FRALIN vs EMG // A Precision Bass Pickup Tone Comparison

Here's a tone comparison video (a comparison, not a competition) of me jamming over a few different styles and techniques/articulations to see how the Fralin compares with the EMG Precision bass pickups. I recently decided to try out some new pickups in my bass, so why not record the before and after results! It's interesting to hear them back to back with the same bass and tone settings as we don't normally get a chance to do, so I hope this helps if you're planning to go one way or the other.

These are both 'stock' model P pickups from each brand. The Fralins are passive with Alnico 5 magnets, the EMG's are active (no onboard preamp) with ceramic magnets. **Remember the EMG's are active so they are louder, don't let that affect your judgement of tone when comparing!

Lindy Fralin P-Bass
https://www.fralinpickups.com/product...

EMG - P
https://www.emgpickups.com/bass/p-mod...

I've kept everything flat in the EQ with no compressing or processing/post-mixing. So everything you hear is all straight up pickup influenced, the way it should be!

My ears tell me everything you would expect from each pickup spec; the Fralin's with the alnico 5 magnets have more of that brighter, 60's-ish vintage tone, the EMG's with the ceramic magnets have a bit more pronounced low mid but still a nice clarity. If you want that vintage blues/soul/RnB/country tone then maybe consider Fralin, if you want the modern rock/pop tone then maybe consider EMG.