Which pre-amp for my MTD Kingston Artist 5 Fretless?

Sean Baumann · #1 12-03-2007, 08:33 AM

Picked up a used Nordstrand MM5.2 for my MTD kingston 5 fretless. What pre-amp would be a good match?

wayshot · #2 12-05-2007, 03:51 PM

My fretless MTD Kingston Heir 5-string got upgraded with an Aguilar OBP-3 preamp by the previous owner. It brings out a good variety of sounds.

Sean Baumann · #3 12-05-2007, 04:13 PM

yeah that is the way I am leaning at the moment.

1kinal · #4 12-05-2007, 05:16 PM

I have an OBP-3 in my MTD Heir (also with nordstrand 5.2) and really like it. Keeps the modern side of MTD present.

On the other hand, I kind of like the bart preamp for a fretless. The nord 5.2 is very clear so I think it would work with the bart.

In between choice would be to go with the obp-1. More vintage sounding than the obp-3 while more clear than the bart. If you think the MTD bass sounds a little too modern for your taste, go with the obp-1.

Sean Baumann · #5 12-05-2007, 05:27 PM

Its a fretless, so I just want a ton of mwah and even string response.

BoneMachine · #6 02-06-2011, 02:41 AM

Sorry to bring this back from the dead...

I have a somewhat silly question: Can I install the OBP-3 in my kingston artist and still have the option to go passive? If yes, which version of the OBP-3 should I get? I figure the active-passive thing should be a push pull knob, but from what I see at the aguilar website, the OBP-3 only has one push pull knob (i.e. I would lose the midrange selection thingy).

Any ideas?
!
Thanks for your help!

edit: forgot to mention the bass is passive!

Gintaras · #7 02-06-2011, 03:14 PM

I just took my newly acquired 4 string Artist fretless to the luthier to have some neck leveling and the conversation came up about the pickup. In the MM pickup reviews this pickup got favorable reviews. I asked whether he could add a switch so he opened up the back to look at the wiring. It was not immediately apparent if we could put in a 3 way switch. While it is at the shop, he is going to remove the pickup and see if he can rewire it so that it can be used with a 3 way. I believe that he said that the objective is to have series, parallel and single coil. I mention all of this is because I was planning to add a preamp but going to take this avenue to see what will happen.