Levinson Blade B2 - Replacement Electronics

[Nickkk]

Hi - the electronics on my early Blade B2 J-bass are on the way out; loads of crackle from the treble/bass pots. As a result I'm contemplating a change of pickups and change from passive to active. I play mainly blues & rock covers (nothing too strenuous!) & like a warm sound. Any recommendations would be very welcome. Thanks, Nick

 

[NG51]

I have a B2 with actives- like yours, they were getting noisy and scratchy. I went the other way, and put in a set of Lollar pickups, and had the controls changed back to passive. The bass sounds incredible. It might be a great option for you, given the music you play.

 

[Holroyd]

Funny to see this picture, I've got the exact same Bass but fretless. I always found the electronics to be noisy and unreliable. About 10/12 years ago I went to see Sadowsky (when the shop was still in times Square) and he replaced the pickups and the electronics. It has sounded beautiful ever since!

 

[Elias Ullrich]

Funny to see this picture, I've got the exact same Bass but fretless. I always found the electronics to be noisy and unreliable. About 10/12 years ago I went to see Sadowsky (when the shop was still in times Square) and he replaced the pickups and the electronics. It has sounded beautiful ever since!

I am a bit late to this discussion, but i'd like to know how the sound has improved by replacing the preamp with a Sadowsky one. I myself have a 90s B2 with the Fender headstock and the old active electronics (push-pull treble and bass) and i was wondering if its worth it changing anything. I find myself not using the treble or bass EQ and just have the pots pulled up. Im unsure what would have more impact on the sound. Is it the preamp or the pickups, or are they equally important? If anyone can answer just one of my questions i would be happy.

 

[warnan]

This is my my b2-5 which upgraded with kent armstrong noiseless pickups with John East J retro deluxe. Tone Monster! I routed the control cavity to top mounted.