What era of bass tone does the Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass pickup replicate?

The pickup is specifically designed to replicate the sound and look of the 1960s single-coil Telecaster-style Precision Bass. It aims for period-correct materials and specifications.

How does the sound differ from a standard split-coil P-Bass pickup?

While it retains the classic P-Bass low-end thump, it offers additional 'cut' and clarity. This makes its character sit somewhere between a traditional P-Bass and the brighter response of a Jazz Bass.

Does the pickup have a 'relic' or aged appearance?

Yes, it features a weathered, aged appearance. Seymour Duncan finishes these units to look like original vintage parts that have seen years of use.

Can this pickup be installed in a modern split-coil Precision Bass?

No, it is a single-coil unit designed for the older, rectangular single-coil routing. A modern P-Bass would require significant body routing to accommodate this shape.

What is the typical price range for this pickup in the UK?

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup typically retails for approximately GBP 136. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Is this pickup suitable for Jazz Bass guitars?

It is not a direct fit for Jazz Bass routing. However, it is tonally described as having a 'Jazz Bass cut,' meaning it shares some of that model's articulative treble frequencies.

Who is the primary manufacturer of this pickup?

The pickup is manufactured by Seymour Duncan, a brand renowned for high-quality guitar and bass electronics and vintage reproductions.

Does the aging process affect the sound of the pickup?

The aging process is designed to replicate the magnetic field and physical state of a decades-old pickup. This results in a smoother, 'de-magnetised' vintage response compared to a brand-new modern pickup.

What type of bridge is often paired with this style of pickup?

Hardware like the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge in Chrome is a common choice for instruments using this pickup. It provides a stable, vintage-appropriate mounting solution.

Are the magnets used in this pickup specific to the 1960s era?

Yes, Seymour Duncan uses materials and magnet types that are period-correct for the 1960s Antiquity II line. This ensures the output and frequency response match original specs.

Is this a hum-cancelling pickup?

No, this is a true single-coil pickup. As such, it may be susceptible to 60-cycle hum in environments with high electrical interference, just like the original 1960s units.

How does the Antiquity II differ from the Antiquity I series?

The Antiquity II series generally focuses on 1960s specifications, whereas the Antiquity I series often targets the earlier 1950s designs. The II series is voiced for the specific clarity of the 60s era.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup is a vintage-style reproduction designed to replicate the tone and aesthetics of 1960s single-coil Precision Bass pickups. It is characterised by a sonic profile that blends traditional low-end thump with the articulative cut typically associated with Jazz Bass models.

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Overview

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup is a specialised component designed for musicians and luthiers seeking to replicate the specific tonal response of the early 1960s 'Telecaster-style' Precision Bass. Unlike the later split-coil designs that became standard for the P-Bass, this single-coil unit focuses on a distinct era of Fender history, providing a period-correct replacement for vintage instruments or a classic upgrade for modern reissues.

Design and Aesthetics

A primary feature of the Antiquity II series is the deliberate 'weathered' or 'aged' appearance. Seymour Duncan utilises a proprietary aging process to ensure that the pickup looks like a component that has been played for decades. This cosmetic treatment extends to both the visible housing and the internal components, making it an ideal aesthetic match for 'relic' instruments or genuine vintage basses with natural patina.

Tonal Character

The Antiquity II is engineered to provide a hybrid sonic character. While it maintains the foundational 'thump' expected of a Precision Bass, the single-coil construction introduces a degree of clarity and 'cut' that is more commonly found in Jazz Bass bridge pickups. This results in a versatile tone that can sit prominently in a mix without losing the low-mid weight required for traditional bass roles.

Compatibility and Hardware

This pickup is intended for bass guitars routed for the early 1950s to mid-1960s single-coil P-Bass footprint. To complete a full instrument restoration or custom build, it is often paired with high-quality hardware such as the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge. For those maintaining the vintage look, it serves as a companion to aged plastic parts, similar to the aesthetic of Fender's aged white Stratocaster knobs or pickup covers.

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Frequently asked questions

What era of bass tone does the Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass pickup replicate?: The pickup is specifically designed to replicate the sound and look of the 1960s single-coil Telecaster-style Precision Bass. It aims for period-correct materials and specifications.
How does the sound differ from a standard split-coil P-Bass pickup?: While it retains the classic P-Bass low-end thump, it offers additional 'cut' and clarity. This makes its character sit somewhere between a traditional P-Bass and the brighter response of a Jazz Bass.
Does the pickup have a 'relic' or aged appearance?: Yes, it features a weathered, aged appearance. Seymour Duncan finishes these units to look like original vintage parts that have seen years of use.
Can this pickup be installed in a modern split-coil Precision Bass?: No, it is a single-coil unit designed for the older, rectangular single-coil routing. A modern P-Bass would require significant body routing to accommodate this shape.
What is the typical price range for this pickup in the UK?: The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Single Coil P-Bass Pickup typically retails for approximately GBP 136. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Is this pickup suitable for Jazz Bass guitars?: It is not a direct fit for Jazz Bass routing. However, it is tonally described as having a 'Jazz Bass cut,' meaning it shares some of that model's articulative treble frequencies.
Who is the primary manufacturer of this pickup?: The pickup is manufactured by Seymour Duncan, a brand renowned for high-quality guitar and bass electronics and vintage reproductions.
Does the aging process affect the sound of the pickup?: The aging process is designed to replicate the magnetic field and physical state of a decades-old pickup. This results in a smoother, 'de-magnetised' vintage response compared to a brand-new modern pickup.
What type of bridge is often paired with this style of pickup?: Hardware like the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge in Chrome is a common choice for instruments using this pickup. It provides a stable, vintage-appropriate mounting solution.
Are the magnets used in this pickup specific to the 1960s era?: Yes, Seymour Duncan uses materials and magnet types that are period-correct for the 1960s Antiquity II line. This ensures the output and frequency response match original specs.
Is this a hum-cancelling pickup?: No, this is a true single-coil pickup. As such, it may be susceptible to 60-cycle hum in environments with high electrical interference, just like the original 1960s units.
How does the Antiquity II differ from the Antiquity I series?: The Antiquity II series generally focuses on 1960s specifications, whereas the Antiquity I series often targets the earlier 1950s designs. The II series is voiced for the specific clarity of the 60s era.