I'm curious if anyone here has changed out the pickups and/or preamp in a ReBop, primarily a ReBop 5 Dlx. I had a chance to try one out today and wasn't too impressed with the electronics side of things. Granted, I'm a bit spoiled with the HazLab in my NS-2, but I'm sure the EMG-HZ are a big culprit in the ReBop. And I'm not fond of the VVBT arrangement of the Tone Pump preamp, either. Any input from the Spector faithful, bruthas?
My fretless 'Bop 5 has an Aggie 2-band(OBP-1?)- I like it but prefer the OBP-3(I have this in a Stambaugh 6), which is able to boost or cut(the 2-band is boost-only)& has bypass. I also like one volume & a blend knob, though some feel this setup degrades tone slightly. Edit: I have liked the majority of EMG-equipped basses I have heard or played, so perhaps our taste differs. My Stammie has Aeros- the best!
I modded my NS2000/5 as follows: EMG 40DC at the neck EMG 40CS at the bridge EMG BQC to replace the EMG BTS... The DC is nice and beefy, but I found it too harsh in the treble end at the bridge...the CS (Ceramic Steel) is a lot warmer in that respect. The BQ gave me sweepable mid control...3 band EQ...whereas the BT only has 2 band...so it gave me that little bit more control over my tone. I'm a HUGE fan of buying a brands alleged "lower end" instruments (and I say alleged because a lot of people seem to look down their noses at the Professional/Korean made basses as inferior to their Euro and US counterparts) and then upgrading the electronics to match or exceed those of their "higher end" basses. One of my co-workers has an NS2000B that he's going to be upgrading with Basslines pickups and one of their pre-amps. The Performance Series is supposed to be the lowest end of Spectors, but I bet that is going to be one smoking axe when he's done with it! Don't be afraid to experiment a little if you have the resources available to you.
Thanks for the info, guys. That's good to know. Hopefully this post will put the bump in pump D), and some more replies will be forthcoming.
