Fender Stock Pickup vs Di Marzio Model P

[@victorlinge92]

DiMarzio Model P is the best P bass pickups I've tried. Classic P bass sound, just MORE. You should really make a back to back comparison video between the DiMarzios and the Seymour Duncan SPB3. Cheers!

[@derwinmoss9485]

Victor L Which one do you like better, the DiMarzio or the Seymour Duncan? I had the SPB3 in my P-Bass for quite a few years, then I replaced it with an EMG P, which I rocked for many years. To change things up, I swapped out the EMG for a DiMarzio Model P, and I’m really liking it. It’s been so long since I had the SPB3 in my bass I’ve forgotten how it sounded, so I’d like to read your thoughts.

[@iamgribs]

I am pretty sure he did Model P vs Spb3. Two fat, aggressive pickups that sound amazing but different. I would say Model P is very unlike the classic P sound, it sounds very modern to me, very middy. Spb3 boomy as well but more scooped.

[@Sh4dowFawx]

I put dimarzio's in my vintage modified squier pj, it gets alot of complements

[@myflyisopen.8732]

I love this pickup. I have it on both my 80's Boxers. It barks when you dig in and gives it a warmth others I had tried didn't.

[@ferox965]

I have a 1980 BC Rich Eagle which has DiMarzios stock, 2 full P sets. The sound is GIGANTIC. So much so, I haven't needed to active once during gigs. DiMarzio all the way. Cuts right through the mix like a champ.

[@normg2242]

My Ibanez Black Eagle came with DiMarzio pickups installed by the previous owner. I love them!

[@Raro404]

The Model P has far more pronounced bottom and low-mids but seems to drop off at the high end. The stock Fender pickups sound thinner overall by comparison but otherwise consistent across the board. I would probably favour the Dimarzio’s only because I’m a rock player and those low-mids are invaluable.

[@zsoltkovacs1492]

Dimarzio says that dp122 must be used with 500k volume pot in order to get the full tonal spectrum (incl. brightness).

[@gwEmbassy]

I liked both. The DiMarzios have a little extra growl to them though which is appealing.

[@chazdykes7397]

I do notice that the Pickup height on the dimarzios the pickup height is higher on the E and A strings.. On the Fender pickups they are both even. That will definitely effect the output of the lower strings.

[@sparella]

Nice comparison. In serial, I prefer the Fender, but in parallel I prefer the DiMarzio.

[@derwinmoss9485]

Both sound excellent. I prefer the Model P, but the Fender pickup is no slouch.

[@bobt5778]

Excellent method of comparison. I am trying to choose between a DiMarzio pj or Fender Yosemite for my Squier Jag ss. Thanks! Very helpful.

[@OliverTobyn]

Thanks for watching, glad you've found it useful!

[@1thess523]

Those Dimarzio are way louder if you didn't adjust the volume, I had bought a used pair of Dimarzio for $35 to put in an Affinity Squire and they sounded really nice, I don't know what model they were but they looked the same. I ended up giving that bass to my nephew because i got a Fender MIM P-Bass and afterwards I was kinda like "dang that bass sounded pretty good" 😂.

[@OliverTobyn]

Gain and volume levels are always the same in all my demos, I try to keep the same pickup height as well. So yeah the Di Marzio are definitely louder!

[@Donnie_Thornberry]

Just get some more Model P pickups for your new bass

[@scotkaeff7456]

Great demo - helped me make a decision for my "mod bass" - going with the DiMarzios!

[@kristofkolosnagy9152]

Would love to hear how they sound in bridge position on a double P bass

[@TiredLessGary]

Awesome comparison. I’ve just ordered a Matt freeman signature squier with dimarzio p’s in it. That’s why I’m here. After the test the Dimarzios are the one!! Even more excited for it to arrive now.

[@_Only_Zuul]

i am trying to decide between the SD SPB-3 and dimarzios.. i need bright, clear, punchy, cutting tone. i'm wanting to replace my stock aria pro SB set of P pickups and to pair with a status energy J pup. my zon bass has a custom made SD soapbar in it, they do not sell them so i want a pup that sounds like that.

[@Vortigan07]

Right that's it, I'm sold on this!! I'm getting one put in my MIM Player series ASAP!! Been a bit disappointed in the stock Alnico from day one TBH....Low end, ok...but the higher up the range I go the thinner and more watery they seem to get! I'm assuming that I would need to look at switching out and upgrading a couple of 250k pots at the same time if I'm doing the job properly??

[@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine]

Yeah, all 250's would be a bit muddy with this pickup as it's pretty hot. If you wanna open it up some more, use a 500K or 1 Meg as the volume pot. Tone can stay at 250K, per DiMarzio's recommendation.

[@toelife2112]

The DiMarzio model p pickup sounds like the stock fender pickup but with more mid-range punch and output and that's the tone I have in my head so when I get a new pickups I'm going for the DiMarzio model p

[@bertrandmajorik6589]

BASS player here, NICE DEMO!!! Hunting for pickups to fit my Samick Artist series.........still struggling. I like both sounds!!!! But more BASS??? DiMarzio!!!

[@thecappy]

I know this is old but the DG side of the model p sounds low. Maybe raise it so the volume is even across the strings.

[@thomasfioriglio]

Nice comparison. I was surprised I didn't hear more of a difference. How about a comparison with DiMarzio Model P's vs stock pickups in Fender Player P Bass (made in Mexico). I would think that would be a more likely bass people would upgrade. I put the Model J's in my MIM fretless Jazz Bass and love them but have not yet switched out the stock pups in my MIM P bass.

[@OliverTobyn]

The Model P has definitely more output and a clearer sound. It's more faithful to the original sound. I've just uploaded a comparison between the model P and the split P, and that one is definitely more interesting

[@thomasfioriglio]

@@OliverTobyn Thanks for the info. I watched the Split P vs. Model P, much more of a difference in tone in that comparison.

[@kevindabramo1944]

I prefer the midrange throatiness of the Di Marzios.

[@RH-xs8gz]

Wow! What a difference! The Dimarzio’s have a much fuller sound. The stock pickup is thin and twangy.

[@trashcat1031]

For all you pick players out there skip to 2:51. To me the DiMarzio is hotter so I like the Fender better.

[@markfell6473]

Figo! I Di Marzio mi sembrano una bella bestia di pickup!! Per il rock che suono io... potrebbero essere perfetti...grazie

[@OliverTobyn]

Lieto di essere d'aiuto! :)

[@marcocorazza96]

Mi ricordo una clinic di Dino Fiorenza in cui diceva che lo split sul suo basso era il pick-up più “cattivo” mentre il single al ponte lo teneva a bada, ed era un dimarzio come questo se ricordo bene

[@OliverTobyn]

Grande Dino, e in effetti è verissimo. Lo split è selvaggio, mentre il J lo doma un po'

[@freddavidson7748]

What model bass is that? Is the purple color stock or custom? I'm looking for a purple fender precision bass . Not much luck finding one.

[@OliverTobyn]

Hi there! The body is from Warmoth, it's a P bass body with a Candy Purple finish, and the neck is from a Steve Harris Precision bass. Fender doesn't make purple basses unfortunately, but luckily you can make your own using parts

[@freddavidson7748]

@@OliverTobyn Thank you very much!

[@paulbeharrell]

A wonderful looking bass! You are a man of exquisite taste Oliver. Which wood is the body made of?

[@Jackal_Blitz]

I... like the Fenders. They're just more subdued and clean sounding. The DiMarzios are just a bit over the top for my tastes I guess.

[@OliverTobyn]

For my personal preference I like the Di Marzio ones. But yeah, the Fenders are maybe a bit warmer, lower output (which isn't a bad thing at all). Overall a different flavour I guess.

[@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine]

I love my bass tone to be hot, loud, and obnoxious. Model P it is.

[@MrElopez55]

Hi, how would you describe the Dimarzio Model P against the SPB-3? Or SPB-4? In terms of output level? Warmer? Brighter? Curious, since most reviews I have read about the Model P describe it as dark sounding, but it was not the case, I can hear the highs pretty well. Comments?

[@OliverTobyn]

I haven't been playing with them much, as this is the first time I ever try them. I guess it all depends on what you're using, I had stainless steel strings, hi mass bridge and a maple neck which all contribute to making it sound brighter. I'd say it's different kind of animal compared to the SPB3 and 4. Probably somewhere in between the two maybe. Less warm than the 4, but with more low end than the 3. At least at first impression, maybe I'll comment further after I've played with them some more.

[@MrElopez55]

@@OliverTobyn thanks for the answer man, a Dimarzio vs S Duncan p bass pickups comparison would be interesting. There aren't many out there, at least made by the same person. There are sometimes some soundclips here and there, but nobody has ever commented or stated personal opinion about the comparison...that would be interesting. I have a project p bass with high mass (well, kind of…) bridge. Maple neck and fretboard, basswood body, nice grade electronics, Switchcraft jack. Originally, I had a SPB-3 and I did like it a lot. Then somehow, I wanted to try something different, a little more vintage sounding and ordered a Fender Original 62 pickup and sold the SPB-3. To my regret, I liked the Duncan better, but I thought maybe the SPB-4 would be somewhat in the middle road between those, tonewise. It´s not that I don´t like the Fender pickup, it´s just different and it made me realize how much I liked the Duncan a little better. I like the bottom and top of the SPB-3, but somewhat a little more low-mids would be desirable -just a tiny bit- which I think pretty much points to the SPB-4. Or, do you think the Dimarzio Model P would be an option for me, given what I’m after?

[@OliverTobyn]

@@MrElopez55 No problem at all. Yeah I struggle all the time because I never know what I really like and I end up selling stuff then regretting it as well, lol. Anyway. I have another P Bass with the SPB3 on, and I played it straight after playing this one with the Model P pickups. I kinda have the feeling they both have the same output, and maybe the Di Marzio has slightly more midrange and lower end, and a more clear sound. Though the bass with the Di Marzio has newer strings, so that's a factor too. I also have a set of Split P by Di Marzio, and I'm planning on doing a comparison video between them and the Model P, then eventually the Split P and the SPB3. Just sometimes these pickup swaps are so time consuming! To answer your question, I think the SPB4 is overall one of my favourite pickups, it has a nice midrange, and it's has thump. So, it's a tough choice I think. If you seem drawn to the Model P I'd go with that one, just keep in mind that what ultimately shapes your tone, is the EQ on your amp.

[@MrElopez55]

@@OliverTobyn Yeah, totally agree. However, I always appreciate when the pickups give me the sound I like without much eq tweaking and I always try out the pickups inherent sound by setting the eq flat, and I tweak it from there. By the way, are you using just an interface? No amp? No pedal? Is the eq set flat on your videos?

[@OliverTobyn]

@@MrElopez55 yeah I can understand that. No pedals, no eq, straight into the interface, and volume levels were all the same

[@cjcook2405]

Has anyone forgone active electronics in their Spector bass and switched them to DiMarzio or Duncans?

[@auralfury]

good comparison..the adjustable pole pieces are nice too...Dimarzio for the win

[@edwincancelii2917]

The Di Marzio Model P precision pickups sound better & louder than the regular precision pickups, even in parallel mode.

[@iamgribs]

I will say most Jazz in the neck when ran solo, isn't really the same as Precision. Precision hits way harder. It is a difference that is better felt than heard.

[@seanhealey2007]

Helpful video! And thanks for the early Metallica

[@alexpaurazas4083]

Can you do a video on how to get tone like that

[@OliverTobyn]

Well, it's just the pickups, with DR Hi Beam strings, a Hi Mass bridge all plugged into the audio interface, no wizardry 😂

[@alexboidin3372]

Seems like long fingernails are a part of the tone. Plus a steve Harris style of hand positioning. Once again, sound is in the fingers (for the biggest part)

[@OliverTobyn]

@@alexboidin3372 yeah I do tend to prefer longer finger nails, it feels like I'm missing part of my finger when I cut them. 😂 Though the stainless steel strings definitely have a big impact

[@JLandroid]

@@OliverTobyn I'd love to see a video where you compare DR Hi Beams and DR Lo Riders (stainless steel).

[@OliverTobyn]

@@JLandroid I'm not sure there are massive differences soundwise, probably the lo riders have a bit more zing, but I think that's it. The difference is more in the feel. Lo riders are quite stiff, whereas the Hi beams are softer, using the same gauge obviously.

[@mantalee6969]

I love dimarzios

[@Charlie-hp2oh]

was wondering : what pots are in your basses, 250k or 500k ? in wiring diagrams dimarzio is paired with 500k pot, wonder if it would be as good with a 250k pot.

[@OliverTobyn]

On that bass I have a 250k volume pot, and a Fender TBX tone knob, which was all the way up, so it's like a 1M tone pot. I do recommend 500k volume pot as Di Marzio suggests. They do tend to sound a bit darker so the 500k will help you retain some of that extra brightness

[@Br_Hanmer]

Hello! What potentiometers do you use with Dimarzio, 250 k or 500?

[@OliverTobyn]

I don't remember to be honest, but it's probably a 250k volume and a 500k tone. Personally I'd recommend both to be 500k

[@Br_Hanmer]

​@@OliverTobynThank you for your prompt reply!

[@xXCracklesXx]

@@OliverTobynwhat advantage do I with both pots at 500k as opposed to 500k for volume and Tone at 250k

[@OliverTobyn]

@@xXCracklesXx you get a slightly brighter overall sound

[@leogonzzalez]

Hi Oliver!! Very good video.. i think Fender's pickups sounds better.. i want to ask you.. should i put a good pickup in a learner bass guitar?? What do you say??

[@OliverTobyn]

Yeah you can if you want, it's definitely a good improvement. I have a Squier with Di Marzio pickups and it sounds like a beast

[@Darkshine1]

Can you make a list of the song you've played here? There are some interesting riffs but I dunno where they are from

[@OliverTobyn]

Sure. Metallica - The four horsemen Iron Maiden - Deja vu Judas Priest - Breaking the law Isis - In fiction Pink Floyd - Money And I genuinely don't remember where the last one is from

[@thelastfeast3849]

The last song kind of sounds like the theme tune to Bottom.

[@Daddy53751]

LOVE the color on that bass!!! Is it custom painted or stock? P.S. Would love to hear more of the bottom end of both, but it just sounds like more powerful magnets in the DMZ’s.

[@OliverTobyn]

Thanks! It's a candy purple finish made by Warmoth

[@ghiadetomaso1642]

Question ? can i replace them with no changing caviteies in body, love the more tighter tone than Fender ones even more than Seymoure Duncan ones :)

[@OliverTobyn]

Yes they are a direct replacement for P Bass, so just the stock ones out and you can replace them with no problems.

[@briman5206]

What do you need to install it? I'd love to put a Model-P in my P-Bass.

[@OliverTobyn]

Just the pickup! Fits just like the original one

[@briman5206]

@@OliverTobyn do i need to solder it? nothing really complicated with the wiring?

[@OliverTobyn]

@@briman5206 yeah you need to solder it just like the original was. The only different thing about Di Marzio pickups is that the two split coils are separated. Each coil has two wires, one has green and white and the other red and black. To wire it in a standard Precision bass way you need to join the black and white wires together, red goes on the volume pot and green to ground. Seems complicated but it's very easy!

[@briman5206]

@@OliverTobyn sounds good.... well, i think i can get the full pickup pickguard on the website, and all i need is a wire trimmer. Dimarzios are great. But also, do you think the Model P does justice for a classic fender sound? Is it the best? Apparently Dimarzio are the best pickups around. I do like ceramics with the midrange. I have the mexican 2005 P-Bass, and i do admire the warmth, sweetness, and slightly sharp punch of standard stock fender pups, but i need to go a step forward and have something with a better signal. What things do you notice?

[@iamgribs]

Dimarzios sound bigger and hotter, that's for sure. You could dial in a good clank with them as well. Sort of like emg to my ears

[@Donnie_Thornberry]

Dimarzio!

[@bennohoundsuk9179]

The fact you played money is amazing! That's the tune I play whenever I'm adjusting my EQ so that's very helpful!

[@OliverTobyn]

Haha it's a grat riff for a number or reasons! It covers all the strings, so you have a good idea of how everything sounds across the spectrum!

[@kingnothing2161]

Oh those model p's growl WAY more

[@hotwater8473]

DiMarzio for the win IMO!

[@iamgribs]

That is a very nice bass

[@PanHoover]

Hey, thanks for the ISIS „In Fiction" quote!

[@OliverTobyn]

@@PanHoover one of my favourite bands ever

[@PanHoover]

@@OliverTobyn I love them so much too, but I started listening to them when they already called it a day, so... anyway, Jeff Caxide is still one of my bass heroes. His style definitely influenced my playing in many ways.

[@OliverTobyn]

@@PanHoover absolutely, I really love his bass sound, got me into the whole bass effects thing. And I was lucky enough to get to see them shortly before they disbanded

[@PanHoover]

@@OliverTobyn Lucky you, man! Greetings from Poland. Thank you for your comparisons, but I still cannot decide what pups I should buy. For a long time I wanted a Model P/J set and now there are Relentless and Sixties sets from DiMarzio, but there are not enough sound samples of them online (I'm a pick player). Nonetheless, I can still order a Model P/J set from many shops out there but I'll be patient :)

[@veravink]

Di Marzio !!!

[@leonardolaviola1622]

Preferisco i pick fender in serie in parallelo meglio i di marzio...la questione e' che lo stock cmq suona abbastanza diverso dagli original 62 ...bhooo!!

[@OliverTobyn]

Sono stock messicani, non i 62 degli Americani

[@leonardolaviola1622]

quale potrebbe essere un pick up in commercio simile allo stock messicano secodo te?@@OliverTobyn

[@BassMan2727]

DiMarzio is top !

[@ziltar1]

Di marzio sounds clear and strong , Fender sounded weak and anemic.

[@Skyluke104]

DiMarzioo all the way!

[@ManCaveStudio]

No contest! Dimarzio wins!

[@kijekuyo9494]

I always find it more difficult to judge a bass's sound with the bright overtones of roundwounds. It's rare a KZbinr uses flats, where I think the quality of the sound is easier to distinguish.

[@MotoMarios]

stock ones are better.

[@OliverTobyn]

I'd say simply different. Fenders are vintage sounding, clearer, whereas the Di Marzio beefier, slightly darker

[@avielp]

I like the stock ones better, too

[@derwinmoss9485]

I prefer the DiMarzio pickup

[@bassplayer4983]

Έτσι όπως παίζεις πώς να καταλάβουμε την διαφορά του ήχου ρε φίλε. Άστο καλύτερα

[@zsoltkovacs1492]

Just two comments: dimarzio must be used with 500k volume pot in order to get the clear brightness in the tone. Second: never use high-mass bridge on a P bass. High-mess bridge kills the classic P bass growl and tone.

[@warrioroffreedom8557]

Di Marzio Dp 122 is a humbucking or single?

[@OliverTobyn]

@@warrioroffreedom8557 all split coil pickups are humbucking

[@warrioroffreedom8557]

@@OliverTobyn Thanks! For this dp122 do you recommend 500k or 250k potentiometers?