andytoad Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 (edited) Hello all, I have an 87 stage 2 streamer, the preamp is faulty as there is pretty bad signal interference. I do not think it is the pots, I believe it is the actual preamp circuit, the little black box with the gain pot. It has the EMG pickups. Are these preamps available still? If not, what can I change it for that will keep the sound authentic? I preamp appears to be a sealed unit, so presume not repairable. Your opinions and previous experience would be much appreciated!!! Thanks, Andrew Edited December 5, 2015 by andytoad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 MEC stuff is very expensive for what it is, your best bet is to look at EMG replacements. Have someone look st the electronics, though. The eighties MEC preamp is nicely voiced and its be worth repairing if possible. Could possibly be the active pickups too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 I'd sell the bass... patently at a MASSIVELY reduced price; I'll take it off your hands, as a favour. A replacement MEC can turn up but EMG and Aguilar have worked well for me in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andytoad Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 Do you have any magic beans? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 [quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1449351834' post='2922906'] I'd sell the bass... patently at a MASSIVELY reduced price; I'll take it off your hands, as a favour. A replacement MEC can turn up but EMG and Aguilar have worked well for me in the past. [/quote] And if warwickhunt does not I will have 2nd dibs. Sitiuation 1. I have two corvettes, one active one not. I do not find the active a vast improvement - my amp has controls as well, as does a Sansamp VT. Turn the bass into a passive? situation 2. I have fitted two Artec SE2 pre amps to basses (Aria and Corvette Rockbass), they are very good, I personally do not see what £££ beyond them will get you in all reality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andytoad Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share Posted December 6, 2015 Thanks chaps, so not too clued up on this type of thing, if my pickups are active, does the affect the type of preamp I need to get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 Have you already tried to contact the makers with your issues..? Could they not help..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1449396904' post='2923082'] Have you already tried to contact the makers with your issues..? Could they not help..? [/quote] Yes Warwick will defo help... they'll sell him a brand new MEC pre circa £250. EMG pups will work with pretty much any active preamp; MEC EMG SD Aguilar... personal taste as to which to go for. Look on the BC sales section, I'm fairly sure there is a Spector Tonepump going for less than £50. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd_david Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I've got a Spector tone pump for sale if all else fails. Cheers Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andytoad Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share Posted December 6, 2015 If I have to change it, I'd like something that has tight lows no harsh mids and naturally some top, I like to keep it two band. Any suggestions? I have heard good things from the tone pump, just not sure whats best as I never experiment with preamps. Maybe I should! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 [quote name='andytoad' timestamp='1449413048' post='2923291'] I have heard good things from the tone pump, just not sure whats best as I never experiment with preamps. Maybe I should! [/quote] If you are buying the likes of the Tonepump used for that price, you can afford to experiment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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