Hey all, I just had an email from Dino of BSX, and he said that my ADA MB-1 preamp won't work with a piezo equipped EU. Is that true? I guess it is since he's a big time bass builder, but I just wanted to double check.

"Won't Work" may be a little harsh -- I have an MB-1 but can't put my hands on the manual for it. Basically, what you would want to find out (unless Dino knows the specs of the ADA) is the input impedance of the MB1. If it is 1 megohm or more, you're ok.

What he is probably addressing is the impedance mismatch of piezo pickup's ultra high value into a traditional bass guitar amp's input, which is looking for a much lower impedance value.

There is an explanation of the situation at the bottom of my Preamps Page - http://www.gollihur.com/kkbass/preamps.html

This mismatch would only be a concern if the piezos are directly outputted from the instrument, to be plugged into an amp - if the bass has an onboard or outboard preamp that buffers the signal, it shouldn't be a problem.

I hope the Preamps Page - http://www.gollihur.com/kkbass/preamps.html helps you understand the issue, and I'll be happy to explain further or speak to the equipment you have (especially if I can find the damn manual!! <g>)

My BSX has a preamp and I plug it into all kinds of amps and preamps with no problem. Dino also includes balance pots for string-to-string balance. What a twisted genius!

Hey guys thanks, Dino sent Mr. Bartolini a message and he said he could modify my preamp to better accomidate the piezo's!