Does anyone know what type of Bartolini PUPs are used in the 4 string American MTDs

[DAcat]

Does anyone know what type of Bartolini PUPs are used in the 4 string American MTDs. I have 2 MTD Z4s, and am considering upgrading the pups, but I'd like to use the same or close to the same pups that Tobias uses in his American made MTDs...anyone know which model those barts are....Peace...DAcat

[caesarbass]

I am pretty sure they are built to Mikes specs and are probably available only to Mike. You could probably go to the Bartolini website and get some pups that are pretty close to what are in the USA mtd's. Why do you want to change the pups?

[maurilio]

American MTD uses active Bart in a split coil conf (Pbass)
No way you'll find them out of the shelf....

Ask Mike.....

[DAcat]

Originally Posted by caesarbass

I am pretty sure they are built to Mikes specs and are probably available only to Mike. You could probably go to the Bartolini website and get some pups that are pretty close to what are in the USA mtd's. Why do you want to change the pups?

The pups in my Z4s just sound weak,not the greatest tone,(but not too bad either-I'm a little bit of a "tone -dog") & not too loud...everyone seems to like the sound of them better after upgrading pups....Peace...DAcat

[SKG1983]

I upgraded the preamp to a Bartolini 5.4 ap - wired at 18v - dramatic improvement - more control - broader variety of tone - kept the original pickups. At some point I may upgrade the pickups but at this point I do not feel the need.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by maurilio

American MTD uses active Bart in a split coil conf (Pbass)
No way you'll find them out of the shelf....

Ask Mike.....

Bartolini used to have the active P bass pickup on the site. You might still be able to get them.

[DAcat]

Originally Posted by SKG1983

I upgraded the preamp to a Bartolini 5.4 ap - wired at 18v - dramatic improvement - more control - broader variety of tone - kept the original pickups. At some point I may upgrade the pickups but at this point I do not feel the need.

Way to go-that sounds like a fairly simple mod...how hard was it-I'm no electrician but I'm good at soldering. It looks like one hoe would hve to be drilled for the treble switch-is that right...or is some routing required as well? And can you say more about the tonal changes it created...Thanks and Peace...DAcat

[DAcat]

Another Question....are people running thier Z4,Z5s, and Z6s through their amps in the Active Channel or the Passive Channel...I've been running mine through the active channel... since it had a preamp I assumed the pickups were active-I never recieved any instructions or written information with my bass(Z4). Anyway-yesterday I plugged it into the Passive channel of my amp and... Whoah Baby......now that's more what I was thinkin I should be hearing out of this bass ...powerful bottom,solid mids,growly when I want it to be...nothing limp about the tone or volume at all ....maybe we don't need to think about an upgrade at all??? What do you all say?? Peace...DAcat

[SGD Lutherie]

I usually plug active basses in the passive channel. I think it often sounds better, and works fine as long as it's not clipping on you... but you might want that also.

[SKG1983]

The Bartolini installation was a breeze - I drilled one hole for the mid switch (after testing the system to be sure I liked the sounds). I didn't do any routing - used the battery compartment already there and wrapped the second battery and put it in the main compartment. The bass response improved greatly and the mid switch helped considerably moving from finger style to slap. the treble is fairly bright but controllable. I have a Lakland 55-02 with the Bart pre and I was greatly surprised - with the MTD - it doesn't sound like the Lakland at all -- which is what I wanted. The Z4 still doesn't sound exactly like the American MTD's but it has that sizzle I was looking for and I really like the neck!
Steve