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

Passive

Late 2000 Highway One P-Bass.

Used to replace stock pickups.

Old pickups went bad.

These pickups add alot of bass to the sound. The output is alot higher then stock Fender.

These took awhile to install due to the lack of any type of backing. For me, without a backing pad the pickup will fall out of the cover and wont line up right anymore. Another thing I did not like was the pickup looked like it had been thrown together in the factory. There was glue all over the wires and the solder points were not vary good and come off easy. This is easy to fix just by re-doing all of the joints. Lastly the cover had to have one of the pole holes drilled bigger and it did not line up right.

- Passive
- Both block
- Hottest output of their series.

- Squier PBass SP, standard series '98.
- Neck position
- Replaced by stock pickups (weak pickups, muddy sound)
- My current SPB-3 pickup are now working together with a SJB-3B pickup in the bridge position.
- I replaced the stock pickups because they were extremelly weak, has a lot of hiss and a awful muddy sound.

- Very high output level, actually I'm connected to the active input jack of my amp, in the passive input my amp clips like hell!.
- I'm using a BX3000T head, VX115 and VX410 Hartke cabinets, effects: BOSS ME8B, BOSS CEB-3, sansamp clone (BDI behringer) and jim dunlop GCB-100 (wha). Through this setup I'm able to get the whole sound spectrum, without those toys the bass sounds totally outstanding; you can get that "post punk" sound totally natural out of it as well as that trebly sound special for slap touch.
- I'm playing british music of mid - late '80, it matches perfectly for my sound.

- If stolen?, I'll kill the mofo because I'm in Chile (Southamerica) and there's no serious seymour duncan representatives around, I've bought it at ebay.
- I've been playing for around 10 years now, I own a Ibanez SR-400 with active EQ, there's no point of comparission between both basses because those tones, punch and deepness are totally different in both cases.
- I really love those trebly tones and deep bass tones, just like Paul Simonon or Gallup.
- I've also added a leo quan badass bass II bridge (if you're planning to do that kind of upgrade in your bass, you have to include this piece of metal on it, it really delivers a lot of sustain and an extreme clean sound even unplugged).
- I'm totally satisfied with those pickups (SPB-3 and SJB-3B, working together turns a cheap bass into a pro one).
- An advice, add the badass bass II bridge in your bass if you're in the upgrade stuff, it really changes your sound.

Humbucking, passive P-bass style. Pretty straight forward.

A custom Ash-bodied parts P-Bass. I built the bass for my new alternative/emo band, as I needed a more agressive sound than my Fretless Jazz bass! I also heard that alot of bands playing in the same genre use them, especially Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and +44 (as well as Steve Harris of Iron Maiden!)

These are hot pickups, but not as extreme as I had heard (that's a good thing, I've heard of these pickups blowing up amps of those who don't understand the concept of the gain knob). I use it with a BBE bass pre-amp into the effects loop of a SWR workingman's 4004 (then I can blend the two pre-amps), and then out to either an Avatar 2x12, or an Ampeg 6x10. The tone is exactly what I wanted; its VERY bright. There is a very hollow sort of grind, with excellent agressive treble. The bottom end is very clear and clean, while the mids are actually a bit subdued. I usually crank the mids, but I haven't found that this PU likes that; there is plenty of natural upper-mids to cut through two Marshall stacks, so pumping up that defined bottom end sounds great. This pickup is great for what I wanted it for; cutting, agressive punk and emo styles (I don't use a pick, so it was important for me to get a strong attack, even with my fingers). This pickups is NOT vintage; rolling off the treble makes it a little more vintage-y, and I can even get some good classic P-sounds (like you would hear in an Elvis Costello or Blondie record), but certainly not vintage, or motown at all. If you're looking for a dub-style, reggae tone, look elsewhere.

These are great pickups, they just aren't terribly versatile. Thats ok if that's what you need, but I wouldn't be bringing this bass to any jazz or pop gigs anytime soon. The pickup height is a little hard to adjust with the given foam; I ended up stealing the much denser foam off the bottom of a pair of Jazz pickups I had laying around. They are also quiet, natural for a humbucking design. I also play a custom bartolini J-Bass loaded active bass, as well as my fretless Fender Jazz, and this bass is much more suitable for straight ahead, ballsy rock tones.

Single coil or humbucking? Split coil P-Bass
Active or passive? Passive

What model guitar or bass did you install this in? ESP B-50 (P&J)
What position is it in? P
What pickup are you replacing? Stock - whatever cheapo ESP stuck in it.
Other pickups installed on the instrument? Duncan SJB-3, Jazz 1/4 #r.
Any artists using this pickup? Yes.
Reason for changing the pickup? Upgrade from Stock p.o.s.

Output - Moderate, according to the Duncan tone chart. Definately louder than the stock pup it replaced, but volume was not the reason for the swap.

What amps and effects are you using it with? - So far...only a Behringer Ultrabass BX1200 practice amp. See Overall Rating.

Tone - Very balanced and articulate. Not a lot on the high end compared to the Jazz pup in the bridge of course, but that's the beauty of the P&J blend option. When paired with the SJB-3, these two are as close to subjective perfection as I care to imagine...and I'm yet to explore the realm of possibilities they have to offer.

Anything else you'd like to share? - As I mentioned above, I've really only tried this pickup through a less than perfect amplifier with what I thought was a blown speaker. With the stock pup, the speaker would do a rattle-n-fart at mid to high levels. With this one the obnoxious noises are virtually non-existent, obviously due to the overall clarity of the pickup itself. You don't have to be a Tech to understand why I thought this was an acid test worthy of praise.

The guitar I installed this pickup in is not pretty. In fact, it's sublimely hideous but the neck is staight and fast, the action is near perfect and it intonates very well. I've upgraded and star-grounded the electronics, sheilded the cavities and set it up fast and clean. It reminds me of some of the old street cars we used to build when I was a kid. We'd take our fastest drivetrain and drop it in a beast, then go drag for pinks. Took home a few nice paint jobs that way. I'd put this bass up against most of those available today with much higher price tags, and come home with the rent. Undoubtably due in part to this outstanding pickup.

I've recently added bass as an instrument I play semi-professionally. I've played guitar on and off for 25 years and Seymour Duncan has been my choice ever since I was able to tell the difference one pickup made over another. I've played Dimarzio's, EMG's, Gibson and so on. They all have their highlights but in my experience, Seymour Duncan has delivered on every product I've ever tried. If you take the time to figure out what you want in a pickup, Seymour Duncan has it.



I've got a new stage rig on it's way, but I don't think an update will be necessary. I'm sold.

Humbucking passive P bass pup
12.5k

Ibanez GSR 200
Middle
Stock
Stock J pup in bridge
Don't know or care
Needed more output

Hotter than hell
Crate BT100 (main) Drive 20 (bedroom)
Balanced with crushing mids and lows
Classic rock, 80's metal

I love the SPB-3. Turned my low end Ibanez into a monster. I highly recommend this pickup to anyone wanting to upgrade for more power and a modern tone. This is better than the DiMarzio P and I like DiMarzios. Makes any bass sound great. Tons of balls and well defined with no appreciable mud. Get this!

Pickup features: Hum Cancelling
Impedence or other specs: Hotter Than Hell - Louder F*ck - Clear and Kicks Maximum Ass

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Standard P-bass 1995
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: Stock Fender
Other pickups on guitar: No
Artists using this pickup: Don't care
You musical style(s): Rock, Classic Rock, Blues
Reason for pickup change: I was very hesitant at first but had heard that the SPB-3 Quarter-Pound for P-Bass was a great choice to widen the frequency response, add more punch and attack, add more bottom end growl, oh yea!

Perceived output level: Loudest I have ever heard period. You'll swear its active but its not.
Tone: Deep and Wide, very balanced with noticably more clarity throughout the frequency range
Sonic evaluation: My P Bass is always strung with Dean Markley Blue Nickel or Blue Steel strings and runs through my rig that consists of a Peavey MAX 700 (750 watts) with both a 2x15 and 2x12 custom made birch 13 ply cabs with Eminence LF Pro drivers.
The Bass runs through a Rane 31 band graphic Eq to DBX compressor gate limiter then to a Presonus TubePre Tube Pre-amp with a vintage 68 RCA 5751 command tube and finally
into a Fulltone Bass Drive. All of this is run through the effects loop and is completely by-passable except the tube preamp which stays on all of the time. I do not use all of these items all of the time, sometimes it just the preamp, bass and amp. For large/outside venues I have another 2-12 with a supplemental 600 watt power amp.
I own a new Fender Jazz, Fender Standard 1995 P bass, 1974 Gibson Ripper, and an Ibanez SRX-300 basses.
The Fender Standard P-Bass has become my favorite because of the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter-Pounder that is installed.
When the bass was stock it sounded better than most all of the American P-bass and American Deluxe that I?ve previously owned and played. I was very hesitant at first and did not want to change the pickup because I felt very lucky to find a keeper with this bass. Now that the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 is installed, the whole world has changed.

The SPB-3 Quarter-Pound provides massive amounts of crystal clear solid bottom tone that is not muddy or hallow. Lots of low end growl that sounds like an angry beast. I?m not really sure how to describe the enhanced bass frequencies to you but the bottom end has an absolute extreme punch to it, not like mid or treble punch but more like a clear aggressive attack and presence. You?ll really have to hear it to understand. I like it, I love it.
The mids are extremely wide compared to stock with lots of added punch there if you need it, if not just dial it out with your eq for a more conventional ?v? eq setting. The high end has lots of crack to it without being tinny or unnatural sounding. The high end is nice and tight and not thin. The pickup is well balanced and with proper eq settings on both the bass and the amp, the world is yours. It is indeed versatile and will open up your options and playing. There is a night and day difference when comparing stock to the SPB-3 Quarter-Pounder. The SPB-3 has an extremely wide pallet of sound and it is all loud and clear.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I use this bass for everything, Rock of all types, grunge, metal, new and old, blues and even soft blues and soft pop type ballads. When the hammer is cocked for Rock n Roll, stand the f**k back. When the trigger is pulled, this gun fires off a salvo that will blow your damned head off !

Comments: If it were stolen, I'd replace it, if it were stolen I'll track the thief down and he'll need medical attention.
I like this pick up in every respect. I have yet to find any gripes.
I keep finding things that I like. The more I use it, the more I like it. The more I tweak the bass and my rig, the more I realize how great this pickup truly is. I've got 25 years of music and gear experience. I consider myself not to be an expert but just experienced and very much up to speed.
I've used and played Fender and Gibson gear as well as many makes and models of basses and pcikup combonations like EMG, DiMarzio and others. I have to say that Seymor Duncan delivers more than any other, you can belive the advertising and the specs. They are honest with thier claims.
I think that the SPB-3 is well suited for most styles of music, you simply have to turn the knobs and adjust your gain to tweak and soften or dime the knobs and let the monster attack. For Rock and Roll, you?ll never find a better pickup for P bass. When is the last time you ever had a product that delivers 100% of what the manufacture claims? This is one of those products. I rarely would even consider giving any product a mark of "10". This is a no brainer and an absolute 10.

Pickup features: Passive, humcancelling
Impedence or other specs: :S i only managed to just pass electronics in school....

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Precision Bass (Fretless)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Japanese
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Alot of bass players, specifically rock/punk players.
You musical style(s): Mostly rock, jazz, blues.
Reason for pickup change: Old pickup was muddy with low output. I had the pickup installed when a professional luthier defretted my bass. I knew that a fretless pbass with flatwounds and the stock pickup would be very undefined, so i wanted a pickup that would be high output, lots of treble and high mids.

Perceived output level: Hot, very hot. Uber hot compared to the stock.
Tone: Very wide pallet. With tone cranked to full on the bass, very trebly. Standard p bass tone, but more expanded.
Sonic evaluation: I have 2 basses at the moment. Fender US Dlx Pbass V and a Fender Precision bass fretless. I run these babies through an Ashdown ABM500 (575watt hybrid amp) into a 4x10.
Due to the output of the Quarter Pounder, it really drives the preamp tube in my amp. With my fretted pbass, you need to put the input gain of the amp to about 4 o clock to get some nice bass overdrive. You get the same tone with the Quarterpounder at 12 o clock. If u turn the input gain up to full, the overdrive turns into all out tube fuzz. Very creamy :D
However, if i dont want overdrive, i turn the tube off. Best of both worlds :)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: very good for rock, tone rolled off a bit is best. Tone up is gr8 for pick work.

Comments: Very satisfied. Loud, clean tone when running through a transistor preamp. Very warm and creamy wen running into a tube preamp. It's suitable for pretty much any style, a bit trebly with the tone up full, so i roll it off a bit. Only muddy with the tone back all the way back. Im very satisfied with the sound. I dont see how people say that you can't play anything but rock with this pickup just because alot of rock bassists use it. If i roll back the tone a bit, and play up the neck, i get a very very double bass tone. I use the bass with the quarter pounder in for all my jazz and blues work due to the lush tone i get. It's a pain sometimes due to its very high output cause it has caused some PA systems that ive DI'd thru to distort like hell. Thats the only real prob with it. Apart from that, i love the tone i get running straight into my amp. I'd definately consider getting another if it were stolen, but the high output makes it a pain with some gear. Ill give it a 9 cause despite the fact it sometimes distorts stuff, the tone that i get with my rig is so sweet and creamy.

Pickup features: split single coil passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Peavey Unity Series Dynabass
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock Peavey Precision Pup
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan SJB-3 Quarter Pound Jazz Pickup
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock, pop, blues
Reason for pickup change: bigger tone, hotter output

Perceived output level: significantly louder than stock p up.
Tone: deep clear bottom, grinding highs
Sonic evaluation: I run this bass through a Mesa Buster Bass tube head. The difference in tone from the stock pups to the Duncans is like night and day. Huge output, and a wide bandwidth of tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this pickup is right on the money for a deep grinding rock tone. Great!

Comments:

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs: 12.5k Ohm

Model of guitar or bass: TangleWood Rebel
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Standard Korean Piece of c**p
Other pickups on guitar: Standard J-style (Disconected - tone sapping)
Artists using this pickup: Steve Harris - Iron Maiden
You musical style(s): Classic/Prog/Melodic/Blues Rock
Reason for pickup change: The standard pick-up just wasn't up to the job

Perceived output level: This is probably the highest output pick-up I've every tried. A friend borrowed my bass, pluged it into his amp at the same settings he uses with his own bass and his amp blew - This may be a good thing or a bad thing. This pick-up will really drive those pre-amp tubes!!!
Tone: Sweeeeeet. Smooth and bassy with a creamy mid. Not that trebly but if you wanted trebly you'd have a J-style, wudn't you!
Sonic evaluation: Tanglewood Reble -> Phaser -> Chorus -> -> Overdrive -> Limiter/compressor(on amp) -> Peavey Mark VI XP Head -> Laney 4*10" cab

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play all kinds of blues/rock/metal.. everything from Peter Green's Fleetwood MAc to Slipknot and everything in between and this pick-up suits me just fine. It has a massive frequency responce so all the sound is there to be filtered by my amps graphic EQ. This makes this a very versitile pick-up - perfect for anyone like me who just can't make up their mind. This gives an all round good tone. Probably isn't the best for funk/slap players but I hate those guys anyway.

Comments: I would buy this again if it was stolen(even though I've never heard of anyone steel a pick-up off a guitar!!). I've been playing for 6 years and I'm happy with the many many sounds that this pick-up can give me. I've tried to emulate 'my sound' with many other pick-ups on the market but nothing has come close.
The only thing I can find wrong with it is the price I paid. It's so much cheaper on the net. But thats what I get for living in Ireland. Thats the only reason I havent given these pick-ups a ten.

Pickup features: Humbucker, Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Precision
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Myself, mark hoppus(blink 182) steve harris(iron maiden) and the ex bassist from queens of the stone age
You musical style(s): Punk Rock
Reason for pickup change: I felt that the stock pickup wasnt giving me the power that I needed. I had bought some SPB2's and put them into another one of my fender precisions and it sounded good but still not what I wanted. I read a lot of reviews on here and I decided to purchase the quarter pounder

Perceived output level: Warm
Tone: Bassy but a lot of mid and high
Sonic evaluation: Fender precision bass going through a trace elliot ah300-7 into a trace elliot 4x10.i got many other bases but this is my fav

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Punk - Green day etc i think this pick up is really good for this type of music its warm but has that punchy feel at the same time

Comments: If it was stolen I would buy it again as its such a kool sound.i been playing for 3 years and i got 7-8 other fender and squire basses.i am happy with the sound that i am now using from this pickup.Anything else I would like to share is that this pickup is cool

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.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: Bah! I don't need no stinking numbers!

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Precision Bass Active
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Fender P-Bass Pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound for Jazz Bass
Artists using this pickup: Me
You musical style(s): Rock, Emo-core, Progressive Rock
Reason for pickup change: Original preamp for bass had been butchered by the previous owner and the output of the bass just wasn't quite where I wanted it... I pulled this pickup from the Yamaha in which I'd originally installed it and found a MUCH better home.

Perceived output level: Damned hot... the loudest passive out there.
Tone: Warm, full, rich, solid, substantial, heavy, wonderfully thick and resounding. Bass and mids are covered, highs are not the strong point... but part of that is the location.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a GK800rb (preamp out to a dbx rack compressor and a bbe sonic maximizer) into a Bag End S-15 Deep cabinet. It's a bangin' setup and I have to say that the pickup does contribute... definitely a lot of boom to it.
Having had this same pickup in a different bass originally, I can say that it does better in a better constructed bass. The Yamaha is a cheaper model and the pickup definitely made a difference, but the Fender is made of much better wood. This pickup really lets that be known.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock, Emo-core, Progressive Rock

Comments: If you don't want to go active, but want some real kick to your sound, this is your baby. They're worth the money.
I put off buying this pickup for a long time 'cos I was told it was a loud pickup that tended to distort. They lied. This is a loud pickup that, unlike most pickups, just happens to still sound good when you turn it down. Duncan really hit it on this one.
I bought a second one of these on eBay without have a bass into which I can put it. When I bought the Jazz version, I bought a set... you betcha.... it's that good.
The one downside to this pickup is that if you've got another pickup in the bass, you'll probably have to change it: the Quarter Pounder is louder than other passive pickups and when you try to run it in parallel with the common jazz pickup, the volume drops to the level of the jazz or lower. This was a problem with the original Fender I left in and with the Lace Sensor I replaced it with. At first I thought it to be a polarity issue: nope.
All problems were solved when I put in the QP for Jazz... they are meant to work together. Where the P has the boom and warmth, the jazz has the highs and adds punch. Of the two, the P gives about 70%-80% of the real sound. The J is an accent, but it really does help a great deal.

Pickup features: Split Humbucking Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Japanese Fender P-Bass
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: Standard issue Japanese p/u
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Me and lots others
You musical style(s): Rock, Prog Rock, etc.
Reason for pickup change: I bought this Japanese Fender P-Bass to replace a much more expensive P-Bass Lyte that was stolen. I could tell that the instrument was good by how it sounded unplugged, but when I plugged it in, the electronics were really bad. I knew some other players who raved about the SD QP so I decided to try it. Knowing that the tone and volume pots were cheap and bad, I by-passed them entirely, wiring the output of the p/u straight to the output jack. I LOVE this setup!

Perceived output level: A bit louder but not as hot as active p/us
Tone: Absolutely sweet, even across the spectrum, harmonics sing, low notes loosten bowels.
Sonic evaluation: These p/u's made a cheap, crappy bass sound pro. I run it through an SWR Studio 220 into a Gauss 2x10. It slams!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock, prog rock, alt rock... I'd use this p/u for any style... good is good!

Comments: I'd gladly get the same set-up again! In fact, I'm considering swapping the Bartolini's in my Jazz Bass with SD QP's.

Pickup features: a standard p. bass pickup 2 dominos 4 poles per dominos wired together.
Impedence or other specs: passive humbucker

Model of guitar or bass: a ash body on with a warmoth jazz neck,rosewood fretboard.
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: all part p.bass
Other pickups on guitar: NA
Artists using this pickup: Steve Harris of Iron Madien
You musical style(s): classic rock,r&b,blues
Reason for pickup change: the pickup route was so far off the neck and bridge that not 1 dam string lined up.The G is right in the middle of the 2 pole possion so it was not even amplfied!

Perceived output level: any thing had to be better.I love there hot p.bass pickups.
Tone: warm as a summer day in the 90's.smooth as a cold beer on that summer day.
Sonic evaluation: a 100 watt tube head from the 70's,with a 4-12 ev loaded cab.with flat wound strings and a badass 2 bridge.I have been useing duncans for years see my review for there hot p.bass pickups.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: classic rock,r&b,blues

Comments: I got the guitar for $25.00,I chosse the duncans because I thought that with those huge poles on them that the pickups might line up under the strings better.after I put the pickups in,added the badass bridge and put on flatwounds.I got the shock off my life.I hoped that maybe It would liven up, it did but with those flat wound and rose wood fretboard
I ended up with the warmest bass I have ever owned!It is very close to that orgional 62 precision I've longed to own but could never afford.I was stuned,people keep asking to use it to record with.There is no way in hell or on earth. I will every be able to get a fluke thing like this to duplicated it self again.I love duncans they can really make shit turn into gold!