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install with existing preamp

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Edwcdc, Jul 28, 2003.

  1. Jul 28, 2003 #1
    Edwcdc

    Edwcdc I call shotgun!

    Jul 21, 2003
    Columbia MD USA
    I have a Gibson Tobias 6 string. I have been wanting to upgrade the pickups. It has a two pickup active setup. Can I just get a set of Bartolini's and hook them up in place of the other pick ups? This is assuming that I get pick ups that run on a 9volt system. This is also assuming that I can find pups to fit this bass.
     
  2. Jul 28, 2003 #2
    David Wilson

    David Wilson Supporting Member

    Oct 14, 2002
    Lower Westchester, NY
    It depends on the existing configuration, and what replacements you get.

    If the existing active pickups are wired straight into the preamp, then it sounds like it has an active blend and you should be able to attach any pups to it. There aren't that many preamps like this though, so it's probably the next option.

    If the active pickups are wired to individual volume pots (or a blend pot and volume pot) in front of the preamp then you probably want to switch those pots (probably a 25k/50k/100k) for their higher impedance impedance equivalents (250k/500k) when using passive pickups. (Most Barts are passive). Otherwise, if you're substituting in other active pickups, you should be able to replace your existing ones easily by unsoldering the existing connections, inserting new pups and restoring the connections (hot->blend/mv in, cold->ground, power->power).
     
  3. Jul 29, 2003 #3
    Edwcdc

    Edwcdc I call shotgun!

    Jul 21, 2003
    Columbia MD USA
    Thanks David I will get around to opening that bad boy up and see whats in there. As far as I know everything is mounted on a board. Does this matter?
     
  4. Jul 30, 2003 #4
    David Wilson

    David Wilson Supporting Member

    Oct 14, 2002
    Lower Westchester, NY
    yeah, open it up and take some photos or give us a more detailed description. It you have a board, then you have a preamp on board too (you can have active pickups and no preamp).

    Once you've done that, we'll be able to give you some more detailed help.