Bartolinis on Alembics?

[adriaan]

If you prefer the Bartolini sound over the Alembic sound, go for it.
 
IIRC, the standard Persuader package has a fixed 8 dB Q boost on the filter, and there is no switch to turn it off. For my taste, the 8 dB boost is really too much, and so I had the 0/8 dB Q switch on my Spoiler replaced with a 0/3/6 dB one. Much nicer on the ears, especially with new strings. Check with Mica if you could add such a switch yourself.
 
Whatever you do, keep the original electronics, and try not to drill any additional holes in the bass - well, except if you add the Q switch, which is an excellent upgrade on the original package anyway.

[kmh364]

Robert,
 
Just my two cents:
 
While I personally wouldn't put anything besides Alembic guts in any Alembic, You do have an alternative to a $3k-plus bass:
 
Assuming you don't mind used, there are plenty of decent kit basses out there (Sadowsky, Lakland. etc.) that come with Barts that are available for well under that. If you want new, you can always build whatever you want (bolt-on Fender-style) and add the electronics of your choice. While there are plenty of kit part suppliers out there, Warmoth offers custom options including finishing. All you have to do is pick/choose and then put it together and set it up. A professional can do either or both chore(s) for you, if you desire (and have the pocketbook).
 
I'm certainly with Adriaan here: if you do decide to put non-Alembic guts in your bass(es), I personally wouldn't drill any additional holes, and I would hold onto the Alembic guts. You can always re-install them at a later date.
 
It's my personal opinion that you'll gain nothing with the Barts over the OEM Alembic stuff.
 
Good Luck!
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

[57basstra]

Robert
 
, if you do make the switch I may be interested in buying your Alembic pickups to help you fund your project. Email me if interested. My address is on my profile.
 
drr

[essencetimestwo]

I have a Modulus Deluxe Sonic Hammer with a Bartolini MM style pickup and two band preamp for sale or trade if you are interested.

[roberto]

Guys,Thanks for the opinions.
I think we buy a bass and keep using it for two reasons:its good in our hands and it sounds good to our ears.Now I have three Alembics,and all are so comfortable in my hands.So I guess,rather than buying another decent bass with Barts,like Fodera,Pedulla,or Ken Lawrence,the best way is to just install the electronic on the Alembic.
For those who didnt like the idea,think about this:HOW CAN YOU GET A USED FODERA OR KEN LAWRENCE WITH A PERSUADER OR EUROPA SHAPE?Not too mention the comfortability that we are used too with an Alembic.
I guess we should be open minded guys.
57basstra, and essencetimestwo ,thank you very much for the offer.I live in Indonesia and the shipping cost would be too costly.Thanks anyway.
robert

[dannobasso]

You asked, passionate folks responded and for the most part when it comes to these instruments open minded is not an atribute in terms of non-Santa Rosa conversions. I acquired an Essense 5 that someone drilled and put thumbrests on. I just sent it back to be repaired and refinished. That is my way of dealing with conversions. Would I put other pups in others instruments? Yes I have done so with Gibsons, Hamers, Fenders but I would not want to change the sound of my Alembics. But to each his own. Many other players change their guts to Alembic in this arena. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

[mele_aloha]

I see what you are saying though Roberto. You would like to stay with the comfort of the ride and just change the performance so to speak. I understand, and since you have three, why not! I couldn't tell you the outcome but I do agree with you staying with the Alembic and just changing the guts alittle. I say-Why not? Go for it!!
Aloha, P

[bsee]

It's not unreasonable to tweak an Alembic to open up another tonal palette.  I just wanted to make the point that the modification would result in a loss in value.  If you love the result and intend to keep it, then it doesn't matter.  If you can, just make it a reversible swap and keep the original electronics around.  Swap out the whole lot, including the jack, to make this easier.

[rami]

I also have a thing for originality.  Had Alembic used aftermarket pickups, it wouldn't be a big deal to replace them.  But since they make their own pickups, replacing them would take away from what makes them Alembics.  
 
I have a couple of Lado neck-thru Basses equiped with Bartolinis.  They sound pretty good, but I'm considering upgrading to Alembic pickups!
 
;-)
 
Rami

[jags]

yes please dont do this its a complete waste of time,$ and effort.  save those bart's for a lesser bass. put your $ into a sf-2 and you'll forget bartolini's exist. honestly its a waste of everything.  money ,time effort. let alone taking off strings and actually, removing electronics!!!!!! are you nutz???!!!

[the_8_string_king]

It's your right of course... but I think it's a terrible idea.  Alembic pickups are the best... taking them out to put in Bartolinis...  it's like taking off one of your legs and replacing it with a peg leg so you can have a different stride.
 
If you want a different sound, I'd suggest getting Alembic to send you what you need to install a 3-position Q switch, maybe 0/3/6 or 0/4/8 dbs... and/or seeing if they could send you a pair of bass & treble boost/cut switches.
 
This would give you tremendous added versatility.
 
What you're proposing would be maiming your bass -in my eyes.  But, it is, of course your bass; so you should do as you choose.

[the_8_string_king]

Another possible option would be to see if you could TRADE one of your Persuaders for ANOTHER Alembic that is known to have a very different type of sound... like an Epic, Orion, or Excell.  By all accounts, these models do sound very different, yet have a loyal following.  I haven't played an Excell, but my understanding is they have a distinctly different sound due to the set neck construction and body woods.  And they're lower end models, pricewise, so maybe you might be able to find someone who'd be willing to trade.  Just a thought.  I do realize that, being in Indonesia, there probably aren't too many floating around, and shipping is expensive.  But you never know.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

[57basstra]

Mark, the 'peg leg for a different stride' reference was hilarious ??and graphic.
drr

[george_wright]

Since we're talking about peg legs....  Amputees actually DO replace legs for different perfomance.  Compare a running foot with a daily activities foot.  
 
But I don't see how a Bart is going to be a sprinter.  Seems to me that switching to a Bart would be like switching from a modern prosthesis to an old fashioned peg leg.

[lbpesq]

Aye, Matey!   Aaaaarrrrrggghhhhh!
 
Bill, (the pirate one?)