I would appreciate any feedback regarging the MK4's. (don't trash me). I have a SG300m Ibanez. (yes, I know it is the opinion of many on this site that it is a beginners bass). I don't care, I love it. I replaced the standard pups with Bartolini MK4's. Big sound improvement. However, I have noticed that they respond better to a pick attack as opposed to finger plucking. What do you think?
I love Barts. I put MK4's in a Lakland 44-01 and they sounded phenomenal. I use MK5's in my Lakland 55-01 with great results as well. You really can't go wrong with Barts.
I got Bartolini MK4CBC sets on my Ibanez SR500 (installed with 500k blend, no vol/tone/preamp). I use it mostly on coil split mode and it sounds awesome even without an amp. It's definitely step up from MK1's which came as a stock on my bass.
I have MK5's in my Lakland. Great pickups. I love Barts. I have some Classic Series Single Coil Brights in my Fender Jazz.
Do search for "MK4" or "MK5". You'll find plenty of info. For example: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/upgrading-bartolini-mk5cbc-pups-wiring-options-667628/ Tone is a subjective thing. Someone else would think they respond better to finger plucking. Also, check out the different pickup switching options. If you use them on single coil mode they sound different than serial humbucker mode. And the parallel humbucker mode sound different than the others, different combinations of these modes, etc...
Thanks for the great input. I checked the link. I see I have more modifications to exploit the power of MK4's.
Have the P4 CBC's on my fretless. I think they'd sound better on a fretted bass. Once I start tweaking the mids I can really get that mwah sound.
I also love Barts. My Ibanez 5 strings (SR505 & SR525) came with the stock MK1s and I really can't stand playing basses without 'em. I have recently purchased a stock SR300 and just don't want to play it live because the stock Ibz pickups are so weak. Been waiting for a used set on Ebay for awhile now... wondering if I should try the MK4s in it? Bart MKs have so much punch! Great for metal and really cut through....
I have a Squier VM Fretless J bass with Barts. IMO they sound very good! I bought the bass with them installed so I don't know which model they are. I liked them better than the stock VM's I have tried in shops. I am actually selling that bass soon so I am going to try and find out the model of those pups.
I like the noiseless and balance, but hate the weak magnetism and output. Just put a Neo inside that!