So I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I love the sound of Ibanez BTB's... that dark metallic sound with a punch that seems to raise the gates of hell. But with my smallish hands, wrist problems (sports injuries), etc. I just can't manage the wide 35" scale long neck.
I do, however, LOVE the feel of all 3 *cough cough* my SR basses. However, the tone of most SR's is lacking IMHO. To be over dramatic, it's a cheap Warwick sound with a muddy bass boost.
Many moons back, I traded my BTB305 for an Ibanez K5 (from an awesome TB'er) and since had it refretted (courtesy of another great TB'er). I do not regret that trade AT ALL as I love my K5 and it holds a lot of sentimental value.
What do I need to do to get the dark punchy sound? I understand the BTB basses rely on Bart pickups AND electronics. But what pickups and preamp would best achieve that sound considering that BTB's and my K5 have different pickup dimensions (K5 is the 40 shape) and the BTB electronics are made to Ibanez's (I assume secret) specs???
This sound is what I'm looking for:
Ibanez BTB1005E bass - YouTube
NOTE: I know some people will start the tonewoods war... I believe in a tonal difference with woods... but I'm looking to get as close as possible... and to the strings crowd... I've used thin rounds, thick rounds, and now even LaBella flats... : \
I do, however, LOVE the feel of all 3 *cough cough* my SR basses. However, the tone of most SR's is lacking IMHO. To be over dramatic, it's a cheap Warwick sound with a muddy bass boost.
Many moons back, I traded my BTB305 for an Ibanez K5 (from an awesome TB'er) and since had it refretted (courtesy of another great TB'er). I do not regret that trade AT ALL as I love my K5 and it holds a lot of sentimental value.
What do I need to do to get the dark punchy sound? I understand the BTB basses rely on Bart pickups AND electronics. But what pickups and preamp would best achieve that sound considering that BTB's and my K5 have different pickup dimensions (K5 is the 40 shape) and the BTB electronics are made to Ibanez's (I assume secret) specs???
This sound is what I'm looking for:
Ibanez BTB1005E bass - YouTube
NOTE: I know some people will start the tonewoods war... I believe in a tonal difference with woods... but I'm looking to get as close as possible... and to the strings crowd... I've used thin rounds, thick rounds, and now even LaBella flats... : \
