Sadowsky pre-amp - onboard or no?

[RickC]

My backup bass is a great mid-80s Ibanez Roadstar II, that's been modded with a pair of SD Quarter Pounder J pickups. I love this bass, and it's also my favorite bass for recording.

Lately, I've been thinking about making it a little more powerful and versatile by adding a Sadowsky pre. The bass was originally active, so there's already a battery compartment with rear access, and it's already got four knobs; so it looks like a Sadowsky would just drop in with little trouble. On the other hand, going with an outboard would be cheaper and easier still, not to mention the ability to use the pre with other instruments.

So I was just wondering what people thought about going onboard vs outboard with the Sadowsky. Anyone have experience with both? Any sonic differences, or other considerations? Thanks

/rick

ps there's already a pool going over here as to how long it takes for someone to ask me about the blonde

[57pbass]

I would use the out board..you can use it with other basses..

and you can have blondie hold the pre during the shows...

[SteveC]

I have thought about getting a Sadowsky outboard DI as a DI, and as a pre for my Squire VM fretless.

I have also thought about getting an Avalon U5 so all my basses sound great.

[katri]

go with the outboard, the big point for me would be the fact that you can use it with every bass you have. and its got a DI which is always useful for something

[RPIcka]

forget about the DI, what about the blonde?

[bongomania]

I've owned the onboard version a couple of times and it's great, but TBH the pedal version is much more versatile.

[RickC]

Thanks for the replys.

btw, the blonde is a good friend and she dates the guitar player (guy in front of me). She always seems to draw attention away from my cool bass whenever I post that picture...

/rick

[Surprise Panda!]

Outboard, then you could add another preamp to your bass if you want, and use it with other basses