Help with a New Preamp

For the old school vibe i would definetely choose the Aggie , it is also a great match with the bergantino.

 

you should also check out the Fender TBP-1 It's probably cheaper than those on your list, but it does a very good vintage type tone that is full sounding and has some nice features too

 

I would vote for the classic Alembic F-1X, except that choice doesn't appear in the poll.

 

WT800C or the WT550. You can micro noodle with the eq settings and get what you need. The chest thumpin sound is in the WT800C for sure. I have that sound...

 

"im looking for an oldschool vibe ala....jamerson, pino, and meshell
but with alittle more punch to it. the problem with my demeter is its to sterile souding to me."

Have you tried really turning down the treble and boosting the presence control?
I have an HPB-1 as well and can get an old school vibe out of it if I turn down the treble enough.....boost the mids all the way up and the presence at 2:00 o'clock.

 

Plus, isn't the front end of the HBP-1 basically the same thing as the 201s?

My HBP does a pretty good job for old-school, especially if I pick the right bass/strings. It will also do modern though, as well.

just leave the para EQ turned off; I always do with pretty good results.




dcr

 

I say go for the Alembic! Nice round tone...but versatile...and a plus for live use!

 

I own an F-1X and have owned the Demeter 201S. While similar, the Demeter was the more hi fi of the two. My vote goes to the F-1X.

Edit: I've owned a DB659 as well. Certainly tubey but more aagresive than the F-1X.

 

All in my opinion of course...the Demeter was ok. I haven't played the Kern. The Alembic was pretty good but just seemed like it was missing something. My choice would be (and was) the Aggie.

It has a naturally warm clean sound and delivers a strong, clear signal to your power amp. The clincher for me was the overdrive/distortion though! Talk about balls! I have the mids set at noon, treble at 3, bass at 3, both boost switches turned on, and gain cranked - it's delicious!

 

I actually used the Kern, the Alembic and the 659 with my nv610.

I ended up going with a Read. I didn't like the 659 at all. I thought it was too midrange grunty and thin sounding. I do miss the Kern a lot though (as well as the Alembic). The Kern is easily the fattest with a wonderful low end that was never too much; has a very nice/useable midrange voice that cut through just fine. The top end is very smooth sounding as well. I'd go for the Kern if I were you based upon what you said.

P.S. There is one for sale in the TB classifieds right now!

 

Kern, Dammit.

 

C'mon!! My first name is Kern, so the choice is obvious...

 

I used to have the Aguilar, but tossed it because it was very noisy (hum, buzz, that sort of noise).

 

If you want that old tone , go for the old designed preamp , the Alambic...

 

Demeters have a bit of trouble getting a certain low midrange oomph that a fretless really needs to sound good. I'd go Alembic or, from what I've heard Kern might also work good. Or surprisingly...try an Ampeg SVPCL! I wouldn't touch an Aggie with a sh1tty stick.