to Aguify or not to Aguify! (Warwick)

[air_leech]

hey,

I got an '88 Streamer NT that I love very much but it's output is a bit low in comparison to my passive Fenders and my OBP3 equipped LX5.

the bass has PJ EMG pups and a preamp that has no logo on it (its a board with one IC and it's glued to the cavity cover).

I was thinking of putting an OBP-2 in there but that could completely kill off the vibe of this bass.
I know there is no vintage value to this bass but I feel like getting some more juice from it would make it a much better bass.

any suggestions?

[Tbirdbassist]

I've heard that Warwicks still keep their character after pickup/preamp changes. So I think you'll be fine with changing.

[alexclaber]

I have an '87 Streamer that I put an OBP-3 in. It is a FAR better preamp than the original preamp, however it does not make the output any greater. I also upgraded the bass to running on 18V power and that fattened and clarified the sound. Nowadays I run the preamp bypassed 99% of the time and just use a 3-way pickup switch to control my tone.

If I were to do things again I'd chuck away the stock preamp and wire in passive electronics (but keep the active pickups and run them on 18V).

I'm very surprised that your EMGs are not loud enough - they are usually HOT pickups. They should be positioned very close to the strings - basically as close as they can go without the strings hitting them. The further from the string, the lower the output, according to the inverse square law. Maybe that's the problem?

Alex

[LifeIsBass]

I've got a Streamer Stage II with EMG's and an OBP-1 and it sounds absolutely amazing. I would say it has just average output when the EQ is flat, which is perfect for me. So, unless the pre that's in it just happens to be really low output (which is what I'm guessing 'cause EMG's and low output aren't usually mentioned in the same sentence) you may not notice a difference. Don't worry about the Aggie killing the 'Wick vibe. They sound great in 'Wicks, especially with EMG's. My Stage II sounds massively Warwick-like. EMG and Aguilar just seem to really mate well. I've got some EMG's and an OBP-2 on order right now to put in my Corvette Proline.

[air_leech]

thanks all.

I have my pickups pretty close to the strings so I guess the problem doesnt lay there.

I guess I would be getting an Aggy preamp.
any real preference between the OBP-1 and OBP-2 (except for that the 1 is boost only)?

[Toasted]

I put Nordy Big Splits and an OBP-3 in my 1990 stage one V and it made a HUGE difference.

[LifeIsBass]

Originally Posted by air_leech

thanks all.

I have my pickups pretty close to the strings so I guess the problem doesnt lay there.

I guess I would be getting an Aggy preamp.
any real preference between the OBP-1 and OBP-2 (except for that the 1 is boost only)?

The only other difference I know of is that the treble frequency center is a bit higher.

[elpelotero]

A 1988 NT Thumb is VERY VALUABLE in Vintage circles, especially for Warwick fans "in the know"

[lowendtheory]

Originally Posted by elpelotero

A 1988 NT Thumb is VERY VALUABLE in Vintage circles, especially for Warwick fans "in the know"

yeh but he has a streamer...

[Rano Bass]

EMG pickups are very loud themselves, the problem is the preamp you have in there.
Install an OBP-2 and you'll be surprised.

[air_leech]

update:

I ordered an OBP-2 but I also raised the pickups to 3mm distance from the strings and suddenly everything changed.
the output is 40% higher (mind you the pickups where about 8mm away before) and the sound is full and ballsy.

now, should I proceed with installing the Aggie or should I not fix what aint broken?

thanks,
Elad.

[lowendtheory]

if you're happy leave it!

[pickles]

There are lots of good ways to level out the volumes of two basses with outboard gear. The Sadowsky Pre/DI and Radial BigShot I/O are my favorites.