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G&L MFD L-series: too hot for active preamp?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by nonconformist, Jun 20, 2020.

  1. Jun 20, 2020 #1
    nonconformist

    nonconformist Guest

    Mar 1, 2008
    Hi TB,

    Considering throwing the MFDs into a custom bass project, but most of what I've read thus far indicate that they are likely overwhelming for any onboard preamp with boost capabilities, hence their unique electronics package in the L-series instruments.

    The M-series with 12% reduction in winding just might be the better option... but I don't want to lose that sound! Then again, I don't want to force someone to reverse engineer the unique package of an L-series; I might as well just buy a G&L at that point...

    Any comments? Have you have combined the L-series MFDs with a different preamp to good results?
     
  2. Jun 20, 2020 #2
    Torrente Cro

    Torrente Cro

    Sep 5, 2013
    Croatia
    I have G&L 2500 and it is the only bass that I don't play with tone full open.
    These pickups are so powerful that you have to use both bass and treble cut or it just doesn't sound good. I don't see any use in boosting bass or treble.
    It's not exactly what you've asked, but I hope it helps.
     
  3. Jun 20, 2020 #3
    TomB

    TomB Supporting Member

    Aug 24, 2007
    Vermont
    You also don’t need to open MFD volume pots all the way either. Use them like a gain control to hit the preamp the desired amount. I usually run them passive at about 50-75%.
     
  4. Jun 20, 2020 #4
    eastcoasteddie

    eastcoasteddie

    Mar 24, 2006
    Brooklyn, transplanted to NoVA
    When I got my L2500, I didn’t understand how the “preamp“ worked because I only have had experience with standard preamps like the Stingray I had at the same time and a Peavey DynaBass before that. After about 6 months of use, I brought it to Rudy’s Music and they put a Pensa preamp in it, 2-band boost-only.
    I used it that way for 20 years and have just switched back to the original preamp 2 years ago. I only used it as a bass-boost in Parallel mode and bass on 0 in Series. They installed a center-detente treble pot, and I mostly kept it centered. (I recently tried this preamp in a Jazz bass and it almost has too much treble at 0)
    I actually likes how the L2500 sounds passive, and the L-series “preamp” is more like a gain boost and treble boost.
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2020
    TomB likes this.
  5. Jun 20, 2020 #5
    Domespeed

    Domespeed

    Oct 7, 2010
    Germany
    I use them wired in parallel and love the sound!

    (They still are a bit louder than most other pickups I use)