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Joe Barden (JBE) Pickups

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by ScottTunes, Jul 9, 2017.

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  1. Jul 9, 2017 #1
    ScottTunes

    ScottTunes Gear-A-Holic

    Feb 7, 2011
    So Cal
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  2. Jul 10, 2017 #2
    John Swartz

    John Swartz

    Apr 9, 2008
    Massachusetts
    I have them in my Rick 4003 - I like them a lot - very close to the original Rick tone without any hum.

    Not sure what these would do for an SG bass, but give it a go!

    John
     
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  3. Jul 10, 2017 #3
    Haroldo

    Haroldo Supporting Member

    Aug 31, 2005
    North Shore, MA
    If double rails pique your interest, I'd definitely talk to Becky at Wilde Pickups - I'm sure the custom windings they'd do for you would be much cheaper than the Bardens. I've used the Bill Lawrence stock L-500 in the P-bass position in days past and found it to be heaven. All that being said, if you do end up with Bardens, please tell us about it. I've looked at them with great interest (but have bridled at the price).
     
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  4. Jul 10, 2017 #4
    ScottTunes

    ScottTunes Gear-A-Holic

    Feb 7, 2011
    So Cal

    Hhhmmm... I wasn't aware of Wilde Pickups! I have heard of Bill Lawrence though... I'll check into that, thanks!

    I thought a single bar would be best. But the humbucking quiet is also nice (though not entirely necessary).

    Just looking for alternatives for my SG bass, I like the bass, and the big deep bass T-Bird+ sound! But it is too muffled in the mid-to-upper frequency ranges. My goal is to find something that'll clear that up for me.

    I had Bardens (when Joe was still alive, and making p'ups himself) in a MIJ Tele, and was amazed by the sound!! Everything loved about Tele tones, but without the hum and microphonics! This is what got me to thinking JBE could "save" my SG bass... ;-)
     
  5. Jul 11, 2017 #5
    Nedmundo

    Nedmundo Supporting Member

    Jan 7, 2005
    Philadelphia
    Yes, Barden's Tele pickukps are truly amazing. I've heard them a number of times, and the Strat pickups are fantastic too.

    I had Bardens in a Jazz V, and they're great. IMO, they don't preserve quite as much "J" tone as the Tele pickups preserve "T" tone, but they sound more traditional than I expected considering the rails configuration. Lots of punch, no noise, extremely versatile.
     
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  6. Jul 11, 2017 #6
    ScottTunes

    ScottTunes Gear-A-Holic

    Feb 7, 2011
    So Cal
    BOY! Don't I feel like a dope!

    I checked out Wilde Pickups (haven't called yet), and got caught up with Bill's history... NOW I understand better. ;-)

    Looks interesting, and I will have a conversation with Becky and/or Bill. The L90 may be just the ticket!!
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2017
  7. Apr 30, 2022 #7
    mellowgerman

    mellowgerman Supporting Member

    Jan 23, 2008
    Orlando, FL
    @ScottTunes did you ever go through with this?

    I know this thread is almost 5 years old, but I just went this route with my '62 EB-0 and I am floored with the results. I paired the pickups with a set of JTEX Distillers (Alembic style low pass filters with Q switches).
    It doesn't sound much like a Rick, but with short-scale set-neck all-mahogany construction, slightly different positioning, and an active filter preamp, it's a much different context than dropping these in a 4001 or 4003.

    eb0.jpg
     
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  8. May 1, 2022 #8
    iiipopes

    iiipopes Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    Yes, zombie thread. Now, any conversation with Bill might be difficult since he passed some years ago.
     
  9. May 17, 2022 #9
    ScottTunes

    ScottTunes Gear-A-Holic

    Feb 7, 2011
    So Cal
    Wow! That's too bad! RIP Bill.

    I sent him an email, and was directed to their website. Then ended up installing a JBE "J Bass" style pickup in my Greco Scroll top bass (sounded great!). I put new Armstrong "Toasters" in my Rick, and sold both basses.