I posted this under Gear with very little views and replies so here goes one last time:

I own a MusicMan Sterling bass and I really like the sound of it played acoustic, but as soon as it is plugged in, the electronics and pickup change the sound quite a bit and it lacks growl and the punch the bass puts out at acoustically...
(I bought this bass quite a while back and in my ignorance was not as thorough in my inspection as I should have been).

So, I'm wondering if:
a) What are the general opinions towards the Sterling's stock pickup?
b) Does anyone have any good suggestions for an alternate pickup set-up at a sane price?

Thanks.

At least you're an intelligent noob

I don't know a lot about pickups though, you'll have to wait for someone else to come by.

__________________

I am not an expert on bass, but I know EMG's are supposed to be the shit in basses. I'd just sugest replacing that piece of poop you have in there now.

__________________

I was looking at an EMG 35DC as a replacement, but I dunno how it will react to the onboard EQ system (which I might get changed as well). Does anyone know if EMG pickups are compatible with pre-existing onboard EQs?
(I've already anticipated "Why shouldn't they be.." as a reply, so please avoid that one)

you might just have a not so good amp. What are you playin' in?

__________________

A not so good amp.
Actually, it's a Fender Bassman 25. It's not so much a "not so good amp" as it is an "very underpowered amp". I've played a few larger amps (SWRs) and it sounded better, but still lacked the growl you get acoustically. I'll try around other amps and bide my time and see if that's the problem here.