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I need help with my preamp problem (Warwick bass)

#21
@Bader it could very well be a bad solder joint or a loose connection somewhere. l would take it to another tech and get another opinion...... its far easier to say it needs a new part rather than finding the correct diagnosis.

also if the bass isn't under any warranty, i wouldn't bother contacting Warwick. All there replacement parts are ridiculously high priced. IMO you'd be better off replacing it with a aftermarket preamp like that EMG preamp or even an Aguilar OBP-1/OBP-2. i have a MIG corvette standard and it sounds phenomenal with MEC gold actives and Aguilar preamp.
 
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#22
Lo-E said:
It seems suspect to me that your preamp would just stop working with no explanation.
A loose or broken connection seems a lot more likely, and should be an easy fix.
Click to expand...

^^++ Most likely.

If for some reason you do have to change preamps and decide on EMG, you can use the BQS as it can be config'd with 4 pots-
stacked bass/treble, stacked mids, and either vol/vol/ or bal/vol.

Also, the Aguilar OBP3- PPK is 3 band and can be purchased in the same 4 pot config.

Either preamp will work with your active pickups.
 
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#23
Bader said:
that is correct...

and here is what I found about Preamp Invalid Link Removed is this the correct one ?

another question.. is it possible to use EMG preamp connected to MEC ?
Click to expand...

I doubt you'll have problems connecting the EMG preamp to the MEC pick-ups but unless your already pretty good with a soldering iron I wouldn't attempt it yourself. If I remember correctly emg have a pretty simple connector system if you were using emg pick-ups as well. But if you want to make 100% sure id contact emg or warwick directly.
 
#26
Lo-E said:
MEC pickups and preamps are similar to EMG, tonally, so they should get along very well together.

I would certainly contact Warwick before doing anything else. It might be possible to repair your existing preamp or get an exact replacement. It seems suspect to me that your preamp would just stop working with no explanation.
A loose or broken connection seems a lot more likely, and should be an easy fix.

Where are you located, Bater? Warwick has a storefront in NYC. They may have others. It might be worth letting them look at it if you're near one of their stores.
Click to expand...

Well i live in Philadelphia, there is a weird thing which i forgot to mention about the battery. whenever i connect the bass to the amplifier the battery start turning very hot, sometimes i can't touch it util it cools down.
 
#27
kulit17 said:
@Bader it could very well be a bad solder joint or a loose connection somewhere. l would take it to another tech and get another opinion...... its far easier to say it needs a new part rather than finding the correct diagnosis.

also if the bass isn't under any warranty, i wouldn't bother contacting Warwick. All there replacement parts are ridiculously high priced. IMO you'd be better off replacing it with a aftermarket preamp like that EMG preamp or even an Aguilar OBP-1/OBP-2. i have a MIG corvette standard and it sounds phenomenal with MEC gold actives and Aguilar preamp.
Click to expand...

I will try another guitar repair store to get a second diagnosis. And i don't think my bass is under warranty
 
#29
Doner Designs said:
Might be worth a try connecting the pickups direct to the output jack. If that works you could change it to passive. Once working you can keep or sell.

I'm not sure its worth investing in new pickups and preamp for a Rockbass unless you like it enough to keep it long term.
Click to expand...

i'm not really good with electronics .. how can i do that ?
 
#32
Bader said:
I will try another guitar repair store to get a second diagnosis. And i don't think my bass is under warranty
Click to expand...
I think that's your best option right now. If your battery is heating up, something is shorting and it may have nothing to do with the preamp at all.

Philly's a big town, there have to be some good repair shops around.
 
#34
Bader said:
Well i live in Philadelphia, there is a weird thing which i forgot to mention about the battery. whenever i connect the bass to the amplifier the battery start turning very hot, sometimes i can't touch it util it cools down.
Click to expand...
This sounds like you may have a short. Look at your wiring and pre-amp for something (shielding/bare metal, etc...) touching that could be causing it.

I have the same MEC gold logo pickups in my 95 Thumb bass, and I replaced the MEC pre with an Aguilar OBP3. It sounds great. For sure an upgrade from the MEC. I don't have any experience with EMG, but I'm sure that's good too.
 
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#35
What kind of MEC's? Soapbar or J's?

If they are Soapbar you are SOL on swapping those out with EMG's, MEC 5 String Soapbars are 1.25" x 4.25" while EMG's are 1.5" x 4"

I ran into this when thinking of changing out the MEC's on my 5 String SS1, ain't happening. Sure, you can route the width from 1.25" to 1.5" no problem but the extra .25" length is a problem and I gave up and will live with the MEC's until I sell it off.
 
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#36
Bassmann79 said:
What kind of MEC's? Soapbar or J's?

If they are Soapbar you are SOL on swapping those out with EMG's, MEC 5 String Soapbars are 1.25" x 4.25" while EMG's are 1.5" x 4"

I ran into this when thinking of changing out the MEC's on my 5 String SS1, ain't happening. Sure, you can route the width from 1.25" to 1.5" no problem but the extra .25" length is a problem and I gave up and will live with the MEC's until I sell it off.
Click to expand...

He is considering switching out the MEC preamp, not his pickups.


OP, this looks like your best advice:

Lo-E said:
I think that's your best option right now. If your battery is heating up, something is shorting and it may have nothing to do with the preamp at all.

Philly's a big town, there have to be some good repair shops around.
Click to expand...

irjason said:
This sounds like you may have a short. Look at your wiring and pre-amp for something (shielding/bare metal, etc...) touching that could be causing it.
Click to expand...

If you find that it's not a short and is indeed an issue with the preamp, you have lots of options. I put a Bartolini NTMB in my Fortress One and I think it sounds better than the stock MEC. The Bart and Aguilar OBP series are very popular preamps to consider. Best of luck!
 
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#37
Yeah, it's highly unlikely that a preamp just "goes bad" IME, especially with how new those Rockbasses are. I've bought Ibanez basses from the 80's with pre's and they are still kicking without issues.

A replacement MEC preamp could be costly if it's not under warranty. The Rockbasses with 2-piece bridges use the same 2 band preamps, pickups, and hardware as their fully Warwick brethren. Replacing with an EMG preamp is doable, but you'd need a competent tech who isn't afraid to. It really isn't that bad, I'm not a pro or even journeyman guitar tech by any means and I could perform it successfully if need be.

Bartolinis are great preamps but can get pricey too.
 
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