Quote:
Originally Posted by millahh  I've seen folks say that the sound of the pre-amp is different pre-2003, due to a change in pre-amp design, and I've even seen reference to a specific chip (though the specifics elude me).
How is the sound different, and is it as simple as a different chip being used? |
Once G&L moved to the v1.1 preamp, they have been the same. The chip itself is the same. Even if individual components on the preamp board carry the same values, there can and will be differences from one to the next. For example, the resistors all have a +/- 5% tolerance. The capacitors will have similar tolerances, maybe as high as 20%, though 10% is more likely. The opamp chip itself would be the most consistent, but even there variances can be found from batch to batch. My point here is that these support components, the resistors and capacitors, can make a difference in the way the preamp colors the tone of the pickups.
This image is of a preamp from an L-2000 made in Aug. of 2000. The preamp in my new L-2500 is the same. The basses sound a bit different, though the G&L tone is clearly there.
Don't forget that there are slight differences in the pickups. While they are Leo's designs, there have been changes in the metallurgy of the wire of the windings and probably in the poles themselves.
What people, including me, are probably hearing is the cumulative differences in all these things. They don't make one better than the other - just different.
Hope this helps.
Ken...
