How to build an outboard preamp?
 

Is there a way to take a preamp from inside of a bass and convert it into an outboard preamp/stompbox?

The best way is buy a Hematoma and use that.

Hi.

Yes, just make an enclosure for it.

Regards
Sam

the "preamp" in an active bass is not the same thing as the preamp you'd find in a rackmount device. Rackmount pre's convert your signal to line level. as far as I know, there's no bass guitar made with an internal preamp to do that.
you need to specify exactly what you're trying to achieve before anyone can give you any real input on the idea.

Take the preamp out of a Fodera bass, and put it in an enclosure to use as a stompbox. That's my goal.

Are there any builders that can make an enclosure for me?

I would think about putting a buffer on the input. You will also need some sort of switch to turn it on/off (unless you want it always on). Then it is just a matter of throwing it in a box.

I don't know anything about electronic work. I may have to just find a builder.

Great, thanks passinwind, ima check them out.

Years ago, I took the preamp out of my old Alembic Exploiter and put it in a box with two input jacks (the preamp had a rotary 4 position switch to choose either or both input jacks or mute everything) and an output jack. It made a great little preamp for all kinds of basses as it had the Q filter with the Q switch so I could switch between different tones. :bassist:

You could just buy a Fodera outboard preamp. Also, it might be easier to buy a Mike Pope Flex Core preamp and put it in a box. Very little soldering would be required.

That would be too easy!

Hopefully I can find a shop nearby that will do it for me.

I have a Fodera Model 2011, but I want the Fodera Custom preamp.

Or do yall think its will basically produce the same sound?

Basically, yes. I have the Fodera 2010, at it's as close to my Fodera preamps as anything.

Oh, well in that case, I just saved a bunch of money.

I built a copy of the Aguilar DB924 pedal, using an OBP-1 preamp module and an aluminum project box I got off ebay. Very easy build. Instead of the hot and ground coming from the pickup leads, substitute the input jack for the pedal.

You can buy everything you need at Radio Shack for under $20. They have plastic boxes made for projects like this. Your pre amp in your bass in nothing more than guts from a floor pedal in your bass with two volumes or a pan knob. It's easy I've done it. I plan on having 3 or 4 of them with Aguilar, Nordstrand, EMG, Pope etc.. so I can wire pickups to the jack and then test what different pre amps will sound like with different basses before I install them. I do a lot of this work locally for guys.

The line level will not be enough to drive a power amp sufficiently that is correct it's just like something on your pedal board.

Or you can spend $300 - $400 dollars and not learn something new.