98 Corvette FNA upgrade recommendations

M

Mozzy

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Dear All,

I have a 5 string Corvette FNA from 1998.
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It has active Seymour Duncan 3 Band Electronics + a MEC humbucker in a somewhat Stingray' position.

I've been looking to get more tone/character out of the thing + to be able to play active/passive.

So far I've been to two different guitar techs. A half dead pot and jack was changed, and we added
a brass nut. We also tried numerous different strings, but to no avail.

I am wondering if completely changing electronics + the pickup would be a solution, but I am
quite a newbie on such topics.

I'd like to ask for your recommendations on possible new "innards" for this Bass. Is this even a feasible idea?
 
Replacing electronics and pickup will set you back a substantial amount of $$$.
Because of this I'd seriously check out its selling value and consider changing it for another bass to see to which extent the idea of installing upgrades is feasible.
 
Hola,

Beside the Active/Passive thing, that would require an electronics and pup change because, if I'm not wrong, that SD pup is active; Have you tried different strings?? I mean, In my experience not all strings sound or "work" the same on different instruments. If I were you I would buy a handful of different sets/brands of strings and try out, maybe the tone search is not as invasive as you think, specially having in mind what DiMarco said about the potencial loss of value (in case you may want to sell the bass in the future).

¡Salud!
 
If you read the post it said he tried different strings ;)

What could also work is finding the frequency ranges of the preamp thats currently in it, and try finding the frequency ranges you think sound good. and find a preamp that suits your bass better.
 
In my experience I know MANY people overlook strings, so, since he didn’t say it explicitly I will die in that hill for now. 😉
 
Heya All,

Thank you very much for your feedback! Strings I have tried 4 sets so far, interestingly the most character I got out of flatwounds.

I understand that this would be a costly endevour, still I'd be curious, where would one shop for bass electronics in general,
or with specific frequency ranges?

This bass has sentimental value to me, as it was the guitar that started me on the instrument, hence the extra effort.
 
Upgrades I have done so far involved electronics only. I planted a John East 3 band preamp into my Zon Sonus and couldn't be happier.

Check it out here: UNI-PRE 4 Knob | East UK
 
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