A bass guitar pickup is used to amplify the sound of your bass guitar. If you’re in the market for a new bass guitar pickup, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll review the top ten best bass guitar pickups available on the market so that you can be sure that you’re getting a great one that will make your bass guitar stand out. Your lead guitarist will be jealous!
Overall Best Bass Guitar Pickups for Precision Bass
These pickups by Fender will transform a subpar precision bass guitar into one suitable for stage performances.
Features:
• Flush-mount pole pieces
• Magnet wire
• Great focus
Overall Best Bass Guitar Pickups for Jazz Bass
Very affordable, these pickups add a great punch and growl to any jazz bass.
Features:
• Great sound
• Affordable
• Mounting included
Best Bass Guitar Pickups
What to Look for in Bass Guitar Pickups
One of the main things that you should be doing before purchasing any bass guitar pickup is to evaluate the features that each one has. This way, you will be guaranteed that you will be picking the ideal bass guitar pickup that sounds great with your bass guitar. Here are two of the features that you should look for when picking the best bass guitar pickup.
Attachability of the Bass Guitar Pickup
You should ask yourself what type of bass guitar pickup you want. Do you want the permanent or the removable one? Removable pickups come in numerous designs, tone quality, and price. Typically, bass guitar players purchase a removable pickup for convenience. However, for those whose bass guitars need constant amplification, you should consider the permanent pickup.
Volume Produced
The volume that is produced by the pickup is another important aspect that you have to consider. It should be noted that the volume of the bass guitar pickup will differ regardless of its attachability. You should take note of the equipment that could generate a louder sound without generating a squealing feedback.
The features which were mentioned above are just some of the key features that you should take into consideration when picking the best bass guitar pickups. It is worth noting that the end choice will still be dependent on your preference as the player.
All Bass Guitar Pickups
1. Fender Precision Bass Pickups
On top of the list of the best bass guitar pickups is the Fender Precision Bass Pickups. It has an enamel-coated magnet wire which creates a warm vintage tone. It is further equipped with flush-mount pole pieces for a more even string response. In addition to this, its Alnico five magnets provide more focus and enhanced dynamics to the instrument. It also has a period-correct coth output wire and a fiber bobbin. This pickup is available in four different colors: American vintage 58, American vintage 63, Custom Shop 62, and Original vintage.
2. Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup
The Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup is an efficient bass guitar pickup for musicians who want maximum output and an extended frequency range. The presence of large quarter-inch wide pole pieces on this pickup expand the magnetic field. They also extend the frequency range from low end to a high end for a full and punchy sound with a midrange presence. Its design balances the magnets and the coils for a better harmonics and a more efficient sustain. The characteristic of the tone produced is of high quality with lots of clarity and high-end punch.
3. mLaval Guitar Parts Set of Pickups Bridge & Neck For Jazz Bass JB Guitar
The next product on our list is the mLaval Guitar Parts Set of Pickups Bridge & Neck For Jazz Bass JB Guitar. This pickup has been designed for Jazz bass style bass guitars. Its resistance is brought about by its 7.30 K neck and 7.00 K bridge. Its neck pickup is 3 to 5/8 inches long while its bridge pickup is 3 to 3/4 inches long. IT comes with a set of mounting screw and springs for easier installation.
4. BQLZR Noiseless Good Balance 4 String Bass Guitar Pickup
The BQLZR Noiseless Good Balance 4 String Bass Guitar Pickup is a great magnetic pickup that is suitable for most metal-stringed instruments such as bass guitars. With its amazing quality, you are ensured that it does not produce any noise while exerting a powerful signal. Due to its noiseless feature, it creates a good balance on the sound produced. This pickup is composed of a shielded cable, a steel pole piece, and a plastic cover, among others.
5. EMG J Set Active Bass Guitar Pickup Set
The EMG J Set Active Bass Guitar Pickup Set is noted for its sweeping harmonic overtones while having a punch and quiet operation. It is noted for its broader tonal frequency which adds dimension and clarity to the sound of your bass guitar. In addition to this, this pickup set has a low ratio of resistance to inductance, allowing the increase of the low-end response. It should be taken into consideration the fact that it has a solderless install system.
6. Kmise MI0161 Black 4 String Bass Guitar Soapbar Pickup
The Kmise MI0161 Black 4 String Bass Guitar Soapbar Pickup is a bridge and neck pickup perfect for your bass guitars. It is sealed well in order to cancel hum. It features a plastic cover, four conduct with a shielded cable, a ceramic magnet. When you scrutinize the product, you will discover that there are actually two pickups found inside
– one at the right and other at the left.
7. Lace Sensor Man O’ War Precision Bass pickup
The Lace Sensor Man O’ War Precision Bass pickup uses the Lace Sensor technology which has been voiced in an aggressive yet controlled tone. Such pickup features a precise harmonic content with an attitude that is able to cut through any situation. Its low magnetic pull increases sustain. Its broad dynamic range, on the other hand, drive amps and effects better. Finally, this pickup offers a vintage vibe with a modern definition and punch.
8. Seymour Duncan Phase II Bass Guitar Pickup Set
The Seymour Duncan Phase II Bass Guitar Pickup Set offers a passive alternative to battery-powered pickups. The tone it produces is simple and organic yet it adds warmth and punch, some features which you would expect from a great passive pickup. It could accommodate maximum string spacings up to 2.70 inches for four strings and up to 3.10 inches for five strings. This pickup are noted for their direct replacements which do not require any instrument modification.
9. Bartolini DL5CBC Bass Guitar Pickup
The Bartolini DL5CBC Bass Guitar Pickup is a five-string dual coil bass guitar pickup which has been designed in a MusicMan Stingray style. This classic bass guitar pickup is able to produce powerful lows and low-mids. In addition to this, it is also able to create a bright treble. Such equipment is ideal for those who want to improve their performance on stage.
10. Aguilar AG 4PJ-HC 4-String Hum Canceling Bass Pickup Set for P/J Basses
Finally, we have the Aguilar AG 4PJ-HC 4-String Hum Canceling Bass Pickup Set for P/J Basses. This set includes a pair of pickups designed for four-string electric bass guitars. Due to its Alnico V magnets, it is able to produce a powerful yet articulate sound. This pickup serves as a direct replacement for Jazz bass guitar pickups and Fender precision bass guitar pickups. When bought, it comes with a cleaning cloth and a guitar polish.
Conclusion
It should be noted that a bass guitar pickup is a stellar equipment that you could use to further improve your performance on stage because of its functionalities. Hence, it is important that you consider the features of each product so that you could pick the best bass guitar pickups which are durable and useful. You should put into mind that your future success will depend not only on your skill as a musician but also on the equipment that you put into your instruments.
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