Bartolini HR 2.2 Preamp w/ Darkstar

blendermassacre · #1 11-18-2009, 01:16 AM

Has anyone done this? I just got a darkstar fenderbird, and I was thinking of some more tonal options, and this is one of the only preamps that I've found for a single pup / two hole (because the body is already drilled for v/t)

Some clips of the pre amp would be great.

davecanady · #2 11-18-2009, 10:28 AM

I just installed the Bartolini HR-4.5 to fit my 4 nob Ibanez system. I love the new tones. I'm running at 9v because this bass doesn't have room for the second battery.

The new range of tone adjustment is huge and the volume is 10% louder than prior.... and that's with a 9 volts.

If your tone chip is anything like the one in my harness, I think you'll be pleased. Good Luck.

Barfy · #3 01-12-2010, 11:27 PM

You can install a preamp on a Darkstarred bass without causing your amp to immediately catch fire?

I thought Darkstars were obscenely huge passive monsters in no need of extra active boost. Or is it more a matter of expanding the tone? (I'm also under the impression that a Darkstar has as much tonal variation as a passive PU can possibly have.) Because if you're trying to add oomph, I figure that's like spritzing a habanero pepper with Tabasco.

Forgive my ignorance on matters electronic. But I've been interested in building a Darkstarred bass, and I've wondered if it was even conceivable to install a pre-amp along with it.

Bootzilla · #4 01-13-2010, 03:05 AM

Maybe it's better to use your amp or an external preamp for different tones because darkstars are already very loud and you might ruin the great passive sound it has.