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Bartolini MK1 Pickups and EQ...anygood?

#102
Well, I wanted to start with a non expensive preamp, just to make sure that was right upgrade for me.
I saw no point in getting a 200 dollars preamp at this moment. I knew some of the new Ibanez preamps have a frequency switch for mids, and the option to run passive so that's what I looked for. This one has those 2 options, and I liked that kind of flexibility.
I mean, you can get whatever you want. I don't think any brand will sound bad, but I'd recommend my way first: Look for a used nonexpensive preamp in the classifieds, see if makes the difference you were looking for. You can always upgrade again later.
 
#104
I strongly dislike the MK1 preamp. For me the highs were too shrill and the lows were muddy. Very, very disappointing...

The newer preamp that Ibanez uses is MUCH better than the MK-1. The preamp @FatFunk is referring too is my old one I removed from my Cerro. Leaps and bounds better sounding, versatile, etc. I ended up going with a Pope Flexcore for my Cerro, but only since I wanted even more tonal options than the 3 band Ibanez EQ offered. My SR5SMLTD is completely stock (Ibanez 3 band and Nordy Big Singles) and it sounds wonderful.
 
#107
@djasterix
Edit: Just realized your Ibanez doesn't have MK1s installed (you want to find a set). IIRC, when I was searching, NO you can't use a 5 sting MK1 set on a six string, but if you're on a budget look for a used MK1 set on TB (Im sure a set will come around). But check your route size first to make sure they match the MK1.


I went thru a similar situation when looking for a set of replacements for my Ibanez 706 with MK1s. they were the P2 size (not the standard wider P4) for a six string.

Start there, what is the size(LxW) of your pups? P2 or P4

At the time I did this (3yrs ago), I think Nordstand was coming out with a Neo Blade? that might just work with the string width. You could order custom string widths too, but thats not a "on a budget" purchase. I ended up replacing my MK1s with a set of Quad coil Barts (P26xx) merely to fit the unique size/spacing and I didn't want to route the body. They sounded/felt great to me.

Maybe there's something out there now with the right Pup route/String width. But if you're on a budget the MK1s will probably be your best bet. —Look at the pre/electronics for an upgrade.

2¢, YMMV
 
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#108
TTPbass1 said:
Hi, are MK1s bar pickups? I´m looking to replace the pups from an Ibanez GSR256 and have a low budget. I´ve seen MK1s from a Lakland 55-01 on sale on the right price range, and they’re the size I need for my bass, but don´t know if they will work with a 6 stringer.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
No, the MK1 pickups are split reverse-P coils. So, t's not advisable to use MK1s from a 5 string 55-01 bass to a 6 string GSR256 bass. But if you care to search for some more, there are MK1s pickups made for 6 string bass that you might use on your GSR.
 
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#110
I uae te SR600 for most everything; ergonomically, it is very friendly for older players. I never noticed the sound being muddy or weird. It is a little trebly at times, at least compared to my P basses, but it doesn't get lost in our mix--and we're a ten piece band. Just my two cents.
 
#111
I'm currently playing an older SR705 (in my avatar) with MK1's. Cranking the high's definitely leads to an unpleasant sound but I never do that anyway so it doesn't bother me. I'm also using flats and I get a great sort of woody upright tone with the treble mostly rolled off and using the neck pickup. My biggest gripe is what another poster mentioned in this thread, and that's the string to string volume. The A string is noticeably quieter than the rest.
 
#112
Out of the two, and my experience with the pickups and preamp along with other bass friends of mine. The pickups seem to hold their own and are somewhat okay. But it's been more of the preamp. When it comes to if that's the package of electronics that comes in the bass. Had a Cort JP 5 Elrick where I just swapped out the preamp. Big difference.
 
#113
4Mal said:
I replaced those MK1 pickups in a 55-01 with Nordstrand Big Splits and thought it was a major improvement. Night and day.

I didn't care for the pre much either. Mechanically a very sound instrument but in need of tonal work IMO. YMMV of course
Click to expand...

Ok so the post above from 2008... I have come full circle. I have 2 stock Lakland 01 series. A 44 and a 55. They simply rock. As is. Need no upgrades. In fact IME upgrading the pre and pickups did not improve the basses at all. They changed it sure. Just not necessarily for the better.

That's my take in 2021
 
#114
In another thread, someone pointed out that they changed out their MK1's from a fretless but then went back. I bought a fretless Soundgear so equipped, and the sound was so good with it that I dropped the notion of switching them out for Aguilar DCB's. I shared this on that thread and the OP agreed -- they have a great midrange.

Also in that thread I read that they are a split P construction under the hood. I don't shape sound very much with the preamp's eq, I prefer the blend knob and finger technique.
 
#115
To my ears, the Asian Barts were muddy and indistinct. I changed them out on an Ibby I used to own for American Barts MK5CBC. Much better clarity and presence. To my ears, the Ibby preamp was also dull, so I changed the preamp to EMG - the version you can wire passive pickups to the balance control.
 

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