Bartolini BH2 and Ibanez bass

[jesterbass]

That's how parallel humbuckers work.

Your brief post instantly made me realize my enormous blunder. I've been away from this stuff for too long.

 

[Ach]

I found the Ibanez parts catalog site. On the menu: Search by Model -> Electric Bass -> Keyword Search -> All Series -> BTB. If you search, you pretty much get all the BTB basses. If you search the page for e.g. 845V, there are indeed generations, 1P01, 1P02, 1P03.

Ibanez parts catalog

Concerning the BH2, on all three generations a single pickup code is mentioned for both neck and bridge: 3PUBH25A4-FB

What is mind boggling is how @Ach mentions these pickups have hum cancelling inner and outer coils. I have no reason to doubt it, it's more like I wonder how this is possible with a single part number.

although they are indeed the same SKU the neck and bridge BH2 in my bass had different resistance.

 

[yberwaffe]

although they are indeed the same SKU the neck and bridge BH2 in my bass had different resistance.

How much was the difference ?
Manufacturing tolerances of the wire diameter can make that possible.

 

[jesterbass]

How much was the difference ?
Manufacturing tolerances of the wire diameter can make that possible.

I agree, this is most probably a manufacturing tolerance issue as opposed to neck/bridge specific pickups by design. Although it's possible that there was a significant difference on @Ach 's bass...

 

[Ach]

How much was the difference ?
Manufacturing tolerances of the wire diameter can make that possible.

The bridge one had two coils of 2.8kOhm each, the neck one had two coils of 4.8kOhms each. So, way beyond the tolerance, and installed in the opposite locations (usually the bridge is hotter).

 

[yberwaffe]

The bridge one had two coils of 2.8kOhm each, the neck one had two coils of 4.8kOhms each. So, way beyond the tolerance, and installed in the opposite locations (usually the bridge is hotter).

And they still has the same parts number, hmmm.

 

[Ach]

And they still has the same parts number, hmmm.

Exactly. The stickers on the back are identical.

 

[Ach]

Okay I have just made another measurement and looks like I was wrong.

All the coils of both pickups are virtually identical at 4.8 kOhm

 

[jesterbass]

Okay I have just made another measurement and looks like I was wrong.

All the coils of both pickups are virtually identical at 4.8 kOhm

Makes sense now. But, do you mean 4.8KΩ per coil or per pickup in series?

 

[Ach]

Makes sense now. But, do you mean 4.8KΩ per coil or per pickup in series?

Per coil.

 

[Aaron2]

Since we're discussing Bartolini BH2s and Ibanez basses, I have a related question:

Can I replace the stock pickups in my SR300e with a set of BH2s? They appear to be the same dimensions (i.e., 100mm x 33mm) and the screw holes match. I guess the trick will be wiring it up to the existing preamp and its Tap-Series-Power Tap toggle switch?

 

[Ach]

View attachment 4825033

Since we're discussing Bartolini BH2s and Ibanez basses, I have a related question:

Can I replace the stock pickups in my SR300e with a set of BH2s? They appear to be the same dimensions (i.e., 100mm x 33mm) and the screw holes match. I guess the trick will be wiring it up to the existing preamp and its Tap-Series-Power Tap toggle switch?

I do not see why not. Should be possible.

 

[Phlipper]

I actually liked the PowerSpans more than Mk 1s and maybe a bit more than BH2s. I even considered putting a set in my SR505E.

But then I got an SR600E with CND Big Breaks and prefer them over anything else. It's weird how our ears/tastes change.

 

[Snert]

Can I replace the stock pickups in my SR300e with a set of BH2s?

I actually liked the PowerSpans more than Mk 1s and maybe a bit more than BH2s.

I have the PS PUs in a 4 and a 5 and like them a lot. Not sure I'd change them out at all.
I have Mk1 and BH2s in similar(ish) 6s too.

 

[Phlipper]

+1

OP or whomever else is thinking about a change ... I definitely wouldn't change those PSs until you're able to play them beside a BH2 equipped bass. You may decide they're a better tone.

We all hear differently though.

 

[Aaron2]

OP or whomever else is thinking about a change ... I definitely wouldn't change those PSs until you're able to play them beside a BH2 equipped bass. You may decide they're a better tone.

I have played an SR500e, which has the BH2 pickups and I thought it sounded great.

But here's the thing: I bought the SR300e pictured above for a measly $200 on Craigslist. It's absolutely mint, almost indistinguishable from new. But I think the SR500e (or at least my memory of it) sounded better.

I also found a set of BH2s on eBay for $112 shipped. They're from Indonesia and look like they were taken off of a new guitar or barely used (they were listed as "open box").

So, for just a shade over $300, I can have the rough equivalent of an SR500e. That was my reasoning.

 

[Snert]

I also found a set of BH2s on eBay for $112 shipped.

That's not too bad. Try it and if you can DIY, and you don't like them, then a little experimentation sounds good.

 

[Aaron2]

That's not too bad. Try it and if you can DIY, and you don't like them, then a little experimentation sounds good.

Yes, I can do it myself. I've changed out a couple of sets of pickups--in a Jazz Bass and, more recently, in a cheap Harley Benton PJ bass. Upgraded it with some EMGs.

 

[Snert]

Yes, I can do it myself.

Great, I meant if you can DIY then it's a small cost for the PUs and postage and you should be able to move them along for little loss if the experiment isn't what you hoped. But I'm sure you knew that.

 

[Aaron2]

Alrighty, the BH2s arrived today from Indonesia and they look very fresh, as you can see. It might be a few days before I can install these, but I'll report back.

P.S., These things are heavy. Together, they weigh almost a pound!