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Bartolini MK-5

DWBass

DWBass

The Funkfather
Jan 24, 2003
24,632
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22,479
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Newport News, VA via NYC
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#1
I did a search and could not find anything specific to my question so here goes........

Has anyone upgraded their Lakland 55-01 MK-1's (or any other bass with the same pups) to USA MK-5's?? How much of a difference in sound did it make? Is there a need to upgrade the (older Bart) pre-amp as well or was the pup upgrade enough? Or.....are the pups ok but will benefit a new pre-amp?

Any other thoughts?
 
#3
#4
DWBass said:
Has anyone upgraded their Lakland 55-01 MK-1's (or any other bass with the same pups) to USA MK-5's?? How much of a difference in sound did it make? Is there a need to upgrade the (older Bart) pre-amp as well or was the pup upgrade enough? Or.....are the pups ok but will benefit a new pre-amp?
Click to expand...

I upgraded the pickups and preamp at the same time in mine, so I can't say which part made the most difference. All I can say is the upgrade left me with an entirely different (and much better-sounding) bass.

Another thing to note is that the MK1 pickups and the MK5 pickups are obviously physically different. The plastic is different, the weight is different, and the wiring is different.

Here are some pictures I posted from when I did the upgrade: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5421830&postcount=103

More info: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5422058&postcount=106

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5427478&postcount=111
 
#5
kevinmoore73 said:
I upgraded the pickups and preamp at the same time in mine, so I can't say which part made the most difference. All I can say is the upgrade left me with an entirely different (and much better-sounding) bass.

Another thing to note is that the MK1 pickups and the MK5 pickups are obviously physically different. The plastic is different, the weight is different, and the wiring is different.

Here are some pictures I posted from when I did the upgrade: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5421830&postcount=103

More info: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5422058&postcount=106

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5427478&postcount=111
Click to expand...
Reading your post, I agree the G string does sound a bit on the thin side. I'm thinking I may benefit from a pre-amp upgrade first and see how it sounds. I'm also contemplating a Nordie/Audere combo (which I have in my JO5).
 

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