is the one that gives your sound precisely what it needs. The pickups you choose will significantly impact the tone and feel of your bass playing.
Whether you’re looking for a vintage tone or a modern punch, this guide has helped you find the perfect match for your style and setup. Get ready to groove your new pickup will help take your bass playing to the next level.
Let me know about your favourite bass guitar pickups in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you think. Happy playing!
No Nordstrand pickups on the list?
Hey Lewis Turner, I noticed you listed the EMG Geezer Butler PHZ Pickup Set for bass humbuckers, but it’s worth noting that these are actually passive pickups, not humbuckers in the traditional sense. They’re designed to replicate Geezer Butler’s classic tone, which is known for its punchy midrange without the 60-cycle hum. This could be misleading for folks not familiar with Geezer’s sound or those specifically looking for an active humbucker option. Also, Fishman Fluence does offer versatility with its multiple voicings but calling them the best might be subjective according to the music genre someone plays.
Loved the rundown on P pickups. Been thinking of upgrading mine and this list is just what I needed!
Interesting section on bass pickup placement but I have to say, placing a pickup closer to the bridge for increased treble might not always give you the clarity you’re looking for. It can result in too sharp a sound for some music styles. I’ve found blending both bridge and neck pickups gives a more versatile sound palette.
Hey Lewis Turner, quick Q about those J Pickups – you mentioned the Seymour Duncan Antiquity II. Would those be a solid choice for someone trying to get a vintage sound but still keep some punch for modern play? Seems like a fine line to walk.
Do J pickups fit on any bass?
Trev, picked those up last year and they totally transformed my sound. Solid choice for vintage vibes.