What Bartolinis for a '96 Koa Carvin BB75 5 string?

Xaver · #1 05-13-2007, 06:50 PM

Hi,
I've read a few posts here of guys upgrading their Carvins with Barts.
I love my BB for playability, but I am not happy with the sound at all, I got Barts J1 in a 4 string Fender, and I am happy with that tone...
Coupla questions:
1. which ones are the ones to go for a "darker, lower" tone, I am still a bit confused about the options.
2. Is it best to get a Bart preamp with a similar knob config (the BB has got 5 knobs)
3. How would you guys rate the install for that - easy, or better left to the pros?
thanks, Xaver

luknfur · #2 05-14-2007, 06:43 PM

I gather you plan to change both the pups and preamp. I would suggest you just change one at a time so you know the source of any difference. Could be you only need to change one or the other not both to get you where you want to go - which would be cheaper and could simplify the mod tremendously.

Assuming there's a passive mode, what's it sound like passively compared to actively? Either one have any appeal?

Do you still get sound in passive mode if you remove the battery? If so does the sound change noticebly?

1. which ones are the ones to go for a "darker, lower" tone, I am still a bit confused about the options.

The Bart site has crude tone descriptions. Their standard and CB series are in different sections of the site though. The J1's are pretty middle of the road Barts. They usually have a brighter option designated with an X, sometimes XX. Reading reviews on them should help filter a choice out.

2. Is it best to get a Bart preamp with a similar knob config (the BB has got 5 knobs)

Yes, unless you have an alternative plan or don't mind having holes in your bass.

3. How would you guys rate the install for that - easy, or better left to the pros?

That depends on you. No matter how simple the mod, it rarely goes as planned. See FAQ Dimento's Trouble Shooting guide first paragraph for the Bass Mod link.

Xaver · #3 05-15-2007, 12:23 AM

Hey, and thanks for your advice. I will take that on board.
There is no passive mode to switch to, and I haven't tried it, but I don't think I will get a sound removing the battery, will check though and report back...
I really hope I can improve the sound of the bass, I don't like it at all but it just plays like "butter". While I am at it, that old Wilkinson bridge might have to go as well, Hipshot A I believe is what they use in new Carvins now.
cheers, Xaver

luknfur · #4 05-15-2007, 12:46 AM

FWIW:

you need to hear how the pups sound themselves (passively) before pitching them. Ideally through a blend pot where you can mix them but alternatively you can just wire them one at a time (and/or maybe both) straight to the jack and run off amp controls.

You already know it doesn't cut it in active mode, but that may be due to the pups not pre.

If you don't like the pups passively then try a pup replacement first. The pre may be fine. You might even pull the Barts from the other bass and try them in it before you buy others. Same pups will sound different in a different bass. For kicks and grins try the Carvins in the other bass while you're at it. You may not need to buy anything at all, just swap 'em. Unlikely but not impossible.