American Deluxe Precision Preamp Options

JFN · #1 06-10-2009, 02:28 PM

I recently picked up a used American Deluxe P Bass, a 2005 model with 18 volt preamp, P pup and dual J pup at the bridge. I am finding the preamp to be a bit harsh sounding and am considering replacement options.

By way of background, I have been migrating away from J style basses to P style basses over the last year. Half my P’s have flats, the others rounds. All are passive except this one. My goal for this bass was to have one instrument where I could get a bit more modern sound, get that classic soloed bridge J pup tone, and also switch to a reasonable approximation (in a mix anyway) of a straight conventional P bass.

Having read this forum, I am considering replacing the preamp with something of a two-band variety with a passive tone control. The leading candidates would seem to be Sadowsky and Audere. I would not like to get too far away from a passive sound, and love the control I get from a passive tone knob.

I would love to hear some feedback, comparisons, suggestions regarding these two preamps for the type of bass I have and the type of tone goals I have. Thanks everyone for your help.

John

RickenBoogie · #2 06-10-2009, 03:09 PM

I don't have much for you, but I've got the same bass, it's the ONLY active bass i've ever had, so I have little to compare it to. But, I do get what you mean about it being a bit harsh. I've strung mine with flats, and rarely use anything but a slight mid bump, sounds more "normal" to me now. Good luck.

JFN · #3 06-12-2009, 03:38 PM

Bump for more comments.

unclekebm · #4 06-12-2009, 03:43 PM

I made my 05 Am P Deluxe passive, sounds great!

Ric5 · #5 06-12-2009, 03:44 PM

I like the Audere 4 band preamp a lot and the j-retro is good as well. Suprisingly some of the cheap 3 band preamps on ebay sound pretty good as well.

JFN · #6 06-12-2009, 03:46 PM

That's why I'm leaning towards the Sadowsky pre with the VTC circuit. I could do passive with tone control and/or active.

aproud1 · #7 06-12-2009, 03:53 PM

Had one and put an Aguilar OBP-3 in it and it sounded great. Also shielded around the pickups but always had some hard to hear but there hi frequency noise from the rear pickup. Had lots of noise and was unhappy with the sound with the stock electronics. Very happy with the Aguilar.

Miss that bass.

aproud1 · #8 06-12-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFN

That's why I'm leaning towards the Sadowsky pre with the VTC circuit. I could do passive with tone control and/or active.

Put a Sadowsky pre in my EDB555 and it is killer!

Crockettnj · #9 06-13-2009, 06:00 PM

I had and LOVED that bass. Got mine for a great price new, and then someone got it for free from me one night while I slept.

It still bugs me.

(yours doesnt have a couple nicks on the back of the neck around the 4th-8th frets, huh?)

bongomania · #10 06-13-2009, 06:18 PM

I put a Sadowsky in the ADPV that I had, with great results. The only thing "wrong" with it is some P lovers like the inherent hump in the low mids, and the Sad pre kind of works against that. But the tone was great in its own "modern bass" way.