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Double Bass Best preamp/buffer for GK/Eden with old Kay 5 string

F

fcleffer

Apr 15, 2007
37
1
phoenix,hilo,austin,berkeley
#1
I am just now having a new ebony board installed on my vintage 3/4 Chubby Jackson 5 string with the high C. Also installing new bridge & nut, new Weichs, new post. Can't wait to pick it up this Friday. I'm used to running it through an '80s GK 200 MB with either a 4 ohm Eden D210T or a Bag End 12 as extension. I have an old Underwood, and intend to experiment with running one contact at a time. Lots of variables here, but would ask if there's anyone with similar values who can suggest a good place to start with a buffer/preamp. Looking for the big round notes not common to Underwood when used alone.
Thanks.
 
#3
While I don't think there's a "best," if you just want to warm up the sound of the Underwood a bit, the HPF-Pre from fdeck should help do that, plus it will give you very useful high pass filter and phase reverse capabilities. If you need even more control, the Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Bass adds 5-band EQ and a compressor. Both of these units have been discussed extensively in this forum. Do a search for more info on them. The HPF-Pre can be purchased directly from fdeck here: Invalid Link Removed.
 
#6
fcleffer said:
I am just now having a new ebony board installed on my vintage 3/4 Chubby Jackson 5 string with the high C. Also installing new bridge & nut, new Weichs, new post. Can't wait to pick it up this Friday. I'm used to running it through an '80s GK 200 MB with either a 4 ohm Eden D210T or a Bag End 12 as extension. I have an old Underwood, and intend to experiment with running one contact at a time. Lots of variables here, but would ask if there's anyone with similar values who can suggest a good place to start with a buffer/preamp. Looking for the big round notes not common to Underwood when used alone.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hello,
Well, that pre amp voicing on the 200MB is just great for Double Bass. One of the best ever IMHO. Frankly, the Underwood was designed ( I actually talked to Don Underwood once at great length about it) to have both of the elements in place for a balanced signal between the four strings, . It's not necessarily a pick up that will give you those "big round notes", depends on your bass. Bridge wing pickups usually give you clearer notes with more of the string sound and less of the resonant tone produced by the body of the bass. Using something like the HPF/Pre amp or the Fishman Pro Platinum EQ will get you closer, but I actually think a new pickup would be cheaper. It kinda depends on you're current finances. The Fishman Full Circle or a Realist will get you closer to those "big round notes".
Nice bass. The ebony board gives you a sharper attack and a little longer sustain. It will take several months before the post settles into place IMHO. Be patient with the Spirocores too cause they take a little while to settle down to. You're gonna want some kind of tuner around for about a month. You have a great amp and a great bass. Just needs something in the middle, so to speak.



Ric
 

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