Preamp in a SSI fretless. Mystery solved...thanks!

warwickhunt

warwickhunt

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I've just picked up a Stage I fretless that is equipped with Bartolinis and a 3 band EQ. The layout of the controls is unusual in that the stacked pot that is where a traditional Stage I pan pot would be is actually the vol & pan controls. Not the most intuitive position when you are used to the Warwick layout, so I may well move it back.

However, when I opened up the control cavity I found a 2nd battery (18v circuit) and a preamp board that I am not familiar with. Does anyone recognise the board or has a fretless from this period (1990) that can shed light on if this is the original factory Bartolini pre or an upgrade?

Cheers guys and gals
 
Dude! Pictures of the bass! xD
You're a monster on the vintage bass market, man! =)
 
Benjamin said:
Dude! Pictures of the bass! xD
You're a monster on the vintage bass market, man! =)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words Benj :D

I've not had the chance to strip it down and give it a good service but it plays and sounds superb.

I just don't like unsolved puzzles so I need to solve this little unknown!
 
Re: Preamp in a SSI fretless. Can anyone identify this?

warwickhunt said:
I've just picked up a Stage I fretless that is equipped with Bartolinis and a 3 band EQ. The layout of the controls is unusual in that the stacked pot that is where a traditional Stage I pan pot would be is actually the vol & pan controls. Not the most intuitive position when you are used to the Warwick layout, so I may well move it back.

However, when I opened up the control cavity I found a 2nd battery (18v circuit) and a preamp board that I am not familiar with. Does anyone recognise the board or has a fretless from this period (1990) that can shed light on if this is the original factory Bartolini pre or an upgrade?
Click to expand...

That's a MEC 3 band preamp.
 
Re: Preamp in a SSI fretless. Can anyone identify this?

Myh said:
warwickhunt said:
I've just picked up a Stage I fretless that is equipped with Bartolinis and a 3 band EQ. The layout of the controls is unusual in that the stacked pot that is where a traditional Stage I pan pot would be is actually the vol & pan controls. Not the most intuitive position when you are used to the Warwick layout, so I may well move it back.

However, when I opened up the control cavity I found a 2nd battery (18v circuit) and a preamp board that I am not familiar with. Does anyone recognise the board or has a fretless from this period (1990) that can shed light on if this is the original factory Bartolini pre or an upgrade?
Click to expand...

That's a MEC 3 band preamp.
Click to expand...

I'd say that's 100% correct. Thanks.

I assume the modification to run at 18v is possible on all of the MEC preamps!
 
the electronic is not an Bartolini, because it has the german word "Brücke" written on it.


Sorry, too slow :cry:
 
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