Active Duncans for Warwick?

[StreetSurfer]

Hi all, I recently became the owner of a used 1999 Warwick Corvette std. 5. Wenge neck, bubinga body. Now this isn't something I'll be doing anytime soon, but I haven't been able to find much info on it so I thought I'd ask. I'm thinking about putting some bassline AJB-5s in my bass and maybe getting an obp-3 pre. I'm basically trying to make it into as much of a beast as possible without it sounding too unnatural. I already know I don't want EMGs or Barts. I also read somewhere that someone tried a vette with these pickups and said it sounded very similar to the SSII. So what do you guys think? Good choice or no?

 

[Vakmere]

All depends on what YOU want to hear out of it. Beasting comes from a combination of onboard systems in your bass, how you play it, and your amp rig. Try the pups first then go for the rest if you're not satisfied. The Corvette is a good start, season it to taste.

 

[StreetSurfer]

Just to clarify my question further, I'm particularly interested in hearing from others who have these pickups in their Warwicks, and how they compare to MECs.

 

[bassteban]

I have a 98 FNA w/Seymour Duncan PU & pre; it's VERY powerful & strong in the top end(I usually cut the treb fully)- just a vote for Duncan's general quality & range. I also have an OBP-3 in my Stambaugh 6; it's very musical & not as extreme as the Duncan(could be the bass' differences as much as the pre's of course)- just saying the OBP-3 is certainly not(IMO)unnatural. For more specific info you might check out the Warwick forums.

 

[KsPiNeSh]

Looks like we got you addicted

I've always felt that the OBP3 sound (organic, full, and deep) is a great fit for 'Wicks, and I've always felt that the MEC pups are a little bright and sharp. and that the MEC pre 2-band is mediocre at best.. as such, I would consider adding the pre first and trying that with the MEC pups. I toyed very seriously with tossing an OBP3 into that Corvette before I sold it, and had it had the thicker neck profile I probably would have. My vote - toss the Aggy in there and see what you get.

 

[StreetSurfer]

Looks like we got you addicted

I've always felt that the OBP3 sound (organic, full, and deep) is a great fit for 'Wicks, and I've always felt that the MEC pups are a little bright and sharp. and that the MEC pre 2-band is mediocre at best.. as such, I would consider adding the pre first and trying that with the MEC pups. I toyed very seriously with tossing an OBP3 into that Corvette before I sold it, and had it had the thicker neck profile I probably would have. My vote - toss the Aggy in their and see what you get.

Will do. Thanks for your input KsPiNeSh. And thanks again for the awesome bass!

 

[StreetSurfer]

just saying the OBP-3 is certainly not(IMO)unnatural.

Just what I wanted to hear about that pre.

 

[StreetSurfer]

Any Warwick owners with opinions on the AJB-5s? Comparison to MECs?

 

[Jon Moody]

Any Warwick owners with opinions on the AJB-5s? Comparison to MECs?

I have them in my Corvette fiver. I would put them as a little darker and more robust than the MECs, but still have some good clarity. I have them with the simple pre that came with it, and don't have any plans to change it out; it's versatile enough for me.

If you want a nice setup with the MECs, put in a Seymour-Duncan STC-2 preamp in. I had a '95 Fortress One that had the MECs with the SD preamp, and it was GREAT. Nice range of tones, great clarity while retaining that low end and the slap contour was handy. The tone combination of those two reminds me of that nice, dry and growly studio tone you can hear on a lot of albums but have a hard time duplicating.

 

[StreetSurfer]

I have them in my Corvette fiver. I would put them as a little darker and more robust than the MECs, but still have some good clarity. I have them with the simple pre that came with it, and don't have any plans to change it out; it's versatile enough for me.

If you want a nice setup with the MECs, put in a Seymour-Duncan STC-2 preamp in. I had a '95 Fortress One that had the MECs with the SD preamp, and it was GREAT. Nice range of tones, great clarity while retaining that low end and the slap contour was handy. The tone combination of those two reminds me of that nice, dry and growly studio tone you can hear on a lot of albums but have a hard time duplicating.

Exactly what I was hoping to hear about those pickups. I think I'll pass on the Duncan pre though, I'm pretty sure I'm sold on the Aguilar