Who here has swapped electronics in their Warwick?

jamestown94west · #1 02-08-2013, 07:56 PM

I'm wanting to put new pickups and a new preamp in my thumb. Just wondering if anyone has done this to their bass, and would like to give some input.

I'm considering delano pu's/aguilar pre, an all bartolini set up, or new MEC pickups with an aftermarket preamp, probably an aguilar, but I've also been interested in Audere.

ilikebass7 · #2 02-10-2013, 09:05 PM

I like my Delano pups a lot in my thumb nt. I have a mec 2 band pre. I wish it were a 3. I personally don't like the Aguilar tone. The Delano's are clear and crisp. Punchy punchy punchy. They picked up some low end and crisp highs. Less mids than my EMGs

jamestown94west · #3 02-10-2013, 09:26 PM

What is it about the aquilar preamps tone that you dont like?

socialleper · #4 02-10-2013, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilikebass7

I like my Delano pups a lot in my thumb nt. I have a mec 2 band pre. I wish it were a 3. I personally don't like the Aguilar tone. The Delano's are clear and crisp. Punchy punchy punchy. They picked up some low end and crisp highs. Less mids than my EMGs

They must be very scooped because EMG aren't known for their mids. Also, I always thought the Thumb was super punchy to start with, what was it you didn't like about the MEC to go to the Delano? When I've read about other people going to Delano its to get something more mellow.

Means2nEnd · #5 02-10-2013, 10:19 PM

I’ve swapped out electronics on most of my Warwicks. I have changed preamps and pickups with different results. EMG and Seymour Duncan pickups and Seymour Duncan preamps or EMG preamps seem to work the best for me. Funny you mentioned your Thumb, I have 2 NT Thumbs one fretless 5 and one fretted 5. The fretless I left stock it’s from 94 and sounds amazing as is the fretted is a 95 and I just can’t get a tone I’m in love with out of it yet. Might be just the pickup placement that I don’t like as much as my other Wicks.

I have tried so many configurations and I find the tone punchy and aggressive and soooo much mid it is hard for me to control and get a smooth fat warm low end without some mid breakup. I haven’t given up but it’s in rotation to put on my bench again soon. I listen to my band mates for their opinions they all agree with all the basses I have brought to the table by far and away they love all my Warwicks but my Streamer Stage 2 with EMG pickups and Seymour Duncan 3 band seems to always win them over and it’s my favorite as well.

ilikebass7 · #6 02-10-2013, 10:57 PM

Mine came with EMGs from the factory. The EMGs I liked but they lacked the Bass presence and weren't as clear. The Delano's are extremely clear. Aguilar pres are a little artificial sounding to me. EMG was good Delano is great. And they look monster

One Bad Monkey · #7 02-11-2013, 04:31 AM

I've switched out many electronics as well, and like Means2nEnd, I have come to prefer Seymour Duncan stuff. My Corvette std currently has AJB pickups and an STC-2a preamp, which makes that bass just a monster tonally. I put an STC-3a preamp into my Streamer LX, mainly because I wanted an onboard mid control to help fine tune the sound. That "small" addition has let me dial in the tone I want.

I'm thinking next is going to be my fretless Corvette $$, which I'm planning on putting the SD Steve Bailey preamp in. I have to look and see how complicated it will be (I know it's easy, but didn't know how the toggle switches factor into the equation).

jamestown94west · #8 02-11-2013, 06:14 AM

All these responses are awesome! I think I'm starting to figure out that the one thing I really want is a pre with a mid control, that's it. I like the tone of my thumb with the stock MEC electronics, but I want a mid control. I'm in a situation where I'm going to have to replace my electronics, no matter what. I'm thinking stock MEC pickups with a different pre would be the ticket. Does the three band pre from the the thumb NT have a mid control, I wonder? I'll have to go to their website and look.

Means2nEnd · #9 02-11-2013, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamestown94west

All these responses are awesome! I think I'm starting to figure out that the one thing I really want is a pre with a mid control, that's it. I like the tone of my thumb with the stock MEC electronics, but I want a mid control. I'm in a situation where I'm going to have to replace my electronics, no matter what. I'm thinking stock MEC pickups with a different pre would be the ticket. Does the three band pre from the the thumb NT have a mid control, I wonder? I'll have to go to their website and look.

Yes it does...NT 3 band-Bolt on 2 band (no mid control)

ilikebass7 · #10 02-11-2013, 10:41 AM

You should be able toget a used one for around 100 bucks. That is a good choice. I would like a 3 band for my thumb. Just fine tuning.

jamestown94west · #11 02-11-2013, 11:06 AM

I priced a new preamp and new pickups with the Warwick dealer in NY...holy smokes I about passed out when I saw the price. But that's ok, I'll just go aftermarket or used. MEC stuff pops up every now and then in the classifieds.

ilikebass7 · #12 02-11-2013, 12:50 PM

Ya MEC is ridiculous new. Crazy studf

bongostealth · #13 02-19-2013, 03:44 PM

I personally have fiddled with several combinations. My favorite preamps for natural clear tone are EMG BQC 3-band, and John East U-Retro Deluxe. My favorite pickups are the stock MEC, Seymour Duncan Basslines, and Delano.

I currently have a Thumb NT 6 with Delano dual-coil soapbars and an Aguilar OBP-3. The Delano's provide a beautiful slightly burpy tone in dual-coil mode and classic Thumb zing in single-coil mode. The Aguilar preamp is just massively powerful!

I also have a Thumb BO 6 broad-neck with Seymour Duncan Basslines soapbars and a John East U-Retro Deluxe preamp. This bass sounds simply phenomenal and glorious!! I can't say enough about it.