Mike Pope and Roscoe

rc_1manband · #1 12-14-2009, 10:34 PM

So, I'm trying to go for a different sound with my Roscoe SKB 3005 and so Mike Pope preamp popped in my mind after a less than pleasurable experience with Demeter.

So...what are your thoughts on Mike Pope preamps, how would it work with a Roscoe SKB with bartolini pickups and, would it be worth the INVESTMENT?

emjazz · #2 12-15-2009, 03:55 PM

What do you want out of your Roscoe that you're not getting now?

rc_1manband · #3 12-16-2009, 04:38 PM

Just a some more clarity and a more solid bass register.

emjazz · #4 12-16-2009, 08:17 PM

I'm not sure what you mean by "a more solid bass register". To what you've mentioned, if you didn't like the Demeter than another preamp in the "clean and clear" category isn't going to do it. What are the other specs on your bass?...the woods? Thus far I'd suggest trying different pickups....maybe the Bartolini Class Bass pickups.

ddnidd1 · #5 12-17-2009, 07:30 AM

You might want to check out the Aguilar preamps. I've installed those in my Roscoes and am really pleased with the low end. Focused and beefy.

J.Wolf · #6 12-17-2009, 07:42 AM

IMO, the demeter has plenty of low end, but its a clear and warm low end, and IIRC the freq point on the Demeter is pretty low. Maybe you are wanting more low low mids, in which case, the Aguilar OBP3 might be a good option.. The OBP3 has huge and aggressive low end, that seems to grunt and snarl more than other pre's in that tonal range, and pushes the low mids a bit more to achieve that. If I'm wrong, somebody please correct me..

but really, would have to know more about what wasn't working with the demeter for you.. Like Andy (emjazz) says, if you aren't diggin the Demeter, not sure the Pope is the right track to be on since its another flavor of warm and clear.. That said, for warm and clear, Mike Pope's pre's are the shiz!

Lincoln · #7 12-17-2009, 08:02 AM

It's the Barts...and possibly the pickup placement.

My Clement has Barts in them and even with a Swamp Ash body, Maple neck and ebony fretboard, I'm missing out on that Marcus Miller slap beef...

Love the feel of my Clement and I really like the clean sound of Glockenklang pre, but IMO it's the Barts. My Clement sounds alot like a Bart equipped Roscoe....

I'm looking into Nordies...

CrashClint · #8 12-17-2009, 10:08 AM

If it has the standard Roscoe Barts, you are not going to get that hi-fi clarity. I have a Demeter in my SKB and have Bart Classics in it right now and it sounds nice. As soon as my modified Nord DCs come back from Carey they are going back in and they will give me a very defined low and low mid with nice clean highs.

I would see if someone has a used set of Bart Classics they will sell or allow you to try out.

rc_1manband · #9 12-17-2009, 07:56 PM

I actually have Roscoe Barts and Aguilar OBP-3. I decided to change the pickups to see if it will open up some more and give me that "solid" sound I'm seeking. I was trying to order a Demeter pre but he was being a little "tougher" than I would like.

rc_1manband · #10 12-17-2009, 07:58 PM

Guess you guys will be seeing a F/S for some Bart P4s soon.

emjazz · #11 12-17-2009, 08:10 PM

I figured you were talking about Demeter as a company...they're a pia. I sure do love their preamps though.

J.Wolf · #12 12-17-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rc_1manband

I actually have Roscoe Barts and Aguilar OBP-3. I decided to change the pickups to see if it will open up some more and give me that "solid" sound I'm seeking. I was trying to order a Demeter pre but he was being a little "tougher" than I would like.

I didn't realize you were using an OBP3, in that case, perhaps some different pickups are the way to go. +1 on Bart Classics or Nordies.

Too bad Adam isn't still at Demeter, he was great to deal with. Their is stuff is amazing.

CrashClint · #13 12-18-2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rc_1manband

I actually have Roscoe Barts and Aguilar OBP-3. I decided to change the pickups to see if it will open up some more and give me that "solid" sound I'm seeking. I was trying to order a Demeter pre but he was being a little "tougher" than I would like.

Yeah, you have to purchase the stacked pot and send it to James so he can install it and test the unit. It is best if you deal with Diane, you get much better customer service. James has a brilliant mind, but lacks the people skills.

J.Wolf · #14 12-18-2009, 08:02 AM

still trying to figure out how you can be running an OBP-3 and wanting "more solid bass register".

If that pre got any thicker and fatter sounding, I think it would basically be unusable

thepontif · #15 12-18-2009, 01:34 PM

Thick and fat is not necessarily "solid" by my estimation. In fact, it might be perceived as just the opposite.

J.Wolf · #16 12-18-2009, 02:56 PM

True that Mike. I guess I meant that the OBP-3 would be a fair reccomendation IMO for someone looking for a more "solid" sound from their Bart equipped Roscoe ( I incorrectly assumed he had a Bart preamp). I took "solid" to mean thicker, stronger, and thats how I hear the OBP-3.

what is it they say about talking about sound?

thepontif · #17 12-18-2009, 03:20 PM

I think it's something like, "talking about MUSIC is a lot like dancing about architecture". But I get your point!

If the corner frequency of the bass filter is too high it can give the impression of "big" but in the end it often winds up making the low end very opaque which will can bury all the other stuff in a mix in that register.

IMO it's like the difference between 10's and 12's. I did a gig once where I was given a UL410 to use and I simply couldn't do the gig with it. It was LOUD, but the lack of extended low end (actual fundamental) made it unusable without the addition of a UL115. It was eveident to everyone...not just me. The following year I did the same gig, same artist, same room, same amp, same bass but I used a UL212 and that was the only cabinet I needed. I believe that is because there's less artificial focus on that upper bass register that you tend to get with 10's. A lot of preamps have the same problem...IMO. Accentuated upper bass to create "impact" (for sales a lot of times) which winds up not being usable in a real-world setting.

That's what I think anyway.

J.Wolf · #18 12-18-2009, 05:00 PM

I see what you're saying Mike, that makes things clearer (no pun intended). I actually just picked up a UL410 and can see where you're coming from with your analogy. As much as I like it, I'm just a 12's guys at the end of the day, basically because I feel I get more focus and articulation in the midrange areas that works for me with 12" speakers.

Just curious, can you be more specific about the frequency range you're referring to when you talk about "upper bass"?

Also, are you saying that to get a more "solid bottom" you would want to boost the bass below that "upper bass" range (or cut the upper bass)?

thanks, sorry to derail this thread

Jake

rc_1manband · #19 12-18-2009, 11:11 PM

No derailment. Everybody has an ear for different stuff. I've heard bassists who are in love with sound and I was not a fan, so there is not a true standard for sound.

I've been told that I got for the bright end of the spectrum but still with each frequency getting the correct voicing. That's what I'm looking for with my Roscoe and didn't get that fully. It was actually thick and I didn't find the midrange as friendly as I'm used to.

Anyway, you guys know how to explain the technicalities of sound. I can hear it better than I can articulate it.

Bear with me...LOL