Split ’51 P-Bass
$150.00
Our Lindy Fralin Split ’51 P-Bass is a great single-coil tone replacement for 50’s and reissues. Loud and clear, with no hum. Using USA-Made parts and made by hand, our pickups sound leaps and bounds better than the stock pickups. This is the Hum-Cancelling version of our ’51 P-Bass.
All '50s P- Bass, Zero Hum.
Want to learn more about our Split '51 P-Bass? Here's all the information you'll need:
Split '51 P-Bass FEATURES:
Our combination of authentic 50’s P-Bass tone and a Left-Right Coil Design give you killer tone, with no hum! With no modification necessary, the Fralin Split ’51 will drop right into your era-authentic bass or re-issue with ease. This pickup will fatten up your bass up a bit, too. The Fralin Split ’51 is our hum-canceling version of our Fralin ’51 P-Bass Pickup.
- Lindy Fralin Original Design – Completely Hum-Cancelling
- Original Fender specifications, with modern output
- Superb articulation for a clean and clear tone
- Designed to be even across all frequencies
- USA-made Alnico 5 Magnets for optimal tonal balance and output
- Hand-wound with our “Sectioning” technique for unique, dynamic sound
- Hand-built fiberboard Bobbins for unrivaled quality control
- 10-Year Warranty on manufacturing defects
Sound
Warm, rich, full, with no hum. The top end is warm and round; the low end is full, deep, and dynamic. Our Fralin Split ’51 is the perfect pickup for those who want era-authentic 50’s P-Bass tone with no hum. The extended low end is deep, rich, and full. Alnico 5 Magnets give this pickup optimal tonal balance and output. By adding a second coil, we were able to achieve a completely silent operation, with a hint of fatness added to it.
It starts here: our manufacturing process allows us to achieve unparalleled quality control. Our Split ’51 P-Bass Pickups consist of USA-Made magnets and wire. Our bobbins are hand-built using local fiberboard and incredible attention to detail. We wind each pickup by hand, one at a time. Each pickup is wound using our proprietary “Sectioning” technique. This gives the pickup a sweet, clear tone. We assemble each pickup one at a time, by hand. This allows us to achieve unbeatable attention to detail. Finally, we wax-pot the pickup to preserve the pickup and prevent microphonics.
VIDEO
One of our builders, Public Peace, created this wonderful video. Check it out:
FAQs
- What’s the difference between this model and the Stock ’51 P-Bass? No hum! Tonally, they are very similar, with this model being slightly fatter and darker. It’s subtle.
- Will this pickup fit my Bass? Good question – when we designed this pickup, we based it off of the American version. Some overseas versions might have a slightly smaller rout and might require modifying the fiberboard of the pickup. Check below under “Sizing Information” for our size.
- What output do I choose? Good question. For the most balanced tone between highs and lows, go to the Stock Output, which is a replica of the earliest P-Basses. If you’re looking for a thicker and darker tone, opt for the +5% Output. If you’re looking for a cleaner and more articulate sound, opt for the -5% output.
- Which Stagger To Choose? If you have a Vintage Neck Radius, choose Stock. If you have a flatter Neck Radius (9.5″ +), Choose Hybrid.
- Wiring Diagrams? Here!
Tech Specs
We use Vintage Specifications. Alnico 5 Magnets. 42-Gauge SPN Wire. Hand-made Bobbins.
The Split ’51 P-Bass reads 7K.
Sizing Information:
Our combination of authentic 50’s P-Bass tone and a Left-Right Coil Design give you killer tone, with no hum! With no modification necessary, the Fralin Split ’51 will drop right into your era-authentic bass or re-issue with ease. This pickup will fatten up your bass up a bit, too. The Fralin Split ’51 is our hum-canceling version of our Fralin ’51 P-Bass Pickup.
- Lindy Fralin Original Design – Completely Hum-Cancelling
- Original Fender specifications, with modern output
- Superb articulation for a clean and clear tone
- Designed to be even across all frequencies
- USA-made Alnico 5 Magnets for optimal tonal balance and output
- Hand-wound with our “Sectioning” technique for unique, dynamic sound
- Hand-built fiberboard Bobbins for unrivaled quality control
- 10-Year Warranty on manufacturing defects
Warm, rich, full, with no hum. The top end is warm and round; the low end is full, deep, and dynamic. Our Fralin Split ’51 is the perfect pickup for those who want era-authentic 50’s P-Bass tone with no hum. The extended low end is deep, rich, and full. Alnico 5 Magnets give this pickup optimal tonal balance and output. By adding a second coil, we were able to achieve a completely silent operation, with a hint of fatness added to it.
It starts here: our manufacturing process allows us to achieve unparalleled quality control. Our Split ’51 P-Bass Pickups consist of USA-Made magnets and wire. Our bobbins are hand-built using local fiberboard and incredible attention to detail. We wind each pickup by hand, one at a time. Each pickup is wound using our proprietary “Sectioning” technique. This gives the pickup a sweet, clear tone. We assemble each pickup one at a time, by hand. This allows us to achieve unbeatable attention to detail. Finally, we wax-pot the pickup to preserve the pickup and prevent microphonics.
One of our builders, Public Peace, created this wonderful video. Check it out:
- What’s the difference between this model and the Stock ’51 P-Bass? No hum! Tonally, they are very similar, with this model being slightly fatter and darker. It’s subtle.
- Will this pickup fit my Bass? Good question – when we designed this pickup, we based it off of the American version. Some overseas versions might have a slightly smaller rout and might require modifying the fiberboard of the pickup. Check below under “Sizing Information” for our size.
- What output do I choose? Good question. For the most balanced tone between highs and lows, go to the Stock Output, which is a replica of the earliest P-Basses. If you’re looking for a thicker and darker tone, opt for the +5% Output. If you’re looking for a cleaner and more articulate sound, opt for the -5% output.
- Which Stagger To Choose? If you have a Vintage Neck Radius, choose Stock. If you have a flatter Neck Radius (9.5″ +), Choose Hybrid.
- Wiring Diagrams? Here!
We use Vintage Specifications. Alnico 5 Magnets. 42-Gauge SPN Wire. Hand-made Bobbins.
The Split ’51 P-Bass reads 7K.
Sizing Information:
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
41 reviews for Split ’51 P-Bass
Trying to leave a review for our Split '51 P-Bass? Leave one here.
John Constable (verified owner) –
51 PBass pickup 10% overwind
Wonderful pickup. Way smoother than other makers. Lindy made me a left handed pickup with the overwind at no additional charge. The only maker I have found that treats lefties fairly! I will order again.
Jess Denger (verified owner) –
Great upgrade
I put this in my squire classic vibes p bass and it is a quality pick up. I play bass in a worship band and because of covid we livestream the service. I immediately noticed the bass tone was much clearer than the stock pick up from squier which seemed very muddy and uneven. Much improved bass tones on our church YouTube channel!
Gavin Caswell –
Customer added no additional comments
Adam Levy (verified owner) –
Very impressed!
Quality pup. Clear, strong, moody, warm tone I desired. Can’t put my P Bass 50’s down. Fantastic pair with LaBella Flats. I see why these are highly recommended. The reputation is all it is made out to be! Supporting a local, made in the USA company too!
Michael Seeger (verified owner) –
I put this in my Squier Classic Vibe ’50s P-Bass. Great punchy tone, no hum, I’m very happy with it!
Alan Decker (verified owner) –
Awesome Beyond Words
Oh MY God!! What an amazing sound! It has changed the sound of the bass into exactly what I thought it should be!! I’ve been telling everyone I know about changing their pickups to Fralins!! Please use me as a resource! Anyone who wants to know give them my email address and I will expound on the beauty of this pickup! Thank you so much! Alan
Henry Hibbert –
So glad I bought this pickup. I recently completed a partsbuild 50’s P-bass. The neck is Allparts, and the ash body was cut and routed to specs by Rosser guitars out of North Carolina (ebay). The pick-up cavity is the original size (I noticed that seems to be an issue in these reviews). I’m glad Lindy makes his pickups to original size. It dropped in perfectly. After lots of research, I bought the split coil. When thinking about the electronics, you cannot overlook the harness, the pots, cap, resistors etc., if you lack quality there, then you won’t get the most out of the chain. Kellingsound88 (ebay) produces beautifully crafted cloth wired “original specs” harnesses. His 50’s P-bass has the 12k resistor on the tone pot, just like the original P-basses of this era. Yes, it rolls back to a very dark tone – but by slightly tweaking it forward there is a land of milk and honey with the Fralin Split single. I can get slap happy twang and I can get smooth as silk butter and everything between. Sometimes “expensive” turns out to be “cheap” because what you get is amazing. This is one of those times.
Alan Decker (verified owner) –
Oh MY God!! What an amazing sound! It has changed the sound of the bass into exactly what I thought it should be!!
I’ve been telling everyone I know about changing their pickups to Fralin’s!! Please use me as a resource!
Anyone who wants to know give them my email address and I will expound on the beauty of this pickup!
Thank you so much!
Robert Small (verified owner) –
I have a 53 p bass that had a terrible noise problem, so much it pretty much stayed in the case. I dropped in a split 51 solved all my problems. Sounds great, hope to take it out as soon as the quarantine is over
Richard Bates (verified owner) –
Aim to Please
I must say first off this pickup did not fit in the cavity of my Fender Custom Shop 55 P Bass. Fender Custom Shop reduced the cavity size so much that it cannot fit this pick up even after Lindy and his gang went out of their way to try to make this work. This is entirely Fender’s fault for not maintaining their original specifications. Thanks, Lindy. I will be a customer in the future.
Jon Tatooles (verified owner) –
Turned a Simple Squier into a Tone Machine
I picked up a Classic Vibe ’50s Squier Precision as a kick-around that I would happily lend to friends. Nice instrument but I couldn’t get along with the buzz from the OE single coil. I dropped this (standard winding) in, which is a tight fit, but just fine. It turned this simple bass into a superb instrument that will happily use to gig and record. Good balance across the spectrum, ever so slightly mid-forward compared to a U.S. standard P with an OE split coil. This sits in a mix perfectly.
Dana Trantham (verified owner) –
Dramatic improvement over the single coil The previous owner installed … much better treble response and superior note definition.
Karina Zen (verified owner) –
Great! Very good sounding, and very well built!
Phil Clark (verified owner) –
This pickup transformed my “ok” sounding but GREAT playing 2018 Squier Classic Vibe 50’s P Bass into The best bass I’ve owned. I followed a previous review from Timothy J Privish in purchasing +5% over wind since the stock pickup sound so weak compared to my other basses. I also noticed on the stock Squier pickup the posts were level and that The A string wasn’t as loud as the others. The raised posts fixed that issue. I love the simple look of the pickup too. I have a Godin xtsa that is an enjoyable, flexible guitar. It just has “Godin” printed anywhere they could think to plaster it. Big ol EYE ROLL for that. Fralin’s let the sound speak for themselves and they are worth every penny! The Godin Godin Godin Godin Godin may be next.
Wayne (verified owner) –
Had the split installed in my 51 reissue and gigged it in my Zep tribute band and it was incredible. Ampeg SVT power, 8/10 cab! Sat perfectly in the mix. Sound man loved my tone and so did my musician friends. Love the product. I recently ordered another one for my other reissue.
Sean Savacool (verified owner) –
Perfect but for one thing! (Standard wind)
This pickup sounds very good. Yes, it does have the spirit of the single-coil ‘51, but it is a little different. It retains the low thud and trebly attack of a single-coil, but it also has a little of the low-mid reminiscent in the standard split style p-bass pickup. It is only a little louder than the single-coil pickup and is slightly thinner in sound than the standard p-bass pickup.
The only thing about this that might limit its use is that you can not install a coil-split on a push-pull and go back to a single-coil sound with this pickup. This is something I did not quite realize when I bought the pickup and was intending to do that to it, only to discover that I could not. This really isn’t that big of a deal, and in no way diminishes the high quality of this pickup. I would give this a 100% recommendation to anyone only wishing to drop a hum-canceling option into their ‘51 style p-bass.
Now, the reason for the 4 stars. I, along with just about everyone else out there, found that I had to modify the pickup in order for it to fit into the pickup cavity. This took a while to do as you need to be careful not to damage it in the process. I don’t know why they don’t just make the bottom plate narrower so that this is not a problem. I installed this into a Fender Custom Shop ‘51 Precision Bass and still had this issue.
Ultimately, while I loved the sound of this pickup, I went with the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Stacked ‘51. It actually dropped right in without modification and I was able to do the coil-split on a push/pull as I had originally wanted. Still, if that option does not matter to you and you don’t mind spending a little extra time with modification of the pickup, I highly recommend this great sounding pickup.
Duncan Roylance (verified owner) –
‘51 Split P
Quick delivery to Australia, great old school tone, great output, zero noise, perfect for the Squier Classic Vibe 50s P bass. Only 4 stars as I had to file a bit off the base plate corners to fit – scary business. Also, I would recommend requesting uniform pole piece heights for this model bass. Excellent replacement pup though, highly recommended.
James Dungan Seaver –
I bought my Lindy Fralin overwound split single coil-pickup to replace a custom-wound retro single coil what was similar in design to the original 1951 P-bass. That retro pickup sounded great, but it buzzed all the time. I expected that – that’s what they do – and thought I would get over it. I could not, so I bought the Lindy Fralin split single and now I have the sound I want without the buzz. I hear a nice, thick, mule-kick bass with good even tone, and several sound guys have complimented me on what they’re hearing. I’m glad I bought the pickup and it will remain my final choice for my bass. Thanks, Lindy Fralin, for making a great split single-coil pickup! ~ James
Phillip Jordan (verified owner) –
Amazing.
Made what wasn’t a spare “unique to have” bass into my main go-to bass.Incredible tone and versatility. Amazing!
Robert Dauernheim (verified owner) –
Tone Monster !
I ordered this pickup for a custom build I was doing, when the pickup arrived, I installed it in the bass, and was quite surprised by how quiet it was, and the tone was amazing. Keep up the great work Lindy & staff, you have a lifelong customer now !
Tor Even Brennvik (verified owner) –
51′ P-Bass: No hum. Fantastic pickups, recommended!
pete g –
i bought a sting signature model bass from reverb as a novelty, but it turned out to be a really nice bass – except for the pickup. i popped a split ’51 w/ 10% overwind in (along with new pots) and now it’s one of my first-line basses – tone and balls for days. my 3rd bass with fralins – love them all!
Timothy Colligan (verified owner) –
Delicious Vintage P Bass Goodness Without The Hum
Fat, rich, stanky P-Bass tone emanates from this pickup. Solid mids cut through the mix and lovely deep bass and clean treble round out this perfectly balanced pickup.
Michael Miller (verified owner) –
Great pickups.
Very happy with the sound and the speed of shipping. Great products love them all!
Johan Van Der Hoven (verified owner) –
Excellent sound.
All your pickups were recommended by professional people I know from Hawaii to Sweden.
They were right. Sixties Fender Stratocaster bass is once again excellent.
Thanks much.
Johan
1061824717 (verified owner) –
After 2 weeks, this pickup finally arrived in Shanghai! First of all, no noise, noise at all, as promised! Sound pretty good, fat, beefy, warm and vintage. I also upgrade my capacity. They makes my 51 P bass back to alive. Many thanks to all of you guys in Lindy Fralin Pickups.
Aleksandr Krachanko (verified owner) –
Best 51 P-Bass Pup Money Can Buy.
I came across a Squier Vintage Vibe 50s P-Bass, and loved it, but thought it needed some oomph. I got the Split ’51 P from Fralin with a 5% overwind, to give it that more vintage tone. I installed it, put a set of LaBella Flats on it, and I’ve never heard a better sounding P-Bass in my life. Turned a really nice Squier into a bass I’ll keep forever.
Timothy J Pribish (verified owner) –
Hell yeah!
These things, are awesome- I expected no less, as I already have a set of “reg” P-Bass Pickups, ( 5% Overwound), in another bass. So, when my recently acquired Fender “Sting” bass seemed a bit “tinny” to my ear, I ordered a set of these, ( 5% Overwound as well).
Both of my instruments that contain Mr. Fralin’s pups have the “warm, fat sound” we all look for, with a “punch” controlled by technique, (as it should be). Oh, and a tone knob that now actually does something is a cool “side effect” lol.
Don’t hesitate. Order these.
Edwin Brugger (verified owner) –
I tried 5 pickups on my Nardelli P51 bass. Two single coils and three humbuckers. This pickup was the best! Output like the single coils, loudest humbucker, most punch of all. Dead quiet. Great tonal range with surprising highs. This is my Pickup! Highly recommended!
Jeff Barber (verified owner) –
Big time upgrade from original single coil!
Bill Buck (verified owner) –
I had a tech put this in a Squier CV 50’s and properly set up the bass. noise free pick ups, and great p bass punch. Sits beautifully in the mix.
Jeff Eyrich (verified owner) –
Love it. Big, full tone, no buzz. I could not be happier – my bass could not be happier. Sincere thanks, Lindy.
Matthew Kohut (verified owner) –
This was the first time in 35 years of playing that I have replaced a stock pickup, so I didn’t know what to expect. I dropped this in a cheapo Squier ’51 P-bass copy after the cover on the original pickup shattered during a gig. In short, it completely transformed the bass. The sound is much more even and sweet than the factory p/u, but it doesn’t lack punch either. For the first time in ages, I’m going directly into the amp rather than warming up and rounding out the tone through a Sadowsky preamp. Just a great sound.
Andrew Melchert (verified owner) –
This is my first Lindy Fralin pickup, and I must say, I’m impressed. This pickup does exactly what they said it would. Big bottom end, firm mids, crisp highs. It’s like a brain transplant for my P-bass. Way more sound that the factory pickup, and no noise!
wraresheid (verified owner) –
I had the tech at my local shop install this PU. It is still a P bass but the sound and tone is unbelievable. I’m a fan. It may seem extravagant to install it in a Squier CV 50s bass but not if you’re hearing it. The bass is well made and the pickup is perfect for it and I am completely satisfied with it. Much fatter, fuller tone but yet still pure P Bass. Thanks.
WOW!
George Potts (verified owner) –
Just installed the Split ’51 P-Bass pickup, and it is a SCREAMER! Thank you for your quality workmanship.
Paul Schimmelman (verified owner) –
Got a Lindy Fralin 51P split coil to replace the stock single coil pickup in my CIJ 51P reissue. Key issue I had was that the stock pick up was very noisy in the places I end up gigging. I was a little concerned that the Fralin might not have as much output as the stock pick up. My fears were unfounded. The Fralin is sweet sounding, has plenty of kick and most importantly is dead quiet.
Install was a breeze. The Fralin Split Coil fit right in the 51P route and while I am no wizard with a soldering iron, the connection was very easy.
Very happy with the new, quiet 51P split coil.
Steven Hill (verified owner) –
The Magnet for A string on my pickup is higher the the others for some reason, is this normal? it makes the A a little hotter and the E a little weaker. D and G just fine. Love the sound.
No equalization everything flat on amp
my A Guitar Squier Classic Vibe 50’s P-Bass
Tyler-Fralin Pickups (store manager) –
Hey Steven,
Thanks for your comment. If you look at our picture, it is the norm for the A string to be a bit higher. If this is a recurring issue for you, let us know and we can exchange it for a custom stagger!
Tyler
Raul Campos (verified owner) –
It sounds beautiful! I replaced a single coil that I ran with a Fender Bass Humbucker neck pickup and the single coil struggled to keep up and was noisy. Your overwound split coil has great tone and power. Fender body, Warmoth birdseye maple neck, Schaller tuners and Bad Ass bridge. All my other basses are active and this bass can keep up with them now! Definitely will be considering your pickups for my future needs!
Sincerely, Raul
Doug Schulstad (verified owner) –
Hi…
I ordered the split 51 P-Bass pickup and finally had time to install it a couple of weeks ago. Just recorded with it today and am blown away. I put it in a new Squire Classic Vibe P-Bass that screamed buy me one day at my local guitar shop….beautiful bass….played beautifully but the sound was eh….I knew I could do better. Glad I did some research and arrived at your site. Not only does this split pickup kill the noise….which was unbearable…..but the tone is ridiculous….I’ve never never had a bass sound like this….I almost feel like I can’t tell anyone about this….it’s too good.
So…all I can say is …Thank you.
Peace…
Jim Sholty (verified owner) –
Been using lindy’s in all my fender bass’s
Smooth even lush tone and response
The 51 split p bass is quiet yet punchy and full bodied.
Very happy indeed!