emg Js vs. bartolini Js

[matt11]

Any comments on quality of EMG Js vs. Bartolini Js? I'm thinking of switching out the MECs on my Warwick Corvette.

[FaithNoMan]

Yes I do.

I put Barts and EMGs(preamps also) in my old Aria ProII - granted it's a P/J config., but I think you'll get the idea..

The Barts: sounded very warm and woody, with subdued highs...always "nice", they could be percussive, but never harsh..I had the brightest actives they carried(never tried the passives though)

The EMGs(put them in later): I wanted a full-range sound, and piercing highs....these had it in spades. Could get very bright with cranked highs(also depends on your bass' wood) ...good low-end also...

I think it depends on what you're looking for - one's nice*, the other one's more true to the sound of your bass..

...I heard Bartolini has full-range pickups now though...

[matt11]

Thanks. I definitely want to keep both the Corvette's warm, heavy low-end and the clear harmonics up top. And it seems, from what you say, that the EMGs have excellent tonal range...

[bigd4207]

Hold on one sec. I love EMG pickups, but if you want a warm boomy low end, emg might not be your sauce. They have been labeled as hi-fi, spacey. Tons of mids, but not really friendly on the lows. At least not as far as that "warm" pickup sound goes, these are kinda hot.

[zink182]

if you want a warm round sound.. just buy fender pickups.. samarium cobalt noiseless will probably work

[FaithNoMan]

Originally Posted by bigd4207

Hold on one sec. I love EMG pickups, but if you want a warm boomy low end, emg might not be your sauce. They have been labeled as hi-fi, spacey. Tons of mids, but not really friendly on the lows. At least not as far as that "warm" pickup sound goes, these are kinda hot.

+1

Yeah, full-range is not always a great thing...the Barts were not full-range, but the low-mids were warmer, making them sound bassier than the EMGs to the ears...

I was looking for a "full-range" sound.....to me, that meant everything, including piercing highs, which the Barts couldn't provide - it sounds like you want something that sounds "nice and warm"....the Barts sounds like what you want to me

[steveb98]

I haven't tried Bart's in a JBass, but my repairman is an EMG fanatic and I have tried his basses. I agree with the bigd4207 they don't have a lot of bottom. The are very clear and punchy and with a pre-amp you can add bottom, but to me that isn't natural sounding.

[Freuds_cat]

I tried Barts in my Jazz but found them a little too dull. I've had EMG's for years now and have no probs with Bottoms, mids and definitely no probs with tops. I find them to be a very honest pickup in a sound sense. Great definition. If I need to colour my sound I do it at the preamp stage or later.

[HMZ]

Barts = warm
EMG = Harsh

[matt11]

Well, based on the variety of feedback I've gotten from you all, I think I'm going to go with the Barts. Thanks!

[Basshole]

Originally Posted by FaithNoMan

I think it depends on what you're looking for - one's nice*, the other one's more true to the sound of your bass..

...I heard Bartolini has full-range pickups now though...

Dude, no offense, but I have a Tobias Signature 6 with Barts, and frankly, my experience is that NO pickup is more accurate, and more faithful to the original sound of your bass than Barts.

EMG's to my ears are sterile, lack overtones, and sound very "hi-fi" ...but only because certain frequencies are hyped.

You want accuracy? Bartolini

[WHOlovesBASS?]

Bartolinis for sure...EMGs are too harsh in my opinion, ive got a Ibanez SR905 that came with barts and i love them, i dont own a bass with EMGs but ive played several and dont like them very much...i know victor uses them and i like him sound but i dont think its solely from the EMGs, there must be something else that affects his sound too

[DavidRavenMoon]

Barts come in deep and bright models. A good combination is a deep bridge and bright neck. Bill Bartolini makes like a zillion models... so check out his website.

EMG J's are not all that hi-fi. EMG's in general are made to sound more-or-less like the passive models they replace. The J sounds sort of like a J, but a bit brighter. They lack low end however.

I've used both pickups, and they both sound good. If you want full and clear, use Barts.

[lowfreq1]

I would suggest Bartolini singel coil J's (not dual coil), they have more bite and growl !! Sounds great.

4-string - 9CBJS
5-string - 57CBJS (Fender) or 59CBJS

[mettec]

IMO and experience, If you play heavier edged music the EMG's might be the ticket. They seem to cut through and have extremly powerful lows and mids with a brillient top. If you are more into jazz, funk, blues, pop, then I thinks Barts are better. Very warm and smooth with focused mids and highs. Also depending on your bass woods can have a effect on the overall tone.

[matt11]

Thanks again. I'll check out the various Barts on the website.

[renejaime]

Originally Posted by lowfreq1

I would suggest Bartolini singel coil J's (not dual coil), they have more bite and growl !! Sounds great.

4-string - 9CBJS
5-string - 57CBJS (Fender) or 59CBJS

+1