high impedance preamp pedals -- Radial? Behringer? BBE?

JES · #1 03-17-2013, 07:06 PM

For those of you using piezo pickups with no internal preamp, what are you using for a preamp pedal? I"m looking at these 3 but am not totally sold on any of them.

I love the features of the Radial PZ-Pre but it looks like more than I need, plus I hate that it won't run on batteries.

I'm looking for something with a 1Mohm input or higher. That, a little boost and a notch filter for feedback is really all I need. But who can argue with a serviceable EQ? I can skip amp modelling or other "enhancements"

Bonus if you play an ABG. This is for a Martin BC-15e (but an older model without the EQ on the side of the instrument).

Thanks.

--JES

Got2SadowskyNYC · #2 03-17-2013, 07:24 PM

I would seriously look at one of these. It's the most common pre used on the road and makes pretty much anything sound great.

http://www.lrbaggs.com/preamps/para-di

Gadgetjunky · #3 03-17-2013, 07:38 PM

I'm really happy with my Sansamp BDDI. I already had it when I got my EUB and it boosts the signal great and thickens it up. Plus it's 9v battery ready and a DI.

dukeorock · #4 03-17-2013, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JES

For those of you using piezo pickups with no internal preamp, what are you using for a preamp pedal? I"m looking at these 3 but am not totally sold on any of them.

I love the features of the Radial PZ-Pre but it looks like more than I need, plus I hate that it won't run on batteries

I've been using the fDeck Series3 lately with upright...sounds pretty great. Borrowed a buddy's Radial PZ pre for a couple gigs and despite all it's features, I got a better sound from the fDeck and it's battery powered. It only has the HPF and a phase reverse, but I'm finding it works really well. I also have and recommend the DTAR Solstice and the ART Pro Channel2, but neither are battery powered

JES · #5 03-19-2013, 08:31 AM

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the replies. I'm pleased to say this thread saved me some money, at least for now. I have an old Sansamp BBDI which I rarely use, and I didn't realize it had a 1Mohm input (since I bought it a long time ago and input impedance wasn't on my mind at the time). I plugged in my Martin, and there we have it. I'll mess around with the EQ later, but I will try this on a gig and see how it works before spending more money on a swiss-army-knife pre.

Thanks again!