I have a little question: I just started playing bass late this summer. I have a Squier p-bass and my influences are rock and metal. I'm taking classes and will begin playing with people pretty soon. I was thinking about getting some pick ups for a bolder, heavier, crispier sound. Some people recommended me Bartolinis. Any thoughts on that?
The Bartolinis are great pickups, although I hear they may be hard to get. You may be able to get them here. http://www.fatdawg.com/ Seymour Duncan Basslines are also good pickups and worth checking into. http://www.basslines.com/
You can get Barts at Mars (at least the one down the street where I'm at). You can usually get Seymour Duncans at Mars or Guitar Center. If not... You can get a Bart "8S" model at Mars online. It's their basic passive P-type replacement. It's tone is described as "deep & warm". Also at Mars online you can get a Seymour Duncan ¼ pounder. It's "fat, full, and punchy with a lot of mids". (they're both "in stock") Bart ~ http://marsmusic.com/store/product_new.jhtml?catid=71&prodid=2227&skuid=0 S/D ~ http://marsmusic.com/store/product_new.jhtml?catid=71&prodid=8592&skuid=0
Go with the SD quarterpounder, the Bart will be a bit smooth for metal. Another goody is the DiMarzio model with the rails instead of pole pieces. I forget the model mane, but I have one in my mongrel P, and it pumps!
The DiMarzio Split-P (aka DP127) ! I put one on my cheapie Yamaha RBX260F (Fretless). You are correct sir. I love the overall balance it brings to the table. Clean and mean across bass, mid, and high. How `bout that wiring suggestion for "stereo" ? Get a stereo jack, send the E/A section to one hot, the D/G to another .