Which pickups (Barts) for Thumb NT5?

anarchyok

anarchyok

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I'm considering trying some new pickups in the Thumb NT5, as i'd like something a little deeper than the MEC JJ's in it. I'd likely keep the MEC 3 band preamp though.

A few questions.
1) Any Bart owners got feedback on the pickups? How do the output levels compare? I wouldn't want my Thumb to have any less output than it currently does.

2) What model Barts would be a direct drop in for the Warwick 5?

3) Any other nice options that would work well with MEC preamp, sounded deeper, not require routing and would maintain the same level of output?

Jono
 
IMO
exotic woods and barts are very bad decision. I think you should buy Delano, Seymour or something else what gives you clear sound.
 
The direct drop would be the 59 J1 L1/LN1 (both pickups are long).You can also check the same model, but in the Classic Bass series. My favourite Thumb 6ers are from the pre-MEC era, and they used Bartolini's soapbars (spilt-coils just like the ones I suggested you). I think it would be a great idea to use Bartolini.
 
After further research, I'm considering;
1. Bartolini 59CBJD L (classic bass series) in either deep or bright versions (give me pro's n con's here)
2. Bartolini 59J1 L (original bass series)

which is higher output, the Classic Bass series or the Original series? I want to make sure I'm not losing output by switching to them from the MEC pickups.

Which will give the Thumb more low end but not sacrifice too much of the aggressiveness of the MECs?
 
Hi Jono,

Bartolinis have pretty high output, don't worry. I would chose the brightest ones, because Barts this is not "MEC" bright, they are darker, anyway. But the have very tight low mids.

You will need to change some pots, because barts are passive.
 
Cheers Flo!

Will I need to change pots, even though I am leaving the 3 band MEC eq in? I was hoping I could just drop the pickups in as I could with MEC passives, and run it with the MEC preamp and knobs etc.
 
I love Barts in Warwick basses. IMO they even out the sometimes overwhelming treble in some models.
 
anarchyok said:
Cheers Flo!

Will I need to change pots, even though I am leaving the 3 band MEC eq in? I was hoping I could just drop the pickups in as I could with MEC passives, and run it with the MEC preamp and knobs etc.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately nope, you'll need to replace some pots. If the volume is already 500k, then the pan pot should be replaced.
 
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