Bartolini J as passive-only pickup

[Chrisk-K]

Is it true that without an active preamp, the Bart J sounds weak (i.e., very low output)?

[line6man]

Some preamps provide gain boosts, but most are unity gain.

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

Is it true that without an active preamp, the Bart J sounds weak (i.e., very low output)?

Yes, they have low output. I owned a pair of passives bartolinis for jb. They growl (nice low mids), but have a lack of bass freq and volume. No noise at all. Seems to be the perfect pup for adding a pre and boost them. In passive mode they suck, maybe they´re good for soloing (clear and bright tone)

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

Is it true that without an active preamp, the Bart J sounds weak (i.e., very low output)?

My 9Js used passively aren't what I consider "very" low output but the output is lower than a standard Fender J.

I just turn up the amp some when using them.

[renniw]

I have passive J barts in my G&L JB-2 and the output is almost the same as the stock pickups.

[levis76]

I have passive J's in my 'vette and they beat the hell out of the stock passive MECs. They aren't the hottest p'up out there, but I find they get the job done just fine. On my 'vette they really opened up the low mids and unleashed tons of growl that wasn't present with the stockers.

[jallenbass]

The 8CBP Pbass pickup run passive has more than enough gain for me. From what I have read it depends on which model you get. Some have more gain than others.