Best Bass Guitar Pickups & Pickup Covers of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Bass guitar pickups are a crucial component in producing high-quality sound. They are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal that can be amplified and heard through speakers. Different types of pickups provide different tonal characteristics, from warm and mellow to bright and punchy. Pickup covers are also an important accessory, protecting the delicate pickups from damage while adding a stylish touch to the instrument. Available in a variety of colors and materials, pickup covers are an easy way to personalize a bass guitar and enhance its visual appeal.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fender 51 Precision Bass Pickup Cover Cover #TOP 1
Fender 51 Precision Bass Pickup Cover
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Musiclily WOPB Vari Gauss Ceramic Bass Pickups Set Cover #TOP 2
Musiclily WOPB Vari Gauss Ceramic Bass Pickups Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
mLaval Bass Guitar Pickup Covers Cover #TOP 3
mLaval Bass Guitar Pickup Covers
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bass Guitar Pickups & Pickup Covers

#TOP 1

Fender 51 Precision Bass Pickup Cover

0033167000
Chrome
Fender 51 Precision Bass Pickup Cover Cover
Fender 51 Precision Bass Pickup Cover for Guitar - Chrome

The Fender Bass Pickup Cover is a vintage-style cover designed for Fender bridge assemblies. Specifically made to fit the 51 Precision Bass reissue from Japan, this chrome-finished cover does not come with mounting hardware. By adding this cover to your bass guitar, you can achieve a classic look while also protecting the pickup. It helps maintain the authentic vintage vibe of your instrument and ensures a sleek appearance. The cover is easy to install, offering a quick way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bass.

What We Like
Vintage-style design
Protects pickup
Easy to install
#TOP 2

Musiclily WOPB Vari Gauss Ceramic Bass Pickups Set

MX1772
Black
Musiclily WOPB Vari Gauss Ceramic Bass Pickups Set Cover
Wilkinson WOPB Vari Gauss Ceramic 4-String Precision Bass Humbucker Pickups Set for PB Style Electric Bass, Black

Musiclily Bass Pickups Set is designed for most P-Bass style electric bass guitars, such as Fender/Squier Precision Bass. With a 28.5mm pole spacing and wax potted construction, these pickups offer a classic tone enhanced by Var-Gauss technology. This technology ensures deep growling bass frequencies and smoother yet defined treble sounds. The ceramic magnet and 8.5K resistance contribute to the overall high-quality sound output. The package includes 2 pickups, but note that you may need to use your own screws for installation.

What We Like
Var-Gauss technology
Classic tone
Wax potted construction
#TOP 3

mLaval Bass Guitar Pickup Covers

mLaval Bass Guitar Pickup Covers Cover
1 pair of bass Guitar Pickup cover for 5 String Bridge and Neck,Black

The mLaval Pickup Covers are ideal for replacing or repairing your 4-string bass guitar. They come in two sizes: a longer cover for the bridge and a shorter one for the neck. The bridge cover measures 101.9mm in length, while the neck cover is 98.5mm long, both with a consistent height of 18.2mm. This variety ensures a perfect fit for your guitar, enhancing its sound quality. Additionally, the mounting screw spacing is designed for easy installation, making it convenient for you to upgrade your instrument without hassle.

What We Like
Easy installation
Size variety for better fit
Improves sound quality
Replacement for damaged parts
#TOP 4

Seymour Duncan SPB-3 P-Bass Pickup

SSPB-3
Black
Seymour Duncan SPB-3 P-Bass Pickup Cover
Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound P-Bass Pickup - High Output Pickup for Classic and Hard Rock, Grunge, Metal, and Punk

The Seymour Duncan P-Bass Pickup is designed to elevate your sound with its rich, powerful tone. You’ll appreciate the versatility it offers, making it suitable for various genres like rock, punk, and metal. With high-output power, it ensures that every note you play stands out, providing a significant mid-range presence. Additionally, this pickup is a breeze to install, making it a convenient drop-in upgrade for most Precision-style basses, whether you’re in the studio or performing live.

What We Like
Massive tone upgrade
Versatile for multiple genres
High output power
Easy installation
#TOP 5

Fender Jazz Bass Pickup Cover

0010660090
Chrome
Fender Jazz Bass Pickup Cover Cover
Fender Chrome Vintage Jazz Bass Pickup Cover

The Fender Chrome Vintage Jazz Bass Pickup Cover is a high-quality, genuine replacement part that is both durable and made in the USA. This pickup cover is designed for bass guitar pickups and pickup covers, making it a reliable choice for musicians who want to maintain the quality of their instruments. With its superior craftsmanship and sturdy construction, this pickup cover will help prolong the life of your bass guitar while also enhancing its appearance.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Genuine Fender replacement part
Made in the USA
#TOP 6

Fender Precision Bass Pickup Cover

0010116070
Chrome
Fender Precision Bass Pickup Cover Cover
Fender Chrome Vintage Precision Bass Pickup Cover

The Fender Bass Pickup Cover is a genuine replacement part designed specifically for your bass guitar. Its high-quality construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of regular use, providing you with durability you can rely on. Made in the United States, this cover not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your instrument but also protects the pickup from dust and damage. By choosing this pickup cover, you can maintain the integrity of your sound while giving your bass guitar a polished look.

What We Like
Genuine Fender part
High-quality construction
Durable and long-lasting
Protects pickup from damage
#TOP 7

Fender Precision Bass Pickup Covers

0992037000
Black
Fender Precision Bass Pickup Covers Cover
Fender Pure Vintage Precision Bass Pickup Covers - Black

Fender Bass Pickup Covers are authentic replacements for your Precision Bass. Made of black plastic, these covers were first used on 1957 Precision Bass guitars. They fit most vintage and modern Precision Bass pickups, providing a classic look. Not compatible with five-string models, these covers maintain the original style and protect your pickups from dirt and damage.

What We Like
Authentic Replacements
Classic Look
Protects Pickups
#TOP 8

Guyker JB11 Ceramic Pickups Set

G-pickup-029
Guyker JB11 Ceramic Pickups Set Cover
Guyker Ceramic Pickups Long Closed Electric Jazz Bass Pickups Closed Hot Single Rail Track 1 Set, JB11 Black

The Guyker Jazz Bass Pickups are designed to enhance your playing experience with their long close hot single rail track design. These pickups improve treble frequencies, giving you a brighter and clearer sound that stands out. You’ll enjoy full harmonics and sustain, making your bass sound richer and more dynamic. Whether you position them at the bridge or neck, these pickups are versatile and can meet your needs. Before purchasing, it's a good idea to check the dimensional drawing to ensure the perfect fit for your bass guitar.

What We Like
Enhanced treble frequencies
Rich harmonics and sustain
Versatile positioning options
Clear, bright sound
#TOP 9

Seymour Duncan SJB-3 J-Bass Pickup

SSJB-3B BLK
Schwarz
Seymour Duncan SJB-3 J-Bass Pickup Cover
Seymour Duncan SJB-3 Quarter Pound J-Bass Pickup - Black Bridge

The Seymour Duncan J-Bass Pickup is a bridge-position single-coil pickup designed specifically for Jazz Bass guitars. This feature enhances your bass's tonal clarity, allowing you to achieve a rich, vibrant sound. With its black finish, it not only performs well but also adds a sleek look to your instrument. The pickup is crafted for easy installation, making it convenient for you to upgrade your bass without hassle. By choosing this pickup, you can elevate your playing experience with powerful sound and improved playability.

What We Like
Enhanced tonal clarity
Sleek black finish
Easy installation
Powerful sound
#TOP 10

Fender Vintage Jazz Bass Ashtray Covers

0992088000
Silver
One Size
Fender Vintage Jazz Bass Ashtray Covers Cover
Fender Pure Vintage Jazz Bass Ashtray Cover Set

The Fender Jazz Bass Covers are genuine chrome-plated ashtray-style covers designed for bridge and pickups. These covers not only enhance the vintage look of your Jazz Bass guitar, but they also protect the hardware from dust and damage. The set includes all necessary mounting hardware for easy installation, although you will need to drill for proper fitment. These covers are compatible with most vintage and modern Jazz Bass guitars, ensuring that you can achieve that classic aesthetic without hassle.

What We Like
Chrome-plated finish
Includes mounting hardware
Protects hardware
Fits most models
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do pickup covers affect tone bass?

Yes, pickup covers can affect the tone of a bass guitar, but their impact is generally minimal and not a major concern.

2. What is the point of pickup covers on bass?

The main purpose of pickup covers on bass guitars is to provide protection for the coils of the magnets. They help prevent damage to the pickups.

3. Do pickup covers affect sound?

While plastic or wood pickup covers are not affected by magnetic fields, they can have a subtle impact on tonal properties. Uncovered pickups tend to sound brighter and more open compared to covered pickups.

4. How do you play bass with pickup cover?

Playing bass with a pickup cover can offer some benefits, such as providing a resting point for the palm and creating a muting effect. It can also give more room between the thumb and forefinger for certain playing techniques.

5. What happens if my bass pickup is too high?

If the bass pickup is set too high, the magnets can push and pull the strings, causing them to go out of tune.

6. Are covered pickups better?

Covered pickups tend to produce a warmer and mellower sound compared to uncovered pickups, which sound brighter and more defined. Covered pickups also reduce humming and background noise.

7. Should you play bass with a pick or fingers?

The choice between playing bass with a pick or fingers is a matter of personal preference and the musical context. Some bassists use both techniques interchangeably, depending on the song or style they are playing.

8. Do metal bassists play with a pick?

Many metal bassists play with a pick, also known as a plectrum, but some also prefer using their fingers. Using a pick allows for rapid repeated notes and fast basslines, although there are bassists who achieve the same techniques without a pick.

Editor's Notes

During our bass guitar pickups & pickup cover research, we found 24 bass guitar pickups & pickup cover products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,332 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bass guitar pickups & pickup covers list. We found that most customers choose bass guitar pickups & pickup covers with an average price of $18.26.

The bass guitar pickups & pickup covers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bass guitar pickups & pickup covers, including Fender, Musiclily, mLaval Guitar Parts, Seymour Duncan, guyker. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 484 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.