Tools for the Task: Vintage

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 VintageThese 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

seymourduncan.com

NP4V VintageAvailable 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 streetnordstrandaudio.com

’58 Split Coil PScatter 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 streetbareknucklepickups.co.uk

P-Bass 57’ ExperienceThese 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 streetarcaneinc.com

Vintage P BassUsing 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 streetriograndepickups.com

P-Bass ReplacementsThese alnico 5 pickups are handwound to vintage specifications for fat, round, and punchy classic sound, yet are designed to offer modern power.$140 street

fralinpickups.com

AG 4P-60Using 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

aguilaramp.com

P-46Developed 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 streetwildepickups.com

8SUCast 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

bartolini.net

GZR-PDeveloped 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

emgpickups.com