Aguilar Soapbar Pickups?

LightGroove · #1 01-27-2013, 09:32 AM

So Ive been patiently waiting for the review of the new Aguilar Soapbars and saw Roscoe installed a set. Just curious if Gard can shed some insight/ thoughts on these pickups. I realize they dont hit stores til March so wasnt sure if theres some kind of Gag order in place ...

Also will these be featured in Roscoe's going forward?

Gard · #2 01-27-2013, 11:18 AM

No gag order at all, I thought I'd put a few thoughts in the thread with the bass....however, to directly answer:

They sound GREAT! Clear, full, even. Nice presence without being honky or boomy.

They're not 10000% perfect, but they're damn good, and the little niggles I have about 'em I'm going to share with Aguilar directly before they release them in the wild - they're small questions/ideas/comments, and I'm positive that they will be quickly resolved or explained.

Once they're available, I believe we will be offering them as an option - as we already are starting to do with the 4/5J HC and 4/5 P pickups.

LightGroove · #3 01-27-2013, 11:27 AM

Very cool..so would you put these closer to the realm of Bartolini CB's or maybe a Delano then?

Im intrigued and i bet they will match well with their pre.

Any thoughts on the Jazz pups?

Gard · #4 01-27-2013, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightGroove

Very cool..so would you put these closer to the realm of Bartolini CB's or maybe a Delano then?

Im intrigued and i bet they will match well with their pre.

Any thoughts on the Jazz pups?

Haven't heard the Delano HB's, so I can't compare, but yeah, somewhat like the CB's.

The J's sound VERY vintage, but no 60 cycle buzz, so I like them a LOT.

JoelFT · #5 01-27-2013, 11:39 AM

I'm thinking about swapping the pups and pre on my SKB (the one with "issues"). I am leaning towards Roscoe Barts and either a Bart pre or maybe a Pope. So, should I maybe wait until these Aggie pups hit the market?

Gard · #6 01-27-2013, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoelFT

I'm thinking about swapping the pups and pre on my SKB (the one with "issues"). I am leaning towards Roscoe Barts and either a Bart pre or maybe a Pope. So, should I maybe wait until these Aggie pups hit the market?

Well, it really depends on where you're trying to take your tone...the Aggies are a bit edgier sounding than the Roscoe Barts....if you want fat/warm, go with the Barts, if you want clear/bite, the Aggies might be a good choice.

eo. · #7 01-27-2013, 12:07 PM

I'm looking forward to trying them out too. Everything I've heard puts them between the roscoe barts and CBs tone-wise. I'm really curious about the soap singles as well and will probably give those a go first.

JoelFT · #8 01-27-2013, 01:08 PM

Well, as I am getting to know the bass I find that the Nords have a fantastic mid-range presence but, the highs sound very dull. I know that is simply a characteristic of dual coils and boosting the treble fixes the problem however, I prefer to run everything flat and use the EQ for tweaks here and there.

Now, when I'm in single coil mode all those highs come rushing back. But, I much prefer the single coil tone on my JM so, I don't mind loosing the tap switch on the SKB.

So, basically, I don't want to loose the punch of the Nords but I want a little extra sizzle up high.

LightGroove · #9 01-27-2013, 05:33 PM

Joel have you tried Bart CB's? You are describing them fairly well . As far as pres I have a Delano 3 band in my bass right now and love it. Not sure how I would compare it to others but all knobs are very useable

**Ryan L.** · #10 01-27-2013, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightGroove

Joel have you tried Bart CB's? You are describing them fairly well .

My thoughts, too. Describes my CB-loaded Century pretty damn close.