Warwick upgrade??

Paulb7664 · #1 02-13-2007, 05:27 AM

Hi all
I have a 1997 Streamer LX with MEC's and 2 band EQ
I'm thinking of changing the pickup's and preamp. I love the guitar but think it could be better with some mod's.
I like the idea of adding a 3 band EQ and possibly better pickup's.
Can you guys help with some ideas of what to look at???
Have any of you done this kind of upgrade to your Streamer's???

Thanks

Paul

Toasted · #2 02-13-2007, 05:31 AM

I'm just upgrading my 1990 Streamer Stage One V with Nordstrands and an Aguilar preamp. I'll let you know how it goes.

Paulb7664 · #3 02-13-2007, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toasted

I'm just upgrading my 1990 Streamer Stage One V with Nordstrands and an Aguilar preamp. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the reply.
Is the Aguilar 2 or 3 band?? I would like a Stacked Vol\Pan, Bass\Mid\Treb pots.
What way did you do it?

Paul

Dragonlord · #4 02-13-2007, 07:51 AM

If I were to keep my warwick, I'd change the whole system to a Villex passive. If you don't want to go there, I'd suggest you to change the preamp first, as I had an active Corvette and the preamp was junk. Anyway, as I'm not crazy about active circuits and having seen what a Villex can do, personally I wouldn't think about it at all. Plus with his passive booster and mid control you'd have as much control on board as you'd need.

yarlipo · #5 02-13-2007, 08:00 AM

Dragonlord,

Small clarification - Villex passive booster is a stand alone product which does not have to be used with Villex pickups; it can be used with other brands as well.

95JettaCity · #6 02-13-2007, 08:06 AM

My vote is to just change the preamp first. I have a '91 SSI and I love the stock setup, but I could see where having a different is desired. MEC's are great pickups, give them a chance.

Paulb7664 · #7 02-13-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95JettaCity

My vote is to just change the preamp first. MEC's are great pickups, give them a chance.

Hi
What preamp would you suggest I look at? I do like the idea of a mid control.

Thanks

Paul

Dragonlord · #8 02-13-2007, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yarlipo

Dragonlord,

Small clarification - Villex passive booster is a stand alone product which does not have to be used with Villex pickups; it can be used with other brands as well.

Yes, I only mentioned it in case he felt that he's losing some of the sometimes convenient onboard control by going passive with the villex pickups... he could also get the passive booster and be done with it.

Paul: I've heard great things about the Glockenklang, John East and Demeter preamps. They're supposed to be pretty transparent (if you like the passive tone of your bass that is).

Luis Fabara · #9 02-13-2007, 11:37 AM

I recommend a Basslines Active Pickup/Preamp System. They are a drop in.

I replaced the MECs on my LX some years ago, the growl was enhanced with tons of more lows and clarity.

Paulb7664 · #10 02-13-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luis Fabara

I recommend a Basslines Active Pickup/Preamp System. They are a drop in.

I replaced the MECs on my LX some years ago, the growl was enhanced with tons of more lows and clarity.

Hi
Do you have a link to the system you fitted??

Paul

Luis Fabara · #11 02-13-2007, 01:04 PM

The system I used was a pair of ASB Phase I Pickups (mine had soapbars, it was a 6 String) and for the preamp the STC-3

I see the LX 5 might come with Jazz style pickups. But if yours have soapbars, then the ASB-5 Phase I are a great investment.

I had a friend of mine that always liked the sound of warwicks on records and wanted to have one.
When he heard my Streamer LX6 Stock, he was very dissapointed with the sound.

About 3 months later I put the basslines, and asked my friend to try it again. He fell in love with it. A year later, he bought that same bass from me. Heh.

You can find them here:
http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/bassesdescr.shtml

Warpeg · #12 02-13-2007, 07:30 PM

The MEC pickups and preamps in my old Corvette Standard Active and my current Thumb NT have sounded great IMHO. However, I do believe that a good EMG pickup/preamp setup can take any bass to a new level.

95JettaCity · #13 02-13-2007, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulb7664

Hi
What preamp would you suggest I look at? I do like the idea of a mid control.

Thanks

Paul

My vote would be for a Seymour Duncan preamp of any flavor. I'm not sure if it's the hype, or just plain facts, but SD's have always brought the best out of MEC Wicks. Now granted I am very satisfied with my current MEC setup, I don't doubt that the SD could bring more life to my bass. Only my bank account doubts that

Toasted · #14 02-14-2007, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulb7664

Thanks for the reply.
Is the Aguilar 2 or 3 band?? I would like a Stacked Vol\Pan, Bass\Mid\Treb pots.
What way did you do it?

Paul

It is the 3 band. I haven't installed it yet - I'm waiting on Carey to make the pickups. I'll have:

Vol, Pan, Middle, Stacked bass(ring)/treble(tip).