Piezo Buffers/Preamps

[HaMMerHeD]

Greetings.

I am building a bass featuring a hipshot bridge with GraphTech ghost saddles (as well as two EMG 35TW pickups). I am currently trying to decide which piezo buffer to use: The Bartolini MBP2-918 and the GraphTech Acousti-Phonic for bass.

From Bartolini, the only information they give on the MBP2 is "Magnetic and Piezo (dual) buffer - flat frequency response (no low freq. boost) on the piezo side - prewired adjustable gain trim pot on the magnetic side - 9 volt or 18 volt."

GraphTech has rather a lot more information.

After the piezo buffer, the signal is going into an Aguilar OBP3-TK/PP, then to the output jack.

My question is: Does anyone have experience with either of these piezo pre-amps and is willing to share experiences or opinions?

This will be my first experience with a piezo bridge and buffer, so...be gentle.

[FBB Custom]

I have used both. I've gotten good results from both.

The MPB has two inputs and two outputs, so you'll be passively blending the mags with 250k controls before it hits the buffer, then you'll be blending piezo and mag outs before it hits the Aggie. They provide a 25k blend, I think, which may or may not make sense for your setup. It's a fine unit, but I'm not sure when Bartolini updated the design last...

I'd probably get the Acousti-Phonic setup if I were you. It's a nice setup and has been developed with the piezo elements in your bridge in mind. It's a pretty easy install and Graph Tech was very easy to get in touch with. Call them and tell them what your setup is. It's also a modular setup so there are a couple of gizmos you can easily add later if you decide you want them.

[HaMMerHeD]

Cool, thanks.