Alembic Activator JZ PVF

Pickup features: Active J with low pass filter
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Warwick Thumb Bolton Fretless
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: both
Other pickups on guitar: na
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): ?
Reason for pickup change: MEC system was dying

Perceived output level: slightly less
Tone: see below
Sonic evaluation: Various amps
This pickup system replaced the OE one. THe MEC system had two covered J pups with vol pan and stacked treble and bass. It sounded good when it worked. THe Alembic system is designed to fit in a J bass but it will fit. THe new control layout is vol filter and pan.
Sound
With both pups selected and the pan on min its way too muddy and only good for dub (and it is good). With the filter on full its tto bright and theres loads of attack for fingerstyle or slap (even with fretless).
Most of the usable sounds are in the middle. It takes some getting used to but if you dont mind tweaking your tone on the fly there are some really stunning tones available. BTW I fitted this system in Aug 2001 and posted this review Feb 2002. The hioneymoon is over but I still like this system.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It works with fretless but I would (and so) prefer a conventional bass/treble system for fretted.

Comments: I would get it again for any fretless bass with J's