Seymour Duncan Precision Bass Pickup Comparison

Signal Chain: Will - Fender American Special Precision Bass - Tech 21 VT Bass DI - Ampeg B100R Rocket Bass Amp - Shure Beta 52
SPB-1: amzn.to/2jJngGb
SPB-2: amzn.to/2hG5mQl
SPB-3: amzn.to/2jH6OX1
SPB-4: amzn.to/2zVaURp
Antiquity I: amzn.to/2jG2Spj
Antiquity II: amzn.to/2jaSxO8
Tech 21 VT Bass DI: amzn.to/2z70Hhu
Shure Beta 52: amzn.to/2hF7PdU
The amp signal and DI signal are blended together.
If you want to hear only the amp signal, click here:
• Seymour Duncan Precisi...
If you want to hear only the direct signal, click here:
• Seymour Duncan Precisi...
SPB-1 Vintage 1:24
SPB-2 Hot 3:53
SPB-3 Quarter-Pound 7:00
SPB-4 Steve Harris Signature 10:33
Antiquity 13:06
Antiquity II 16:23
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[@DevilsFourString]

FINGER STYLE SPB1 - 1:40 SPB2 - 4:08 SPB3 - 7:16 SPB4 - 10:55 Antiq - 13:41 Anti II - 16:33 PICK STYLE SPB1 - 2:22 SPB2 - 5:25 SPB3 - 8:17 SPB4 - 11:42 Antiq - 14:40 Anti II - 17:17 SLAP STYLE SPB1 - 3:08 SPB2 - 6:22 SPB3 - 9:16 SPB4 - 12:21 Antiq - 15:43 Anti II - 18:09

[@pabloguerrafuster]

Landroid thank you

[@andrevalerio6774]

Good Job! Thank you Very much!

[@tosseharmonicarockao4483]

Thank you little angel

[@jonnypena9334]

😩

[@yaboicolvin2870]

God bless you

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

I'm not one for caps lock, but I'm reaching over to the button for this: THIS IS HOW YOU DO A DEMO PEOPLE!

EXACTLY!!!! awesome demo!!!!!

[@mauriclem75]

I agree! Really well done! Very helpfu! Thanks. I've just subscribed :)

[@Pesso86]

I have to disagree...without context (ie other instruments), this is kinda pointless.

[@d.s.9692]

That very first pickup - the SPB1 - has great clarity and transparency.

[@RyanDenley]

I'd love to hear a comparison between the Steve Harris SPB-4 and the EMG GZR P-bass pickup. They both have a bit more push and grind in the lower mids that really screams classic rock tone to me.

[@opiegonebad58]

This is EXACTLY how a pickup comparison review should be done. Not only that, guitar reviews as well. Great job!

[@punman5392]

I honestly really appreciate that they put the full demo at the beginning of the video. Sometimes just hearing it is enough

[@MG-vo7is]

Interesting. I liked the SPB2 and SPB4. Was not expecting that. I know it would be boring, but I wish Will played exactly the same riffs for every pickup.

[@LokiMT]

4 things I love about this - 1. Don't bother with the pickguard screws. 2. DK shirt. 3. Craft tongue. 4, A really comprehensive review. Thanks :)

[@davethepius]

SPB-3 has been my go-to pickup for over a decade.

[@richardsimons6855]

This is a masterclass on how to demo pickups, awesome video 😁👍🏻

[@bendally6445]

Wow, this place does pickup comparisons right. Can you teach the guitar guys how to do this?

[@Valdeke]

Agreed! They always seem to want to play with a backing track and, even worse, rarely play the same riff/passage... YYYYY?!?!?!

[@arissp4950]

So bored of all the guitar players who demo stuff it’s only the same generic blues solo or the same ultra fast solo. Ok we got it you know how to play. Now throw some riffs

[@justinmaldonado5613]

I need seamless A/Bs with backing tracks to know what they REALLY sound like

[@PFDarkside]

Or processed with modelers that make every pickup sound the same, so what’s the point. This demo (and the Jazz Bass one) is fantastic.

[@enniomorricone359]

Guitarists are too busy with their fancy pedals.

[@JesseJamesGill]

Dude, and that muting technique is dope! Great video! Love the comparison. Currently building a P Bass with SD SPB-3's.

[@officialharvard751]

I love how the antiquity II sounds on the higher strings bit I like the spb-4s most overall

[@danadane2501]

Just wanted to say that's a really cool technique. Pushing your thumb underneath the strings to mute lower strings while playing the G and D strings. I played fingerstyle for a year only to find I'm a much better bassist with a plectrum. That being said it's always cool to lean something new from another bassist.

[@SLKLIM1967]

For my taste are best SPB-3 and Antiquity II Thanks for doing this!!!

[@danielirvine7468]

This what I have been wanting to see thanks for you’re time guys

[@fysy9989]

Amazing comparison. I wish there were more videos like that

[@Guratza]

This video should be taught at the youtube university gear presentation department!! 10/10!!!

[@samstinkeringaround8961]

I don't know if anyone noticed but the thumb behind the string muting tech is pretty awesome.

[@garyzito1860]

the Steve Harris SPB 4 is my favorite overall. It seems to have the best characteristics of all pickups. I have one in my 73 P bass and it just rocks.

[@Toastrodamus]

It does sound good but how are the levels? I've had pickups that were way too hot before and I hated what they did to the tone.

[@BassRacerx]

agreed. the steve harris and the vintage 2 were the best overall. however the P bass is such a basic pickup it's hard to go wrong with just about any of them!

[@mrbassman7184]

Thanks a million for this excellent pickup comparison! By far the best one I've seen. It really showcases the differences between the various presented pickups without any disturbing variables, which is exactly what you want. I don't know which one's my favorite here though. I really love the airy/3-dimensional sound of the Antiquity I, but SPB-3 might perhaps suit me better, don't know. Too bad only that you couldn't test the original pickup in my own P-bass for comparison... ;-)

[@bnutz3k]

Modding my friend's Harley Benton PB-20 and glad I went with the QP after watching this excellent, thorough af demo.

[@jacklarm2170]

SB3 - quarter pounders for me.

[@shahi4827]

nice, punchy, loud, modern, sbp 3s for me

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

As much as I want to hate on the QPs, you’re right. It’s the best of the bunch. Not too bassy but not to wimpy either.

[@diegovargas70]

i have an SPB-2 in my Fender Precision 77 and i am very satisfied with his sound. I will try the SPB-4 in another bass, because i like the sound of this model in the review, and because i am a big harris fan. Thanks Will!!

[@Iofflight]

Yeah I'm having a hard time deciding I've got a sire p7 and want to swap out the pickups. And those are the exact two I'm stuck between.

[@Dinozzo1995]

SPB 1 sounds pretty flat but a little timid in the lows, pleasant sounding overall. SPB2 sounds a little dry, not a lot of highs and high mids and it sounds a bit pokey in the high bass, around 200hz. SPB3 sounds very loud in the lows and quite powerful, but sounds scooped in the low-mids, does make them sound more clean and round though. SPB 4 sounds good but a bit obtrusive in the mid bass around 120-150hz, does seem to be quite present around 1khz which makes it sound honkier. Antiquity I sounds a little warmer in the highs but still sounds the most balanced to me, a balanced sound is always good. Antiquity II sounds great, also quite balanced like the Antiquity I but has a nice snarling high mid bite to it giving it a little more flavour. Either way, it's surprising how much different each of these sound.

[@TheBassChannel]

Very well-said!

[@jw112mail]

100%

[@QjoCabz]

I like how Will is the first part of the signal chain in the description.

[@alvarovallejos8465]

I'm not a fan of Iron Maiden but I've put the SPB-4s on my first P and I've fallen love with the P-bass sound since; these things are amazing. They also deliver a nice vintage tone if you want to.

[@jamiedavis5549]

Thanks mate, you showed which pickups to put in my bass

[@bwithrow011]

Wow! Awesome video Will. I'm making my own PJ and will use the Quarter Pound PJ

[@geekguitars]

Casting my vote for the Antiquity 2. The others are awesome, but for what I do, the Antiquity 2 would serve my wants and needs best. Amazing demo!! Everyone else on KZbin should take note for sure. Cheers

[@alxiroi]

Thumbs under the strings. First time i see this muting technic. Gonna have to try it out. Great vids guys

[@mrguti7]

10/10 nice work!, this is what bass players need! more videos like this thanks!

[@geoffrichardson5104]

Ac. Bassman yep

[@fatarry]

Awesome videos. Would love to see a jazz bass one. I use the spb1 and have 2 with the spb4.

[@Gell1967]

Good demo, I read on Seymour Duncan site that the Antiquity 1 has Alnico 2 magnets like the original late 50s P Bass pick up

[@roofkorean6948]

The video helped me decide on the SPB3. Thank you

[@Milkdudsandpancakes]

Man I really think the antiquity II’s are the sweet spot. I’ve been researching the past two weeks and I think this comparison just sealed the deal between spb4s and the II’s. Warm and crisp with just a touch more clarity over the spb4s IMO. I’d like to hear an Aguilar ag4p60 vs anti II comparison...

[@richardk1708]

I liked voice of SPB-4, Antiquity II (tried them) and Antiquity 57 replica - I was quite impressed, I rather like round tone of 50s pickups then 60s and Antiquity has nice clarity and woody sound, to me they sound the best on this particular p bass, not fan of overwound SPB-3, very harsh sounding.

[@adamtucker3128]

Another great review, thanks Will! SPB-2's all the way for me. Those Antiquities tho....

[@TheBassChannel]

Adam Tucker The Antiquities are amazing.

[@TheBassChannel]

They all have their own mojo.

[@MeDicenMax]

I'm totally in love with the Antiquity II, that totally hot mid-range thing is super sexy.

[@pCeLobster]

I put one in my P bass largely based on this demo and I just love it. Feels like home. They have a worn-in pair of shoes feeling somehow, and I love the natural mids and high end.

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

Yes

[@ricardovaucher5559]

I like SPB-2, it has 70' tone, punchy, well balanced because you can hear each note without hummings. I've already bought it, and am going to install in my PB Squier.

[@Dinozzo1995]

sounds too dry to me, not enough high mids and treble.

[@Moises505130]

My favourite too!!

[@rinonhoxha4059]

Cosign. To my ears is the truest P sound.

[@ericcoombs]

I totally wanna buy an American special p bass and put some SPB3 set in

[@etyramone2000]

Great playing and nice DK shirt :-). Punk basslines are among the catchiest imo.

[@rinonhoxha4059]

SPB-2 sounds soo good to my soul, my ibanez body and fender neck bass will SING! thank you sir for opening my ears! Salute.

[@DevilsFourString]

You guy should do a video like this one across different brands. Compare DiMarzio Model P and Split P against Seymour Duncans... that would be nice.

[@gianniorlati9275]

SBP-2 for roundness/softness... Antiquity I for clarity (thanks AlNiCo 2 for existing) !

[@ivonrokko7565]

i like the muting technique you got there truthfully i think ill use it

[@67NewEngland]

Well formatted review. ONLY thing I wish you did differently was go direct in with bass when recording to eliminate the heavily colored Ampeg amp .

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Great sound from P basses and video sound. I think I prefer the SPB2's, beautiful punch and low end high frequencies.

[@ericj9160]

Great demo as always! Keep 'em coming! I put quarter pounders in my first Squier P bass many years ago, and what a difference. Really dig what you guys do! Don't sweat what Wally says. Anyone can be a dueche hater. If someone thinks they're better, show us.

[@TheBassChannel]

Thanks, man! Yeah, those Quarter-Pounds sound gigantic. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video and thank you for watching!

[@whocaresofusername]

The Steve Harris has got its own unique tone, the most characteristic of the bunch. Antiquity II, pretty good. SPB-1 FTW....it's THE sound!

[@lostinnevermore5354]

Best channel on KZbin hands down!!!

[@alexg9222]

Thanks for the review, pretty awesome!!!!

[@nobbytart27]

Superb video my man, to be fair all the pickups sound great in their own right, but a great job in showing the differences, liking the tee aswell, unfortunately i recognise the logo from originally owning a copy of California uber alles 😁

[@basswars7060]

Great video. Very helpful.

[@birdman8125]

6 years later and this video is still super valuable. Quick question... If you can recall, what strings were you using?

[@tosseharmonicarockao4483]

Thank you for this video!

[@klaymeister]

please do this with jazz pickups, soap bars MM... etc etc

[@TheBassChannel]

+klaymeister We will, but these things take a bit of time to get set up.

[@klaymeister]

Bassic Gear Review especially installing all these pickups. I really love the first 2 minutes

[@nicolarulli7733]

Could you do this with different types of pickup altogether? Not necessarily on a real bass, just a lab thing that would be designed for easier replacement. You could also try different placements. For example. I'm having trouble finding videos about precision pickups being moved closer to the neck.

[@maartentaelman1572]

nice video, really helpful, thx!

[@bobt5778]

Great comparison, really!

[@dylanrandalldrums]

Spb 1 vintage and the antiquity series impressed me. However, Im currently rocking the quarter pounders.

[@ZeroMod]

I have Duncan Quarter Pounders in three basses and have added a pull pot for series/parallel wiring in all of them. They can do a really passable rendition of vintage pickup tone when in parallel!

[@TheBassChannel]

They’re definitely superb pickups!

[@ZeroMod]

Always thought so. first started using them when I worked in a guitar shop in the 80s. so that makes my oldest set almost 40 years old? DAMN

[@ZeroMod]

They have sooo much output they do not fall down in parallel - Try a pull pot with some !

[@fredfunf3456]

That Antiquity II had some mojo going on. Have you done the same type of demo with the SD Jazz Bass pickups? That would be marvellous!

[@MrMiskut]

Awesome video and clear. Thank god!’

[@rayhewitt6875]

Antiquity 1 would be my choice. Thanks for the video!!

[@cazmirnishi2611]

SPB2’s are what I use! Highly recommend

[@timprior9460]

i would love to hear all this again with flatwounds!

[@danielirvine7468]

Same here

[@redbarchettta]

That floating thumb muting string from behind the strings looks cool.

[@RadityoPramAdi]

Thaaaaankss for doing this!

[@RadityoPramAdi]

ummm make another one with Dimarzio's?

[@zerohexer5900]

Nice demo man.

[@mamothcar1]

The Steve Harris sounds great for loud Rock! But I like the Antiquity II best. How does the Antique 2 sound next to the Fender original or custom shop?

[@shawnhuff3920]

I have quarter pounders pickups in my shiny squier classic vibe 70's precision bass 🔊

[@matouscervenka7248]

For my taste are best SPB-1 and Antiquity II :-)

[@ThomasJackMoore]

Matouš Červenka I agree.

[@Toastrodamus]

The Antiquity II did sound really good.

[@HHGilean]

Great job. Thank you.

[@jw112mail]

Liked both sets of Antiquity's

[@taylorc9411]

Came for a pickup shootout and got a playing technique lesson to boot!!! 🤘

[@knollanadrianotanteo]

Just got an MIM player series PB. I strung it with Labella Deep Talkin flats. I would love to get as vintage sound as I can. I wonder which of these would best complement my setup. 🤔 From the comparison here, I liked the PB1 and Antiquity II the most.

[@tenshi9202]

loving the harris sig!!

[@Gekichopper22]

Great demo 👍🏾🤘🏾 Do you guys think you could demo their jazz bass pickups ?

[@TheBassChannel]

That is definitely the plan.

[@genebrenner855]

I still have my Squier Bass with Duncan SPB1 pickups from who knows when. Sounds fine with Fender strings and I've never been temped to change them.

[@MrJohnnyexcellent]

very helpful video

[@MidwestGodYY]

Look how happy this man is

[@freelancer8822]

Thorough review, well done! Vintage tone, modern tones SD is the go. Have changed all my basses (and many guitars) to SD pickups. SD was there when the evolution of pickups transpired (and indeed was instrumental in that transition) and truly knows his stuff. IMHO SD has become the touchstone for pickup technology. There are many boutique (and mass produced) winders out there, but for me none of them understand the needs of modern recording and live needs like SD. Once you record with SD's theres no going back!

[@tvpsarchive2958]

I liked the antiquity I's the most. Then it was a tie between the quarter pounds, the steve harris' and the antiquity II's. I would like to make a p bass with the antiquity I in the middle postion and the antiquity II in the bridge position. A bass with both the quarter pounds and the steve harris' would be interesting.

[@luigi.zanini]

The SPB-2 is my favourite

[@Jack-pp2ng]

I love those antiquity 2

[@Phaidrus]

So is a SPB-3 equipped P-Bass the most modern sounding (passive) P-Bass? If so, this is what I need for some modern funk/dance stuff ;)

[@ricardovaucher5559]

I prefer SPB-1 vintage, it sounds fat, clean and hot.

[@MrZombs123]

love those quarter pound pickups.. \m/

[@nick.raptis]

Love you guys!

[@TheBassChannel]

airscorp Thanks, man! The feeling is mutual.

[@PixieintheMainframe]

Antiquity II for this particular Bass

[@henrybernhardt8433]

Antiquity II or Antiquity II 60's pide? which is best for Green Day?

[@PeterDesilvey]

As much as I like to be rebellious I have to go with the majority on this one and go with the SPB-3 just fits my preference better to be honest and I know that is what the Roger Waters Signature P-Bass has in it and that bass has a sound I very much admire (even though its a Mexican Fender not to say that's a deal breaker just almost certainly gonna need to be setup after purchased online) Very Informative video those for the audiophiles among us bassist who look for that perfect sound

[@pjmuck]

My favorites here were the Steve Harris and Antiquity I.

[@igorturin6944]

thanks man!

[@andrevitorsantos]

2:23spb1 pick 5:26 spb2 pick 8:17 qp pick 17:18 ant 2 pick

[@Gwcarter]

This is what I was looking for, thanks for putting this up

[@Md75897]

Spb-2 all the way, love that midrange bark or has

[@nunoharris]

Hi. What Pickup is better to use with distortion the SPB 3 or the Steve Harris SPB 4 ? Thanks

[@MichelChirac]

I've spb-2 in a homemade p bass with Emerson electronics and flatwounds. It's fucking awesome. Period.

[@jasonrickett561]

Not to get too picky........ As thorough as the different pickups were done, what were the settings on the Vtbass/ampeg? The reason why I ask is mainly how much the vtbass alone can influence the overall sound as well. Would be curious how they sound DI’d straight into an interface.

[@Burned78]

Hi Will, just a tech question… were you using the grease bucket tone circuit on your American Special in that video?