is there a way to add a VTC to an existing 4 POT on board pre WITHOUT replacing the existing separate bass & Treble controls with a stacked pot? I want to install this NOS MetroExpress pre in another bass with umpteen holes (7). I’d rather just add a standalone tone knob that would work when the bass is in active mode, than deal with a stacked tone that switches active/passive circuits, when the existing circuit already has that feature. I recently made an error purchasing a ToneMonster 2 band pre with a tone control, only to find the tone control only works in passive mode. The sound isn’t providing what I was hoping for either, and I’m going to return it. I have a perfectly usable pre right here that I already know I’ll like the sound of. I just want to add a VTC without any other mods. Anybody got a wiring diagram? With POT and capacitor values?
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Would I need to drill then? @pb9717 says no drilling but you said the original screw holes are smaller. So… do I need to drill or just muscle the Dunlop screws in with a screwdriver?
And if later I wanted to swap the Dunlops for the original Sadowsky strap locks, would the Sadowsky screws be too loose in the screw holes?
No drilling. The smaller hole is advantageous. Keeps the Dunlop screw nice n tight. No drilling. Just screw it in.
If you wanna put the stock buttons back in, you shouldn’t have an issue. The size difference is negligable. But don’t. Just leave em’ in.
The website says they don't even have the black hardware in stock. Plus, the Hipshot bridge is, supposedly, a bit lighter. I really dig Hipshot hardware, so I'm good with switching over to their gear. I was just being lazy and not wanting to really do any drilling, but I'm ok with it if I have to...
I am also curious about the fitment of Hipshot hardware. I recently got one of the updated SMX's and the bridge is my only gripe. Specifically the saddle height adjusting screws. I do some palm muting with a pick on a few songs and those screws are nasty. Haven't decided if I want to change to a different bridge altogether, or just try to locate some (much) shorter grub screws.
Joeykun
pronounced ジョーイくん
- Jun 22, 2007
- 4,200
- 16,150
- Disclosures
- Endorsing: LAKLAND SADOWSKY GENZLER DARKGLASS NORDSTRAND TEMPLEBOARD KIRLIN DRSTRINGS ACCESS
When you drop the D-tuner!! Yeah, it’s that good! 2012 NYC Standard 4
I you ever need to put a somewhat smaller screw into a somewhat larger hole (that just doen't sound right), take a toothpick (or two) and cut it to fit the depth of the hole, then screw the screw in.
Blacked out my Metroline MJ5 last night - this has become my go to live bass for my hard rock cover band. 8lbs feels great on my back for 3 hours, and it sounds amazing. Plus, here's a bonus live shot with chrome hardware from a week and a half ago at a benefit we played at.
Try adding the tone pot just after master volume like in any standard passive wiring.
Look here: MetroExpress wiring - after A500K
And here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Blacked out my Metroline MJ5 last night - this has become my go to live bass for my hard rock cover band. 8lbs feels great on my back for 3 hours, and it sounds amazing. Plus, here's a bonus live shot with chrome hardware from a week and a half ago at a benefit we played at.
Nice! Well played, man!
Did you get all the hardware from the Warwick shop?
Yes I did, other than the tuners (I got Hipshot USA's). But I ordered from the German shop because I'm impatient and the Framus/Warwick USA distributor thought the earliest they'd even be able to order something would be September and didn't expect regular stock until December/January when I emailed them.
Hey man!!! My sig model is gonna be announced very soon .. a month or so from now. I think you guys will really dig them!!! Thx !
TK
Hey man! My sig model should be announced in a month or so!!!!
I just saw on the Sadowsky Facebook page that a Will Lee MetroExpress model is coming out. It will come with 22 frets and the VTC. It does not not look like it has the midrange switches of the premium version, but if this bass is good, it would be great deal. Say it is $100-$200 more than a regular MetroExpress Jazz, it will still be at least $2,000 cheaper than a Metroline Will Lee, and probably like $2,700 cheaper.
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I was just practicing this evening. I absolutely love the passive bridge pickup tone of my MetroExpress.
I wonder what makes it a Will Lee model if it doesn’t have the mid control?
One extra fret and the only ME series bass that comes stock with VTC is my guess.
The "standard" Will Lee model also has a narrower nut and a drop D tuner (at least on the nyc and the old mij metrolines) , I wonder if that will also be a feature on the express model.
