Novak question

Gutfeld

Guest
Mar 22, 2017
17
15
4,531
Hello, all! I've heard nothing but good things about Novak pickups. I'm torn between getting his PB-V and his Charlie Christian (PB-CC). Has anyone used or heard both and is willing to comment? Novak's YouTube links don't help that much. I find it hard to hear the bass in the band settings. Thank you!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Evanforbass
@Snaxster : Didn't you try both of these?

To the OP: I own and love the Novak PB-V, but have never tried the PB-CC. The Novak Vintage P pickup is just a beautiful example of a perfectly crafted early 60s Precision pickup. Mine has terrific clarity with a really sweet top end, and great detail in the midrange.

The PB-CC, based on reviews I've read, adds a thicker midrange and a touch more output.... but the description would be best left to someone who has experience with the pickup!

If you're looking for a prime example of a classic P Bass sound without any mods or changes, don't hesitate on the PB-V. It's incredible.
 
@Snaxster : Didn't you try both of these?

Good memory, e-flat. ;) But so far I only own both and have yet to install either my second PB-V or my one PB-CC. Sad, I know, but too many pickups and too little time.

Gutfeld, here is my initial review of my first PB-V: Mini-review: Curtis Novak PB-V handwound Precision bass pickup

And here are some later, comparative comments I made:
Recently I wondered what about my 2008 Fender Custom Shop ’59 Precision made it sound relatively midrange-y, especially compared to my 1969 Fender Precision. Was it the bass itself or was it the fine Curtis Novak PB-V pickup I had in it for seven months until now? Today I learned that the answer is both...

The CS bass's sound is on the hi-fi side of classic, with prominent yet sweet midrange. However the Novak PB-V plays right up the middle. Perfectly wooly and spongy, it presents neither low lows nor high highs with emphasis. The Novak PB-V only plays in the pocket.


As I scanned here for players' comments about the PB-CC, I got the impression that the PB-CC characteristically has bump somewhere in the midrange, and is thicker-sounding than the PB-V.

Of course there is only one way to know for ourselves. If you try both, please let us know what you heard. When eventually I do, I will report.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gutfeld
Good memory, e-flat. ;) But so far I only own both and have yet to install either my second PB-V or my one PB-CC. Sad, I know, but too many pickups and too little time.

Gutfeld, here is my initial review of my first PB-V: Mini-review: Curtis Novak PB-V handwound Precision bass pickup

And here are some later, comparative comments I made:



As I scanned here for players' comments about the PB-CC, I got the impression that the PB-CC characteristically has bump somewhere in the midrange, and is thicker-sounding than the PB-V.

Of course there is only one way to know for ourselves. If you try both, please let us know what you heard. When eventually I do, I will report.

Thank you, Snaxster! I think I will try both and report back. I have found that low lows and high highs tend to get lost in the mix, sometimes stepping on the guitarists' and drummer's toes, so to speak.
 
Curtis Novak Precision Pickups Review (PB-90 and PB-CC)
Heres a comparison of the pbcc and pb 90 with soundclips which may help little... or maybe not at all... or maybe you've already seen it already

That's mine. I've since moved on to the PB-V. ;)

The best thing about Novak pickups is dealing directly with Curtis and his wife. He was very kind and allowed me to exchange pickups until I found the right one. All three P bass offerings are great in their own way, but ultimately the vintage version was the one I settled on.