Fat Bass Tone
RT5CX-B
ORIGINAL BRIGHT 5 STRING SOAPBAR PICKUP
ARTICULATE HIGHS + RICH, PUNCHY LOWS
DUAL PARALLEL HUMBUCKING DESIGN
4-CONDUCTOR WIRING + SHIELDED CONSTRUCTION
RADIUS TOP RT HOUSING FOR TOBIAS-STYLE BASSES
FREE SHIPPING IN THE USA
EXPERT TECHNICAL SUPPORT
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The Bartolini RT5CX Original Bright is a 5-string radius-top soapbar pickup designed for players who want the familiar depth and punch of Bartolini with a more articulate, aggressive high end. Originally associated with Tobias-style basses, the RT housing combines a distinctive curved top with a narrow soapbar footprint and three-point mounting arrangement.
The Original Bright voice delivers rich lows, strong low mids and crisp upper-frequency detail without sacrificing the fullness that makes Bartolini pickups so popular. Its dual parallel humbucking construction, ceramic magnetic circuit and shielded 4-conductor wiring make the RT5CX a versatile choice for modern bass tones. Choose the RT5CX-T for the bridge position or RT5CX-B for the neck position.
Bartolini developed the Original Bright voice to provide a more open, articulate response while retaining a powerful fundamental and full low-midrange character. Compared with the warmer voicing traditionally associated with Bartolini, these pickups emphasize greater high-frequency definition, bite and growl.
The design uses a higher resonant frequency with a smoother peak and a relatively flat response. The result is a punchy, precise pickup that complements the natural character of the instrument and works particularly well with an onboard preamp.
RT5CX-T - Bridge (Treble)
Voiced for the bridge position with approximately 3.9kΩ DC resistance per coil and a resonant frequency of approximately 4.4kHz.
RT5CX-B - Neck (Bass)
Voiced for the neck position with approximately 2.6kΩ DC resistance per coil and a resonant frequency of approximately 6.1kHz.
Both versions have a maximum sensing width of 2.83" (72mm) and use the same RT radius-top housing.
Important: These are individually sold, position-specific pickups. Select the correct bridge or neck model before ordering.
The maximum sensing width is 2.83" (72mm). Compare your bass's string spacing at the pickup location to the sensing area shown above.
Housing Length: 4.06" / 103mm
Housing Width: 1.17" / 30mm
Housing Thickness: 0.72-0.82" / 18.3-20.8mm
Top Radius: 14" / 356mm
Additional Cable Clearance: 0.15" / approximately 4mm
Mounting: Two screw holes on the bass end and one on the treble end for #4 pan-head screws.
The RT housing was originally used on Tobias basses and has also been used on certain Ibanez instruments. Always compare your existing pickup's dimensions, curved top and mounting-hole layout before ordering.
The RT5CX uses Bartolini's dual parallel humbucking construction with a ceramic magnetic circuit. The pickups are fully shielded and sealed, with a shielded 4-conductor cable and bare drain wire.
Pickup Design: Dual Parallel Humbucking
Magnetic Circuit: Carbon Steel, Brass and Copper with Ceramic (Ferrite) Magnets
Cable: Shielded 4-Conductor with Bare Drain
Construction: Fully Shielded and Sealed
Wiring Options: Bartolini documents series, parallel and coil-selection configurations for its 4-conductor dual-coil pickups.
View Bartolini 4-Conductor Pickup Wiring Diagrams (PDF)
Follow Bartolini's wiring documentation when installing the pickups or configuring alternate coil switching.
Position: Bridge / Treble
Model: RT5CX-T
DC Resistance: Approximately 3.9kΩ per coil
Resonant Frequency: Approximately 4.4kHz
Maximum Sensing Width: 2.83" / 72mm
UPC: 682384507803
Position: Neck / Bass
Model: RT5CX-B
DC Resistance: Approximately 2.6kΩ per coil
Resonant Frequency: Approximately 6.1kHz
Maximum Sensing Width: 2.83" / 72mm
UPC: 682384507834
Manufacturer: Bartolini
Series: Original Bright
Models: RT5CX-T (Bridge) / RT5CX-B (Neck)
Instrument: 5 String Bass Guitar
Pickup Shape: RT Radius Top Soapbar
Pickup Design: Dual Parallel Humbucking
Magnet Type: Ceramic / Ferrite
Maximum Sensing Width: 2.83" / 72mm
Cable: Shielded 4-Conductor with Bare Drain
Mounting Configuration: Three-Point, Two Bass Side / One Treble Side