Closest CURRENT Bartolini model/series pickups to stock (1990s) warwick barts

[El Duderino]

First off, I feel like this should have been covered many times over, but somehow, I can find nothing online. I apologize if somehow I missed it, but I promise I ran a search first.

With that out of the way, i have a 1999 ibanez sr990qs. I baught as a poor man's streamer (i have a 4 month old and a mortgage!) to hold me over until I pick up another 'wick. It does a lot of what I want considering it has a wenge neck j bridge and reverse p at the neck, but the electronics are lackluster.

I am looking to upgrade the electronics and from what I recall, the 90's warwicks with barts sound best to my ears, so going with new pickups (I welcome preamp suggestions too!) what is the closest that bartolini offers in that tonal realm? Thanks all!

 

[Henrythe8]

First off, pics. Never heard of this Ibby model.
Secondly, I'd stay away from upgrading it. You won't be able to resell it for it's real value. Save money for a streamer, especially if it does a lot of what you want.

IIRC, it was only on the Dolphin that there were Bartolinis as standard. Otherwise it was already the MEC. (Experts will correct me if I'm wrong).
There always are some great deals on Streamer LX's in the US, you just have to be ready when it pops out. set yourself up on a budget, keep in stashed away from da wife on a Paypal account, and pull the trigger on the evil bay or Craig's.

Just my 2cts.

 

[El Duderino]

Henry, I appreciate your sentiment, however, I got a great deal on the bass because it had a crack in the head, which I repaired, and it could use some new frets, so it probably has almost no resale value. It does play amazingly well and is incredibly stable given it's issues. I am a little embarrassed to say it, but it is currently my go-to bass!

As for pics, I can upload a couple from my phone shortly. Thanks so much for your info, I seemed to recall a mid 90's (maybe older?) corvette and thumb that had, what I thought were, original bartolini's and both blew me away in comparison with others I have played. Thanks again!

 

[El Duderino]

Pics (sorry for the poor quality):

 

[warwickhunt]

Bartolini's in early Warwick basses wasn't uncommon, they were an option along with; EMG, Seymour Duncan, Alembic etc. PJ sets are still available new but regularly crop up on ebay for £40-£50. If you keep your original pups you can always revert back to original pups and sell the Barts on.

 

[Henrythe8]

Yes, that, too. It's just that I haven't seen the bats PJ sets so low, but have not looked for them on the bay.

I reallized I din't answer your original question : I *think* the "original" series are the most typical Bart Sound, it's the 9S for the J and either the 8S for the P.


Nice bass, BTW. Despite the "low value".