I have a Warwick 2021 LTD Streamer Stage I which came with Bartolini soapbars. Right away I knew I wasn't a fan of these since they sounded too tame compared to the active MEC single coils I was accustomed to in my Streamer Stage II. I immediately swapped them out for Aguilar DCBs and a Trickfish IPA preamp. The DCBs sound okay but they don't CUT through like I want them too. The neck on its own has a little more presence but I still need to boost the low mids to get the articulation I want. I know going fully active might help but I want to keep the pickups passive on this bass as I don't want the risk of 2 completely dead basses at a gig.
I have a Ken Smith bass as well and while I don't love the premap, the passive sound is one of the most unique I've ever heard. I know Kent Armstrong makes those pickups but when I emailed them I got a bounceback notice back so I don't know what their deal is right now. So I am looking for any advice for a pickup which sounds like the Ken Smith specs but in a D size soapbar. I also really like the sound of the F Bass BN pickups as a second choice but I think they wind their own so i wouldn't be able to get them. I appreciate any insight. Thanks!
I have a Ken Smith bass as well and while I don't love the premap, the passive sound is one of the most unique I've ever heard. I know Kent Armstrong makes those pickups but when I emailed them I got a bounceback notice back so I don't know what their deal is right now. So I am looking for any advice for a pickup which sounds like the Ken Smith specs but in a D size soapbar. I also really like the sound of the F Bass BN pickups as a second choice but I think they wind their own so i wouldn't be able to get them. I appreciate any insight. Thanks!
