Bartolini 5 string PJ pickups?

jmac85 · #1 05-17-2009, 08:01 PM

Any input on how they sound?? Trying to bring my Squier HM-V back to life. It's got Lace Sensor pickups in it and it sounds... well... sterile? Hollow? Not sure how to describe it but its not good. HAHA I love the way it plays and it seems I have two choices the Nordstrand NPJ5 and the Bartolini 5 string PJ set. The Bart's are easier to find and much cheaper as I'd have to custom order the Nordy's. So, any thoughts?? Anybody anybody??

testing1two · #2 05-18-2009, 03:20 AM

I have EMG P5J set in one of my basses and they sound great. If you want the passive vibe, I would go with the Nordstrands over the Barts. The Bart sound is very good but it is not the traditional tone you would expect and they only seem to shine when used in conjunction with their preamp.

jmac85 · #3 05-18-2009, 09:13 AM

Not sure if I want the passive vibe or not. I'm dropping Fender Custom Shop 60's in my Squier STD Jazz. Still trying to figure out if I want a more modern tone or not. Also, I can't find dimensions for the Nordy's although the site says the NP5 fits a traditional size P route which is what my bass has...

spade2you · #4 05-18-2009, 09:32 AM

If you want a modern sound, hard to beat EMGs. Barts are so-so on their own, but can get a little more versatility with the Bart pre. A little modern, but mostly really warm.

stflbn · #5 05-18-2009, 09:35 AM

IMHO...

Barts = warm, smooth, but not vintage'ish sounding.
EMG = more aggressive/punchy than a vintage tone
Nordy's = the most vintage'ish of the 3 you mention. Very well rounded P-pickup.

As is normally the case, I'm sure others will disagree.

jmac85 · #6 05-18-2009, 09:36 AM

If it helps at all, I've had active basses, and just used one sound as I grew up playing a P Bass and got used to not having many tonal options. I use my SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe for most of my tone shaping as its the first pedal in my chain. From the sounds of it all it looks like I may be going with the Nordy's unless the EMG's can be run passive and sound good as I don't want to route in a battery spot

Anyone have the measurements on the Nordy's?? I could always just email them too... They've been very helpful in talking to them

chris lykins · #7 05-18-2009, 09:41 AM

I have them in my sadowsky PJ and combined with the sado preamp they sound awesome! Didnt do the mod but Im glad whoever did it did!