The iconic Precision bass has served as the blueprint for countless manufacturers since it was first introduced by Fender in 1951, and for good reason. But no matter who built your P-style axe, dropping in a new pickup like the 10 we’ve rounded up is a pain-free and effective mod for brewing vintage tones.
SPB-1 Vintage These pickups feature handground alnico 5 rod magnets and a vintage coil wind to aid in producing the smooth tone of a late-’50s Precision. $75 street
NP4V Vintage Available with alnico 3 or 5 magnets, these vintage-correct versions of the company’s P4 design have a lower magnet load for a softer, smoother, and warmer output. $123 street nordstrandaudio.com
’58 Split Coil P Scatter wound by hand with 42AWG plain enamel wire, these alnico 5 pickups offer a tone reminiscent of later-’50s Ps, with strong bass, controlled highs, and slightly scooped mids. $115 street bareknucklepickups.co.uk
P-Bass 57’ Experience These period-correct pickup clones are handwound using select materials, including tuned, non-staggered alnico magnets and era-correct wire of the right gauge and type. $130 street arcaneinc.com
Vintage P Bass Using alnico 5 magnets, 42-gauge copper wire, and the company’s “tonal enhancement,” these pickups were designed to maintain the output, presence, and deep sound of the originals. $138 street riograndepickups.com
P-Bass Replacements These alnico 5 pickups are handwound to vintage specifications for fat, round, and punchy classic sound, yet are designed to offer modern power. $140 street
AG 4P-60 Using the company president’s personal ’63 and ’64 Precisions as a study guide, these pickups employ all-period-correct parts to deliver the ideal amount of midrange and deep support. $109 street
P-46 Developed by Bill Lawrence, these pickups come standard with four conductor wires and feature his multi-pole-piece system, which will accommodate 4-,5-, and 6-string basses. $60 street wildepickups.com
8SU Cast in epoxy to remove unwanted feedback and microphonics, these P-style replacement pickups are voiced to deliver deep tones with plenty of lows and low-mids. $124 street
GZR-P Developed with Geezer Butler to deliver the bassist’s early Black Sabbath tone, these solderless pickups employ alnico 5 pole pieces and custom-wound coils for punch and grit. $109 street