Ibanez 500 and Bartolini upgrade

Billy K · #1 12-27-2009, 04:43 PM

Because I know very how are the Bartolini mk4cbc-b and mk4cbc-t upgrade? and should I do preamp same time.don't stop there pots too?I need some feedback before she goes to the shop.

**line6man** · #2 12-27-2009, 04:46 PM

Sorry, I cannot understand your post at all.

I gather you are looking for opinions on the Bartolini mk4cbc-b and mk4cbc-t, as well as whether or not to upgrade your preamp?

Billy K · #3 12-27-2009, 04:50 PM

sorry line man, as I said I know very little. yea change pickups and would preamp and new pots be needed. mo clear ingrish?

**line6man** · #4 12-27-2009, 04:57 PM

What is it you dislike about your current pickups and preamp that you wish to change with the new pickups/preamp?

zone1 · #5 12-27-2009, 05:01 PM

I just upgraded my SR505 with the Bart MK5s and am quite pleased so far. The string volume is more equal across the fretboard and the tone is more mellow..especially the bridge pup. I have a Bart NTMB preamp coming, I let you know what I think after I get it installed. I would like to add my own question please. Was I supposed to leave the thin brass metal strips that lead to ground under the USA Barts, or are these just for the MK1s?

Billy K · #6 12-27-2009, 06:10 PM

Lineman they are a bit flat sounding. no balls want more fat bottom.Just thought about upgrade if its a waste of time then thats what I posted for.Thanks for your opinion.

ibanez1357 · #7 12-28-2009, 08:33 AM

I changed the pickups in my SR505 to the MK5s and liked them but I ended up putting the MK1s back in it because I like the growl I get from them better. I would say instead of changing the pups try changing your strings (I use Sadowsky blue labels, the best I've ever used) cause I find that strings have a greater affect on tone than electronics do, but that's just my opinion.

Billy K · #8 12-28-2009, 08:39 AM

very interesting that is certainly a cheaper way to go.Elixers are on the guitar now.

maestrovert · #9 12-28-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibanez1357

I would say instead of changing the pups try changing your strings (I use Sadowsky blue labels, the best I've ever used) cause I find that strings have a greater affect on tone than electronics do, but that's just my opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy K

very interesting that is certainly a cheaper way to go.Elixers are on the guitar now.

Strings affect literally everything about the instrument...have you read this thread here ?

Food for thought anyways...

ibanez1357 · #10 12-28-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy K

very interesting that is certainly a cheaper way to go.Elixers are on the guitar now.

Yeah it is, I'm not sure exactly what your looking for as far as tone is concerned but I can almost bet, with the mass selection of strings out there, that you can find something that will work for you and you won't have to deal with changing any of the electronics. Oh and by the way I would suggest trying out the Sadowsky Blue Label strings I use the nickel and they are perfect for me, nice bright and fat sound and they stay that way forever.

zone1 · #11 12-28-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibanez1357

I changed the pickups in my SR505 to the MK5s and liked them but I ended up putting the MK1s back in it because I like the growl I get from them better. I would say instead of changing the pups try changing your strings (I use Sadowsky blue labels, the best I've ever used) cause I find that strings have a greater affect on tone than electronics do, but that's just my opinion.

Did your SR505 have the brass plates under the MK1's? If so, are they for shielding and did you leave them under the MK5's when you had them in?

ibanez1357 · #12 12-28-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zone1

Did your SR505 have the brass plates under the MK1's? If so, are they for shielding and did you leave them under the MK5's when you had them in?

That's a good question unfortunately I don't know I had a tech install the pickups in that bass (the bass was brand new and I didn't want to risk it) I wish I could help you out I'll try to remember to ask him the next time I take a guitar in.

Hugh Jass · #13 12-28-2009, 05:54 PM

I switched to D'addario XL nickels on mine. I also lowered the pickups as low as they would go in the routes which seemed to solve the volume balance issues. It sounds great now. Plenty aggressive.

cliffyspliff · #14 02-28-2011, 11:49 AM

Did you carry out the upgrade after?....was having the same low output problems with my MK-1 pickups and was thinking about this upgrade......I dont think changing the strings is going to make a difference as I play in a loud band.....and this guitars output is very quiet......many thanks....

Mousekillaz · #15 05-26-2011, 02:21 PM

I see this is an older thread, but, has any one else done these upgrades ? I love the growl the mk1's have and don't want to loose it. I am seriously thinking of upgrading the bridge to a more solid unit (i.e. Hipshot ABM or ETS) or to individual units like the Prestige models have. Thoughts ?