Is Two Better than One...

[Escobon]

As a new Warwick owner, I've set out to learn as much as I can about these marvelous instruments. I've observed that the older active instruments are equipped with electronic modules powered by two nine-volt batteries. Newer schematics show modules powered by a single battery. Are there members that are familiar with the difference? Are the newer modules better in terms of sound, noise, and battery life?

 

[Grgzilla]

As a new Warwick owner, I've set out to learn as much as I can about these marvelous instruments. I've observed that the older active instruments are equipped with electronic modules powered by two nine-volt batteries. Newer schematics show modules powered by a single battery. Are there members that are familiar with the difference? Are the newer modules better in terms of sound, noise, and battery life?

Hi escobon,older 18 volt pre-amps needed 2 9 volt batteries but the newer pre-amps only require 1 9 volt battery because of newer improved schematics as you said.Enjoy your new bass,i have the same model but mines fretted,

 

[odominguez]

The Preamps were improved when they switched to a 9V system. About the DC power needed to run the circuit, the only thing that changed was they found a way to make the curcuit run out of less power.

 

[Escobon]

I appreciate that. Is it worthwhile and affordable to upgrade to the newer module?

 

[odominguez]

I think in this case it would be a matter of preference. A lot of people think that the 18V is better. It's definitely a matter of opinion when it comes to this. What I suggest that you do is to find time to go to a music store that carries Thumb basses and try the new system on one of those basses. Compare that to the sound you are currently getting out of your instrument and make your decision based on that.

Good luck.

 

[Goingdownslow]

9 volt versus 18 volt.

They were 9 volt before they went to 18 volt.
I prefer my two 9 volt Thumb basses with 2 band eq over my 18 volt Thumb bass with 3 band eq.
I feel that the treble control on the 3 band is set at too high a frequency and makes no real difference played through my amp and cab setup where I have no horn and keep the high end of the graphic eq rolled off.
On the 2 band eq the treble control is set at a lower frequency point and seems to be more usable to me.
My 18 volt Thumb bass does have a higher output than the other two though.