DiMarzio Relentless vs EMG Geezer Butler ft. the FGN JMP Mighty Power - LowEndLobster Tone Shootout

[@Bassman1999]

It's a tough call......they both sound FANTASTIC ! I think the Relentless just edges it for me and I'm a big GZR fan ! These basses are great....so clear and no dead spots to my ears.

[@BlingFreeJ]

I like the Relentless in the bridge and EMG in the middle. Thanks again for all your work.

[@wolfgangsaller5843]

This December-Bassmod-Series is my alltime favourite advent calender! Even more excited to open the next window as I was a child ;-))) Great work, Lobster!!! Thank you very much and i wish you and your beloved ones ... and here i do not only mean the basses hanging around in the background ... a Merry Christmas! By the way i also like the sound of the P-pickup in MM-position very much on both brands ... a cool alternative!

[@joelosacco]

Both sound great. You can't go wrong with either and I've tried both in my Am. Pro ii P bass. I settled on the Relentless bc I can dial in a vintage style tone with them but when I want an aggressive tone I have it. That's just a personal preference but both are amazing sounding. I also really like the radiused tops on the Relentless and the screw mount is lowered inside the hole so there's no nub there and they rounded off all of the sharp corners, which makes it more comfortable to play vs the traditional design. Once again, personal preference but both sets are excellent. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Holidays to all of you !

[@arnoggeddon]

For the look and the sound, DiMarzio!!! The combo of the stealth neck pickup with the chrome bridge pickup is really catching my eye.

[@MrAKbass]

Both sound great, the EMG's are slightly warmer, more buttery and that's what I like nowadays. The Relentless pup's would probably have been my first choice in my younger days though.

[@briangarrett8148]

What does "buttery" mean?

[@Pabloignacioalvarez]

Have you never consumed any butter?

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Until very recently, I haven't seen the P/P configuration before. Quite a different sound than a J/J configuration and very interesting with the bridge on solo. That being said, nothing beats an HH...but that's my personal opinion.

[@edgarmatias]

Sounds like the tone capacitor makes a bigger difference than the pickups… can barely tell them apart when they’re played neck vs neck, and bridge vs bridge, with tone @ 100%

[@TheChrist117]

I love the DiMarzio in the bridge position but prefer the EMG in the neck position. I wonder what they'd sound like in this combo? However, this is IMO, a killer instrument with its stock pickups. Well done FGN for trying something different.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I agree! But I have the opposite feeling I like the Dimarzio in the neck and the Geezer in the bridge would be very interesting to hear both in a bass teaming up together

[@Shwarzencofmenmozer]

Like them both but I give the DiMarzio a win with a little more growl and punch with tone up 100%.

[@Rib13Bass]

i like the GZRs a lot...........and those pickups in that bass config reminds me a lot of the Electra/Westone pre-1983 (1981/1982 version) X640 dual P bass...thanks for doing what you do

[@Zekla]

Those Geezers are definitely crisper. I'm thinking the Dimarzios would suit a balls out raaawk situation perfectly.

[@iamgribs]

Both great. Interesting, the Dimarzio sound more like active EMGs do, with the output and "ping" in the treble/upper mids. They both have a nice growl but GZR more old school. Both clear as a bell.

[@spicy_skante69]

Both pick ups sounded great I’d go with the relentless. Pls review both emg geezer set and relentless pj set! Maybe the Aguilar dcb pj set?

[@jeffyee3680]

Thank you for doing this ... My Mike Dirnt pups died . Your vid helped me decide which were better taste for me. I liked the brighter tone from the Geezers. And opted for them. The series/parallel option got me intrigued 🤔. Also got the originals replaced under warranty. Again thank you for your work 🙏

[@luxluxlux8]

Did it sound better than the original pickup?

[@viperBSG]

Seems you can't lose. comes down to a more modern or vintage sound. Both are killer. Love to own a Bass with both sets of Pickups sets.

[@joecasa85]

I'm a simple person: I see FGN instruments, so I click "like" by default! 🤍🎌 Nice comparison, my friend. 🦞🎶

[@mipsungvuclam]

Thank you, Lobster, for doing all these videos! So informative and fun!! Great work. Should you ever update your intro think about adding, “SHIRTS”!😂

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL Great idea. If I ever shave my beard, shirts will replace it hahaha

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@LowEndLobsterdefinitely some Tees lobster!!!!! Or PJ bottoms lol

[@timknowles8149]

Sweet. I'm actually thinking of swapping out the stock LB100 pickups in my G&L Matador (double P with series/parallel switch) for two Relentless pickups. But I love the GZR too (I have one in a Drake P.) So this is super helpful.

[@nodoor9132]

The Dimarzio's have a scooped sound while the EMG's are voiced with more mids which make them favorable for driving distortions and overdrives.

[@Wombatmetal]

I've got an FGN Mighty Power, the Alder model in Blue. Fantastic build quality on the base. I have two Fender Pure Vintage 63 pickups in it, and it just sounds fantastic. So guess which model I would go with...

[@sebastiancabrol2014]

I was convinced that I would prefer the Dimarzio's but after hearing the emg's I changed my mind. The relentless sound great and powerful, but I think the emg's have less distortion, more nuance and dynamics. I loved it in this FGN bass.

[@MrSparks54]

As others have commented, the EMGs sound warmer, more vintage which is what I prefer but both are very good. Thanks muh man.

[@LarryDiMarzio]

Happy Holidays and we so make the Sixties P for a old school version. All the best, Larry

[@MrSparks54]

@@LarryDiMarzio That's good to know Larry, I am thinking of upgrading my Aerodyne P pickup, thanks!

[@rqkeating]

I like the clarity of the EMGs. I feel that you could use EQ to make the EMGs sound like the DiMarzios, but probably not the other way around.

[@LarryDiMarzio]

If you turn the tone pot down you could make the Relentless sound more like EMGs but if the highs aren't there to begin with ... they're not going to be there with an eq. All the best, Larry

[@50beowulf]

Both sound great. I love the tone of the GZR's but wishbthey had more output. Nordstrand Power Blade P pickups cop a similar tone with more output. I dream of a douple reverse P 5 string with the Nordstand's.

[@bizibetiko9778]

I really like those DiMarzios.. They have a gnarliness to them.

[@LarryDiMarzio]

Happy Holidays and thanks

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Great vid as usual. The Relentless pickups rule. I've been dropping into my basses. Also, those FGN basses look real nice. Cheers from NYC.

[@DolemiteSammich]

I was looking at FGNs recently. These both sound great.

[@TheMlvswoll]

The Di’s have more top end modern tone. EMG’s def more warm vintage tone. I run the EMG’s in my Fender P and really like them. However, I may have found the pups for my next P project.

[@klaymeister]

Before watching, I know I preferred the Relentless in your Tagima video. So I bet that's the case here. Edit: yep that low mid push is my preference

[@rickrolli7091]

Hey Lobster. I just gotta say. You keep making this harder all the time. Now you're asking me to split hairs. Ohhhhhhh mannnn. I think I like the tone of the DiMarzio relentless better. The geezers have the classic tone, which I think you could still get with the relentless with a tone adjustment. But I like the cleaner, warm tone (if that makes sense) in the relentless. Until we groove again ✌️😉👍🦞🎸

[@everready19373]

I'd love to hear your opinion on the Epic Custom Shop P bass pickups.

[@jojoba619]

The EMG Geezer pickup has a more pronounced mid frequency response than the Dimarzio Relentless pickup. But, the relentless pickup in the bridge position sounded great as long as the tone control wasn’t rolling off high frequencies. Both great pickups with different voicings. Would like to have heard the tone at 50% for each pickup.

[@ramsay777]

It's a shame it seems like the Mighty Power has been discontinued? Certainly none available in the UK.

[@r.l.rachel740]

Great comparison between “Traditional” Vs “Unorthodox” Tones. Thx Lobster.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Great video Lobster! I’m so happy you did the head to head segment! I honk they are not amazing! But ima have to put my money on the Geezers! Did you add them bridge pups or is that stock? Again I gotta say I’m so happy to see all the videos you have been pushing lately I always makes me happy to see a new lobster video! Merry Christmas to you and your family brother!!!

[@braddietzmusic2429]

DiMarzio Relentless sounds fantastic slapped with middle position/both. I would choose those pickups on just that demo section alone. Really nice top end sheen and more top end detail with slightly more scooped midrange. A sweeter and less “barky” pickup set.

[@jugglerj0e]

Relentless Pickups for the win!

[@Facu_Roldan]

The relentless middle "1st generation" are Billy Sheehan's signature pickups. The new relentless P are not, those are more of an update of the classic model P.

[@LarryDiMarzio]

Hi, Correct and Happy Holidays. After building the Relentless pickups with Billy, I felt that my original 1977 P Bass design could use a few updates. I love the new cover shape and the Relentless P has more shielding and the entire pickup can be moved closer to the strings. Both the Will Power and Relentless use my original '77 P Bass designs. Billy explains the Will Power change in this video. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4TLgpWpqcpjeJo) He liked the DiMarzio Model P but wanted to be able to bend notes so we added iron load for the WP pickup. Hope that helps and all the best, Larry

[@Facu_Roldan]

@@LarryDiMarzio hey Larry thanks for the very valuable info and happy holidays to you too!

[@steverolfeca]

No surprises here- ran every 40-size EMG pickup combo in a home-made 5-string back in the late 90’s, and a pair of P5’s was by far my favourite setup.

[@iamgribs]

I'm gunning for this in my Yamaha. 2x P. Question is do i use the regular or X series 🤔

[@Facu_Roldan]

@@iamgribs the X series have more headroom and dynamics, they behave more like a passive pickup. They were designed to mimic the result of running the traditional EMGs through 18v instead of 9v.

[@iamgribs]

@@Facu_Roldan do X series use 1x 9V? I think i will go PAX in bridge and PCSX in neck.

[@Facu_Roldan]

@@iamgribs yes, with just one battery you're good to go

[@greggblankenshipp8202]

Question for the Lobster,how do you like the playing ability on the FGN basses with the slightly curved frets?

[@ramshaar2597]

This are 2 amazing fgn basses and the pickups just add more pepper 2 this party well after a little war with my self .i think that the demazio pickups sound better most important your cat have real good timing keep on making good stuff lobster 👍🙂🎼

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks for sharing Lobster 🦞 happy Christmas ⛄🦌🛷

[@stevenvalenti3722]

I've thought about buying those Geezer Butler pick ups for one of my basses also. I was wondering how many basses you have in your collection?🤔 they both sound really good. It's to hard to pick which set sounds better than the other set. Verygood video Lobster.🙂👍

[@leighcoulson2148]

Think I like the EMG's better, for my style of playing anyway. The FGN's sound warmer, fuller but a little boomy. Both look great.

[@tigerscott2966]

Have a great weekend. You can see an awesome bass player here. Just enter: when the bass player is too funky for the crowd...thanks.

[@ChadHargis]

DiMarzio for the win!

[@admacdo]

Great. Just when I decided that I didn't need any more basses.

[@meyersguitars2196]

I feel like either bass would work for any occasion. They both sound awesome and really the only time I heard a big difference is in finger style.

[@martinfay7274]

I prefer the sound of the EMGs but the DiMarzios look 😍

[@mark6302]

FGN are fucking nice ass instruments lol uncle rico shirt

[@nicolasguillemot9636]

Hello. How did you install the two emg gzr? I mean, did you have to use soldering? I have this bass with the seymour duncan spb-3 and I love it but I'm very tempted by these emg gzr...

[@LowEndLobster]

No soldering, all plug and play with the EMG. You wire it like a Jazz setup - V/V/T, the EMG pots allow for this with the two P's. It's a great sound!

[@nicolasguillemot9636]

@@LowEndLobster Thank you so much for your answer. I love this bass (this is my first fgn and I can't believe how awesome it is) but I think to change the pickups in several months. Thank you again and keep rockin' with your videos! Cheers from France. Nico

[@richshields6692]

I have the geezer butler pickups in my lakland skyline Geezer Butler bass. It unfortunately it doesn't sound like that. Lol. Dont know why , but they're harsh sounding in my bass.

[@HondoFelder]

Killer video. Amazing shirt. Ws all around 🤣

[@bnutz3k]

I shoulda got the MP instead of the MJ. Would trade for one now, or buy later. I really kinda need one with a maple fretboard that isn't the sunburst model, though.

[@bnutz3k]

*and I dig maple mainly for the looks on certain basses. I feel like the frets gonna affect your tone more than that "tone wood". :D

[@tigerscott2966]

Nice basses. Great riff too...

[@michaelblaney4461]

Nice basses ! I like both but I like the more vintage sound of the Geezers . Where does someone get a FGN ? Well I just found it in your links!

[@ronviejo4994]

I have unhealthy, lustful thoughts for that dark blue, double P bass. I GOTS TO HAVE ME ONE!! I do prefer the DiMarzio's though.

[@LarryDiMarzio]

Thanks

[@ronviejo4994]

@@LarryDiMarzio Love your pups sir. Just can't get them where I live.

[@job1778]

I like the GB pickups.

[@bobbyzig3879]

This would be a rad bass with ONLY the bridge p pickup.

[@dandaris2153]

I LOVE that Uncle Rico shirt!!!!

[@jamesreynolds4487]

Gear will give you a headache if you let it. I said just put anything in your bass and play. You will go broke trying to find the perfect tone. It’s never gonna happen. Our tone and what we want to hear changes every day so just have multiple bases with the ability to do different things and have different sounds. Both of these sets are great. The nuisances of differences you hear is nothing that can’t be fixed with a good amp. I personally think for live and recorded situations the geezers would sit in the mix better.

[@yomalab]

IMHO this FGN JMP w Relentless must be tonal prototype for new Rickenbacker 400X

[@ClassicJunk88]

you might not want to refer to the pull switch knob as a "pull pot" haha.

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL

[@michalkaminski964]

Hi Lobster, you simply can't connect split pair EMG pickup as push-pull single parallel config in an easy way as they are the active ones.

[@Facu_Roldan]

The Geezer Butler EMGs are not active.

[@michalkaminski964]

​@@Facu_Roldan Yes correct, I didn't realize they are passive indeed. That means theoreticaly it could be possible to solder them to be switcheable as series parallel. Probably EMG factory prepared them as easy way solderless in series default configuration.

[@mgmadian]

Love the Relentless bass. Didn't find the EMG bass to be notable TBH. Not sure how much of that is attributable to ash/maple vs alder/rosewood, esp as I generally prefer maple boards

[@k.b.4494]

that shirt is awesome haha

[@greggblankenshipp8202]

I thought the grey bass sounded better.........

[@trappenweisseguy27]

Unfortunately the differences in body and fretboard woods makes a direct comparison between the two basses inconclusive.

[@PerezBroz-p5o]

I'm amazed at how different they sound. For me it's Dimarzio all day, they are just more satisfying to my ear. In fact if I were playing a show and my bass sounded like those EMG's I'd be waiting for the right moment to smash my bass 😂🤘👊. (I wouldn't actually do it but that would be where my head was at wink 😉😏)

[@LarryDiMarzio]

LOL, Thanks for the positive comment. Happy Holidays

[@mr_ozzio5095]

"Double p" Hentai bass action........😏

[@LowEndLobster]

Now with 300% more tentacles! LOL