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GERMAN WARWICK CORVETTE $$ MEC PICKUP REPLACEMENTS???

Global Citizen

Global Citizen

May 6, 2010
288
131
CANADA
#1
Hey everyone! I love my Warwick, mostly because I'm picky about neck profiles and looks... One thing that is really annoying is that there is always an annoying and sharp clipping sound when I play with more attack, which I always do. The sound just isn't there. I was wondering what the pickup replacement options were... and whether they would be an easy switch? Anyone has experience with this??? THANKS
 
#3
http://www.bestbassgear.com

Aguilar
Bartolini
Delano
Nordstrand
EMG
Reed James
Lace Sensor

I went with MM quad coils - Bart and Delano
So even in single coil mode, I do NOT get any hum or buzz, and no popping noise when I play hard on any of the pick up settings.

TRqleQZ.jpg
 
#5
I replaced my pickups and preamp of my Katana NT when the electronics went bad. I ended up using emg x pickups and I was very pleased. The emg x line of pickups is very organic and natural sounding. My tone stayed woody and actually the high freq were cleaner and less harsh, plus I now have a parametric mid control and now can get a very punchy aggressive sound! I say go for it, make it your own!
 
#6
Awesome input everyone, and yes, I may want to sell the MECs when this is over. They sound great but it really depends on your playing style and what you're looking for... (I have a 5 string btw, not sure if that limits my options)

Could it be possible that the clipping popping sound I get when I touch the strings too hard could be caused any other electronics besides the pickups? I get it on passive and active mode so I'm assuming its really the pickups.

Does EMG x make pickups which will directly replace the MEC's in the Warwick $$?

Is it an easy swap? Just some soldering required I would imagine?...

THANKS AGAIN GUYS!
 
#7
I had a few different sets in my Streamer Jazzman and eventually stuck with Bartolini CB's. They deliver all the warmth and organic sound you can handle while still keeping that Warwick growl.

The popping could be from the pickups, as that is one reason why I replaced the MEC's in mine. They have no dynamics....everything is just full on all the time. Kinda like modern recordings...everything is pegged so you miss the little nuances and it overloads everything.

As far as EMG-X's, they probably would not be a direct replacement since they are active pickups.
 
#9
Global Citizen said:
...don't seymour duncan basslines make a replacement? I remember hearing an amazing quadcoil from them...
Click to expand...

They do, but not a quad coil unless you go through the custom shop. If you want quad coil stick with Bart or Delano.

OR, Lace Sensor Man O'War MM's. I use them in my Lakland, they are a little more 'classic' sounding than the Barts. They are not quad coil, but still have no hum in single coil mode thanks to the sensor design.
 
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#10
After some consideration, I'm leaning towards the bartolini quad coils, so...

1- do they fit fit into the Warwick. I'm assuming (hoping) no mods are needed?

2- would the EQ system still work the same way on the warwick? I could run in series or parallel?

3- Is it easy to actually change the pickups myself???

ONCE AGAIN, THANKS CHAPS
 
#12
Global Citizen said:
After some consideration, I'm leaning towards the bartolini quad coils, so...

1- do they fit fit into the Warwick. I'm assuming (hoping) no mods are needed?

2- would the EQ system still work the same way on the warwick? I could run in series or parallel?

3- Is it easy to actually change the pickups myself???

ONCE AGAIN, THANKS CHAPS
Click to expand...

Good choice!
I really love this pickup. It gets deep, and the highs are not harsh and can sound sweet in recordings.

I have an Audere module pro Z in my corvette that was installed by my tech since it had so many wires. I then installed the pickups myself.
It's pretty easy as long as you have a 50w or 100w soldering iron.

Just take pictures of the cavity before you start so you can understand how to reverse it (if needed). Just read the instructions that come with the pickups, and don't be in a rush.

There's two different pickup sizes, just make sure you get the right one, whether you need the soap bar look or the one with ears where the screws go.
 
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#13
orangejulius3 said:
Good choice!
I really love this pickup. It gets deep, and the highs are not harsh and can sound sweet in recordings.

I have an Audere module pro Z in my corvette that was installed by my tech since it had so many wires. I then installed the pickups myself.
It's pretty easy as long as you have a 50w or 100w soldering iron.

Just take pictures of the cavity before you start so you can understand how to reverse it (if needed). Just read the instructions that come with the pickups, and don't be in a rush.

There's two different pickup sizes, just make sure you get the right one, whether you need the soap bar look or the one with ears where the screws go.
Click to expand...


Yes! That was my concern! I have a 5 string Wick (the one with the ears where the screws go) so I'm not sure if they have those or only soapbars for 5ers... :S
Does anyone know what the exact model of the Bartolini pickups is? I don't know if they are different depending if its a bridge or neck pickup. I guess I have to get those directly from Bartolini?

Much obliged!
 
#15
Global Citizen said:
I was just curious, how did you decide on that pickup configuration? Went through a lot of options?
Click to expand...

I decided to go with NON open pole pickups.
Reason being is becuase when slapping over pickups and getting your nail to land right on that pickups magnet, really makes you think twice about giving it another shot.
The next day my finger was to sensitive for me to enjoy playing.

As far as brand goes, I went with one being a trusted name, and the other because of YouTube videos.
During my search, quad coils came up and I found these would get rid of that hum or buzz noise when having them in single coil mode, they are actually split coil.

The pickup you are looking for is the Bartolini MM52CBJD3 - Quad Coil
KH5Uebl.png
 
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#19
Global Citizen said:
*** GUYS...

The bartolini people told me the same thing: MM52CBJD3... see attachment... I don't get it.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about this.
Bartolini makes a longer pickup for MM pickup models plus they have one that's quadcoil. See if you can return it and get a refund.

Also, Double check the dimensions on your pickup compared to the DL52CBJD3

SxeD2i3.png


i5STqn1.png
 
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#20
orangejulius3 said:
Sorry to hear about this.
Bartolini makes a longer pickup for MM pickup models plus they have one that's quadcoil. See if you can return it and get a refund.

Also, Double check the dimensions on your pickup compared to the DL52CBJD3

SxeD2i3.png


i5STqn1.png
Click to expand...


Yeah, I'll know for next time. I spoke to a guy at Bartolini, it looks like he'll help me out. They gave me the impression there was only one model... I should always refer to Murphy's law... Once I get the right pickups, I'll maybe make a quick video comparing the pickups (once, and if I get them)
 

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