Is this StingRay preamp stock?

Senator · #1 10-07-2011, 11:46 PM

Just wondering if this preamp circuit board is stock or aftermarket.

ex-tension · #2 10-08-2011, 05:19 AM

It's not an aftermarket but doesn't look stock anymore. It's a damaged, modified preamp.

An original one looks like this:

Senator · #3 10-08-2011, 03:06 PM

Thank you.

SGD Lutherie · #4 10-09-2011, 11:35 AM

Those are clearly two different revisions of the preamp. Look at the cutout on the second picture. That also looks like it says "I-89" while the first one says "I-90".

I think the first preamp might be stock, but it also looks like someone was scraping on the circuit board, perhaps to clear some shorts?

Rano Bass · #5 10-09-2011, 07:26 PM

It looks to be stock but modded for some reason.

Cory · #6 10-09-2011, 08:05 PM

My vote is modded on a stock board as well. I don't ever remember seeing any the the 3 EQ pre's with parts on both sides. None of mine look like that one.......

I'm wondering if someone tried to change the EQ freqs or centers on the pre??

SGD Lutherie · #7 10-09-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cory

I'm wondering if someone tried to change the EQ freqs or centers on the pre??

That would't be the way to do it. You would have to change 3 caps, not add resistors.

Looking at the photos here: PRE-AMPS AND PUPS - Musicmanbass.org, Music Man, Musicman, Music Man Bass, Musicman Bass, Music Man Guitar

makes me think its not a standard preamp. I've seen some odd stuff in Musicman basses over the years, such as a prototype Stingray with a closed pickup cover that had double small rod magnets like on a Jazz bass.

Caca de Kick · #8 10-10-2011, 02:25 AM

Looks to me that someone converted a 3eq board to be a 2eq board. They cut off the end held the 'bass' pot.

SGD Lutherie · #9 10-10-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

Looks to me that someone converted a 3eq board to be a 2eq board. They cut off the end held the 'bass' pot.

I think you are correct! That would explain the resistors.

Senator · #10 10-10-2011, 11:41 AM

Right on! Thanks for all of the replies, everyone!

Caca de Kick · #11 10-10-2011, 11:43 AM

The big question is; is it in your bass? If so, how does it sound?

Senator · #12 10-10-2011, 12:06 PM

I bought it detached while the bass was wired passive. The previous owner said it didn't work well. I don't remember if he said he got it modded or if the owner before him did. It has 3 push-pull knobs and an on-off-on switch. I don't recall any comments on how it sounded.

I just called customer service and they said I could get a 3-band EQ replacement.

The mod is intriguing, though. Can people actually convert 3-band EQs to 2-band EQs successfully?

SGD Lutherie · #13 10-10-2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator

The mod is intriguing, though. Can people actually convert 3-band EQs to 2-band EQs successfully?

You can remove the midrange control and hard wire it for a flat setting, or even a boost or cut. But you can't make the 3 band exactly like the 2 band because they are very different circuit designs. It will be 2 band, but won't sound like the real 2-band preamp.

Senator · #14 10-10-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

You can remove the midrange control and hard wire it for a flat setting, or even a boost or cut. But you can't make the 3 band exactly like the 2 band because they are very different circuit designs. It will be 2 band, but won't sound like the real 2-band preamp.

Got it.

If I like the 3-band preamp and the Stingray sound overall, I'll look into the 2-band preamp that you sell.