Bartolini Classic passive sound?

Black Sheep · #1 08-04-2010, 05:30 AM

I am building a fretless jazz bass (warmoth) and will be using Bartolini Classic Bass deep tone split coils for pickups.

My question is, how do you think they sound passive?
I am thinking of going passive for simplicity and cost. As I said, this is for a fretless, and I like a smooth, warm sound like many people I guess, and I'll be using flatwounds.

12bass · #2 08-04-2010, 05:41 AM

My only experience with the Classic Bass series is the 9CBJS (deep) run passive in my SJB-75. While more open in the highs than other Bartolinis, IMO they are still relatively warm. They are very nice sounding pickups, though somewhat low output.

Black Sheep · #3 08-04-2010, 09:04 AM

Thanks. The alternative is to spend more dough and use a three-band Aguilar or something like that, but if I can keep it nice with just a passive tone, and dial in the graphic EQ on my amp if necessary, then maybe I'll be in fine shape.

jallenbass · #4 08-04-2010, 09:05 AM

I have the CB P bass pickups and I find them to be warm, clear and thick with high output. I like them. Not looking for a preamp.

**garmenteros** · #5 08-04-2010, 09:06 AM

I've got the 5 string version of these pickups on a graphite jazz, I can't recommend them enough, very warm sounding pickups, no need to run a preamp you can go passive... thats how I have them

Hyssar · #6 08-04-2010, 06:19 PM

I have a pair of 9CBJS-1 as well and they are super growly in my Geddy with aa onboard preamp. The low end is more defined than the stock pickups and they still have a solid and loud high end. Yes, they are warm, but "growly" is the first word that comes to my mind. The output is rather low.

tubby.twins · #7 08-04-2010, 06:50 PM

I've used the dual-coil Bartolini "classic bass" pickups on a passive fretless bass. They sound nice. I don't know if I would call them "warm" due to the somewhat interesting upper midrange peak, but there is definitely a richness and roundness to the lower midrange.

In the past few years I have tried a lot of pickups. The Bartolini "classic bass" series is a good all-around pickup for fretless.

12bass · #8 08-05-2010, 12:23 AM

Terms like 'warm' can be tough to pin down. That said, although they are brighter/clearer than other Bartolinis, IMO the Classic Bass pickups are not harsh or edgy, as the highs are still pretty smooth sounding.... sort of like the nasty edges have been rounded off.

Black Sheep · #9 08-05-2010, 06:02 AM

That's fine - a lot of this terminology is fairly subjective. As long a the pickups are fairly balanced sounding (another subjective term...), I can roll off some highs with the tone, and I think I'll be in good shape. I was hoping that I would be a little bit "darker" going with the deep-tone model instead of the bright-tone model.

Black Sheep · #10 08-05-2010, 07:45 AM

By the way, while the Barts are being shipped now, can anyone describe any difference between them and the Dimarzio Model J ??

brianrost · #11 08-05-2010, 11:05 AM

The Model J to my ears is more of an "in your face" sound than the Barts. More grind, not as smooth. They do have fully adjustable polepieces which is helpful if you have balance issues between strings.