Aguilar vs. Glockenklang onboard preamp - Page 2

gus1894 · #21 06-26-2010, 10:55 PM

I have to add a +1 to that third "write-in" option - I have an Audere Classic 4-band on my Wick and it's pretty transparent - just more versatile control and a bit of umph.

emjazz · #22 06-27-2010, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee-man

Thanks for the comments.

I like a natural, organic tone generally (I'm putting this on a 5-string I just had de-fretted) and don't expect to be too big a knob fiddler, mostly roll-off or volume boost and minor eq tweaks (I have a Rob Allen with just the volume knob, and other basses just have tone/passive roll-off). That's why I'm leaning toward the Glock. But then I'm thinking that if the Ag is as transparent as people say (even if not as much as the Glock, whatever that means exactly), I can keep the eq flat if I want the sound of the bass more (but still with some slight Ag sound), and a tone of shaping options that the Glock may not have. I was also told about a booster, so I'll have to look into that. Maybe I should just set it up for passive, see how it sounds and choose a pre based on the sound of the bass.

But just to get more food for thought at this point: I'm still not sure if the Ag has a tone control for when you're in passive mode, or if that's a simple modification to add that. Their product info doesn't say and the luthier who's helping wasn't sure. Please chime in if anyone knows.

Thanks again, DM

You can add a separate passive knob to the Aguilar, but.....

.....knowing that you're putting this into a fretless is a game changer. Get the Glockenklang. The bass that Brian Ristola had made with the Glockenklang was a fretless, and that preamp was unreal for fretless. The bass and mid eq points were so perfect for a fretless bass. I didn't play with the treble at all. Plus, when you switch into passive mode the treble knob acts as a passive tone, and it sounded incredible with the fretless. That preamp kills with a fretless!

d sage · #23 06-27-2010, 09:43 AM

After trying Bart, Audere, and Demeter I installed a Glock in my Roscoe 5er. Best sound to my ear that I have ever produced. I liked it so much I installed another one in my Lakland 55-94 along with Delano pu's. That sounds amazing! The treble freq works perfectly for me and I will run it flat of some songs and 75 - 80% on others depending on how much sizzle seems appropriate. My sound always lays just right in the mix - clear, deep, articulate, never muddy. Brings out the subtle differences in each bass tone. Feels like bass heaven!

Dee-man · #24 06-27-2010, 12:34 PM

Thanks for the additional comments. Sorry if I'm hijacking this thread.

I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get the glock, but further thoughts are always welcome. I've heard really good things about the Audere too, but it sounds more complicated/versatile than what I think I'd actually use.

If I add the active/passive to the Ag, which I know I can do, I still don't
know if there's passive tone capability. Anyone?

Thanks again, DM

emjazz · #25 06-27-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee-man

Thanks for the additional comments. Sorry if I'm hija
If I add the active/passive to the Ag, which I know I can do, I still don't
know if there's passive tone capability. Anyone?

Thanks again, DM

Sorry if I wasn't clear....yes, you can.

**Joshua** · #26 06-27-2010, 12:51 PM

I have the Glock 2 band with the passive tone in my fretless Veillette Singlecut 5. I primarily play the bass passive, but when active and set flat I can't tell a difference from passive. Transparent indeed!

Kwesi · #27 06-27-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjazz

Sorry if I wasn't clear....yes, you can.

Just to clarify, it not offered that way stock so Brian would have to do the modification for you at a small fee. Or you could find a wiring diagram and handle it yourself, I hear it's not difficult.

Dee-man · #28 06-27-2010, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the Ag clarification. I'd have the tech guy that's doing my de-fret do it since I'm tech-challenged.

Dee-man · #29 07-01-2010, 06:03 PM

Well, fwiw, I decided to get the Glock. Pick up the bass on Saturday and can't wait! The luthier who installed it had never heard one before and was pretty impressed. Thanks again for all the helpful comments. DM

gkbass13 · #30 07-01-2010, 06:04 PM

I recently picked up an R-bass that has Nordstrand pickups and an Aguilar OB-3 in it....the combination sounds amazing!

One of the more "usable" combo's I've ever played with for onboard EQing. Doesn't get too glassy or boomy with my set up.

NreeK Jazz Bass · #31 07-03-2010, 04:31 AM

This is a great thread.... just the kind of info I need. I have a question. Do Aguilar or Glock or Audere preamps have the ability to have the active preamp engaged and still have the passive tone control work.... the reason I'm asking is sometimes I like a slight increase in bass and to roll off the the passive tone slightly.... well I've only ever been able to roll the tone off and increase the bass on my amp..... to be able to do it on my bass would be great.
Cheers.

cnltb · #32 07-03-2010, 04:56 AM

For me it would have to be Glockenklang rather than Aguilar any day -be it for amps, cabs or electronics.

NreeK Jazz Bass · #33 07-03-2010, 01:47 PM

Just to add something to my question above.... is it possible to just wire up a standard passive tone control after the active preamp and have it working all the time, whether the active preamp is on or off? I have little idea about electronics, so that's why I'm asking.
Cheers, NreeK

SGD Lutherie · #34 07-03-2010, 02:27 PM

One over looked preamp is the EMG BTC Control. I used these for years in several basses. They sound almost exactly like the passive signal when bypassed, sometimes just needing the lows or highs boosted to match, probably because of pot tolerances, and they are fairly cheap.

http://www.emginc.com/products/index/104/146/4

Maybe not as hi-fi as the Glock, but they have more subtle boosts than the Aguilar.

SGD Lutherie · #35 07-03-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NreeK Jazz Bass

Just to add something to my question above.... is it possible to just wire up a standard passive tone control after the active preamp and have it working all the time, whether the active preamp is on or off? I have little idea about electronics, so that's why I'm asking.
Cheers, NreeK

Yes, but wire it up before the preamp. Preamps have low impedance outputs, so a standard passive tone control wont work well. An example of this is the passive tone control that comes with EMG pickups. It doesn't do a whole lot. Now they use an active tone control with the EMG-X series.

Dee-man · #36 07-03-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NreeK Jazz Bass

This is a great thread.... just the kind of info I need. I have a question. Do Aguilar or Glock or Audere preamps have the ability to have the active preamp engaged and still have the passive tone control work.... the reason I'm asking is sometimes I like a slight increase in bass and to roll off the the passive tone slightly.... well I've only ever been able to roll the tone off and increase the bass on my amp..... to be able to do it on my bass would be great.
Cheers.

I just tried out the Glock 3-band pre today and so far am very impressed. Dead quiet. Sounds virtually the same in passive vs. flat eq in active. Plenty of boost (esp. in the bass) and very versatile. I was considering the Ag OBP3 for those reasons, but the Glock looks like it'll be plenty for me.

To answer the above question, my sense is that, although not technically a passive roll-off when in active mode (not sure that's technologically possible), the treble on the Glock pre is set at 18khz, which is much higher than any other pre I've read about and could perhaps serve the roll-off purpose. It cuts and boosts the sparkle/shine aspect of the tone, from what I've experienced so far.

Good luck, DM

NreeK Jazz Bass · #37 07-04-2010, 05:55 PM

The other option I forgot about is the Sadowsky Onboard Preamp Kit with Vintage Tone Control.... Is this even in the same ballpark as Glock etc.?

emjazz · #38 07-04-2010, 06:00 PM

The Aguilar and the Sadowsky are more alike. The Sadowsky is very similar to the Aguilar OBP-1, where as the treble eq is higher on the OBP-3. Similar amounts of boost all around.

babebambi · #39 08-10-2010, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee-man

I just tried out the Glock 3-band pre today and so far am very impressed. Dead quiet. Sounds virtually the same in passive vs. flat eq in active. Plenty of boost (esp. in the bass) and very versatile. I was considering the Ag OBP3 for those reasons, but the Glock looks like it'll be plenty for me.

Dee-man, which pickup are you using with the Glock?
What bass is it on? can you tell a little more about the bass? and the tone you like vs. the tone you getting now?

I am also looking for a 3-band for a 5 string fretless overhaul, and the Aguilar and the Glock both looks very good. I am probably going for the SGD pickups.

darkstorm · #40 08-11-2010, 12:35 PM

Look at the center freqs and choices for those if choices given. Pick the one that gives best for you center freq's for the tone controls.