/ Register

'96 warwick thumb upgrade?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by motionmover, Jan 7, 2009.

  1. Jan 7, 2009 #1
    motionmover

    motionmover

    Jan 6, 2009
    Hello:

    I have a '96 warwick thumb neck thru with stock MEC pickups and stock 3 band pre amp.

    I want to bring this bass up to a new level and want to first swap in a new pre amp...and possibly later new pickups...I think that the new pre will make the most difference.

    I have looked at www.bestbassgear.com they have a few pre options.

    Which would be the best pre to use on the Warwick?

    Second question:

    What would be the best pickups to use on the Warwick or should I just stick with the stock MEC's?

    Thanks all so much for your help and insight...

    Cheers,
    Tony
     
  2. Jan 7, 2009 #2
    Webtroll

    Webtroll Rolling for initiative

    Apr 23, 2006
    Austin, TX
    From what I understand the Aguilar preamps have a more midrangy attack and tend to sound more aggressive, Bartolinis sound warmer, and others I don't remember. Normally I'm not big on preamps but those are the brands I'm considering for a build I'm working on.
     
  3. Jan 7, 2009 #3
    SurrenderMonkey

    SurrenderMonkey Guest

    Aug 18, 2006
    Liverpool
    If you want something truly versatile, have a think about the ACG filter pre. It's incredible.

    As for pickups, I have nothing against active MECs (but I not a fan of their passive pickups).
     
  4. Jan 7, 2009 #4
    motionmover

    motionmover

    Jan 6, 2009
    SurrenderMonkey: have you used the ACG in your warwick corvette. Will it colour the sound too much? How would you describe the sound of the ACG? Warm? HiFi? etc...
    Thanks,
     
  5. Jan 8, 2009 #5
    bonkks

    bonkks

    Dec 22, 2008
    I put a set of Nordstrand NJ4SE's in my Corvette fretless with an Audere 3ZB preamp. I have had this bass for about 3 years and never really like the way it sounded, but the upgrade made a huge difference. The Nordstrands are so much better than the MEC's.
     
  6. Jan 8, 2009 #6
    SurrenderMonkey

    SurrenderMonkey Guest

    Aug 18, 2006
    Liverpool
    I have a East U-retro preamp (and two Wizard pups that made a big difference) in my corvette, but not the ACG Filter. The ACG will colour the sound pretty drastically. It's got a super wide range of tones, in fact I cannot bypass it on my ACG, so I don't know what passive really sounds like. For tones, I can get deep 'dub' to 'clanky' very easily, but it's more than just an EQ, the tone changes drastically with the low pass filter and overshoot control adds extra bite.

    I suppose the best way is to try one, but they are hard to come by! :)
     
  7. Jan 8, 2009 #7
    Skelf

    Skelf

    Apr 15, 2005
    Moffat D&G Scotland
    Builder AC Guitars.
  8. Jan 9, 2009 #8
    motionmover

    motionmover

    Jan 6, 2009
    thanks Alan,

    I have just purchased an ACG filter for the Warwick...once I had time to use it...and comfortable with it, I will post a review.
     
  9. Jul 2, 2009 #9
    motionmover

    motionmover

    Jan 6, 2009
    Hello:

    I tried the ACG filter...it did not work for me on the Warwick....not my cup of tea.

    Just installed Delano pickups with Agular OB3...

    Sounds wonderful...full....punchy....clear....clean...

    Highly recommended upgrade.
     
  10. Jul 2, 2009 #10
    bassteban

    bassteban

    Aug 12, 2004
    Northern California
    There's a Seymour Duncan 18V pre in this:
    3549182056_753b9b3df3.jpg
    It can RIP YOUR FACE OFF if you're not careful.