J-Retro, on or off?

NickyBass · #1 09-06-2006, 06:15 AM

I was considering a J-retro preamp, but I really don't want to monkey with my bass. I bought it because I liked the tone. However, it could use a better slap tone, so I started thinking about active preamps. Would the J-Retro stomp box sound the same as their onboard preamp? What are some other good pedals that will give be a nicer slap tone?

brandonwong · #2 09-06-2006, 06:43 AM

John East did mentioned that the stompbox version has more db gain(bass and treble). Otherwise they are the same.

I should think this is the most versatile preamp pedal with its sweepable mids and bright switch.
I think Richard Bona is using one of these for his passive Fodera Imperial.

NickyBass · #3 09-06-2006, 07:10 AM

Thanks for the info. How does this preamp compare to a preamp section on my amp? I'm using an Eden WT-550 right now, and was wondering if the J-Retro pedal would act differently than the Eden. All this is new to me. I've been a tube amp, flatwound guy for many years, so everything was cut and dry...just treble, mid, bass, and volume. Now I want to get into new techniques (slapping mainly) and different sounds.

brandonwong · #4 09-06-2006, 07:43 AM

If you are already running it thru your Eden and comfortably using the EQ section of it, i do not see much use of the outboard preamp unless you do not like the Eden's EQ section.

I personally prefer an active bass or an outboard EQ preamp mainly becos i like to set amps flat. This is becos i don't lug my personal amp around to do gigs and thus dunno what i'm gonna get in each individual gig. The outboard preamp to the amp and also to the main board gives me the sound i want with minor adjustments to (any) amp i get.

Hope this helps.