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ACG preamp or John east U retro

K

kpolki

Jul 7, 2011
13
0
#1
I am about ready to purchase a new pre amp for my new build. I have narrowed it down to ACG or a John East U retro. It will be paired with nordstrand pickups PJ config np5 and nj5. I generaly like the traditional fender type sound of a P and a J but would like the flexability of different tones that these pre amps seem to offer.
Having read all the threads I can find on these pre amps ACG sounds awesome but would I loose those traditional fender tones with this pre, would it colour the sound to much ? or could I dial in a good ol P and J sound ?
Whats the differences between the two ?
Which model ?
Thanks guys
Im not much of a tech head so take it easy on me.
 
#2
I have a J-Retro in my Lakland JO5, and it seems to keep the Fender tones with additional versatility. I don't know anything about ACG preamps - never heard of 'em. I'm really big on Mike Pope Flex Core preamps right now, with one in my Sadowsky Metro UV70 and one in my Lakland 55-94. They are the most versatile preamps (out of Aguilar, Bartolini, East, Yamaha, Sadowsky and others) I've found, but may not be vintagey enough for you.

<edit> Ahhh ... ACG/East. OK.
 
#3
I'm a huge fan of the ACG/East preamp but in your case I'd probably go with something different. It is a hugely versatile preamp with lots of tonal flexibility, but it's also not traditional and has a learning curve.

If you're really digging traditional Fender tones, between the two you listed I'd go with the U-Retro (or J-Retro).

Of course, there are other options that will be fairly transparent. The Pope pre as Munji mentioned is one. Audere is another. Of course, you could also check out the Nordstrand pre to pair with your proposed pickups.

If you want traditional fender tones using the ACG they are easy to get. Just open both LPFs all the way with the overshoot peaks at zero and the HPF all the way open with the boost at zero. Then just pan between the pickups.

For more of a vintage vibe roll the LPF back just a touch and add a bit of boost.

What most preamps give you is a simple way to boost your signal at preset frequencies. Bump your mids a bit to fit the room or boost the bass & treble a bit for slap tones etc. These sorts of small changes are not as easy on the ACG pre. Where it excels is in giving your bass an entirely different sound altogether.

I could be wrong, but I think a transparent 3 band EQ would work better for you.
 
#4
Ok, thanks for the replies, I think I am leaning towards the ACG pre as I am very curious and I really want something different but still be able to get a good P and J sound . If I dont like it I can swap it into my other bass an all bart set up, or into my next build a fretless.
As for the U retro is it a filter type Pre like the ACG ? In other words does it sound closer to the ACG or all the others ? In the end I could get both as one will go into a new build anyway but that wont be for another year at least and I will have to live with my first buy untill then.
Any input welcome.
 

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