How do I know which preamp will work with my bass?

[JoshuaTSP]

I'm a n00b....let's start there.

I have a Phillips bulldog that I'd like to experiment with some new pickups and/or preamps.....

How do I know which will work/fit?

I love the bass but aren't too happy with the "zingy" tonally quality it has. Plus the Blend pot is wonky.....(scratchy and acts funny)



http://www.phillipsguitars.com/guita...s.html#bulldog

[line6man]

Which preamps will work/fit in what context?

You pretty much pick a preamp in the configuration you want and put it in.
Electronically most things will work fine, provided you have passive pickups. Tonally, it's hard to say what a preamp will sound like paired with the bass.

What preamps were you interested in?
What kind of configuration did you want?

[JoshuaTSP]

Originally Posted by line6man

Which preamps will work/fit in what context?

You pretty much pick a preamp in the configuration you want and put it in.
Electronically most things will work fine, provided you have passive pickups. Tonally, it's hard to say what a preamp will sound like paired with the bass.

What preamps were you interested in?
What kind of configuration did you want?

First off, if they fit mechanically....hate to buy something and have it not fit properly.

The site says it has: "Active soapbar pickups with + or - 15 db bass and treble cut or boost"

I know nothing about preamps and pickups?

I'd like something a little less synthetic if at all possible......and less of a higher end zing? Maybe the zing makes it sound synthetic to me?

I normally play a Jazz bass, so something similar to that, but active....

[dmusic148]

You'd better call or email them about the pickups. Ask if they're really 'active pickups' (unusual) or ordinary pickups with a seperate preamp (much more common). Reason being, if they in fact ARE active pickups, they'll need replacing. If they are passive with a preamp, you can replace just the preamp with any number of different ones. Look inside the back cavity- do you see a circuit board?

[JoshuaTSP]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

You'd better call or email them about the pickups. Ask if they're really 'active pickups' (unusual) or ordinary pickups with a seperate preamp (much more common). Reason being, if they in fact ARE active pickups, they'll need replacing. If they are passive with a preamp, you can replace just the preamp with any number of different ones. Look inside the back cavity- do you see a circuit board?

I just shot him an email.

I've looked inside, and saw a small black box with wires coming out of it?

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

I just shot him an email.

I've looked inside, and saw a small black box with wires coming out of it?

Aha- that's almost certainly the preamp. Just to be sure wait for the reply. If it is, you can easily replace it with any other brand- they will all 'fit.'

[JoshuaTSP]

If the pickups are passive, what's a good natural sounding preamp?

I know the big one is the Aguilar

I'd assume my Bulldog is bright naturally....with maple neck and swamp ash body??

[line6man]

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

First off, if they fit mechanically....hate to buy something and have it not fit properly.

I highly doubt that you would have an issue with that.
Preamps take up very little space, so just about anything should fit depending on your cavity space.

[line6man]

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

I've looked inside, and saw a small black box with wires coming out of it?

That's the preamp...

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

I'd assume my Bulldog is bright naturally....with maple neck and swamp ash body??

Does it sound that way unplugged?

[JoshuaTSP]

Thanks for the help!

I would say it sounds punchy unplugged.....punchy with a twang......

[dmusic148]

You know, you might just want to try nickel strings if you haven't already. Not quite as bright, a bit stronger midrange instead, compared to pure steel strings.

[JoshuaTSP]

Pretty sure that's what I have on there now....

[FuzzBoxVoodoo]

When Im playing nickel strings for long sets my finger tips are black.

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

Pretty sure that's what I have on there now....