ugh...warwicks electronics died.

Not to be sarcastic, but aftermarket electronics would not diminish the resale value more than burned-out electronics would.

I would drop in new MECs - cuz that's the stuff your used to, and you'll need a bass to keep gigging while you look for the Dolphin you want...by the time you find it, maybe you won't have to sell the Thumb. But you'll probably have a better time selling it for what you want if it is operational.

 

I'm going to call the guys @ Warwick today. I've heard a lot of bad things concerning Warwicks since I've joined this group. I just wanna ask them what's going on. BTW, how old is your bass? Until now, I've never heard of their electronics giving up the ghost. Maybe they shouldn't have gone the mass produced route.

 

Did you change the battery? I am just asking because you didn't mention that.

 

I would think that replacing the MEC electronics would actually increase the value of the bass. The MEC tone is OK, but I like my Barts better. However, as Zulufunk mentioned, you might be better off replacing with MECs since thats what you're used to. There is a brand new set of MECs with electronics listed on the BassGear classifieds - http://www.cellularpager.com/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/phones/start.cgi/class/bass_search.html and pictured here: http://roody.gq.nu/warwickmec.jpg. It is the 2-band eq though.

I've never heard of the electronics going bad. Since most of the electronics are on the pots, you might be able to replace just the offending pot/electronics if you can figure out where the problem is located.

Matt

 

First clean the volume pot.
If that doesn't help, contact Warwick.
They replaced my noisey volume pot for free.
It was then $10 to install at the shop.
Warwick has great customer service IMO.

E-mail Dale Titus at Dana B. Goods regarding your problem and include your Warwick Passport Warranty number.

[email protected]

 

I've seen electronics starting to go bad.. I was changing the batter in my warwick.. I put in a Duracell and the circuit started smoking when I plugging it in! I took out that batter and immediately put some brand my friend gave and it works without smoking or anything... So he could have had that prob without knowing.. somehow.

 

I never heard of such a thing. I trust my Thumb 5 till the world ends! Well maybe not that much but its a reliable bass for sure. That's the whole reason why I bought another one in fretless. I seldom use my Ibanez BTB 6 string Oil finish bass. I just got it too. I might just trade it in for either a Pedulla (I wish) fretless. I used the Thumb all the time with my last prog metal band. Nothing else. Then we broke up and I bought that Ibanez but the Warwicks have a "signature" tone that I like. I don't know, knock on wood, but I hope my Warwicks never crap out on me!!!!!!!!

 

Warwick is cutting corners with their electronics to offer a more competitive pricing.

the volume pot on mine has been screaming for some time and the guys at Warwick Germany told me by email that I will have to pay 15$ for a new pot.

I prefer to buy new aftermarket electronics than pay an overpriced fee for something that shouldn't go wrong on a ten months old bass.

 

My volume pot crapped out on me. I had to pay something like $30 for a new one from Warwick.

Take the above advice and speak with Dale. He helped me out for free with my straplocks. Some of the other people at Warwick aren't as friendly or giving.

Funny - I'm thinking of trading my Warwick also for neck dive problems and lack of versatility. Im considering a Streamer Jazzman. I love the feel of Streamers, and I love the versatility it "claims" to offer. Haven't played one yet. Hope I'm not disappointed.

 

Actually Warwick SPENT more money on the electronics. Whenever anyone has ANY problem with their Warwick, Dale Titus wants them to email him @ [email protected].

 

I had a problem with my Streamer recently, and DBG's could not have been nicer, more accomodating or more professional. Top notch customer service...
In my experience, they really back up their basses.

 

Yup. The volume pot hissed especially when it was turned down all the way. Seemed ok when all the way up.

It could be a dirty pot.

However, most Warwick pots are sealed and therefore need to be replaced.

BTW: When my pot was replaced just a few months ago and I bought my bass in 1997.

Dale extended me the favor of including the new pot under warranty, even though the warranty expired 3 years ago.

I think we listed it as a OEM defect.

 

Warwicks are far from "crap" but I'll tell you what is real close; MEC. That stuff is ****e IMO. I've had three Warwick basses and the MEC preamp died in TWO of them. That is a 66% probability. Replace your preamp with a Bart and be vey happy you did. The resulting difference in tone may be quite remarkable....

 

Barto for the Warwick?
Hmmm Wouldnt be better to put a Basslines System instead with some nice Basslines ASB Pickups?

 

what about EMGs?
I want to put their Js and 2 band preamp in my LX5,
is that a good match or should I look into Barts and SD basslines instead?

 

As some of you know my Warwick died in April. I fiited Alembic pickups/preamp which were not cheap. Whilst the sound is subjective, MEC reliability is a weakness on an otherwise excellent bass.

 

I'll let you guys in on something: VERY few of us endorsers have MEC's. We either have Barts or Basslines.