I have began dabbling into some DIY bass kits for fun. It is a 5 string dual soapbar setup. The only issue is the electronics are very low end, so I am upgrading the hardware and wiring. Right now I've got about $300 in the project with the kit, and replacing the tuners, bridge, and nut. Since this is a budget learning project, I decided not to buy high end PU replacements. I was able to grab a couple used Shecter passives for $30, so all that is left is wiring.
I initially thought that for simplicity, I would just do a basic passive wiring setup and be done with it. However, a lot of budget basses seem to have the setup of passive PUPs with active EQ, and I like the idea of it for this bass. The problem is that active EQ circuits available seem like they are all or nothing. You can either buy a questionable knock off for $15-20 kit from ebay/amazon/etc, or spend $200+ on a HQ namebrand kit. The cheap kit seems like it will be more headache than anything, and might be pretty crappy. Spending the big bucks on a name brand preamp circuit doesn't really jive with by budget spending on this project. So I have been hunting for options.
Then to my question. I have seen a few places that sell the unwired Bartolini preamp. Specifically, ProAudioLand currently lists it on reverb for $68. Bartolini's website has wiring diagrams, and they seem pretty straighforward. I am not certain if ProAudioLand will include the pots/battery clip/resistors/cap, but I can get those if needed. To me, this seems like solid option to get a solid preamp at a pretty good price. I really could not find anyone mentioning assembling this circuit themselves on here or anywhere else. Am I missing anything? Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this? I am attaching the wiring diagram for reference. Thank you!
I initially thought that for simplicity, I would just do a basic passive wiring setup and be done with it. However, a lot of budget basses seem to have the setup of passive PUPs with active EQ, and I like the idea of it for this bass. The problem is that active EQ circuits available seem like they are all or nothing. You can either buy a questionable knock off for $15-20 kit from ebay/amazon/etc, or spend $200+ on a HQ namebrand kit. The cheap kit seems like it will be more headache than anything, and might be pretty crappy. Spending the big bucks on a name brand preamp circuit doesn't really jive with by budget spending on this project. So I have been hunting for options.
Then to my question. I have seen a few places that sell the unwired Bartolini preamp. Specifically, ProAudioLand currently lists it on reverb for $68. Bartolini's website has wiring diagrams, and they seem pretty straighforward. I am not certain if ProAudioLand will include the pots/battery clip/resistors/cap, but I can get those if needed. To me, this seems like solid option to get a solid preamp at a pretty good price. I really could not find anyone mentioning assembling this circuit themselves on here or anywhere else. Am I missing anything? Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this? I am attaching the wiring diagram for reference. Thank you!
