I love Equipment Upgrades

I have this bass guitar, some think it is ugly, but I kinda like it. Active P/Us and sweet tone wood, but the pre-amp sucks. The volume of the G sting is flat and weak.

So, upgrade. Well, it has to be gutted. I didn't know that. All the controls have to work together in the new age of noise reduction. But, they have drop in, no solder packages. I didn't know that. IAC, here is the gear I just bought.

EMG - BQS, 5 knobs, 18v Pre-amp with plug and play, no solder kit.
EMG - 35P4A-X Alnico V magnets P-coils pickup
EMG - 35JA-X J-coils



Mine to screw up, as they say.

That gear looks good. How's the sound?
I've been thinking about replacing the pickups on my guitar, but quality stuff is kinda expensive.

I like the active pickup concept. I like the wood grain match up, neck, tuners, etc. But, the guts needed to be replaced before I bought it, new. It served, but I have better ear, now, wider style coverage, etc. I have some stomp boxes, and can get a wide set of sonic shapes, but lacking on the high end, very flat, no dynamic range.

The EMGs have separate pre-amps for each pickup sealed into the coil body. It is not that expensive considering I was looking at buying a better bass. Better from this is pretty pricey now.

For under $500 delivered, I have the equivalence of a $2500 bass level electronics...I hope.

I read about an idea I might try, if this works. I'll like the get a McCarthy style 5 string, shuuuu riiiiiight. Sure. Hand over the big bucks.

But, get an el chepo, knock off for $400. Then toss the junk and upgrade to high quality EMG guts.

Main thing, no soldering, and drop in replacement for most pickup shape and size.
http://www.emgpickups.com/