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Bass preamp. What should I buy?
- Thread starter BernatTC
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- bass preamp buy preamp
This right here. It's on my immediate to-buy list as soon as I done dealing with some other expenses. Super quick to dial in clean tones and, as I've experienced with my own tests of DI type pedals over the years, I didn't fight with it. I've used a version I of the SansAmp BDDI and getting just a clean and controllable tone with its flaws (yes, it has many) has been difficult. I'm downgrading the BDDI to a drive only pedal and the Mesa will be my main tone control and DI (post-eq) to the FOH and back to my ears.
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My Bongo 4H works great through my Moen Buffalo Bass DI.
I bought it as a cheap pre/DI to leave at a weekly and it was okay/fine with my P bass and 2band Ray (didnt overly impress compared to my Mark Bass Super Booster/DI or my Sans Amp in that setting)
Recently tried it with my Bongo and it is a great combo...doesn't really overdrive much but the high gain sound is clean and fat. I love having the semi para mid control too. Inexpensive, but well built and it is now permanently in my bag.
Gigged with it on Saturday in front of the house provided radial...sounded great and plays well with other pedals. Can also use it as a headphone amp.
I am going to start a thread about it, come to think of it.
I want to try one of these....I have a bottomless love for bass di/pre pedals..just too many tempting options right now....must resist...
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Yep...those look like fantastic points for live use in particular...darnit...more gas
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Suncoast HD3 "Dumble" Bass Preamp
100% Tube preamp path utilizing two hand selected - JJ 12AX7's.
100% Tube preamp path utilizing two hand selected - JJ 12AX7's.
I would get a Zoom MS60b, and a decent DI. Probably under $200 if you buy used. LOTS of tonal opportunities, plus FX and a tuner if you need ‘em!
The hartke bass attack 2 would be a good choice for your playing style. the eq is quite versatile and has a shape control which can add more character to the clean sounds. it does however have an overdrive section, but you can just use it as a regular clean preamp. the same will go to the darkglass b7k ultra and the vintage ultra(that is if money's no option).
I see nothing but positive Radial comments on TB...their DIs get more mention than the BB perhaps...but have never read a single criticism. The original BB did seem more aimed at doublers (imho) maybe that contributes? (There was also a time when their featured artists in advertising did seem to be the 'hit list' of endorsers...sans Sklar...so perhaps folks had a jaundiced eye)
....I may be Aussie, but the fact I have never laid eyes on this beast is criminal. Just checked it on the 'Tube. It's right up my alley! Limiter? 12AX7s? No hideous baked-in tone? Yes please!
From the land outside the current box...an Avalon U5.
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If I were putting together a rack rig, this pre would be the one. I always liked the Joe Meek VC6, but the U5 is just IT. Made a believer out of me.
What are the two mid points via switch? Otherwise seems way to on point (sans tuner)
Usually I'm a Sansamp Bass Driver guy (I use the Deluxe version) but IMO it has a particular mid scooped sound which can colour the sound too much and you may lose the personal caracther ot your bass.
Not sure what association Dumble has with Suncoast, but Dumble makes some of the most sort after guitar amps on the planet.
If you want something simple that can retain your natural bass sound but add just a little bit of color, the MXR M81 preamp is a good starting point. There are many preamp/di options out there. Try as many as you can or if not possible, do some youtube watching of demos.
