Bartolini Customs vs. Nordstrand Big Singles

[pbgonecrazy99]

I have been researching on a bass to buy, and I have basically come down to two basses from Ibanez: SR1200e Premium and the Prestige line. The Premium uses the Nordstrands and the Prestige uses the Bartolinis. I have been to GC and some local stores, and I can't find either bass to try out. I like SR necks, but I can't try out the basses in person so I can't see which tone I like best.

So if anyone has tried either and can give me some information about how each sounds and compares to each other, that would help. But right now I am leaning towards the SR1200e because it looks too damn classy.

 

[LilloEsquilo]

I haven't tried the Prestige so I can't tell you anything about that.

I do have the 1200 Premium. It's the only bass I have.

Those Nordstrands are very sensitive pickups. I've had to relearn how to finger pluck so as not to get mud. With most basses you can get away with pulling through to the upper string, not with these pickups you can't, it will turn to mud. Not a big deal, as you can always finger the strings more carefully, as I'm doing, just wanted to show how sensitive these are.

They are powerful too. You can get enough midrange to cut through anything I can imagine with them, like a Spector, and also get good bottom end and highs as well.

There are videos on Youtube of the sound, of course that will vary with your amp and settings, but it's refined but powerful in its own way I would say it's a very clear tone not sterile in a hifi way but clear.

As far as looks, yeah it does look great, feels and plays great too. If you like SRs you will likely not be disappointed with this one.

 

[a6stringbass]

Well, just so happens I tried out the Prestige and Premium Ibanez last weekend and the lower priced Premium with the Nordstram pick ups sounded the best to me. It even beat out my current Warwick German made Corvette. I bought it Friday, but some D'Addario nickle rounds on it and played a 4 hour gig Saturday night. Myself, bandmates and audience alike were blown away. When they advertise it as a Tonal Monster, they are not exaggerating. Add the light weight and skinny neck and it is a gigging dream.

 

[winegamd]

The Bart's are going to be darker with a squish to the attack of the note. They can be a bit fluffy/fuzzy sounding at times. The Nordstrands are very immediate with a lot of upper mid growl and a tight low end. Overall tonally they are slightly scooped sounding compared to the Bart's, but the mids are still present and cutting. I definitely prefer the Nordys over the Barts.