Bart HR5.4 or Aguilar OBP-3TK

carvinbassplyr · #1 03-06-2013, 08:36 AM

Well, it's time to replace the preamp in my Tobias Classic V again. I was wondering if anyone here uses/used the Aguilar preamp with Bart pickups, or better yet in a Tobias? I put the HR5.4 in last time cause it was the "closest thing to the American MTD preamp" according to the guys at Bartolini. I like the 3 mid frequency selector of the Bart preamp > only 2 mid frequency selector on the Aguilar, but I'm open to trying new sounds since my Carvin already has a Bartolini HR5.4 in it. Thoughts?

testing1two · #2 03-06-2013, 09:56 AM

You should really check out the Mike Pope Flexcore preamp. http://www.michaelpopedesign.com/flexcore.html

Good reviews in the Roscoe sponsored forum: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f153/r...preamp-904233/

carvinbassplyr · #3 03-06-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testing1two

You should really check out the Mike Pope Flexcore preamp. http://www.michaelpopedesign.com/flexcore.html

Good reviews in the Roscoe sponsored forum: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f153/r...preamp-904233/

I have...very good stuff, but like twice the price lol. I really wish I could find the Demeter setup Terrance Palmer put into his Tobias when the TCT one died. He had it setup with toggle switch selectable frequencies on bass, mid AND treble! SO sick!

bongostealth · #4 03-06-2013, 10:49 AM

I would highly recommend a John East U-Retro Deluxe. They are pricey but you really do get what you pay for. They sound fantastic.

carvinbassplyr · #5 03-06-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongostealth

I would highly recommend a John East U-Retro Deluxe. They are pricey but you really do get what you pay for. They sound fantastic.

Very interesting stuff. I don't really care for the "floating" mid range frequency knobs though. To easy to bump and I don't like floating around looking for a frequency. If it was detented that would be killer!

testing1two · #6 03-06-2013, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carvinbassplyr

I have...very good stuff, but like twice the price lol. I really wish I could find the Demeter setup Terrance Palmer put into his Tobias when the TCT one died. He had it setup with toggle switch selectable frequencies on bass, mid AND treble! SO sick!

Demeter will customize his preamp if you want selectable frequencies. Originally that was how James Tyler spec'd them for his basses IIRC.

Also, you can add switches to the lo-mid and hi-mid of the Pope Flexcore and with a passive tone control you get two treble rolloffs as well.

In terms of cost, an extra $100 for such a substantial improvement on a high end bass like your Tobias Classic is a drop in the bucket IMHO. A worthwhile investment to say the least.

testing1two · #7 03-06-2013, 11:09 AM

Here's a Tyler with the Tyler spec Demeter pre. Seeing this reminded me how much I wish Tyler still made basses:

carvinbassplyr · #8 03-06-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testing1two

Demeter will customize his preamp if you want selectable frequencies.
In terms of cost, an extra $100 for such a substantial improvement on a high end bass like your Tobias Classic is a drop in the bucket IMHO. A worthwhile investment to say the least.

How do you go about building a preamp from him this way? I loved the setup on TP's Tobias and thought it just simply didn't exist anymore.

testing1two · #9 03-06-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carvinbassplyr

How do you go about building a preamp from him this way? I loved the setup on TP's Tobias and thought it just simply didn't exist anymore.

You'd have to call Demeter and have it built with the additional caps & switches. http://demeteramps.us/index.php?rout...&product_id=67

carvinbassplyr · #10 03-06-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testing1two

You'd have to call Demeter and have it built with the additional caps & switches. http://demeteramps.us/index.php?rout...&product_id=67

This is good news! Thanx for that info!