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Maestro 5 string Stingray copy

I just picked up one of those Maestro 5 string Stingray copies , I'm not to crazy with the sound (plays pretty well ) It sounds kinda "farty " for lack of a better word , lots of overtones , I'm not sure which is the best way to go , Should I replace the Pickup ? Install preamp ? I'm looking for a punchy kinda sound , fat , well defined tones . I have an Ibanez sr305dx I like the sound of that but hate the way it looks . Anyone have any recommendations to upgrade the sound without it costing me more than I paid for the bass , i paid about $185
Thanks a lot
Dan
 
Sorry, didn't see this post 1st time. I've bought a lefty which I'll be modding in the same way I did for my son's OLP MM3.

I bought a Warman pup (UK, but sells worldwide on ebay) which, for £16, is a noticeable improvement on either the stock OLP or Maestro pup and a straight replacement. An on-on-on dpdt mini toggle was £3 and allows para (very MM like with the Warman pup), series (grindy/ballsy) and single coil (quite J-bridge like). With one hole left, I fitted the EMG BTC 2-band on a concentric pot and there was just space for the battery in the OLP, probably also in the Maestro's banana control rout (routing for a batt box would be neater and more convenient). Now, new BTCs are $79 - ouch but there's the Seymour STC 2-band (cheaper, but unknown to me). I didn't use either of the (250k) vols, putting in a new 500k CTS (Bourns is also good).

The toggle, eq and (IMO, but optional) the Warman pup made an absolute cracker Stingray 5 with the OLP. Doubtless, will do just the same with the Maestro.

I know it sounds like a lot of electrickery but I did it in a couple of hours and it worked 1st time, thanks to EMG's wiring diag being clear as. Seymour's wiring diags are also usually good. Both have switchable freq for the trele boost cut and, on the BTC, the lowest (2.3kHz) setting suited the 'ray sound best. Well worth the extra money and time vs leaving stock (still fun but you'd definitely be missing out). If the ready-made eq price puts you off, search threads here for make-you-own 'ray eq boards.