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Bartolini M34 "C", "CX", or "CB"

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by kesagape, Jul 14, 2003.

  1. Jul 14, 2003 #1
    kesagape

    kesagape

    Feb 8, 2001
    Rocky Mount, North Carolina
    I am looking for a set of Bartolini Soapbars. My bass is precut for 3.5's so I am looking at the M34C, M34CX, or the M34CB. Can someone differentiate these three Bartolini pickups for me. I am looking for a warm traditional sound with some versatility and one that will have a good passive sound (active/passive push/pull volume pot). I intend to use these with a Bartolini 2-Band EQ or an Aguilar OBP-1. Which preamp will best give me what I am looking for?

    Thanks for your help.

    Karl
     
  2. Jul 14, 2003 #2
    geshel

    geshel

    Oct 2, 2001
    Seattle
    That sounds more like "C" than "CX". I don't know how the CB's fit in - they call it "classic bass" but talk about the open, airy high-end. Hmm.
     
  3. Jul 15, 2003 #3
    12bass

    12bass

    Jan 2, 2003
    Victoria, Canada
    Hi There,

    I've tried the C and CX in my Pedulla Rapture 5. Although the bass came from Pedulla with a C, I much prefer the CX sound. I am a big, big fan of the Bartolini CX pickups.

    The CX is close to a Lane Poor sound, with a more extended frequency response than the C series. The CX has a more open top end and deeper bottom. By comparison, the C is sort of dark and blanketed sounding. However, there is a nice warmth to the C pickups if clarity isn't your thing.

    Haven't tried the CBs yet, but would like to hear them someday. I think that they are supposed to be closer to a Fender sound.
     
  4. Jul 16, 2003 #4
    kesagape

    kesagape

    Feb 8, 2001
    Rocky Mount, North Carolina
    Thank you gentlemen. I have one vote for M34C and one for M34CX...any other comments or opinions?

    Karl
     
  5. Jul 18, 2003 #5
    12bass

    12bass

    Jan 2, 2003
    Victoria, Canada
    Which one is "better" is a subjective opinion. Expect the M34C to sound like what you'd expect from a Bartolini (warm, round). Expect the M34CX to sound more like a Lane Poor (clear and extended).

    I have Lane Poor M3.5Ws in my Hamer 12-string, and love how they sound. They are so much more open and deep than the EMG 35DCs that I had before. Not being able to get a suitable Lane Poor for my Pedulla Rapture, I went for the Bartolini CX, which I feel is a good substitute.

    If you are looking for a more "traditional" sound, perhaps the CBs might be what you want....

    You might also contact Jack Read at:

    http://www.readcustom.com/

    I believe he is a Bartolini dealer and may be knowledgeable about the various pickups.

    FWIW, Sheldon Dingwall found the Aguilar preamp to be superior to the Bartolini 2 band. The Bartolini 18V three band preamps does sound quite good to me however.