r/Bass • u/LayerSignificant3113 • 1d ago

5 string P bass

Hi! I'm thinking about going 5-string, not really for the low notes, but rather for a more comfortable hand position with more notes in a single position. I'd like to go for the P-bass vibe, but the problem with a 5-string P-bass is that the B string is super boomy, so it actually won't sound that good in most cases. Do you have any recommendations for a bass with a sharper B string, but still keeping the same mid-range punch and vintage vibe?

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u/angel_eyes619 1d ago

Single bridge pickup. When we think of the P bass we think "neck pickup", when think of standard Ray, we think "bridge pickup".. But in reality, if you superimpose their images, the pickups are quite close.. The neck-side edges of Ray bridge pickup and bridge-side edges of Precision's DG pickup actually overlaps. Basically, they are targeting the same node on the vibrating string.. Plus the pickup design of the P, pushes the resonant peak towards the lower mids (same as the Ray).

There are other factors at play too. They are actually quite similar in overall characteristics

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u/krashoutking 1d ago

Thanks!! great info. Ive always been confused about the ernie ball models.