upgrade pickups on cheap bass?

[awalsh]

Hi,
I have an inexpensive bass I bought for recording ($100), a Johnson p bass copy. I'm a singer/songwriter adding bass to my tracks. I've had it for a few years and have learned how to play on it and am used to it.
Would better pickups make that much of a difference, or would it be better to save up some more and get a better bass, like a used fender p bass. If I go the pickup replacement route I was thinking lollars, since I have some in my electric guitars and they sound great.
Any opinions are appreciated!

[teleman1]

If you are on budget, get the PU's of your choice and have the bass setup and fret dressed. Get a better bass latter on and use the PU's in that better bass and restore the Johnson and sell it then.

[teleman1]

If you can afford it, get a MIJ P Bass or American. Do you boat? If so , tie a rope around the neck of the Johnson. Give it about 25 feet of slack. It is so fun to see it skipping on the water. Try it at Lake Berryesa!

[walterw]

ha!

until then, a good fralin or lollar (or even a decent "factory" pickup like a duncan "vintage" or fender "original") would make a night-and-day difference in the sound.

[Gizmoaudio]

Had a mim p bass once and changed the pu's for Seymour duncans. Made a huge difference. More punch and fatter tone.

[CavePassivePedals]

Another vote for Lollar here.

[awalsh]

Cool, thanks for the comments. I am on a budget and I'll probably go with getting new pickups to start. Then I'll go boating...
Alex