20 Best Bass Guitar Pickup Reviews 2022

Best Bass Guitar Pickups

Best Bass Guitar Pickups

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What are bass guitar pickups? Bass pickups are the main components of the entire instrument that produce sound with the help of an amplifier. The magnetic field helps it to capture the string vibration and then this magnetic field transforms the vibrations into electric current.

What is the Best Bass Guitar Pickup to Buy?

2) Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup

  • Used for Precision Bass
  • Full, Rich & Punchy Sound
  • High End Tone with Clarity

1) Fender Custom Shop '62 P Bass Pickups

  • Flush-mount Alnico 5 Magnets
  • Rich, Booming Lows, & High End of Bass
  • Mounting Hardware Included

3) Kmise Black 4 String Electric
Pickup 

  • Warm & Sweet Tones to Rock & Roll Punch
  • 4 Conductor Hookup Cable

There are three basic types of pickups which are as follows:

  • MAGNETIC PICKUP

This is the most common type of pickup amongst the three types of pickups. These function by capturing the magnetic field and converting them into voltage.

  • OPTICAL PICKUP

This type of pickup is one of the newest innovations these days. It functioned by using infrared lights. These pickups are not very popular and used by musicians. They have a broader range along with immunity to noise. The main difference is it sees the strings vibration rather than sense. Once the vibration is seen, it converts light into electric current.

  • PIEZO BRIDGE

These types of pickups have a greater sound effect that could change or enhance the quality of sound. They do not sense the vibration rather than sense the changes which are produced by the strings.

There are two typical design types of pickups such as;

  • SPLIT COIL

This is the common design type that is found on almost every Precision bass. They are named as “HUMBUCKER”. Their sound is notable which gives the effect of the presence of sound. Sound can be bouncy at times.

  • SINGLE COIL

This type of pickup design is generally used by the majority of the modern basses. This is one of the preferred coils by the musicians these days. The reason behind this is due to the sound produced is much clearer, smoother and right in line as compared to split coil. This pickup can also be used for high pitch sound effects. A single-coil can be paired together at times with a split-coil to explore a new pattern and give new interesting sound effects. This type of pickup is mostly used by the Jazz bass whereas compared to the split-coil which is mostly used by Precision bass.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Bass Guitar Pickups in the online market;

20 Best Bass Guitar Pickup Reviews

1) Fender Custom Shop 62 P Bass Pickups

The fender custom shop has presented this beautifully designed and developed instrument that represents the 1960s era. Although its design is close to vintage precision basses, however, some modern modifications have been made to compete in the market without compromising on quality.

This is a Precision bass split-coil pickup. It is equipped with flush-mount Alnico 5 magnets and the magnet is enamel coated and output wires are cloth-covered. This instrument is an all-rounder as it delivers best slow soft low tunes, well-balanced midranges and banging high pitch tunes. This instrument weighs about 8 ounces and is only available in black color. It is easy to install and does not require high maintenance. The DC resistance of this instrument is 10.5k and inductance 5.9 Henries.

This package includes all the mount in hardware such as brass backing plate, lacquer wire, black covers, mounting screws, and push back cloth wire and user guide. This instrument can be easily shipped as the shipping weight of this instrument is only 8.8 ounces. This precision bass pickup will make your experience worth every penny spent on it as it delivers the best jazz tunes. The tone compared to other pickups is incredible of this instrument.

2) Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup

This bass pickup is generally used for Precision bass. Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound is the most commonly used instrument by the musicians of the time. The reason behind this is it gives maximum output with an extended range. The magnetic field is extended by large quarter-inch wide pole pieces that balance the frequency from low to high ends.

Its function best in midrange rather than low range or high range. It is designed in such a way that it balances the magnets with coils for better sound. This instrument is available in black color only. It weighs about 8 ounces and its dimensions are 7.1×3.5×1.6 inches.

This instrument can be easily installed and does not require high maintenance. It is one of the competent instrument and can be worthy of replacing an old instrument. It also can be used for high range with the combination of other instruments which can produce a high-quality tone with clarity. This instrument also comes with a one year warranty and the package includes all the necessary elements required for its installation and functioning.

3) Kmise Black 4 String Electric Pickup (A0496)

This is one of the most popular humbuckers of modern times. This Bass Pickup is an all-rounder because it produces high aggressive harmonics while retaining the sound quality as well as a well-balanced blend of sustain and distortion. They do not have a vintage tone so they cannot be used for jazz bass. Installation of these pickups is a bit complicated. Although they cannot be used for jazz bass, they still have a clear low tone. These pickups are covered in black plastic covers for better protection. This pickup can be worth replacing old and traditional pickups. It comes with a four-conductor hookup cable. This pickup weighs 4 ounces and it is available only in black color.

The product dimensions are 6×2.7×1.3 inches. This package includes all kinds of hardware required for installation and functioning of the pickup along with a 1xP Bass Pickup Set (Bridge and Neck positions). D.C's resistance of this pickup is 8.2k. It can also be used with 250K pots to smooth down the high tones. This pickup comes with a one year warranty by the manufacturer.

4) Fender Custom Shop 60’S Jazz Bass Pickup

This instrument reminds us of the 60s era, an era of midrange sound, soft and melodious music. This new pickup has been designed like vintage 60s pickups but is well designed with modern techniques to give more punch with quality and clarity. This instrument works well in mid-range sound. It uses Alnico 5 magnets and formvar magnet wire. This can be considered as a classic single coil. This instrument weighs 9.6 ounces and its dimensions are 11.4×7.5×3.5 inches. It is only available in black color and it is sold in pairs.

The package includes all the necessary elements for its installation and functioning. Elements that are found in the package are neck and bridge with 2 black covers, 8 mounting screws and 2 shielding plates. This instrument comes with a one year warranty. These pickups deliver the full range of 60s sound. These instruments are noiseless at the same time. They are easy to install and does not require high maintenance. The best feature is that they deliver the right amount of balanced tone like the 60s era. It does not function properly on high pitch sound and produces a growling sound that is annoying and ruins the tune.

5) EMG Geezer Butler PJ Bass Guitar Pickup Set

EMG has developed these pickup sets in collaboration with the artist Geezer Butler. To give EMG instruments a new design with improvement, they together created these signature pickups. This pickup set uses Alnico V pole pieces with wound coils to give a perfect sound effect. It also used Alnico 5 poles with two custom made wound coils that help in eliminating hum and noise.

Not only this, but this signature design also helps in increasing the volume and power of sound. This pickup weighs about 9.6 ounces. It has a black 8x5x2 inches body. The package includes some amazing stuff as well such as an output cable, pickup cables, 1250k tone pot, 2250k volume pot, bridge ground connector, mono output jack, 8 pairs of mounting screws and bridge ground wire.

The installing system of this pickup is quite easy and hassle-free. It provides a perfect balance of Jazz and Precision. The tunes like IRON MAN, WAR PIGS, and PARANOID that relates to the 1970s era can be completely relatable through this product. This product can be easily shipped as the shipping weight of this product as a package is 13.6 ounces.

6) EMG Geezer Butler P Bass Guitar Pickup Set

EMG in collaboration with a popular artist Geezer Butler to develop two amazing pickups GZR-P and GZR-PJ which are signature pickups and have been used by renowned musicians of modern days. Models P and PJ are designed with modern touches with a vintage style. This pickup uses Alnico V pole pieces with wound coils which help in getting the right tune with perfect a perfect bang. This is a low noise pickup and allows a high pitch of sound with an increase in volume with ease.

Geezer has stated that he has never been so comfortable giving his name to any other pickups but these pickups have blown him away. This pickup helps in creating the sounds of death and destruction themes such as IRON MAN, PARANOID, etc. This product weighs about 12 ounces with 4 strings. It is black 8x5x2 inches pickup. It comes with a complete package that includes some other important tools such as output cables, connecting cables, bridge ground wire, bridge ground connector, 1250k volume pot, 1250 tone pot, mono output jack and 2 pairs of mounting screws.

7) Seymour Duncan SMB-4A Alnico Music Man Pickup

This is a four-string pickup that sounds like 70s string rays. It gives a more organic and natural feel to the tone. Seymour Duncan developed this instrument to revive the warmth of the original vintages. This pickup consists of Alnico V Magnets. Seymour Duncan SMB-4A instrument is not for use in combination with music man basses that have a 3-way blade switch. The tone of this instrument is excellent and can be used for fun projects as well as it can also produce funky tunes as well.

This is a complete replacement of Music man which uses oversized alnico 5-rod magnets, forbon flatwork and 4 conductor lead wire whereas modern upgrading of this instrument does not require all this. This amazing instrument weighs about 0.96 ounces. It is only available in black color. The dimensions of this product are 7.1×3.5×1.6 inches and the shipping weight of this instrument is 6.4 ounces so it can be easily shipped as well.

Moreover, it can be easily installed and does not require high and complex maintenance. This product comes with a 1-year warranty as well as the package includes all the necessary elements required for its installation and functioning.

8) Di Marzio DP 122BK Model P Bass Pickup

This bass pickup can be one of the exciting and new additions along with a good replacement with your traditional and old instruments. This pickup brings back a punching life and sound to Fender and Precision basses. It produces a solid sound with a well-balanced base. It is not very suitable for low tones as it produces a growling sound if the bass is pushed too hard. This product is mostly used in combination with Di Marzio Model J or Ultra Jazz to achieve a mid-range tone without causing a growling effect. This combination will create a warm, bright and clear tone.

The product weighs about 0.48 ounces. It is easily available in two colors, white and black. The dimensions of this product are 1.1×0.7×2.6 inches. The product not only comes with necessary screws and strings for attachments whereas other important tools are also included in the package. This instrument is very easy to install and easily fixed if a problem arises. The best feature of this instrument is its amazing tone quality that is unbeatable.

9) Di Marzio DP 149 Ultra Jazz Bass Pickup Set

This ultra jazz pickup has been designed to fit the best jazz bass with neck and bridge pickup cavities of two different sizes. This ultra jazz bass pickup consists of two pickups that are of different lengths. They can produced a very deep and focused sound. It is generally used for traditional jazz sounds that are mid-range and deep tones. These pickups are very easy to play although they look like traditional jazz bass pickups. This bass pickup weighs about 0.48 ounces. It comes in two colors, black and cream with dimensions 2.3×4.2×2.3 inches. It is very easy to install.

The size of the neck pickup is 3.60 lengths and 0.74 widths. The size of the bridge pickup is 3.735 length and 0.74 widths. These two pickups can be separately purchased with ease as per need. The package only includes the pickups with screws and springs whereas other important tools related to this pickup have to be purchased separately. This pickup can be one of the best pickups for jazz lovers who are tired of playing traditional jazz instruments. The best part of this pickup is it can be used best for harmonic tunes although it might sometimes cause problems for creating low tunes.

10) Set of Pickups Bridge and Neck (A67, B62)

This is a traditional jazz bass pickup with standard sound quality. Although they do not fit the late 90s and early 2000s Fender Mexican jazz which used to have two pickups because the size of these pickups is different from them. The neck pickup is smaller than the bridge pickup. These are passive pickups. The magnets Alnico are ceramic. These pickups are best for low and mid ranges and not suitable for high ranges. This instrument is a little noisier than other squire pickups. These can only be used for jazz bass. Their functionality is of traditional standard and no modern innovations have been made in this.

Therefore, they have to be combined with other instruments for better sound quality and creations of tunes. This resistance of this instrument is approximately 7.30k neck, and 7.00k bridge. This can be only be used for jazz bass style or squire guitars. The length of the neck pickup is 3-5/8’long and the length of the bridge pickup is 3-3/4’ long. This item comes with all the hardware that is required for the installation and functioning of the instrument. It is available in black color only.

11) EMG JVX Bass Pickup Set

EMG JVX is a set of two pickups that are made up of by mixing up the ideas of new, old and latest model designs. It is developed to a classical tone and Jazz bass. It also has the feature of immunity to noise. These pickups are well renowned for mixing up the active and passive voices by providing clarity in a tone which is one of the best features of EMGs bass pickups and EMGs are well renowned for this in the market. It provides an increased headroom for an organic tone while maintaining clarity.

This item weighs about 13.8 ounces. It has a black 4.8×2.2×6.8 inches body. The package includes all the important items which are necessary for the installation and functioning of an instrument such as a split shaft volume /tone control set, solder less install system, battery clip set, springs and screws for attaching the bits and pieces. The installing system of this pickup is quite easy and hassle-free. This is one of the finest pickups that one can consider worth replacing their old pickups with. It is mostly known for its classical tone while maintaining the faded attack system from the offset poles.

12) BQLZR Noiseless Good Balance Pickup

The main reason for the popularity of this pickup is that it is noiseless without compromising the sound quality. The pole of this pickup is made up of steel with plastic bobbins and plastic cover. The cable is 4 conduct with a shield. The magnetic field is ceramic based on this pickup. The powerful signals feature of this pickup make it stand above all the other pickups. It can be worth replacing old and traditional pickups. It is an all-rounder pickup that has amazing sound quality and clarity on low, mid and high ranges.

This pickup weighs 8 ounces. The product dimensions are 3.4×1.8×0.7 inches. The warranty covers only parts of this pickup and not the entire instrument. It is easy to install with an easy maintenance system. The package includes screws, cable wires and other hardware that is needed for the installation and functioning of this pickup. Metal stringed instruments can be easily paired with this pickup because it has a good magnetic field. The switch of this pickup is 3 way for parallel/single-coil/ series choices can be attached easily without any hassle.

13) Lace SAB Ultra Slim Acoustic Bass Pickup

This ultra-modern and slim bass pickup is only 5/16th in height. This is designed as per modern technologies that use a lace sensor. The slim structure allows 4 to 5 string bass guitars. The simple structure allows the strings to be attached just by sliding the pickup under the string. No cutting or routing is required. It is noiseless and has humbucking features as well. The new design of this ultra-slim bass pickup includes lace sensor micro matrix comb bobbins and triple ceramic 8 magnets. The sensors can be placed easily mounted with wood screws or a mar-resistant 3M adhesive tape. The resistance of this instrument is 15.5k and 19.0k whereas peak frequency is 1800.

The best feature of this Lace SAB ultra-slim acoustic bass pickup is it does not require any batteries. The USAB includes a female endpin jack and good quality cable. This instrument weighs about 4.8 ounces. It is available in matte black color only. The product dimensions are 4.5×4.5×1.5 inches. Hardware required for installation and functioning of this instrument is included in the package. This instrument is easy to ship as its shipping weight is only 4.8 ounces.

14) Bartolini 8S Precision P-Bass Pickup

This pickup is a replacement Precision bass replacement pickup. These pickups are highly recommended by the musicians of all time because of their deep tone. It is based on a single-coil configuration with a ceramic bar magnet. These pickups are designed in such a way to testify the full capability of electric guitars and basses. Every pickup has been tested and assembled with hand with high-quality material. The microphonics, wave response and hum level of this pickup are simply amazing. It consists of 4 strings with a single coil.

The product weighs 5.6 ounces. It comes in black color only. It can be easily shipped as well because the shipping weight of this pickup is only 5.6 ounces. It is very easy to install. Bartolini all products come with one year warranty. Dimensions of this pickup are 2.20’L x1/08’w (55.75mmlx 27.43mmw). The spacing of the screw hole is 2.40’ (60.83mm). The package includes all the hardware needed for the installation and functioning of the pickup. These pickups have clear wires and are based on one conductor. The sound quality is simply clear and gives a vintage touch to the tone without compromising on the quality of the sound.

15) Nordstrand Big Split 5 String Bass Pickup Set

The big split is split-coil Precision Bass pickup. It gives a full tone with high pitch without hum in the background which other pickups do in some cases when they produce a high pitch tune. This product is equipped with the magnet layout the same as other single big coils. This pickup is one of the best pickup set for Jazz bass producing a high-end tone. These pickups are an amazing alternative for Bartolini P2. It has a string spacing of 19mm. this is a five-string set that included neck and bridge pickup. A black cover is also included with it.

This item weighs about 11.2 ounces. It is only available in black color. It is easy to install. The product dimensions are 4x4x2 inches. It can be shipped easily because the shipment weight of this Norstrand big split is only 11.2 ounces. The best feature of this instrument is that it is an all-rounder instrument. It blooms its lows and punches its high tunes. The clarity of sound is quite remarkable. It is a noiseless instrument and does not require hard efforts for maintenance. The package included mounting hardware as well.

16) Di Marzio DP127 Split P Replacement Pickup

DP 127 is a unique double blade that is popularly known as a Humbucker. It is designed in such a way that it can expand the range of the bass by extending the high low responses. Not only this, but it also performs best in the mid-range by producing middle basses. High notes can be played very easily due to its double blade design that emphasizes on high notes. The blade pole pieces make the split P very sensitive to attack and pick finger. The poles hear the decaying sound and as a result, the notes seem to sound longer in the upper registers.

This product weighs about 0.48 ounces. It comes in white and black in color. The dimensions of this product are 4.3×2.3×2.2 inches. This product is easy to install.

The package only included necessary screws and strings for the attachment whereas other important elements required have to be purchased separately. The best feature of this product is it extends to both low and end response. This product comes with a one year warranty.

17) Di Marzio DP145 Will Power Bass Neck Pickup

This power bass neck pickup has been used by many famous musicians especially Billy Sheehan who has used the original Di Marzio Model P and bass pickups for so many years. Billy has also used them in his signature Yamaha basses. Billy has used these pickups throughout his career that’s what makes him stand out amongst all. This product has been modified with time with modern technologies so that they can deliver a much better version of sound as compared to the previous products. This power bass creates a loud sound with fatter sounding.

They have wider string alignments with long scale basses. It also has 4 conductor wiring. This modern power bass pickup produces very deep sounds with a great low-end definition. The bass pickup weighs about 0.48 ounces. It has a black body with 4.3×2.4×2.4 inches dimensions.

The package only includes screws and spring for attachment whereas other important tools have to be purchased separately. This product can be easily installed. This instrument can be easily installed and does not require high-end maintenance. Di Marzio DP145 Will Power Bass Neck Pickup comes with a one year warranty.

18) Genuine Wilkinson WPB Alnico V Bass Pickups

This pickup has high specifications which are only limited for the premium range. This high-end pickup uses Alnico V pole piece magnets to deliver higher notes with clarity and amazing sound quality with a vintage touch to the tone. It also includes plain enamel wire, fiber bobbin, and chrome logo. It produces a classic tone with warm and deep tones by canceling hum at the same time.

The best feature of this pickup is that the Alnico V pole piece magnets give a more dynamic tone along with allowing other guitars to ring through naturally. It is a true professional pickup and generally used by the professional musicians rather than by people who play them as a hobby.

This pickup weighs 7 ounces. The shipping weight of this instrument is also 7 ounces. Product dimensions are 57.5mm L, x28mm W X 19.5 mm. The spacing of the screw hole is 62mm pole and 28.6mm part. The resistance of this pickup is 8.6k. It is easy to install but requires high maintenance. Professional musicians who want to excel in their field should add this amazing piece in their instruments.

19) SolUptanisu Bass Pickup Guitar

The best feature of this pickup is that it has a good preamp bass. It can produce good tones with great quality and clarity. It can collect bass sound with high-quality signals very easily. It is made up of metal and is black in color. Major specifications of this pickup are volume: A500k, Bass: +- 12dB at 85Hz, B50k, Treble: +_ 12dB at 7KHz, B50K, Balance: MN 250K. The weight of this pickup is 8.8 ounces. Product dimensions are 4.7x 3.5×1.6 inches.

The package includes a circuit and a set of pickup for jazz bass. It is easy to install and does not require high maintenance. Volume and controllers are attached to bass and treble for high-quality sound and performance. This pickup can be worth replacing old pickups at a good cost. It can produce high, low and mid-range tones but it functions best while producing high tones. It is noiseless and does not create any humming or growling effect especially at high notes.

20) IKN Jazz Bass Open Styles Pickups

This pickup is made up of stainless steel. It comes with a black plastic cover. It can be used in combination with the Fit Fender 4 jazz bass guitar part. The pickup of this instrument is open. The magnetic field is made up of ceramic. Resistance is around 6-7 k. It is available in black color. It has a medium-sized string gauge. It produces a great quality tone with clarity. They can fit in any guitars easily. The weight of this pickup is 2.56 ounces and the shipment weight of this product is 3.2 ounces so it can be easily shipped without any hassle of lifting heavy weight. It is very easy to install and does not require high maintenance.

This product comes with a one year warranty. The package includes all the necessary hardware required for installation and functioning including 1 bridge pickup, 4 screws and 4 springs. It is not a high profile professional use product. It can be used by medium-range musicians and people who play instruments as their hobby. These pickups are noiseless as well. These pickups perform best on low and mid-range tones whereas can produce some growling sound on high pitch tones.

Choosing the Best Bass Guitar Pickup

Once we decided what pickup we choose for our instruments, the next second important thing is we have to decide where to place these pickups. If they are placed closer to the neck, they will produce muddier sound whereas if placed closer to the bridge, they will produce clear and bright tones.

2) Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup

  • Used for Precision Bass
  • Full, Rich & Punchy Sound
  • High End Tone with Clarity

1) Fender Custom Shop '62 P Bass Pickups

  • Flush-mount Alnico 5 Magnets
  • Rich, Booming Lows, & High End of Bass
  • Mounting Hardware Included

3) Kmise Black 4 String Electric
Pickup 

  • Warm & Sweet Tones to Rock & Roll Punch
  • 4 Conductor Hookup Cable

We have to choose pickups according to our needs and what could be the best suitable for our instruments. Professional musicians have to consider a lot of things before buying high-quality pickups whereas if people who play music as their hobby should not opt for professional pickups.

The list of pickups along with their features mentioned above are going to help people make wiser decisions on which bass pick up to choose for their guitars. There are pocket-friendly pickups available in the market for casual use. The above-mentioned pickups are some of the best pickups available in the market. So whether you are looking for a pickup for your new instrument or want to upgrade your instrument, this list will help you to select the right pickup for you.