MEC vs. Carvin pickups

[Axtman]

I am thinking about replacing my stock Carvin pickups on my LB75 with MEC brand pickups.

Comments? Compliments? Complaints?

[jonotronic]

Dont think this would offer any improvement, MECs aren't too great. They sell them as an aftermarket product, and there is a reason that no one buys them. What are you after sonically?

[fleabee]

Personally I absolutely LOVE them. To me they are very distinct and have their own signature sound. Only complaint I would have is they tend to be a little "hissy" in the treble department. I don't think there are too many Mec fans on here.

[dose]

Originally Posted by jonotronic

Dont think this would offer any improvement, MECs aren't too great. They sell them as an aftermarket product, and there is a reason that no one buys them. What are you after sonically?

I think most Warwick owners including myself would have to disagree

[jonotronic]

Originally Posted by dose

I think most Warwick owners including myself would have to disagree

Actually I own two Warwicks, down from 3. Previously a Streamer LX6, w Seymour Duncans and MEC preamp. Currently a Streamer Stage II custom 6 (very rare) with Bart Pre and pickups, and a Fortress one fretless with all MECs.

The basses with the MEC preamps sound much better passive, as the preamps offer nothing but gritty clank and mud boost. The MEC pickups are pretty poor, especially the anaemic sounding bridge pickup. The Duncans on their own were nice, the Barts on the SSII are total beef, although a little dark sounding

IMO I feel that these nicely built basses are hindered by the poor sounding electronics fitted, and i seldom play them as a result. If I had the time i'd consider Delanos or Nordstrands, these would be a good match

[PilbaraBass]

It's really hard to recommend any pickup to anyone without the following:

1) What don't you like about your current pickups?
2) What are you looking for in a replacement pickup?

[Webtroll]

I have MECs in both of my Warwick LX5s. I put a set in a Jazz bass but without an active preamp (active pickups, passive controls) and they sound like @ss.

[Doodaddy]

I put MEC passive Jazz pickups in my SX and love it.

[dose]

From what I've read it's the MEC pre that most people dont care for the active pups seem fine