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Bartolini Sound

Bobster

Bobster

Mar 27, 2006
2,197
305
65
Austin, TX
#1
Hi, I posted this in the pickups area but didn't get much response.

My question is... Do most Bart pickup and preamp equipped basses sound basically similiar?

I really like the sound of my 55-02 and am looking for 4-string with a similiar deep, rich, sound.

I am just wondering if other basses, with Barts, like the Ibanez BTBs, Dean Edge or Cort A4 have that same sort of tone?

Thanks
 
#2
people seem to stick barts in everything, and the basses their put in all seem to retain their individual characters, but they sound a little more hi-fi (which may/maynot be a good thing).
At least that's the way my ears hear them
 
#3
Something to also keep in mind is that alot of the "big name" brands like the ibanez and corts use the MK-1 pickup system which is Korean made and it doesn't sound NEAR AS GOOD as the american made line. Its the difference between the Lakland 55-01 and the 55-02 for reference.
 
#5
"Something to also keep in mind is that alot of the "big name" brands like the ibanez and corts use the MK-1 pickup system which is Korean made and it doesn't sound NEAR AS GOOD as the american made line"

This is exactly what I was wondering.

If this is the case, and I want a 4-stringer with that "dark, velvet, fog" sound, I need to be concentrating on a 44-02 or matching the Bartolini components in my 55-02.

Does anyone know exactly which parts Lakland was using?

I'm guessing it's the 9CBJD1 dual-coil Jazz pickup at the neck, MM4CBC dual-coil Music Man at the bridge, and the 5.4 A/P NTMB preamp. Can anyone confirm that. :confused:

Thanks
 
#6
Human Bass said:
Bartolini sound dark, strong low mids, IMO.
Click to expand...

IMO too. It does vary with the bass, but this sound is characteristic. Preamp makes a huge difference; I've heard Bartolini pickups with Bartolini, Aguilar, and Demeter preamps that sounded completely different.

On the MK1:

I've owned Cort Curbows with the MK-1 and the older Mighty Mite pickups. The Mighty Mite sounded quite a bit better, and I like Bartolinis normally.
 
#7
Personally I think Bartolini pickups are some of the best on the market. I have owned many basses with different styles and brands of pickups. I have always been VERY happy with Barts. I most recently installed a set of JJ Bartolini's into an inexpensive plexiglass bass and it sounds killer. Give them a good try, they are well worth the effort!!
 
#8
DEbassist said:
Something to also keep in mind is that alot of the "big name" brands like the ibanez and corts use the MK-1 pickup system which is Korean made and it doesn't sound NEAR AS GOOD as the american made line. Its the difference between the Lakland 55-01 and the 55-02 for reference.
Click to expand...

I left the stock MK pups in my 55-01 but I replaced the pre with the NTMB 3 band pre. I like the sound of the MK's with that pre. It's not so dark but it's still pretty thick sounding with the ability to dial in some extra treble when needed.

I have Bart pups and the NTMB in my six string so I didn't want the same exact configuration.
 
#9
I've owned a bunch of basses with Barts and Bart preamps; they all had their own unique sound. A Zon Sonus with Barts sounds nothing like a Roscoe Century with Barts. The pickup configuartion, body wood, neck and fingerboard wood, etc. all play a huge part in the basses overall character.
 

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