I'm considering installing a U-Retro 01 or U-Retro 01 Deluxe to my Barker. I like this preamp in my Fender Jazz. Any thoughts about the worth of installing this preamp into a Barker?

Jimmy -

There should be no problem adding a U-Retro to your Barker. As you probably know, the control cavity has plenty of space and is well enough designed that it should accomodate that pre with no problem.

Very few folks have modded their Barkers so we'd love to have you keep us posted on the results!

Naturally I am intrigued with other minds applying their own creativity to the sonic possibilities here. Let 'er rip!

I'll just add to this discussion that the Barker offers another option for those who want to experiment with preamps: You can mount one on the stand. I have used a little Raven preamp (no longer manufactured, I am told) and mounted it on a piece of 12mm Baltic Birch ply (painted black) and then installed two springy broom clips, which slip securely on the upper section of the stand.

The obvious benefit of this approach is you can use, or even just try out, a preamp without lengthy adaptation inside the cavity. And all the controls are right there. actually handier than reaching for the knobs on the front.

I'll post a pic of the Raven rig in the near future.

Compatible with this setup, and eminently practical, is the drink holder which I should discuss at greater length in a future post.