Trying to make sense of the differences between Bartolini MK4S, MK4J, and MK4CBC. Plan to upgrade pickups and pre amp on Ibanez SR600. Anybody have any info? Seems like most who have upgraded here have upgraded to MK4CBC. I think all three should fit my instrument. Thanks in advance for your wisdom.
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MK4S = Singularity. Large format single coil.
MK4J = Jazz. Normal Jazz pickup in a soapbar.
MK4CBC = Classic Bass. Dual Coil Humbuckers.
MK4J = Jazz. Normal Jazz pickup in a soapbar.
MK4CBC = Classic Bass. Dual Coil Humbuckers.
The Classic Bass CBC has the slightest midrange presence.
The Original Bass is very smooth, almost to the point of being dark.
I have one of each: CBC in the neck for the mix, and the Original soapbar in the bridge to get just a little more girth than a J-pickup.
Link to description of all the Bart soapbar pickups:
Bass Soapbars - Bartolini Pickups & Electronics
The Original Bass is very smooth, almost to the point of being dark.
I have one of each: CBC in the neck for the mix, and the Original soapbar in the bridge to get just a little more girth than a J-pickup.
Link to description of all the Bart soapbar pickups:
Bass Soapbars - Bartolini Pickups & Electronics
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Thanks so much for your answers. I'll check out the link you added. I'm trying to understand pickup technology concepts and how that translates to the sound I'd like to execute. I currently have the stock MK1's and stock pre amp and while I've been happy with the sound, on recording it is anemic and underpowered and similar so in live performance. If I could achieve the current sound with just more presence that would be ideal for me. I believe that the MK1 is hum canceling and dual coil. Am I incorrect about this? Any answers appreciated and please excuse my ignorance on these matters.
Yes the MK1's are dual coil humbuckers similar to P-Bass split coil pickups, so they will sound different than the ones you listed. The MK1's are also not made by Bartolini so the actual Barts you listed will be a huge improvement. I think your best best is going to be the CBC pickups, as they are dual coil. Plus, the single coils will have some hum which you probably don't want. You will also want to replace that preamp they pair with the MK1, as it's pretty bad.
