Nordstrand Pre with Bart CB's

aproud1 · #1 10-18-2010, 03:38 PM

Thinking about a pre-amp change up in my SKB-3005. The Bart on Bart system sounds great live and really makes the bass punch through the mix like crazy but it's not really my sound. I have an Aguilar OBP-2 in another bass while I like the Aggie pre's there's really no finesse when it comes to boosting or cutting frequencies.

So I'm really thinking about going for a Nordstrand 3 band. Anyone have experience with that combo or have any other recommendations for me.

I did search and found some info about the Demeter pre.

I need to stick with the 4 pots. I can't even stand the thought of drilling another hole in this bass.

Thanks for any and all help.

JOME77 · #2 10-18-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aproud1

Thinking about a pre-amp change up in my SKB-3005. The Bart on Bart system sounds great live and really makes the bass punch through the mix like crazy but it's not really my sound. I have an Aguilar OBP-2 in another bass while I like the Aggie pre's there's really no finesse when it comes to boosting or cutting frequencies.

So I'm really thinking about going for a Nordstrand 3 band. Anyone have experience with that combo or have any other recommendations for me.

I did search and found some info about the Demeter pre.

I need to stick with the 4 pots. I can't even stand the thought of drilling another hole in this bass.

Thanks for any and all help.

There's been a few Roscoe owners talk about giving the Nord preamp a try but none that I know that actually did it.

On the subject of the Demeter, I've installed multiple Roscoe Demeter preamps in Roscoe's and always love the sound (with Bart CB P/U's and Roscoe Bart P/U's. I always combine the treble and bass controls to a concentric (50K; same as Aguilar pre). Although the Demeter actually uses 100K pot's the 50K works fine.
James still builds up the Roscoe Demeter and it's around $130. Here's a sound clip of one of my Roscoe's with the Demeter.

Manda Panda

aproud1 · #3 10-18-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOME77

There's been a few Roscoe owners talk about giving the Nord preamp a try but none that I know that actually did it.

On the subject of the Demeter, I've installed multiple Roscoe Demeter preamps in Roscoe's and always love the sound (with Bart CB P/U's and Roscoe Bart P/U's. I always combine the treble and bass controls to a concentric (50K; same as Aguilar pre). Although the Demeter actually uses 100K pot's the 50K works fine.
James still builds up the Roscoe Demeter and it's around $130. Here's a sound clip of one of my Roscoe's with the Demeter.

Manda Panda

Sounds awesome Joe! How was that recorded? Any effects or processing?

LightGroove · #4 10-18-2010, 06:15 PM

well done Joe...very much the Roscoe/Demeter tone I remember...

JOME77 · #5 10-18-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aproud1

Sounds awesome Joe! How was that recorded? Any effects or processing?

Thanks.

It was recorded with the Roland BR-600 with a touch of compression during the mastering process (mainly to help level it out).

IMO the Demeter definitely provides the best Roscoe slap tone.

CrashClint · #6 10-19-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOME77

Thanks.

It was recorded with the Roland BR-600 with a touch of compression during the mastering process (mainly to help level it out).

IMO the Demeter definitely provides the best Roscoe slap tone.

You know me, if Carey sent me a Nordstrand preamp to try, I would try it out in a Roscoe to see how it would sound.

I agree, with the Roscoe Barts, Classic Barts and Nordstrands the Demeter is king. I would have to be blown completely away by another preamp to change my opinion.

If you every have a bass built with the Bart "J" pickups then the Bartolini is the best. Delivers some of that old Jazz Mojo.

maurilio · #7 10-19-2010, 03:35 PM

'ssup?

I have a Demeter in my Century 5 and I like it very much.
The Nordstrand is more transparent and organic sounding than the Demeter which is a little more "synthetic". The boost is WAY less dramatic than the Aguilar.
I think that Nordstrand pups paired with Demeter sound a little thin....

Again, it all depends on the whole combination: woods, strings, pup, pre, player technique....

Honestly the only way to be sure is in the old saying: "try and error"

Cheers

M

aproud1 · #8 10-19-2010, 08:35 PM

Awesome thanks for all the input.

bassWR · #9 10-19-2010, 08:57 PM

You should be proud. This is the first thread in the Roscoe forum to stay on topic.

Aw man...I blew it.

chadds · #10 10-20-2010, 01:59 AM

The OPB3 is way more flexible than the 2. Have you tried different strings and different pickup heights? These can make a huge difference.

aproud1 · #11 10-20-2010, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadds

The OPB3 is way more flexible than the 2. Have you tried different strings and different pickup heights? These can make a huge difference.

Thanks Chadds. Tried 4 different sets of strings so far and have adjusted the pickups. I actually like the Aguilar pre-amps. The problem I have is the boost and cut are a little too powerful for me.

aproud1 · #12 10-20-2010, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassWR

You should be proud. This is the first thread in the Roscoe forum to stay on topic.

Aw man...I blew it.

You just couldn't let it happen could you?

So back on track do you guys think if I went with a different pre ala Demeter or Nordstrand or ????? could I get a more natural or less aggressive sound out of this SKB?

I love how it punches through live but it just not really my sound.

LilRay · #13 10-20-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassWR

You should be proud. This is the first thread in the Roscoe forum to stay on topic.

Aw man...I blew it.

Somebody call me????

I saw the Blue Star over the forum....

From what I've gathered the Demeter is the "transparent" pre, while I liked a Roscoe with the Nord PU's and Aggie pre. The Aggie being aggressive. I'm told the CB's and Nords are similar PU's.

Don't know much 'bout the Audere, but I'm new here with limited Roscoe 'sperience.

God Bless, Ray

JOME77 · #14 10-20-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aproud1

So back on track do you guys think if I went with a different pre ala Demeter or Nordstrand or ????? could I get a more natural or less aggressive sound out of this SKB?

I love how it punches through live but it just not really my sound.

Absolutely. I don't know about the Nord pre but the Demeter will definitely tame you tone.

In the words of a used car salesman "I guarantee it"!

Gard · #15 10-20-2010, 09:34 AM

I can't really comment on the Nord pre, haven't heard it yet, with any combination of stuff. I hear good stuff about it though!

The Demeter is very natural and clear sounding to me, and I like it. But I still prefer the flexibility of the Audere for that more "modern" tone....

...my favorite by far is the Aguilar OBP-3 for most applications, but it does take a light touch to tame it...

aproud1 · #16 10-20-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

I can't really comment on the Nord pre, haven't heard it yet, with any combination of stuff. I hear good stuff about it though!

The Demeter is very natural and clear sounding to me, and I like it. But I still prefer the flexibility of the Audere for that more "modern" tone....

...my favorite by far is the Aguilar OBP-3 for most applications, but it does take a light touch to tame it...

Interesting. I like the Aguilar pre's but the light touch is almost a deal killer for me. When it's band practice or noodling in the basement I can deal. At a gig when I want adjustments on the fly in the heat of battle it can really mess me up (and has) so I found my self wanted to tweak something but being afraid to.

I never considered the Audere. Have always wanted to try one. The classic 4 band looks really interesting too. Anyone ever try one of these?

I'm not so much looking for clear as much as I'm looking for mid heavy if that makes sense?

JOME77 · #17 10-20-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aproud1

Interesting. I like the Aguilar pre's but the light touch is almost a deal killer for me. When it's band practice or noodling in the basement I can deal. At a gig when I want adjustments on the fly in the heat of battle it can really mess me up (and has) so I found my self wanted to tweak something but being afraid to.

I never considered the Audere. Have always wanted to try one. The classic 4 band looks really interesting too. Anyone ever try one of these?

I'm not so much looking for clear as much as I'm looking for mid heavy if that makes sense?

Man is it your lucky day!

PM me if you want a good deal on a used Roscoe Audere pre. Simple installation (other than the Z-mode switch which requires a hole). Knobs included......

Gotta run. The ziracote 3006 just arrived!

CrashClint · #18 10-20-2010, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOME77

Gotta run. The ziracote 3006 just arrived!

Cool Joe, go have some fun!!!

Darkstrike · #19 10-20-2010, 01:25 PM

The Nordstrand Pre certainly seems like an interesting piece, with all the boost/cuts in good spots, and plenty of options.

aproud1 · #20 10-20-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOME77

Man is it your lucky day!

PM me if you want a good deal on a used Roscoe Audere pre. Simple installation (other than the Z-mode switch which requires a hole). Knobs included......

Gotta run. The ziracote 3006 just arrived!

Jealous.... Enjoy that bass!

You would just happen to have a pre amp laying around wouldn't you???