Preamp, pups or both?

oddio

oddio

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Perhaps this is a borderline case for the "vintage" forum, but I'm hoping to tap the knowledge of those who might have experience with an older Warwick. I have an old '90 Streamer, afzelia with yin-yang inlays and green LEDs so clearly a forerunner of the official "Stage II" model. Of the Warwicks I own it is my favourite for weight, balance, playability.

I also suspect that this instrument is a tone monster, but for what might be an issue with the old 2-band MEC preamp or pickups. The problem is that the tone is very, very thin sounding when the tone controls are set flat. To give you an idea of the magnitude, dialing the bass control up almost all the way yields tone comparable to my other Warwick instruments. Adjusting the pickup height to factory specs does not improve this. The balance control works as it should with both pickups at aproximately equal level. Could my pickups be wired out of phase? Should I be thinking about swapping out the pickups, preamp or both (for new MECs, of course)? Should I use this as an opportunity to upgrade to the BEC-III?

Thanks kindly for any assistance.
 
Worth a try!

I wish I had better advice than, yes, go with the new pickups, but from your story, it seems like the only other way to get more from the bass. New pickups can make life much better, as you know...
My 86 streamer is completely stock and i have no problems with it (other than i dont like putting it down...)
Let me know how the pickup swap goes and if that helps.
ps can you send me a picture of your bass, it sounds awsome, id love to see it!
 
I've had similar feelings with my 87' Thumb which has Barts, compared to my '00 Thumb it does not produce lows that are as tight and punchy. I've been wondering whether I should replace the old 2 band pre amp or the p'ups.

I'll be interested to hear the responses in this thread.
 
The MECs in my 04 Corvette Std aren't deep enough for me either, maybe it's because I'm a cheapie and have the passive EQ, but I'm gonna put EMGs in it, that SHOULD solve my problem, if not, I'm gonna blow my face off.
 
I will replace the pickups and preamp with the newer MEC and BEC 3-band. That will leave the stock electronics intact. Thanks everyone for more-or-less confirming my thoughts. I'll keep everyone posted when the changeover is complete.
 
Not so fast my friend. I own several Warwicks from this era and much prefer the 2 band electronics over the 3 band. To my ears the 2 band is much more natural and musical sounding. The 3 band are devestating but a bit harsh for my taste. Yes make sure the pickups are raised to an optimum height. You may want to first send the bass to Dana B Goods and have them give it a go through. You may have to replace a pickup but I'd leave the 2 band electroncs alone. I own an original Jack Bruce Signature Fretless Thumb made in 1990 and sent it in a few years ago and needed a pickup replaced. Made a big difference. By the way the reissue of the Jack Bruce Thumb a couple years ago was supposedly because of my bass but thats another story.
 
the Jack Bruce signature is first on the list for when I win the lottery. Do you have any pictures of your original... it must be amazing!
 
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