What preamp do you recommend me for change?

sv_heavymetal · #1 08-27-2010, 12:49 PM

Hello, my language is Spanish, but I know a little about English so I'm gonna try to be precise. I've got a problem with my Ibanez SR506 NT, it has a varidmid 3 band EQ preamp and it gives low level in the output. I always put the middle knob on the top because if I dial it down ( I don't know how explain in English) the sound decreases a lot. And if I move the Master Volume's knob down the volume decreases a lot, too. I know the VariMid is old and I know I must change it. What preamp do you recommend me for change?

In other forums I read it may be a pickups problem, but I think it's the preamp. The battery is new, I measured it with the tester and it's OK.

Can the option be to choose a Bartolini preamp?

Sorry for my English again... But I had to post here because in Spanish forums I didn't find a efficient answer.

Thanks Bass Players

darkstorm · #2 08-27-2010, 07:14 PM

I dont like bart preamps myself, their center freqs are not to my liking. I went with Basslines by Seymour Duncan instead. Since they have the center freqs I require and very reasonable price.

peterchui23 · #3 08-29-2010, 10:42 AM

I have a Ibanez SR with VariMid, too. I am sure it is the preamp that makes the low output....
Also, I have a Fender Deluxe Precision & I changed the preamp to the Bartolini preamp which is with the bass & treble only. I found it better than the stock Fender preamp that provide very good boost of the bass & treble, and clarity. The only point that I like to highlight is there is no tone pot in passive mode. I played with the active mode only.

Vakmere · #4 08-29-2010, 10:53 AM

Is there a gain trim pot on the pre itself? If so adjust it clockwise and then play it. See if there is any better results , if not there could very well be a failure begining to happen in your circuitry.

MarTONEbass · #5 08-29-2010, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vakmere

Is there a gain trim pot on the pre itself? If so adjust it clockwise and then play it. See if there is any better results , if not there could very well be a failure begining to happen in your circuitry.

+1, it might be a small blue square with a round white center, if you find it, try to turn it up. I wonder if you can just add another battery to make it 18 volt and increase the volume/headroom?