Kern IP-777 Bass Guitar Preamp -- $695
I've decided that it's finally time for me to sell my incredible Kern IP-777 preamp. I'm just not playing enough to keep as much equipment as I have, and this preamp is massive overkill for the wedding receptions and hotel ballroom stuff that I still occasionally play.
Many of you know about these wonderful-sounding pre's. For those of you who don't, you can find out more by searching TB or googling. My pre is in excellent condition. It has the wall-wart power supply, which Les assured me is better for reducing noise.
I sent this preamp back to the designer, Les Plopa, a year or so ago to address a noise issue. He gave the unit a complete bench-check, replaced the rectifier and installed hand-selected tubes and shields. It has sounded fabulous since I got it back. Everything works perfectly. The DI is low-noise, the LED's all function correctly, etc.
I love the way you can go from a "fatter than Alembic F-1X" tone to a "faster than Demeter VTBP-201s" tone with just a turn of the "Tonal Balance" control. The other controls are all voiced for maximum musicality. Really an amazing preamp! Here are some pictures (the chair is NOT included):