bloke_zero

Alembic and Wal are the names that comes to mind with filter preamps. I got one from Luisitand - this one: https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFP-Preamp.pdf - I like it but I haven't used it much in anger. Good long battery life with it though as it uses modern components. I don't know the Overwater versions - interesting!

I never wanted one before but that burnt orange one could rule my world...

Sad news. As well as the brand, all those people out of a job! Whatever you think of the headstock the technological steps forward: MFD, active/passive tone shaping, locking bridge, 6 bolt neck are worthwhile. I'd really hope that Fender might incorporate some of that into new models if they are the buyer.

Would this work? https://www.ampshopbassexchange.com/product/sterling-ray4-by-albridge-parts-bsmm420-mm-style-bass-4-string-bridge-for-sterling-ray4-sub-black-satin/ There are dimensions slide 2 but weirdly only a picture of the top here: https://www.ampshopbassexchange.com/accessories-3/?product-page=1 (4th one along)

That just looks great - nice job!

I think the answer is yes, but the tone will change - the classic MM sound is parallel

Worth noting that shielding the cavity would probably solve the hum issues

I like EMG stuff, I don't have any direct experience with that set. Reading the blurb it says If you want a wider range of tones that might limit you as I don't think the pickup tone would be wildy different on it's own. I'd be wondering about something with mid range boost? The pluses are that the EMG should be hum free, better the dynamic range (I think they sound better with more voltage: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/197519674095) and you probably could fit at home, even with no experience as their system is solder free. Minuses are that it will be pretty similar to your current range of sounds.

Nice racks! How do you find the Amek compressor, 9098 - is it a bus compressor?

Fender suggest 0.38, so I think you're in the region. I'd echo what @Woodwind says - the foundation of a good setup is getting the relief right. You can tinker with the saddle height, but if the relief isn't right you can't overcome that with saddle adjustment.

I like the geezers, yes, upper mid push, tighter bottom end. They sound quite 70's to me in a good way. I don't think EQ will get you the same thing, but it might get you into the right space. Like @Lozz196 says - worth a try first!

I'd give the EMGs a while, see if you like them. It's different from passive, but there is a lot to be said for them. They are active pickups which is different from an active preamp, and one of the differences is that the current draw is much lower so you don't need to swap the batteries often. Here is a pretty strong argument for the EMGs! And here is a way to boost the voltage going to the pickups (Lee has 18 volts with 2 batteries IIRC) - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192895789297?_trksid=p4375194.c101949.m162918 - check the specs on the pickups first to make sure they can handle it - most of them can handle up to 27 volts - I found it made for more headroom (as I lean in a bit too much on the strings).

You've piqued my interest - solid colour or trans refin? Picture?

There are some differences as well, like rosewood neck and the pickup placement looks like they are about 2cm closer to the neck on the original.

Bakelite saddles? I've never seen that before. How do they sound? Or is that a weird question.