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'Bartolini Pickups Paired With Aguilar OBP-3'

Aguilar OBP-3 with Bartolini Pickups, or NTMB Preamp with Bartolini Pickups

  • Total voters
    37
mustBmtd

mustBmtd

Supporting Member
Sep 28, 2012
1,753
1,507
Tennessee
#1
Wanting know honest opinions, with pairing the two brands, As to having heard a couple of people say. They would go with the same brand preamp. Would like to hear from bassist who now are using Bart, pickups and the OBP-3 preamp instead of the Bartolini preamp w/Bartolini pickups. Also add opinions on 9v or 18v wiring. Tech hasn't finished my work yet, but I'm having a Bartolini pickup set paired with Aguilar OBP-3 preamp done in one of my basses now. Just don't know what to expect once work is done. Looking for Pros, and Cons. :cool::bassist:
 
#2
I have a few basses with Bart pickups and OBP3's. They are both quality brands. There aren't any inherent cons to them, but the selection of pickups and preamps is Totally Subjective as to what sounds good to you. Some people will love the combination and others will hate it.

There isn't a huge difference between 9v and 18v, but a search will turn up lots of information.
 
#3
I have basses with both pre's. Both are top notch.

Bart gets the nod for me though, simply because it has something the Aguilar does not....an output gain control. To me, this feature is essential to properly adjust your output level to match your pickups. If your pickups are too hot you can turn it down. Too low? Turn it up. Also required in order to level match with other basses.

I like the size of the Aguilar though. Both sound fantastic. If Aguilar would simply add a gain control adjustment, I'd be using more of them in my basses.
 
#4
I have both as well and would agree with mmbongo that the gain control on the Barts is a nice feature. Also, I find the Aguilar to boost/cut a bit abruptly just off the center detent. They both sound great though.
 
#5
I purchased a used Spector Legend Classic 5 with this combo (soap bar)- truthfully I have only played it once in band setting. I put on a set of coated Ernie ball slinkys on it. It sounds great. Cut through nice, but still had a balanced bottom. Compliments from the rest of the band. Set flat, I would describe the tone as modern and slightly growly. I got a very nice low rumble for a reggae tune as well. Overall I am very impressed and will be playing this bass over my others as I dial it in. If I had any complaint, it would be too many tone options.. :)
 
#6
I just decided on a Bart/Aguilar combo for my new Roscoe MM bass, because I wanted a more aggressive preamp than the NTMB (which my bass had installed at the factory).
I feel the OBP-3 is better for rock, but I like Bart pickups.

5523-LG.jpg
 
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#11
mustBmtd said:
Wanting know honest opinions, with pairing the two brands, As to having heard a couple of people say. They would go with the same brand preamp. Would like to hear from bassist who now are using Bart, pickups and the OBP-3 preamp instead of the Bartolini preamp w/Bartolini pickups. Also add opinions on 9v or 18v wiring. Tech hasn't finished my work yet, but I'm having a Bartolini pickup set paired with Aguilar OBP-3 preamp done in one of my basses now. Just don't know what to expect once work is done. Looking for Pros, and Cons. :cool::bassist:
Click to expand...

Since the decision has already been made and it's already a done deal, why color your own initial impressions with other people's opinions, before you've even had a chance to hear for yourself? Seems to me this kind of question would be far more relevant while you're still at the decision-making stage, trying to figure out whether to give it a try or not - which you are not. IMHO, this would be precisely the time when you don't want to hear from others, each throwing in their own two cents... :eyebrow:

MM
 
#14
I have a OBP3 with Barts in a Bass. Pulled the Barts and installed SGD pickups. Wish the system gain was adjustable, and depending on the Barts you have this may or may not be a problem. I have a preset on my pedal board EQ to raise the gain by about 6dB, and the idea has crossed my mind to take the OPB3 out and replace it with a Bartolini preamp. The tonal spectrum of the OBP works better with the SGD than the Bart pickups, but this is really contingent on the tonal character of the raw pickup itself.
 
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#15
Nice Axe Dude!!!! Bart Quads, work well with the Aggie OBP3. One of my favorite bass players runs this combo and his slap tone just kills. Wojtek Pilichowski!!!
 
#16
phillybass101 said:
Nice Axe Dude!!!! Bart Quads, work well with the Aggie OBP3. One of my favorite bass players runs this combo and his slap tone just kills. Wojtek Pilichowski!!!
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm actually ordering another Roscoe (I know, I know it's a bad and expensive habit), so this one is up for sale in the classifieds. I know that I'll regret selling this one too!!!

5523-BODY-LG.jpg
 
#19
cromag31 said:
i have barts with aquilar obp3 pre and sounds like ****! the bart jazz pups are week! i want to put the wide pole delanos in it but i dont play this bass.... so i have not spent the money..
Click to expand...

Different strokes I guess, I have a pair of Bart 9J1 L/S's running through an Aguilar preamp, IMHO it is one of the better pickup/preamp combos money can buy.
 

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