BTB models

PeterH · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 1:12 pm Post subject: BTB models

Ok, time for a new 5-string. Other than price, what's the difference in the BTB models? I've been a good boy and saving my money, so I was looking at the BTB1005, but if the other BTB 5-strings are just as good I'd just as soon take that extra cash and apply it elsewhere.
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spiral'' · Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 2:25 pm Post subject:

it appears to me that the main difference between that BTB and, say, the 405qm, is going to be the pickups. the 1005 has Bartolini custom pickups, and the 405qm has IBZ DFR-N5 Neck PU / IBZ DFR-B5 Bridge PU.

i just bought a 405qm, and its a very nice bass. i'd say save the $$$ and get one of those.

Neil Gray · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:14 pm Post subject:

I agree. I don't think the playability of the later model BTB is anything worth writing home about; the specs are identical as far as I can tell. I have a BTB 406qm and have not needed to even think about upgrading. They do really good!
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God of Rapture · Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 6:28 pm Post subject:

The 405QM is awesome. However if I had the cash I would probably go with the 1005E.

tEchNOviLLaN · Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 8:51 pm Post subject:

I just got a BTB405 the other day for only $300 bones! slightly used.... by slightly i mean it still had the factory protective plastic on the neck pickup and on all the plastic back plates. hehe, I love these musicians flea markets we have in Buffalo, NY. I used to have a Ibanez sr800 and a Warwick Thumb Bolt on 5 string and I would take this BTB405 over them both. The only thing I am not fond of is the fact that this particular BTB model doesn't have the active pickups. Active 18volt EQ but not active pickups. Oh well, Anyone got some suggestions for a nice after market pickup that will fit in this bad boy? I am looking into the bartolini's but i am not totally into the mfor 2 reasons:
1.) their website sucks
2.) I haven't heard of half their users...

therefore i am completly clueless... who can assure me Bartolini's are the way to go? thanks
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spiral'' · Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 4:02 am Post subject:

i've played with the bartolini's before. they sound great. i'll probably upgrade to them at some point.
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tEchNOviLLaN · Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 6:11 am Post subject:

very nice... i may have to get them in the future... a good bass amp head is what i am currently saving for. (SWR SM-900 maybe) i will see where i can get some good bartolinis that will fit in there. will i need new EQ boards and stuff?
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jaybird · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 9:54 am Post subject:

I have a 405QM, and one difference I've noticed is that the neck is a longer scale than a standard Fender neck. Also, while the active EQ was fun to experiment with, I had it wired in passive, leaving my mind free to savor the note possibilities and the monorail bridge system. Oh, and the fact that a BTB has a smooth feel to it that you won't find on a chunkier instrument three-quarters its size. And the big clincher? It's a stock instrument. Maybe not for the stock player, but I've really taken a shine to it. That's my bass in the photo, though it's mostly obscured. I love it, and plan to get another (as a back-up).
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Neil Gray · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 4:23 pm Post subject:

I have to support JayBird's sentiments. The BTB is a really well made instrument. If you go with anything from 400qm onwards, you cannot go wrong. As for the active EQ versus active pups issue... man, that is just trivial. I have never left a gig and thought, "I'll never make it... not unless I have active pups. I may as well just give up now and get on the smack!"
NEVER have I though that.
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Doctor J · Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2004 12:31 am Post subject:

I have a SR3006E with the custom Bartolini's in it and, to be honest, I thought they were a serious let down. I replaced them after 8 months and had a set of rosewood covered stacked humbuckers custom made. They are an unbeliveable improvement. I wouldn't let the pickups be the factor that makes you go for the 1005, because IMO they're just not worth the extra money. However, if the 1005 has the "Prestige" neck, then make sure you check that out before you buy. The fretwork on the "Prestige" models is a joy to behold.
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thrakkor · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:31 pm Post subject:

i have both a BTB405 and a BTB1006EOL.

the 405 is an awesome bass, especially for the price. flexible EQ, wide neck and string spacing and 35" scale.....all the reasons i got it to replace my Dean (except it is 35" scale too).

the 1006, like others have mentioned differs mainly in electronics and PUPs. mine has Bart PUPs (passive) and Bart Electronics (active).with 3 way mid toggle vs. the mid freq knob of the 405...i love the tone of the 405, but i love the 1006's tone even more!

i believe the neck laminations are slighlty different and the tuner brands too. identical bridges. i dig the neutrik jacks too. body woods are different as well. i string the 405 with DR black beauties and the 1006 still has the original elixirs.

they're both great bass series....couldn't go wrong with either. try them both and decide from there.

i payed normal retail of $599 for the 405 at my local GC, but payed only $799 for the 1006 at MF on a closeout a year ago last May. my 1006 is made in japan, while the 405 is made in korea. although i don't personally care