Split ’51 P-Bass
Hum-Free '50's P-Bass Tone
$150
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.
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All '50s P- Bass, Zero Hum.
Want to learn more about our Split '51 P-Bass? Here's all the information you'll need:
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 an 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 have 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.
Tonal Graph For Split ’51 P-Bass:
The tonal graph below for our Split ’51 P-Bass features Lows, Midrange, Highs, and general Output.
Attack: Dynamic & Full
Videos for Split ’51 P-Bass:
Tech Specs:
See below for the estimated DCR and Polarity Information for our Split '51 P-Bass.
| SPECIFICATION | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Stock Ohm Reading: | 6.85K 1 |
| String Spacing (String to String): | 18mm |
| Magnet Wire: | USA-Made 42-Gauge Single Poly Nylon |
| Magnet Material: | USA-Made Alnico 5 |
| Bobbin Material: | USA-Made Fiberboard |
| Recommended Pot Value: | 250K |
| Recommended Cap Value: | 0.02mfd 2 |
More Information:
1 Ohm Readings can vary due to a multitude of factors, including ambient temperature, multimeter calibration, different wire batches, and other factors. Due to this, ohm readings are approximate. Learn more about Ohm Readings here.
2 We recommend a 0.02mfd Cap Value on most guitar and bass pickups. The exception is a Magic Cap, which Lindy prefers on the Bridge Pickup of Fender® guitars only. Learn More about Caps Here.
Split ’51 P-Bass Dimensions:
Split ’51 P-Bass FAQ's
General FAQs
Here are quick answers to common questions we get:
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What Ohm Readings does your Split ’51 P-Bass have?
Navigate to our Tech Specs Tab for complete Ohm Readings and more useful information.
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Will this pickup fit my instrument?
Check our "Sizing" tab for the size of the pickup. No Sizing tab? Check under the product image gallery for dimensions.
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Is your Lead Time of 2-3 Weeks accurate?
It really depends on the shop capacity at the moment, and the size of your order. Feel free to give us a call for an accurate lead time. We always try to underpromise and overdeliver.
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What pickup height do you recommend setting your Split ’51 P-Basss to?
Our recommended Pickup Height is 1/8" (3.175mm) on the Bass Side and 1/16"( 1.5875mm) on the Treble Side. Measure by holding the corresponding side down at its highest fret and measure from the bottom of the string to the top of the pole piece.
Customer Reviews
86 Genuine Reviews for Split ’51 P-Bass
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I purchased a stock split 51 p-bass pickup mostly to get rid of the hum from the standard pickup in my Squire Classic Vibe 50’s p-bass. I was not expecting that amount of improvement in the sound of the bass. The best description I can think of is smooth and clear. I played the bass at rehearsal and my band mates noticed the improved tone of the bass immediately. Other reviews recommend sanding down the pickup to make it fit. I didn’t do that. Instead I sanded the bass cavity and made enough clearance for the pickup to slide in. It seemed like a safer option instead of taking a chance on nicking the wires.
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Split ‘51 p-bass eliminated hum and added warmth, depth to Sire MM D5. Great clarity and articulation! Positive input from band members, audience and sound guys! Lindy kindly called to ensure a great fit What an upgrade! Couldn’t be happer.
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I ordered the -5% underwind version to go in my Made in Japan ’51 P-Bass reissue. I am using GHS Precision Flats and play exclusively finger-style. I am writing this review, in part, as there doesn’t appear to be any reviews that discuss the -5% underwind version.
The bass came with a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound pickup. I liked its definition but there is too much emphasis on the lower-mids and bass. Many people gravitate towards this sound but it is not what I was after.
After some research I ordered Lollar’s Original P-Bass Single Coil pickup. It tamed the excessive low end of the Seymour Duncan. This pickup accentuates the upper-mids and provides a very focused and punchy sound, but not much sustain. I liked the sound but after a month of use the single coil noise started to bother me.
Went back and did more research. The Fralin Split ’51 P-Bass offered a solution to the noise but its EQ profile resembled more closely the Seymour Duncan’s. My fear was that it would lose the tight, focused sound the Lollar has.
I exchanged emails with Fralin asking if going with the -5% underwind will help in my quest to capture the punchy single coil sound I was after. The response: “The underwind will indeed give you a bit more of the attack of the single coil version.” That sounded promising.
The ordering process was great! The Fralin Split ’51 will not fit in the pickup rout of a MIJ ’51 P-Bass reissue. I noted on the order that I needed the base plate trimmed accordingly. A few hours after placing the order Lindy called me to confirm the exact amount that needed to be removed. Really appreciated the call to ensure that everything was correct!
The pickup fit perfectly. After wiring it up I took it for a test drive.
The sound profile fell somewhere between the Lollar and the Seymour Duncan but without the noise. It has some of the Seymour Duncan’s big bottom-end but not to the same degree. It is bigger and more rounded than the Lollar, especially in the bass and lower-mids, but still has a reasonable amount of punch and clarity. I do think the -5% underwind helps, but I suspect it is a subtle difference from the stock wind. The difference is likely more pronounced compared to the +5% overwind. It has more sustain than the Lollar as the notes don’t decay as quickly. The raised pole piece under the A string does improve the output balance with the E string compared to the non-staggered Lollar or Seymour Duncan.
Overall, I like the Fralin Split ’51. I have switched back and forth between the Lollar and Fralin as there are aspects of each that I like. I will probably keep both. I believe the Fralin will work in a wide range of applications and is probably a more versatile pickup than the Lollar as it straddles more sonic territory.
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I was happy with the sound of my ’51 MIJ Precision bass but wondered if there was room for improvement. There was! With the Lindy Fralin pickup my sound is richer, fuller and just better. I love playing that bass now!
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Fantastic! Sounds great and is super quiet! Best sounding pickup I’ve ever used!
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I’ve played bass guitar in bands for 50 years and currently own eleven of them. In March of 2023 I purchased a Marcus Miller Sire D5, a model that is Sire’s take on the classic 1951 Precision Bass. I liked the workmanship on the guitar, but knew right away that the stock pickup would need to be replaced. After considering several options, I happened upon the Fralin website while doing research on a replacement pickup.
I called Fralin and spoke with Derek on April 3, 2023. He was very patient and listened to me as I ticked off those areas that were most important to me. I told him about the bass I purchased and he informed me that the pickup could be constructed so that I could just drop it in upon receipt. I ordered the left-handed Split 51 P-Bass pickup (I never realized before that left-handed pickup existed) with stock stagger, stock output and white string color.
Less than ten days later, the pickup was in my hands. It dropped into the guitar, simple as could be.
The tone from this pickup is far superior to the stock model it replaced. It has a nice bass end, but picks up the brightness when I play with a pick. I use my Aguilar preamp pedal (that gives this passive pickup at least a 10dB boost), a compressor pedal and some EQ, and I can dial in a very versatile tone that works with Motown tunes through most of the classic rock catalog my band performs.
It’s an American-made pickup that you can order to your reasonable specifications. You can actually speak with a real-live sales representative who knows his product and can inform you of your options so that you’ll be able to order a pickup that you’ll love for years to come.
Purchasing this pickup was a very good choice on my part, and believe me, next time I want to replace a bass pickup in one of my other babies, calling Fralin will be the first thing I do.
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I bought this to put into my Harley Benton PB 50 which is a clone of the early 50s precision bass. The tone before was a little thin, but good. After I put in the Fralin pick up, I could hear more fidelity but I didn’t get the punch that I was looking for which probably doesn’t really exist in this axe. So, even though it improved the tone, I don’t think it’s gonna be particularly useful, particularly when going against my 75 jazz bass, and my reliable P bass, both Fenders. I am getting some hum, btw.
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I Put it on my old ESP(Japan) custom 51 type bass.
Split ‘51 size just a little bit big so I cut a little bit pickup’s edge, so far can put it in.
Sound just amazing. nice punch, fast attack, better sustain and the looks just fxxking handsome.
I can’t stop to play and take pictures with my bass almost 2 weeks.
This pickup can 100% exert the strength of wood.
Even my bass is old, but now just like reborn. -
I replaced the stock pickup in my Squire Classic Vibe 50s with the Fralin split 50s single coil because I had major hum. All I can say is wow no more hum and what a difference in tone also!! Lindy Fralin personally called me after I reached out to the company after I placed the order because I was worried about the size of the new pickup. He told me I could send him the stock pickup which I did and he made sure it was sized properly and it fit in perfectly! Thank you so much!!!
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Put it in a 2005 MIC Squire P bass. ( w/pots & cap )
You will have to remove some of the base section edges to make it fit that model.
I stayed away from the wiring grabbed securely and did it in about a minute with 60 grit sand paper.
Works well ( fits the mix ) on stage with other musicians.
Can be smooth , boom or punchy / funky depending on touch.
I use flats -
Bought the split 51 p-bass pickup 10% over wound for my 54 vintage ii pbass and I’m totally satisfied with it, more balanced more output and most important… less noise!!! ??
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I too replaced the factory pickup in my American Vintage II ’54 Precision. The original was very noticeably weak. The Split “51 made ALL the difference. Now I don’t have to double my settings for volume and gain on my amp from my other basses” settings. Plus no more hum. The band noticed the improved tone and presence immediately. I got he 10% overwind…it was the perfect choice.
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I just installed this pickup on the Fender American Vintage ii 1954 Precision. While the stock pickup was pretty good, the A and D strings were much weaker sounding than the E and G stings. Once I put in the Fralin , the bass really came to life! A little fatter overall tone, lots of clarity and an even output across all stings!
It retains the vintage sound, the raised pole pieces really help too. Read all the other reviews on here(as I did) and this pickup delivers what all the reviews say. This is a wonderful pickup, and no 60 cycle hum.
There are other 51 p bass style pickups out there, and I’m sure they are good. For me , do yourself a favor, get this pickup and you’ll be sold!! Fralin pickups always deliver!! -
According to me, it’s always hard to tell about what is the best pickup for a 51 custom PB, or any bass… It’s highly subjective…. But I’m sure about one thing : This pick up is great and powerfull. It provide perfectly the vintage sound that we can expect for a 51 PB with an efficient hum cancelling. No mistake is possible with buying it ! Great job.
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I had the Split ’51 installed in a Nash PB-55 seeking to quiet it down from the hum and buzzing that was exhibited playing through a “tube” Mesa bass combo amp. I liked the open tone of the Lollar that it replaced and this new pickup still has that same open tone and is very quiet!
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WOW, passive circuit perfection!!
Long time bass player, first time Fralin pup. I slapped this thing in a 54 P bass Warmoth build and it sounds phenomenal. I’m primarily a headphone player so tone is everything to me. And man this thing does not disappoint. I ordered the +5%, flawlessly quiet and all that warm P bass sound. Pick/ finger/ slap, tone knob up or down, doesn’t matter they all sound so great. Needless to say now this bass is my primary and will be for a long time. If you’re on the fence with this one just buy it. It will change your life.
Thanks Lindy
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I ordered a Split ’51 P-Bass pickup with 5% overwind as a replacement for the stock pickup in my new Sire Marcus Miller D5. The result blew me away!. The original pickup was a bit weak on the low end and the output was also low. The custom Fralin pickup arrived in exactly 10 days and went into my bass a few days later. The Fralin Split ’51 pickup turned this well-made bass into a monster! Now, I’m totally in love with my MM D5. Thanks Fralin!
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I installed this pickup in a Squire Classic Vibe 50’s P bass. After considerable research in multiple bass forums I decided on Fralin. I wasn’t sure what I wanted as far as magnet stagger or output. After placing my order I received a call from Lindy. He explained the options to me and after hearing what I was after, suggested hybrid stagger and 5% overwound. This pickup eliminated the annoying single coil hum of the original, and made this inexpensive bass one of the sweetest sounding P basses I’ve heard.
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Easy install on my 53 pb, gave it a more balanced volume and tone from string to string. Reduced the annoying single coil buzz to zero, a big plus. A great choice 10+
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I installed this in a Squire Classic Vibe 51’ P-Bass and the difference it has made to the sound is phenomenal. With a 5% overwind the low end is huge but still retains real clear tone making for a really articulate sound. I
would now be happy to use this bass with this pickup in a live setting or studio. Super impressed!
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