What should I put into my Ibanez BTB 505?

[Groovin]

Since this basss is relatively rare (late 90's model, MIJ, Ash body) I have decided to keep this bass. However I need to update the decade old Ibanez electronics. The tone is naturally dark and organic. Opposite of MTD mid range thing. Very nice fingerstyle, hold down the groove bass. I would just like to tweak that tone. Get it to sound more modern with a bit more flexibilty.

My Q:

What will fit??? I have emailed several manufacturers and am waiting for info. Nordstrand, Bartonlini, EMG, Basslines, etc.

I know a full EMG package does not need soldering.. any other companies that do a full package that just "clips" together?

[luknfur]

[quote=Groovin;3917006]...QUOTE]

FWIW:

I would just like to tweak that tone. Get it to sound more modern with a bit more flexibilty.

You might try something outboard then you don't have to touch the bass - sans di/whatever. Most of the stuff throws a contemporary quality into the mix.

My Q:

What will fit??? I have emailed several manufacturers and am waiting for info. Nordstrand, Bartonlini, EMG, Basslines, etc.

You may find the bass mod link in second sentence of this thread of some use: DIMENTO'S BASIC TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE

I know a full EMG package does not need soldering.. any other companies that do a full package that just "clips" together?[/

No EMG's do require soldering. The clips don't change a thing (except you can loose them where you can't the old leads they used to use). I've bought a number of EMG's where guys soldered to the tangs cause they lost or didn't have the clips. You still have to solder to the pots.

Alembics are the only ones I'm aware of that require no soldering - if you can use their jack

[Groovin]

Thanks for the post.

I have done some additional research. Here are the current front runners:

Pickups:
Nordstrand DC
Ken Smith Wide
Bartolini

Pre:
Audere
Aguilar
Ken Smith
John East (Expensive!!)

To clarify, a lot of my tone shaping comes from my basses as I have no EQ in my rig at this time. This obviously makes this situation important.

Does anyone know the dimensions of the stock Ibanez p/u's or Barts in the BTB's?

[T. B. Player]

Nordstrand pickups with an Audere pre. Can't go wrong with that combo.

If you like the playability of your Ibanez, you MUST replace the electronics. Their pickup is uneven across the strings, volume differences between the neck and bridge pickups, etc. You'll think you got a brand new bass!

[Groovin]

Originally Posted by T. B. Player

Nordstrand pickups with an Audere pre. Can't go wrong with that combo.

If you like the playability of your Ibanez, you MUST replace the electronics. Their pickup is uneven across the strings, volume differences between the neck and bridge pickups, etc. You'll think you got a brand new bass!

Sweet!! This is what I like to hear!!

[Groovin]

Ok so:

Audere Pre + Nordstrand DC or Fat stacks and why?

Both fit so I just need to find out which will work best in your experience. C'mon!!! I know there are guys out there with this combo!!

[J.Wolf]

Originally Posted by T. B. Player

Nordstrand pickups with an Audere pre. Can't go wrong with that combo.

+1 on that!

That combo should sound great in a BTB- I think both fatstacks or DC's would sound killer, but the for the tone you mentioned, I'd probably go with DC's.

[atrapp]

hmm... Well now.

I have Nordie DC's made for Roscoe and an Audere in this bass - nice combo. Not an earth shattering change but a pleasant one. I'd start with the Audere - maybe buy my old Bart P4's... Cause you're gonna wait 2 months to get the Nordies... at least 2.

[PilbaraBass]

I think Barts and a Aguilar OBP-3 would be nice combo. I'd probably get the OPB-3 set up to do the sweepable-mid thing, much like the original pre on the BTB...

[Rakie]

My friend got Fat Stack nordies in 3 weeks after ordering them...

Id say Nordstrand Pickups and Audere. Anything else is gimped bass !!!!

[atrapp]

Originally Posted by Rakie

Anything else is gimped bass !!!!

ROTFLMAO