Bartolini "Classic Bass" soapbars - what do you think?

[fourstringbliss]

I've got Nordstrand Big Splits installed in my bass and it's not the sound I am looking for with this bass. I'm thinking about installing Bartolini Classic Bass soaps instead.

Does anybody here have any experience with these pickups? How do they sound?

Thanks!

[svtb15]

bump

[dmusic148]

Well, they'll sound good, and of course they will sound different depending on which bass they are installed in, but I'd be willing to make a generalization: they will sound fatter and mellower compared to the Splits. Thicker, darker. You are replacing (essentially) single coils with humbuckers, and Bartolini humbuckers at that, which tend to have a signature tone.
Maybe you'd be better off telling us what it is about your sound you don't like and someone could make a recommendation?

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Well, they'll sound good, and of course they will sound different depending on which bass they are installed in, but I'd be willing to make a generalization: they will sound fatter and mellower compared to the Splits. Thicker, darker. You are replacing (essentially) single coils with humbuckers, and Bartolini humbuckers at that, which tend to have a signature tone.
Maybe you'd be better off telling us what it is about your sound you don't like and someone could make a recommendation?

Fatter and mellower might just be the ticket here. I find the Splits to be a bit aggressive for my tastes, and have cut the high and low mids, and boosted the treble and bass on the Audere to compensate.

[dmusic148]

4 string? The BC shape will fit. Or you might want to consider the Nordy Dual-coils.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

4 string? The BC shape will fit. Or you might want to consider the Nordy Dual-coils.

It's a BC shape 4-string. I think I'll just try and trade the Splits for a set of Bart CBDC's.

Thanks!

[millsbass5]

Are you referring to the pups that's in the pre-Tobias Basses??? If so,killer,distinct tone,for sure.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by millsbass5

Are you referring to the pups that's in the pre-Tobias Basses??? If so,killer,distinct tone,for sure.

I'm talking about Bartolini's newer "Classic Bass" series pups available in stores now.

[millsbass5]

Are these classic Barts based on the ones that I'm referring to ?? Just bein' nosey !!

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by millsbass5

Are these classic Barts based on the ones that I'm referring to ?? Just bein' nosey !!

That I don't know. The info about them at Bestbassgear.com says, ""Classic Bass" CB series bass pickups feature an extended and more resonant frequency range. They have far more "air" and definition at the top without sacrificing lows and low mids."

[maurilio]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

4 string? The BC shape will fit. Or you might want to consider the Nordy Dual-coils.

+1

if with the BSp you are cutting the low and high mids and boost bass and treble, the DC wired in parallel might be what you are looking for.

M

[maurilio]

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

That I don't know. The info about them at Bestbassgear.com says, ""Classic Bass" CB series bass pickups feature an extended and more resonant frequency range. They have far more "air" and definition at the top without sacrificing lows and low mids."

The classic bass are more of a traditional "passive" tone compared to the typical "deep" Barts.

M

[LightGroove]

Well I always suck with describing tone and also have always found it to be VERY subjective.

Anyways my current Roscoe is loaded with CB's and I compared it side by side to a Roscoe loaded with the standard Barts they carry. Both basses were ash.

I found the CB's to be very punchy and airy...probably more similar than different to the Nordies you are replacing. Similar in growl to the origina Roscoe Barts but less "warm" persay. I actually have to cut the upper most mids on my head completely to dial in the tone I like. I would call them more on the aggressive side compared to the standard Barts.

If your replacing these if the BTB510 in your profile good luck. I think the pickup location was a killer on that bass for some reason. I cant exactly describe why but the bass was complete mud to my ears.

[3506string]

I have been pondering getting a set of P46CBC to replace the ken smith soaps on my MTD KZ6. I have really been diggin the bartolini tone lately.

[smeet]

I played nothing but Barts for years, I loved the warm silky mid sound... But it always lacked definition and cut in the mix.