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Considering an onboard preamp...

C

cssbass

Jun 15, 2011
58
1
Connecticut
#1
I'm thinking about getting an onboard preamp for my '09 American passive Jazz. What are your recommendations within these criteria: One volume and one blend, three bands, works even with dead battery, $350 max.:help:
Also, what do you think of boost vs. boost/cut. Is it even worth getting a preamp at all?
 
#2
My two favorites are the Pope Flex Core and the Aguilar OBP-3. The Pope is 4-band and comparatively "uncolored." The Aguilar has a little warmer inherent tone. Both are very versatile. Both are also a fairly easy install - IF your cavity is deep enough. The cavity on a jazz bass doesn't have to be too deep if you have a separate battery compartment. Since yours is a passive bass, I don't think there's enough room in the cavity for both the preamp and a battery, so you'd probably need someone to rout a battery compartment in the back.

Each can be configured with an active/passive switch or push/pull on the volume knob. The pope is about $300 or $385 installed. The Aguilar is about $150 in a kit, pre-wired.

Boost/cut is the way to go.
 
#4
I really didn't like the Aguilar OBP-3 that was in my Lull. I mean, it did sound good all alone but in a band context? Disappeared in the mix to the point where the bass was unusable to me in live settings. I switched it out for a Sadowsky pre and couldn't be happier. If I couldn't go with the Sadowsky I'd probably look at Bartolini.
 
#5
bass12 said:
I really didn't like the Aguilar OBP-3 that was in my Lull. I mean, it did sound good all alone but in a band context? Disappeared in the mix to the point where the bass was unusable to me in live settings. I switched it out for a Sadowsky pre and couldn't be happier. If I couldn't go with the Sadowsky I'd probably look at Bartolini.
Click to expand...

Except he wants 3-band EQ.
 
#12
Cutting frequencies shouldn't frighten you. They can be your best friend especially when compensating for room modes (certain frequencies that are louder than others because of room acoustics and shape). Not to mention more veracity in tone.

I'm a fan of the Bartolini NTBM 3 band $145.00-170.00 depending on knob configuration.

Tedward
 
#13
cssbass said:
Those were just some preliminary thoughts. I really don't know very much about these and just want whatever works best. Although I am pretty sure I don't want any cut (just boost). The thought of cutting frequencies just frightens me for some reason. But 3 band does sound preferable
Click to expand...

Sometimes cutting is the best way to get good tone.
 
#14
Unrepresented said:
I own a J-Retro that I installed on my passive Jazz. In terms of ease of install it's a winner. It's three band, sweepable mids, and an ultra high pull pot.
Click to expand...

I just pulled out the Bass for the Cure (pink Lakland JO5) tonight, and recall why "Retro" is in the name of the East preamp. Not real crisp. With a little futzing around with it I got a decent tone for country western. I prefer the Pope and Aguilar over it by a considerable margin.

Anyway, the battery just barely fits in the cavity of that bass.
 
#15
Munjibunga said:
I just pulled out the Bass for the Cure (pink Lakland JO5) tonight, and recall why "Retro" is in the name of the East preamp. Not real crisp. With a little futzing around with it I got a decent tone for country western. I prefer the Pope and Aguilar over it by a considerable margin.

Anyway, the battery just barely fits in the cavity of that bass.
Click to expand...

I think "retro" is in the name for the retrofit function.;)

I can't compare it to other jazz preamps as it's the only one I have installed in mine. I bought it for the ease of install and eq versatility.
 
#16
Unrepresented said:
I think "retro" is in the name for the retrofit function.;)

I can't compare it to other jazz preamps as it's the only one I have installed in mine. I bought it for the ease of install and eq versatility.
Click to expand...

I've installed a bunch of Popes - very easy, but pay attention. I just put an Aguilar OBP-2 in an SX 6-string. Also easy, but tight on space. The preamp module would fit only under the volume knob. All the other pots went too deep and there wasn't enough space under them for the module or battery.
 
#17
I’ve got a Glock 2-band in my Squier... it is a very clean sounding pre... the stock preamp coloured the sound way too much (and that blasted “slap switch”... YUK! )
It was an easy install and I am very satisfied with it.

Also, the passive/active option with a passive tone-roll off (in passive mode) is a nice feature... makes the bass act as a different beast in this mode.
 
#18
The J-Retro is everything you're looking for. "Retro" does refer to retrofitting in a stock Jazz. Very easy to install and the new ones don't even need soldering. I wouldn't ever be without one again...had mine for six years now. :) $300.
 

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