Warwick Thumb Bolt-On pick-up replacements???

[melodiaopus]

I've been tossing around the idea of putting some new pick-ups in my Thumb BO for some years now. I've come to the conclusion that I'm totally in the dark about what, and if any pick-ups would be more beneficial and better sounding than the stock MEC pick-ups. I've contacted Mike Pope to design a circuit board for my warwick, but the cost of the board would have run me about $350. So, I'm just curious if any of you Warwick players had put any other pickups in your bass, and which ones. How did it change the tone of your bass?

[KsPiNeSh]

4 or 5 string? I have Joe Bardens in my NT5 (installed by Greg at Rocket Music) and they sound and look great.

[SlapHappy99]

I replaced the MEC pickups in my Thumb BO with Bartolinis. I ended up putting the MECs back in.

[walterw]

'wicks sound like 'wicks almost regardless of the pickups you use.

[James Simonson]

IMO, the best part about a Warwick is the pickups and pre. I learned it the hard way. It was a Thumb fretless and people didn't even know it was. Tons of fat bottom.

I did Barts with an Audere pre and it messed that bass up big time. The MEC stuff is thumpy and quiet. Great stuff. I really don't think anything is better for the Thumb Bass.

I used it in the pit with the Lion King Tour and every one noticed right away. After the switch we gave it the nickname "the wooden trombone". Total waste.

Do what you will but I'd strongly recommend leaving the system be. It's tuned perfectly for that odd pickup placement.

[dave2]

Has anyone replaced just the preamp in a Thumb? I've got a Thumb 5 string fretted bolt on. The push / pull volume knob is not working properly. I've written to Warwick and I'm waiting to hear the correct replacement part (its not listed in their catalog anymore I don't think) .... but if Warwick cannot give the correct replacement I may just replace the entire preamp system. Maybe make it an 18 volt system instead of 9 volt.

Any ideas on this? I like the way this bass sounds as it is with stock MEC active pickups and pre.

Dave

[jazzmonk]

Fender CS pickups and Bartolini 3-band preamp worked surprising well for me.

The MEC pickups and pre was just too sterile and thin sounding to me especially when soloing on bridge only. I wanted a more organic tone and more tonal flexibility. First I replaced only the pre with the Bart which improved the tone and added a lot of flexibility but it was still too hifi for my taste. I happen to already have the Fender CS laying around so I swapped it in and bam. Instant warmth and girth even when soloing on the bridge only (with a little boost in the low-mid).

With EQs flat this setup sounds different from the MECs but I have no problems duplicating the original MEC tone simply by dialing the EQs - mainly by boosting the treble and high-mids.

[Rick Auricchio]

I put DiMarzio Js in my passive fretless Corvette. This got rid of the single-coil hum and it sounds very similar to the original MECs.

I simply swapped the pups, no change to the controls.

[dose]

Warwicks came with barts.duncans and emgs in the beginning.
The MEC pre has been around longer than the pups and alot of the older wics may have difference pups they still use the mec pre

[Bhuti]

Dave, Give the Warwick Custom Shop Showroom in NYC a shout and they can help you with the volume pot issue.

[puddin tame]

I would say unless you have a specific reason or sound you're after it's kind of stupid just to change pick ups for the hell of it

[dave2]

Thanks. I will call the Warwick Custom Shop in NY and see if they can help. An MEC vol pot from their website plus overseas shipping is expensive I have discovered.

[Lesfunk]

I have Duncans in my SSII and I'm changing them to MECs. My other warwicks have MECs and I like 'em.
Duncans highs are a little subdued and are too compressed sounding for my taste. The MECs have a more open tone.

[bottomzone]

I would consider going this route instead.

Changing the MEC preamp on Thumb 5 BO

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!