Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter-Pound for P-Bass

Pickup features: passive P bass pickup with quarter-inch wide pole pieces.
Impedence or other specs: 12.5k- slightly hotter than a stock USA Fender.

Model of guitar or bass: '69 Fender P bass
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: replaced the original.
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): jamerson/mccartney/entwhistle
Reason for pickup change: the stock pickup went dead- and it wasn't that great to begin with.

Perceived output level: I'd describe the output as Med/Hot. It tickled the preamp gainstage on my amp nicely.
Tone: Even and balanced, with a supple supportive bottom and sweet top. The mids are nicely voiced- forceful, but not overbearing.
Sonic evaluation: P bass into my '73 Ampeg SVT, my Ashdown ABM500, or my Eden TimeMachine into a variety of different cabinets depending on the circumstances- 8x10's, 4x10's, and 2x12's. Massive sounding no matter what rig I'm using- my favorite combination being the SVT into the 2x12. Yummy.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For sessions and gigging, covering a variety of styles. If you've got a P bass and want to juice it up a little, this pickup is a great choice.

Comments:

Pickup features: Split Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender P-Bass
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: stock fender
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: most noticable, Steve Harris and that guy from Blink 182
You musical style(s): Metal, Blues, Funk, Rock, Punk
Reason for pickup change: I needed something that was more clear, and praduced more of a reconizable sound.

Perceived output level: Alot hoter then fender pickups, but produces no hum, like other complain about.
Tone: Lots of bass, and lots of high end, and still maintains an accesable mid range as well, and all of it crystal clear. The most surprising thing about this pickup was the amount of twang you can get, witch adds alot to my bluesy metal sound. Also this is posably the BEST P/U to get for slap bass.
Sonic evaluation: I play threw a yorkville 200w, with a Ibanez OD/distortion pedal. I keep my rig simple, and with this pick up it alows you to do that, it gives you total tonal range.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play primaraly metal, but incorperate alot of diferent styles into my play, thats why i needed a P/U that would provide this rage of sounds. The only thing that you might not want to buy this pickup for is the pure brightness of the sound, if you want more of a vintage vibe, your better off with another pickup. But with the right amp i am sure you can repraduce the sound you want.

Comments: If it was distroyed i would not hesitate to buy a new one, there is no way another p-bass pickup can preform like this one.
I have been playing for a few year on bass, but i know what sounds good, and the SPB-3 Quarter-Pound for P-Bass sounds great.
The things i love about this pickup:
-the hotness
-the low price
-thundering lows
-blistering highs
-hum cansaling
-the clearity it prvides
-the twang it can prduse when doing hamerons
hates:
-how long i had to wait after ordering it to get it (over a month)
-nothing els
I did not have much to compare to, i played that mark 182 bass and feel inlove with the ballsy bass sound, and once i found out that Steve Harris (maiden) uses them and hot for P, i made the desision to get the hoter pickup.
I honestly can not think of any thing els i could ask for out f a p-bass pickup.
I am 100 satisfied with the sound my bass now has, its truly is THAT sound that i was looking for, i was honestly ready to compleatly chainge my rig just to get this sound, but i found it with a small investment.
If you like punk GET THIS PICK UP! I can't think of a better punk sound that can not be praduced with this pickup. Any one that demands a sharp clear bass tone with out sacrfices the bass lows, you can not pass buy this pickup, get it. And finaly whats nice about this P/U is the look of it, with the 1/4" poles and the "bassline" logo it really catches peoples eyes.

Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs: N/A

Model of guitar or bass: '73 Fender P-Bass
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: 57' Reissue of P Pickup
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: Too Many to List
You musical style(s): Rock with a Punk Edge, Fast and Pick Style Lots of Tubes and GROWL!!
Reason for pickup change: The 57'P-Bass pickup wasn't giving me the growl I wanted out of a 1969 Ampeg SVT w/ KT88JJ's for Power Tubes thru and Ampeg 8/10. I needed higher output especially in the Hi's . I have another hotrodded bass with a Quarter Pounder in there and it sounds great . So I thought I'd give them a run for there money in The 73' P-Bass.

Perceived output level: These pickups are loud amazing HI's and LO's and the Midrange is to die for, there output is very very hot I would say if your a soft player and you want more dynamics this would be the pickup for you. The harder you play the more the frequency's pop out at every angle giving a whole other term for dynamics.
Tone: Very Balanced yet very punchy thru the HI's MID's and LO's.
Sonic evaluation: 1969 AMPEG SVT HEAD , w/ an 8/10 Ampeg Cab. I must say that I use KT88's for Power Tubes. Which gives a higher output than 6550's .

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Loud Rock w/ a Punk Edge lots of Dynamics , I play in aTRIO so I must be heard. If you want to be heard this is the right pickup.

Comments: I wouldn't right now every buy a different pickup this is great I am completely satisfied. Ive been playing for about 10 years now and for my style its great. The only comment I can make is if you don't like the Bass balls to the wall and upfront this is probably not the best pickup for you.

Pickup features: Passive P-style Pickup
Impedence or other specs: No clue

Model of guitar or bass: B.C. Rich Warlock Bass
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: Cliff Williams (the store had to order me another one because he bought their last one)
You musical style(s): Metal, rock, Funk
Reason for pickup change: Wasn't happy with the bass sound that I got from the stock pickup

Perceived output level: Seemed to be a little louder thant the stock, but I'm not too sure
Tone: birght, punchy, and bassy tone
Sonic evaluation: I'm running my B.C. Rich Warlock Bass into a Behringer 30W bass combo. With the old pickup, the tone was very muddy and indistinct. But it sounds much clearer and it's a lot punchier than before. It sounds great when I (attempt to) play slap, and sounds perfect when I play normal fingerstyle

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play pretty much anything, and this pickup is great all around

Comments: It it were destroyed, I would definitely buy another one.
I've been playing bass for a year or so, and guitar for four.
I'm completely satisfied with it. I think this's it bass sound for me.

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs: Ummm...

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Deluxe Precision Special
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Stock jazz in bridge
Artists using this pickup: Steve Harris and me
You musical style(s): Funk, metal, rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups had inconsistent volume throughout the strings. The stock pickups also lacked character - i though they sounded kind of sterile. I also wanted more output.

Perceived output level: About 10% more than stock pickup
Tone: Plenty of bottom end without getting boomy. Plenty of punch. Even the lowest notes have clarity.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using an ashdown mag 250 head, marshall bass cab and my Fender precision

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play varied styles as i have mentioned above.

Comments: I love everything about this pickup!!! I i had another precision style of bass, and didn't like the sound, i would slam these in again without a doubt. This are da bomb for recording stuff - it makes the bass sit brilliant in the mix. This pickup has finally made the bass sound in my head become reality. This pickup has major balls.

Pickup features: Split-coil P-bass passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Squier P-Bass Special (P/J style)
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: SJB-3 Quarter Pound Jazz in the bridge
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Varied. classic rock, hard rock, metal, punk, alternative, space-rock
Reason for pickup change: The original stock pickups were a bit too anemic for my liking. I needed something with more presence and vitality.

Perceived output level: High output.
Tone: Thick and warm but nicely balanced with my J in the bridge.
Sonic evaluation: I was very impressed with the sound of the Quarter Pounder for P-bass. It has a really solid, thick low-end that still retains the clarity and defintion I strive for. It has a lot of presence and "oomph" which is exactly what I need to play the kinds of music I do. At the same time, it was NEVER muddy or lacking intelligibility. Unlike active pickups, there was no overly "electronic" coloring and the sound of my fingers or pick came through without losing an ounce of power and aggression.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a wide variety of music styles, most of which I use a pick for.

Comments: I have been playing for about three years and this is my favorite bass pickup. Period. As I said above, it has that unmistakably thick, warm sound that you would expect out of a P-pickup but is also capable of quiet, more tuneful songs. I bought it mainly because the stock pickups were lacking balls and I needed something that would completely enhance my tone. I found it in this pickup. Seymour Duncan does a great job of giving people quality product at a decent price. The only complaint I have with SD is the fact that the rubber "spacers" they include with the pickup are worthless. Countless people complain that installing the pickup is too hard because there's no way to lift them to the correct height. Personally, I didn't have too much difficulty.... I just peeled the old foam rubber off the bottom of my stocks and used it. Still, though... SD should think about better "stuffing" material. Having said that, however, Seymour Duncans are without flaw and everyone who plays bass should check out their pickups. The sheer versatility and tonal character alone of this pickup makes it worth your while. I know a lot of people associate the QP with the guy from Blink-182, but that's not a very clear indication as to how hard you can REALLY rock with one. For metal, classic rock, punk, or whatever, I completely recommend this pickup. A ten. Also, keep in mind I have a P/J style bass and I loaded an SJB-3 Quarter Pounder for Jazz into my bridge position. This gives me best of both worlds... nice chimey, trebly highs in the bridge and warm, thick bottom end in the P. Perfect combination.

Pickup features: Humbucking Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: '98 Fender American Standard Precision
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) Mark Hopus (Blink 182)
You musical style(s): Rock, Punk
Reason for pickup change: I liked the sound of it on the Harris signiture Fender, and when a/b'ed to stock P-Bass, the output difference was amazing

Perceived output level: Has the vintage P pickup sound but more define
Tone: It's bassy yet keeps that springy p-bass sound
Sonic evaluation: With the standard Fender through Ampeg SVT II, the QPB adds some kick to an otherwise average rock sound without having to go active. Not that I don't like active, but in a P-Bass, active defeats the simplicity of the P concept. I like the fact that the the pickup still sounds like a P pickup and isn't too over the top. It's great for punk and metal, but not too much for straight ahead rock. HOWEVER if you switch basses alot, be forwarned, the output of this pickup is massive in comparison to a standard P pickup and is hell when switching over to a RIC.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Punk, rock, but had experiences in blues and some jazz

Comments: I've been tempted to buy another one of these pickups incase i were to buy another P-Bass or any bass that has a passive P pickup. The only down side is the lack of retention to fall. I recomend taking the rubber backing off the original pickup. The sound is just what I needed to emphasise the simplicity of the P-Bass. I'm a fan of EMGs but they don't get the sound that you only find in passive pickups with exposed pole pieces. Duncan's been doing alot of great work with larger pole pieces and this pickup is no exception. The way this pickup can cut through is staggering, yet it still sounds like a Fender pickup.

Pickup features: check the rest
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha 4 string fretless old thing
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: <shrug>
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change: Too much buzz in the old ones

Perceived output level: Well, when compared to the stock ones, it is louder, but not by much. Maybe 10%. But I think a lot of it, is these pickups are sitting a lot deeper in the body of the bass.
Tone: I wouldn't call it clear as a bell, but definitely an improvement. Big phat low end though. That I did notice. I think my tone knob is shot cause it never did shit nor does it do anything now.
Sonic evaluation: Crate 15. My amp is cheap and makes the rest sound like crap. Number one rule. Buy a good amp. However I have been running though a PA for a while (Passport 150) and it really sounds good.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It's a good match I would say. Especially if you don't need the clearest of sounds to put through your pedals.

Comments: I would probably put these in another instrument. The no buzzing was a godsend.

Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Mexican P-Bass w/Gotoh bridge, late 1970's P-Bass neck, Thomastick flatwounds
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan Hot Bass
Other pickups on guitar: Nope
Artists using this pickup: No idea
You musical style(s): Blues, rock, folk
Reason for pickup change: Wasn't quite happy with stock or S.D. "Hot" pickups and wanted less noise/hum.

Perceived output level: About 20 percent louder than stock.
Tone: Increased overall range, with more pronounced mids and more punch.
Sonic evaluation: Using a few different small combo amps, mostly Peavey Minx 110 and Microbass (which is a kick-ass little amp, BTW). No effects.
Overall volume increase and increased punch is immediately noticed. Tone is more round and punchy in the classic P-Bass style...lots of body and warmth with a bit of "growl" thrown in, too. Decreased hum is welcome, as well.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I'd think they are fine for any style. Really good for my application, which is mostly playing with one acoustic guitarist in small bars (okay dives, are you happy?!) etc. I do not use a pick.

Comments: Absolutely would get them again. For me, you aren't going to get a better P-Bass sound...they really nailed it and the price is right for such a noticeable improvement. These are much better than the "Hot" SD pickups I tried first, which were a bit undefined and uneven (albeit deep) sounding, IMO.
One continued gripe after installing my 3rd set of SD P-Bass pickups...Don't expect then to supply you with the proper material to boost these pickups up to the proper height. Since they are way more shallow than the stock pickups, you'll need extra foam material to make up the difference. Something dense and springy is needed to really do it properly so expect to have to run out to the hardware store, or rifle through your workshop. I ended up using self-sticking large picture frame pads (about 1/3" thick) on the bottom of the picup cavity, then some scrap foam rubber I had, cut to fit under the pickups. After a couple of tries, I had the proper amount to raise the pickups to the proper height while provoding the right amount of tension.
Don't even bother trying to use the little rubber spacers they supply with the pickups, they are a waste of time, period. If you do try to use them, you'll see what I mean!
Other than that gripe, I rate the pickups very highly. As a bonus, the large pole pieces are neat looking, too.
Tim

Pickup features: humbucking - for P-bass
Impedence or other specs: no idea, don't care

Model of guitar or bass: Samick LB-11
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: Samick
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Steve Harris of Iron Maiden - now has his own Fender signiture model with SD SPB3 Quarter pounders on it.
You musical style(s): Rock, Jazz, pop, a wide range of styles because I play professionaly.
Reason for pickup change: Cheap Samick Bass was purchased used from a pawn shop for $75. for use as a backup instrument. The Bass has a fairly good Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and some kind of natural wood body with black pickgaurde. I like the way the neck feels, has good action, but pick-up was weak sounding and thin. Pick-up replacent was in order: read my review for this bass on Harmony-Centeral.

Perceived output level: Fairly high but very clean
Tone: Phat but tight, classic P-bass with more kick, very punchy, well balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I've been using a SWR workingman 160 head with Carvin 2x10" cabinet great tone. Also have a Gallen-Kruger RB1001 head which I sometime use with Hartkey TP210 cabinet, either combination is excellent. At school I'll use whatever combo amp is there, I've got a Peavey, and Rolland.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock, hard rock, POP, good for these. I also play with a Big band swing group and small combo Jazz dates. Don't think I'll use it for these.

Comments: I've been playing about twenty years have played all types and styles of music. Think I'll be using this Bass for playing with my fourty member school football Pep/Marching Band which I am the asst. director of. Picked the SD SPB3 after reading all the reviews in Bass player magizine for the price it is the sound I was looking for. This can whomp out the phat lows with good tone and clean output. Best passive pick-up I could get without spending a lot more.