Warwick Thumb Active Electronics Question

I have a 1999 Warwick Thumb-5 NT, which I purchased a little over two months ago. I love this bass! However, I think I have a problem, but the guys down at the store where I purchased it think I'm crazy. Here's the deal:

My other bass is a Fender Stu Hamm Urge II, and it is a 9-volt active bass. The Thumb is 18-volt, and one can choose to make it active, or passive by switching the push-pull volume knob on the bass. I usually start off playing my Fender, so I'll have my amp settings positioned in the usual places. When I play the Thumb, I have to increase volume on the amp in order to regain the desired level; however, when I choose to switch back to the Fender, I have to turn down the volume again. Get the picture? Tone settings have to be adjusted for either bass, too. I usually have to increase tone levels for the Thumb, then adjust down when using the Fender.

I wouldn't be so concerned, and would consider making adjustments as a natural requirement when switching instruments... especially two different brands of instruments. However, when I say I have to adjust volume levels, I'm talking about significant differences... from say 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock on the Master, then an equal adjustment on the Gain... this is a big difference, as my amp is an Aggie DB750...

I've taken the Thumb to the store where I bought it, and the guys there don't think there's anything wrong. I haven't taken it to any technician yet. They'll charge me whether they find anything or not, so I thought I'd check with the TB community first. BTW... yes, I did replace the batteries with new ones. No difference...

So, I hope I've coherently presented my "problem", and I would appreciate any and all input...

 

I've tried that. Set the eq's flat on both. Still have to increase volume on the amp in order for the Thumb to "match" the Fender... volume-wise.

 

Thanks for your reply. I know nothing of electronics of any kind, other than "on" means it's supposed to be working, and "off" means it's not. I already assumed that two 9V batteries should produce more "power" than one, which is probably the primary reason I am wondering whether or not I have a problem here. I can get a desired tone and volume level from the Thumb, but I find it concerning as to why I have to boost the volume as much as a notch or two difference from the Fender, in order to acheive the right levels...

As to moving this over to the "electronics section"... fine by me. I leave that to the moderator, should he deem it appropriate. Thank you again, Halftooth...

 

EXCELLENT!

You see... I just knew I'd get someone from the TB community with a suggestion that would really get to the point. This makes a lot of sense, and I'll check this out to see if I can do this myself. If not, at least I feel confident enough to suggest this to a qualified techie...

And to "thehurlatron"... I appreciate your response regarding your experience changing basses. I feel more comfortable knowing that someone else can confirm that output levels from different axes, and especially different brands of axes do, indeed, vary enough to be so noticable. I shall also take you up on your suggestion regarding the TONEBONE pedal.

Thanks a lot, guys... I feel a whole lot better!

 

You, Sir, have changed my life! You ever get over here to Honolulu, I'll buy you a Mai Tai, or two, or three, or four, or.........

Mucho mahalo for your insight...