Which Bartolini PJ set

[GK Breivik]

I’ve searched the web, but can’t seem to find an answer to this: Which of the current Bart PJ sets is the closest to what you’d get if you bought a Bart set in the early 80s?

Also, I’ve read several places now that in the original series set, the 8s P-pickup is the one to choose for the best balance with the J. Is this to say that the 8su balances poorly or worse?

 

[Wfrance3]

Not sure about all that, but I did own a bass that late a 90's vintage PJ set. I know the neck was an 8SU, and the bridge was whatever they pair matched that came with it. Not sure what 80s sound you are referring to. I mean, lots of the main stream rock guys were straight up SVT with a little OD. New wave folks were breaking ground with synth tones.... You asking what Geddy's 80's tone was, expect a million responses on that one....

I don know that pickup manufacturers that offer P&J together as a package make sure they are going to go together. You get a good balance electronically, and the the spacing is going to match up. Personally, I like the idea that manufacturers help ups by matching these things up for us and reducing the the variables down to just string spacing, pickup height, and good soldering technique.

The way that Bart does it is they offer a couple different flavors of their product; CB (classic bass) and OB (original bass)
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One last thought; the folks at best bass gear are pretty good with helping you pick something that will work and match. If you are wanting some advice they are a good source.

Good luck!