Onboard preamp question for Michael and Steve

[E.Z.]

Hi
It's great to have you guys available for advice.
I'm in the process of fixing my basses. And I'm happy to say that they are a Zon Sonus 4, and a Modulus Q5. So, you guys should be familiar with these.
My question has to do with preamps.
Steve, my ModulusQ5 ( Bubinga/alder) has Lane Poor soapbars, and a Bartolini 12v. 3 way active preamp which is failing. Is there a better preamp that I can install to get a better combination of warmth and cut? What would you suggest? have you experimented with your bass?
Michael, my Sonus 4 in a 1995 model solid ash, it has Bartolini Jazz size p'ups (don't know if single coil or double coil HB's. They are quiet ), and a Bart's 2 way preamp (stacked Vol/Vol and Treble/Bass). I changed the Wilkinson bridge to an ABM, and the tuners for Hipshot ultra lites, and I'm very happy with this. I want to upgrade the electronics too. Which Zon preamp do you feel would give me the most versatility? I want to enhance the cut , and growl, I feel the bass has a pretty warm tone overall.
Thanks for your time and best regards to you.

[Steve Lawson]

Hi EZ

I had the same combo in my Q6 until a couple of months ago, and now have a U-Retro in there instead - see www.j-retro.co.uk and also check out the J-retro forum at www.thedudepit.com - In short, I wouldn't want any other preamp in a bass of mine now... I'm going to get one in my Q4 ASAP. It's three band, sweepable mid, and with a really sweet presence push/pull on the treble control... I've got mine wired slightly differently to normal, in that I have a passive blend control, so that I can still use the pan control in passive mode. If you only ever run your bass active (or don't have a switch installed) then you can just go for the regular version. I seriously love the sound I get with this preamp - really clear, loads of options, highly recommended!

cheers

Steve
www.stevelawson.net

[E.Z.]

Thanks for your input, Steve. I'm going to check out the Retro preamp.
Let's see what Michael recommends for the Zon.

[Michael Manring]

E.Z.,

Zon has a new preamp circuit with a midrange select that is very cool. I'm sorry I don't know the model name, but I would certainly recommend it.

[E.Z.]

Thanks Michael, I'll call Zon to inquire about it.