Corvette $$ pre-amp

Sam

Sam

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I'm finding the pre-amp in my new Corvette $$ to be a bit noisy, and not very precise (compared to what I was used to on my Specter). Anyone have any recommendations for an "upgrade" for it that wouldn't require major work?

Also, Anyone tried EMG pickups? are they worth the money, if I'm seeking a "Brighter" sound or are the MEC's better? I'm happy with their sound, but they don't seem as bright as I would like.

Over all quite happy with the instrument though.

thanks in advance

Sam
 
This might sound obvious but have you tried out a different lead?I once had a worrying noise thing same as you & it turned out to be a crappy lead.I hope thats all it is.good luck with it.

greg.
 
thumperton said:
This might sound obvious but have you tried out a different lead?I once had a worrying noise thing same as you & it turned out to be a crappy lead.I hope thats all it is.good luck with it.

greg.
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Thanks Greg, I just did, and no difference... I wonder if being that this is a "lower end" bass (if you can call any Warwick that!) compared to their other lines, if maybe they just didn't use their best electronics in it? OR maybe mine just needs to be looked at?
 
I think the MEC pickups are great (loads of punch and output) but the MEC preamp tends to choke them, especially since the bass is centered around 100hz instead of a more musical 40hz.

Loads of people have said that they kept the MEC pickups but swapped out the preamp for an Aguilar OBP-2 or OBP-3 and loved it.

I'm seriously considering doing that. I love the MEC pups in my Corvette Standard, but I'm not digging the pre at all. I also want to have my control cavity fully shielded (copper foil).
 
Thanks Sullan, I'll look into those pre-amps.. I knew I couldn't be the only one noticing this short coming.
 
Perfect timing...I just finished installing a MEC 3-band in place of the stock 2 band in my $$. I am very happy with the upgrade. More punch, more low end growl (holy cow!!) while still keeping an almost brittle high end. Lots of room to get too bassy and too brittle if you want to. Relatively quiet. Not as quiet as my Alembic Essence but nothing to complain about. I use a lot of highs on the bass and amp so I expect some hiss. It took me about 2 hours to remove and replace. I needed to adjust the pickup heights and the trim pot on the pre since the $$ pickups married to the 3-band was causing my SVT 3Pro/15/410 stack to fuzz out when I hit the E hard. It was way too hot even with the 15 dB cut button in. It's nice and tight now. The pre came with the trim up about 3/4. I needed to turn it back to just under 1/2 and it is still hot! I am sure the pre's mentioned in here are top shelf but I am really digging this MEC set up. Frank

Hey Rob at DBG....thanks!
 
May I ask the cost? and whether it's a DIY job or one for the guitar shop?

Where did you buy it? On-line?
 
I did it myself. Realtively straight forward job. Took out the old and installed the new in about 2 hours. Minimal soldering required. It fit pretty good too. The pre cost about $257US plus shipping. I live in NY. I bought it from Danabgoods on-line ([email protected]). I need to get the stacked volume/pan knob set now. The $$ knobs work on the other 3 pots but the stacked set needs to be purchased as well to complete the job. I don't know that cost yet. Frank
 
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