What preamp to pair with EMG DC's?

[*insertcoolname]

I've got a schecter custom 5 sitting in my basement right now that bugs me every time I play it. The feel is really nice and when I just play it without an amp I really enjoy it. Then I plug it in....SO bland and SO lifeless...

I'm almost positive I'm gonna replace the pickups with EMG DC's because I like a really hifi tone, but I want a little character in there. My question is, what preamp should I pair it with? Aguilar opb-3 or an EMG of some sort? EMG suggests an 18 volt system, is that necessary? If you were only to replace the preamp or the pickups, which would you do first?

Also, I'd want something that would require little or no routing because I'm having this installed for me (installation scares the crap out of me) and the guy says routing is gonna cost much more than just droping in.

[1960LesPaul]

I believe you have the 4 knob config so go with the BQC pre from EMG. I have the same pre with my EMG's and I love it. You don't have to go with a 18 volt system. I did but it doesn't make it louder. It give you more headroom for a cleaner signal.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by 1960LesPaul

I believe you have the 4 knob config so go with the BQC pre from EMG. I have the same pre with my EMG's and I love it. You don't have to go with a 18 volt system. I did but it doesn't make it louder. It give you more headroom for a cleaner signal.

for a 4-knobber, a plain ol' BTS will do fine as well (the 40DCs are pretty good sounding and don't need a lot of EQ). it also takes up less room in there.

+1 to 18 volts; you don't need it with emg bass stuff, but trust me, you want it.

[1960LesPaul]

True but I like the BQC for the 3 band EQ. The BTS is only 2 band. I have that is my jazz loaded with 40DC's

[mophead]

BQC, 40DC in the bridge position, 40CS in the neck position. If you like, switch them and see where you like them best. EMG is easy plug/unplug/plug, play.

[*insertcoolname]

My main bass right now is a stingray 4 HH and I'm going for a similar, but not the same tone with this bass. Do I want a combination of one DC and one CS or should I use two DC's?

[1960LesPaul]

I use 2 DC's. I might order me a CS to see if I like the blend.

[RedLeg]

I have a modulus q6 with dc's paired with a 18v BQC and absolutely love the tone I get. I highly recommend the 18v BQC if you dig the EMG sound.

[*insertcoolname]

That's sort of the problem, I don't know if I do dig the EMG sound. I find the stock HZ's to sound very bland and very lifeless, as well as the stock preamp but I've heard lots of spectors that sound really good with the active guts in it. I feel like upgrading to active will solve this problem, thoughts?

[1960LesPaul]

I had a Spector with the HZ's and I hated them. I didn't really like the bass that much so I traded it to someone who loves Spectors. 40DC's with the 3 band BQC in 18volt setup kill the HZ's.