From Aguilar to Demeter

Shelly · #1 04-10-2010, 11:36 AM

Hi everyone,

I recently picked up an LG3005 (pics later, I promise!) with an Aggie pre and Bart pickups. I'd like to open the tone up a bit, and I juussst happen to have a Demeter pre, but no pots with it.

Maybe this is a better question for Gard, but how would I go about switching from the Aggie to the Demeter? Specifically, is it ok to use the same pots, or do I need different resistance values? Also, the Demeter of course has the Q switch and I really don't want to put a hole in the bass. Is there a way to hook this in so that I don't have to?

I guess I could also just keep the Aggie pre and get Bart CB's...there are many possibilities if I want to spend money, but I'd rather try the Demeter that I already have :-).

Thanks!

CliffD · #2 04-10-2010, 12:21 PM

I REALLY dig my new Roscoe with Bart CBs and an Aggie OBP-3, so I'd check out that before I'd put in a Demeter pre, but then again I've never played a Demeter pre so I don't know how they sound. I'd think changing pickups would have a bigger effect on the tone of the bass than a preamp would, unless the Demeter is voiced very differently when flat. I think the CBs are more open than the Roscoe Barts, but it's been a while since I've played those pickups to compare.

LightGroove · #3 04-10-2010, 01:40 PM

Ill snag the Aggie should you decide to part ways.

I think you need different pots to do the swap. Ive heard that James at Demeter is slow but fairly easy to work with...perhaps give him a call or email. (calling seems to be the best)

mwbonsall · #4 04-10-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffD

I REALLY dig my new Roscoe with Bart CBs and an Aggie OBP-3, so I'd check out that before I'd put in a Demeter pre, but then again I've never played a Demeter pre so I don't know how they sound. I'd think changing pickups would have a bigger effect on the tone of the bass than a preamp would, unless the Demeter is voiced very differently when flat. I think the CBs are more open than the Roscoe Barts, but it's been a while since I've played those pickups to compare.

Same here. Spend some time with it before you take out the Aggie. I find the Aggie to be as open, aggressive as needed, or dial it back if wanted.

Mark

**Bipslapper** · #5 04-10-2010, 10:12 PM

My 2nd Roscoe (LG 3006) has the Aguilar preamp w/ Roscoe Barts. Got it used - as is. I think the Aggie pre is fantastic, actually better sounding (meaning more punch) than the Bart pre that I have on my Century Standard. It may be on a bass by bass situation; however I love the Bart pre on my Century (Swamp Ash) and Aggie on my LG (Maple and Spanish Cedar). Give it time...??? Good Luck

juggernaut1 · #6 04-11-2010, 11:51 AM

Hey Shelly, I had the same thing in mind (opening up the sound a bit) and Gard suggested the Bart CBs. So I bought a pair. Been to busy to put em in

I know you want to use the demeter that you have, just wanted to mention what Gard told me.
Good luck

Shelly · #7 04-11-2010, 12:19 PM

Thanks juggernaut1.

Honestly, I'm thinking of changing the pickups instead of the pre. I'm recalling my prior Roscoe experiences where I've changed pres, resulting in some change in the tone, but nothing drastic.

Did you buy off-the-shelf CB's or are there some specially made for Roscoes?

juggernaut1 · #8 04-11-2010, 03:26 PM

You are welcome Shelly! I have an skb3005 and I sized them off of the Bartolini site. Measure your pup length and width and match it up, then order from a Bart dealer. Roscoe will sell
them to you also and will already know the size that you need.

juggernaut1 · #9 04-11-2010, 03:31 PM

http://www.bartolini.net/information...bass_pu_s5.htm

Mine are the P45CBC.

wimpy · #10 04-11-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juggernaut1

http://www.bartolini.net/information...bass_pu_s5.htm

Mine are the P45CBC.

is it big difference in sound? I mean CB vs. Roscoe Bartolini...thank you W.

LightGroove · #11 04-11-2010, 05:09 PM

wimpy...I think there is a distinct difference. I could tell right away after picking up my new CS4 that this thing was all together different. Just to make sure I grabbed a Roscoe Bart loaded bass and sure enough.

Im bad with descriptions but the CB's are very airy and open...more in the upper mids and aggressive...whereas the Roscoe Barts sound more muted and girthy in the midrange.. The Cb's sound more punchy ...the Roscoe barts more growly.

I see the comparisons CB= Jbass.... Roscoe Barts = Pbass....not sure if thats how Id compare em...but gives you a general idea

wimpy · #12 04-11-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightGroove

wimpy...I think there is a distinct difference. I could tell right away after picking up my new CS4 that this thing was all together different. Just to make sure I grabbed a Roscoe Bart loaded bass and sure enough.

Im bad with descriptions but the CB's are very airy and open...more in the upper mids and aggressive...whereas the Roscoe Barts sound more muted and girthy in the midrange.. The Cb's sound more punchy ...the Roscoe barts more growly.

I see the comparisons CB= Jbass.... Roscoe Barts = Pbass....not sure if thats how Id compare em...but gives you a general idea

thank you man, I think I leave my LG just how it was build (Roscoe Barts and Barts Pre)...for now

**Ryan L.** · #13 04-11-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffD

I REALLY dig my new Roscoe with Bart CBs and an Aggie OBP-3, so I'd check out that before I'd put in a Demeter pre, but then again I've never played a Demeter pre so I don't know how they sound. I'd think changing pickups would have a bigger effect on the tone of the bass than a preamp would, unless the Demeter is voiced very differently when flat. I think the CBs are more open than the Roscoe Barts, but it's been a while since I've played those pickups to compare.

I agree, I really like the CB/OBP-3 combo in my Century 5.

My Century 6 is coming with the Roscoe Barts/Bart preamp so I'll be able to compare at the end of the week.

Shelly · #14 04-11-2010, 07:37 PM

Thanks for all the info, guys. I think if anything, I'll just sit tight with it for now, but if I change anything, it will be the pick-ups to CB's.

otto B · #15 04-11-2010, 08:17 PM

I used to have a SKB with nordstrand PU and OP3 and I change the pre to a custom factory Demeter and I can tell you the OP3 sounded better. When I did the change, I lost some lows and power, some how I had to crank the volume higher to hear the bass with the Demeter pre. I would recomend to leave the bass like it is, Roscoe put this combination of pre and PU for each specific bass for a reason.

**Ryan L.** · #16 04-11-2010, 08:24 PM

FWIW, I did NOT like the Demeter preamp that was in one of my SKB3006's. To me, it made the highs sound too glassy, and it made the bass sound slightly sterile.

JOME77 · #17 04-12-2010, 06:08 AM

To each his own. IMO the Roscoe Demeter is the best sounding preamp ever installed in a fretted Roscoe.
I guess that you either love it or don't. I will say that within the last 6 months I've installed 3 Roscoe Demeter's in local players Roscoe's and everyone of them are just in love with the sound (and one was on the fence about trading the Roscoe prior to the installation of the Demeter).
And I've yet to have anyone play my fretted Roscoe that doesn't just love the tone.
The Aggie's pre sound good but IMO it just a slight different flavor than the Bart. A bit more open lows and more aggressive.

The Roscoe Demeter .......

....Well, I love it.

**Ryan L.** · #18 04-12-2010, 07:40 AM

Different strokes for different folks!

And who knows, if I tried one again today, maybe I'd have a totally different take on it.

Gard · #19 04-12-2010, 08:17 AM

FWIW -

I like 'em all for different reasons...even the now no longer available Demeter.

However, for a fretted bass, for ME, the Aggie OBP-3 is the STUFF. That preamp, with ANY pickup combination just works for me, especially in a rock or funk situation - it's got this nasty attitude that I just flat dig!

LilRay · #20 04-12-2010, 08:21 AM

Is there someplace that tells the differences in Roscoe pre's? Some of us "field sales reps"

need explanation to get up to speed

God Bless, Ray