Looking to replace preamp for my EMG-HZ

these G & B 3 band preamps are dirt cheap at $49.99 and I think sound darn good. They come stock in ESP basses.
http://www.guitarpartsdepot.com/LTD_Bass_Parts-EQ_Systems.html

 

first, nearly all passive pups CAN have a preamp, but active pickups need nothing more than a battery. some preamps are aimed torward specific brand active pups like emg's and their pre systems, but pretty much any active pre can be used with passive pups. the idea is to boost signal and frequency or cut them. to power the system a 9v or 2 9v for 18v operation is required on any active system, be it an active pre or the pups themselves, but passive pups can be switched for passive mode where it bypasses the preamp creating really a more true sound, because most active pre's kinda take away what the pickups and bass are meant to sound like and alter them as we see fit. however, active pups are just that, always active, you always have to have a battery just for your bass to play plugged in at all

 

as for the second question, check out bartolini.net, their stuff comes prewired, all you have to do is hook up the pup wires and your done, but being a shector it probably has EMG HZ huh? if so I would really suggest their preamps, their pre's kinda sound better for their pups IMO, kinda compliment the pickups sound, just like bartolini makes their stuff to work great with their pups, as do all manufacturers that make both pups and pres. hope that helps

 

I would use a EMG pre

 

Take out the preamp and sell it with the pups on ebay!

Buy yourself a set of real EMG's! I did in my schecter and have never looked back. I strongly recommend the P5 pickup!

 

That's the way to go! I put a Bartolini NTMB preamp in my Schecter and absolutely loved it. Thats the one bass I know I was stupid for selling. :scowl:

 

Maybe I am missing out on something, but I have never felt the Bartolini vibe. Something just doesn't feel right to me. But then again I am a rocker through and through, so its EMG all the way for me.

Schecters definitely sound great with two full EMG's and an 18V power supply.

 

You'll probably enjoy this thread:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=439074&highlight=studio5

Which is my Schecter Studio 5 that's been gutted and modded.


It's fantastic now. Couldn't be happier with it.

 

And here's how it sounds with different strings on it.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448161&highlight=Armstrong