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Carvin 5 string replacements?

P

Popmann

Sep 8, 2004
32
6
Twangville
mywebpages.comcast.net
#1
So, I've had my LB475 Carvin 5 string fretless for about 7 or 8 years now...recently, I started getting some intermittent garble noise when using the active preamp...kinda hoped it was the batteries, but after switching them, it now makes NO sound with the preamp engaged! So...

I've long wondered about putting in aftermarkets--but, it has a split-able humbucker and a neck J single (as well as piezos that I never use). And they don't really seem to be a width I've seen...wider than say a Fender 4 string, but not nearly as wide as the 5s.

Anyone know of someone who makes aftermarket PUs that fit a Carvin 5'r? Preamp recommendations?
 
#2
The Carvin neck pickups are the same width as a standard 4-string Fender bridge J pickup.

Many manufacturers including Delano and Bartolini can make these to order. You'll need to measure the bridge pickup to make sure, since I don't recall these being the same size as the "standard" Music Man pickup.

But I'd advise you to do something radical: pull out the pre-amp, and wire it up as a passive bass. You'd be amazed at how good the stock Carvin pickups sound when you don't have the pre-amp in the way.

If you find that you must get a pre-amp, the Aguilar OBP-3 is a good choice.
 
#3
I honestly use it in passive mode for recording a lot...it just lacks a passive tone/treble rolloff. So, yeah...that's on the table, too. Ultimately, all I do with the 3 band is bump the low end a little when using the HB and roll off the highs...so...it will render some 5 knobs pretty useless, but...I could call them my "mojo knobs"!

That might be the first, easiest step...
 
#4
First, I have been playing a Carvin Claro Walnut for 11 years and almost 1,800 gigs on it. When I got within a few months of the end of the 5 year warranty, I started having problems with the preamp. I sent it back to Carvin and the fixed it for free (in keeping with the warranty). I have not had any problems since.

In a couple of my other basses I have the active Seymour Duncan preamp and it is great on both fretted and fretless. Hope this helps
 
#5
Carvin sells their newer preamps (18v) wich are nice IME even a model with piezos input. Their piezo preamp is very nice , I also have a Graphtech and a RMC equipped basses and I prefer the sound of the Carvin between the three of 'em.

Their J99a pickup is a killer. ( but a single coil)


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#6
That might be the preamp I have...they say 07 and beyond...I'll have to look...I think I bought mine slightly before that. Regardless, it will fit, no doubt. I have piezos in the bridge...hate that sound...it stays 100% on magnetic for me.

But, you know-I used it last night, just rolling highs off with an analog EQ...and it sounded fine. I think the direction of just wiring it up passive might be the ticket for me. The key, though, is keeping the flexibility of the coil tap and blend...I'll have to find a good wiring diagram.
 
#7
I have a '96 LB75 as well and I am sick of the sound of the stock pups myself. I'm thinking of going with flatwounds and I was considering some new pups. Any suggestions?
 

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