Who makes a 17.5mm spacing P Pickup for four string bass?

[RyanSaranich]

I'm getting another bass done by Fodera- a brand new P Bass! I really want to go the route of 17.5mm spacing to match my other basses but I realize this is not at all a popular size in the P Bass world. I've seen that Aguilar makes a 5 string pickup set with this spacing, but I haven't really been able to find anyone doing it in 4 string. I've contacted Novak to see if they're willing, and I hear Nordstrand might be able to do it, but I'm lost after that.
Looking for those beautiful warm, round early 60s Fender/Jamerson tones. Any help or direction is much appreciated!

I know what you're thinking: Why not just buy a vintage Fender?
1) Price.
2) The purpose of this is getting the neck cut/string spacing for the health of my hands.
3) This is a touring bass, and I don't want to blow 12k on a cool vintage '62 Fender and then if something happens and I replace a part, its value plummets.

 

[dwizum]

I don't think there's much market for P's in specific widths since it doesn't really matter - a "normal" P pickup meant for a typical 19mm bridge spacing will work totally fine on a bass with a 17.5mm bridge.

 

[ctmullins]

I don't think there's much market for P's in specific widths since it doesn't really matter - a "normal" P pickup meant for a typical 19mm bridge spacing will work totally fine on a bass with a 17.5mm bridge.

Quoted for emphasis.

Every normal P pickup will work fine for 17.5mm spacing, so pick the one you like!

 

[ex-tension]

Rails/blades?
The Power Blade
P-Style Bass
Split P™ | DiMarzio
DELANO PC 4 HE/M2
Original P-Bass - Bartolini Pickups & Electronics

 

[sunbeast]

I'm getting another bass done by Fodera- a brand new P Bass! I really want to go the route of 17.5mm spacing to match my other basses but I realize this is not at all a popular size in the P Bass world. I've seen that Aguilar makes a 5 string pickup set with this spacing, but I haven't really been able to find anyone doing it in 4 string. I've contacted Novak to see if they're willing, and I hear Nordstrand might be able to do it, but I'm lost after that.
Looking for those beautiful warm, round early 60s Fender/Jamerson tones. Any help or direction is much appreciated!

I know what you're thinking: Why not just buy a vintage Fender?
1) Price.
2) The purpose of this is getting the neck cut/string spacing for the health of my hands.
3) This is a touring bass, and I don't want to blow 12k on a cool vintage '62 Fender and then if something happens and I replace a part, its value plummets.

As mentioned, standard P pickups should function fine- though the misalignment of the poles under the strings might bother some people. In that case probably the best off the shelf option I know of would be a pickup like the Wilde (Bill Lawrence) P46: P-46
Which will be capable of classic tones and is less visually specific as far as pole alignment than a traditional P. You could also go with any number of blade pole designs, some of which can sound pretty reasonably vintage despite the different design. Of course there are also a number of winders I’m sure that would do a custom build for you as well for the right price, though I’d imagine it would be a much pricier option and you’ll not know exactly what it will sound like til it’s finished (and you’ll be somewhat stuck with whatever comes out at the end).

For something a little more off the wall you could consider a Mustang-style pickup as well, which are traditionally paired with a tighter string spacing at the bridge though the pickup design is a bit different and tone is more focused than a P.

 

[RyanSaranich]

As mentioned, standard P pickups should function fine- though the misalignment of the poles under the strings might bother some people. In that case probably the best off the shelf option I know of would be a pickup like the Wilde (Bill Lawrence) P46: P-46
Which will be capable of classic tones and is less visually specific as far as pole alignment than a traditional P. You could also go with any number of blade pole designs, some of which can sound pretty reasonably vintage despite the different design. Of course there are also a number of winders I’m sure that would do a custom build for you as well for the right price, though I’d imagine it would be a much pricier option and you’ll not know exactly what it will sound like til it’s finished (and you’ll be somewhat stuck with whatever comes out at the end).

For something a little more off the wall you could consider a Mustang-style pickup as well, which are traditionally paired with a tighter string spacing at the bridge though the pickup design is a bit different and tone is more focused than a P.

Thanks for writing all of this- it was the education I was looking for!

 

[mmbongo]

Lace Man O War Precision
Wilde P46