Incoming - NPD - Trickfish J Core preamp

[Geri O]

A while back, I wrote about swapping out a Trickfish IPA preamp for an Audere Jazz model, the simple Jazz Plate 2-band.

I hated to go to that extreme, but replacing the IPA solved a hum problem I had been chasing for months. I’m still not sure it was the preamp board, but the replacement Audere solved the hum issue.

I like the Audere just fine, but my curiosity about the recently-released Trickfish J Core drop-in preamp has been growing steadily.

So a J Core is on the way. It should arrive Friday and I’ll install it Saturday morning.

I’ll make and write about some observations then.

 

[tb-player]

I was reading about those but didn’t pull the trigger. I’ll definitely be following your journey. Are you putting it in your Lull?

 

[BGroovy]

looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

I’d love to see a 3 band version that supports plate mounted jacks.

 

[Malak the Mad]

It's times like this where I'm reminded I'm just a hobbyist when it comes to basses. I decided to look up the Trickfish J Core preamp and was instantly intrigued that it's not only an on-the-plate preamp, but the 2-band version has a front-mounted output jack. To find out more, I found this new video by the company itself...



...and therein lies the rub! Talk about complicated! While something this complex could be useful to just about anybody, one would have to really, really know what they want out of this preamp, even with the simpler, 2-band version.

That being said, I must applaud them. They've produced a very compact, yet complete, system. I especially dig the screw-down connectors, the DIP-pin switches and, of course, being able to drop into most Jazzes. I've seen them in separate systems, but I, for one, have never in the same package.

 

[Geri O]

I was reading about those but didn’t pull the trigger. I’ll definitely be following your journey. Are you putting it in your Lull?

Yes.

I’ll admit, I’ve been almost around the world with preamps in that bass. Honestly, there’s never been a bad one, but I’ve had several in it over the years.

 

[Geri O]

It's times like this where I'm reminded I'm just a hobbyist when it comes to basses. I decided to look up the Trickfish J Core preamp and was instantly intrigued that it's not only an on-the-plate preamp, but the 2-band version has a front-mounted output jack. To find out more, I found this new video by the company itself...



...and therein lies the rub! Talk about complicated! While something this complex could be useful to just about anybody, one would have to really, really know what they want out of this preamp, even with the simpler, 2-band version.

That being said, I must applaud them. They've produced a very compact, yet complete, system. I especially dig the screw-down connectors, the DIP-pin switches and, of course, being able to drop into most Jazzes. I've seen them in separate systems, but I, for one, have never in the same package.

And I hate to admit this, but…..

I may or may not play with all those EQ variables…..…

I use onboard EQ so very seldom. I do whatever EQ-ing at the amp and/or console channel strip. I do tend to use the passive treble control for quieter moments when I need a less aggressive tone. Which I found the IPA and now the Audere to do quite nicely.

I would have been perfectly happy with the 2-band version, but I needed a side jack model. Hence, the main reason I went with the 4-band.

And what will happen to that Audere preamp that’s been in the Lull for less than 2 weeks?

There’s a Squier 6-string Jazz bass on the guitar boat that keeps going “Ahem….”…

 

[pepj]

I guessing the J Core is just a more compact Flex Core to drop in.
The controls are pretty much duplicated but down to 4 knobs on a plate.

The FlexCore is great if you like twiddling or not so much if you like simple.
I'm more set and forget but every now and again the FlexCore can get you out of trouble because mid controls are very powerful.

 

[J.Wolf]

Hey guys, Jake from Trickfish here. Thanks for posting about your preamp journey, @Geri O. I’ve been curious about how it's going for you since you and I messaged privately regarding the IPA and J-Core.

I can see why it would feel overwhelming if you think it requires a lot of additional configuration beyond installing it. I think the reality is that for 95% of players, there is zero need to mess with the dip switches.. The way its configured as shipped is what we feel works best for use in J basses. It's cool to have the options, but I don't think most people will need to change anything to be happy with the preamp.

it's funny that you found the "full version" of the J core demo. I had made that full-length version, explaining all of the second and third-tier features (dip switches and through-hole capacitor options) and then realized that it was way more info than almost everyone would need, so I edited it down to what I think is a more effective and concise video (below) which is much more to the point, and I kinda forgot to make that one unlisted so we can link to it on the product manual page only, for guys who want/geek out on this level of specificity.

But honestly, in terms of install, options and performance, I think about it pretty simply: its a super painless install being solderless, its already configured in a way that will make 9/10 bass players very happy, and the preamp sounds great as is, requiring very little EQ to "get it to sound good". Personally, on my 4 band I run it almost flat with a bit of bass boost and maybe some treble boost depending the need. I like knowing the four bands of EQ are available, but if the instrument is voiced well natively then the preamp just naturally enhances its existing character, so there's very little need to change or fix things from a sonic standpoint.

I hope that helps or at least gives people confidence that they don't need a degree in electrical engineering or audio engineering to get best results from the J-Core.

()

 

[Geri O]

Thanx for coming in, Jake. I’m quite sure the J Core will be a breeze to install, having pieced together a bunch of preamps over the years. In my old age, drop-in is really attractive and I look forward to having the J Core in and running in no time (especially since Ryan is sending it with a gold plate and I have to add is the gold knobs, which I have several of.

With onboard preamps, I tend to see how the flat unaltered characteristics hit me. Some are transparent, some have a pretty distinct flavor (East J Retro comes to mind), and others like the IPA have a flavor somewhere in the middle. I kinda like “grind without the grind”, if that makes any sense. Knowing what I know about the Trickfish preamps now, I’m kinda expecting somewhere in that area.

I’ll be giving the EQ points a listen, but I’m almost certain they will remain where they are as shipped.

Looking forward to seeing it.

Stay tuned…..

 

[bass12]

I like knowing the four bands of EQ are available, but if the instrument is voiced well natively then the preamp just naturally enhances its existing character, so there's very little need to change or fix things from a sonic standpoint.

I have a two band IPA in my Lull M5V and this is what I’ve found. I just bump the bass up a bit (my general preference with preamps) and maybe drop the passive tone control to remove a bit of my bass’ natural grind. Great preamp.

 

[Geri O]

Ahhh, I was afraid of this.

I was thinking that Friday was a bit optimistic for the J Core delivery and I was right.

Now it’s scheduled to arrive next Monday.

I’ll get in and get it installed and go from there.

 

[Malak the Mad]

it's funny that you found the "full version" of the J core demo. I had made that full-length version, explaining all of the second and third-tier features (dip switches and through-hole capacitor options) and then realized that it was way more info than almost everyone would need, so I edited it down to what I think is a more effective and concise video (below) which is much more to the point, and I kinda forgot to make that one unlisted so we can link to it on the product manual page only, for guys who want/geek out on this level of specificity.

While I would love to crow about "a Film Geek's nose for deep-dive research", this particular incident should be chalked up to blind, dumb luck. But, yes, I can see the marketing advantages to showcasing the edited down version, while letting the long version hang back for those who are truly invested.

Thanks for all your hard work on the J Cores!


P.S.: Asheville, huh? How many times have you been dragged to visited the Biltmore House?

 

[J.Wolf]

P.S.: Asheville, huh? How many times have you been dragged to visited the Biltmore House?

As rarely as possible! My first job in Asheville was as a banquet chef at the Biltmore Estate, so I have had more than plenty. The property itself is gorgeous, and the house is worth walking through at least once, but the "fancy person disney land" vibe doesnt appeal to me.

 

[Geri O]

As rarely as possible! My first job in Asheville was as a banquet chef at the Biltmore Estate, so I have had more than plenty. The property itself is gorgeous, and the house is worth walking through at least once, but the "fancy person disney land" vibe doesnt appeal to me.

Dang, how cool!

Biltmore has been on our bucket list for years.

My country artist is working on gigs in that direction. We hope to make the trip if it happens.

Otherwise, we'll have to talk the grandkids into an extra day during our next trip to Gatlinburg....
(shouldn't be too hard....)

 

[Geri O]

I have a two band IPA in my Lull M5V and this is what I’ve found. I just bump the bass up a bit (my general preference with preamps) and maybe drop the passive tone control to remove a bit of my bass’ natural grind. Great preamp.

This is what I'm hoping to get back to with the J Core.

As I said, I "like the grind....without the grind...."...

 

[Malak the Mad]

Sorry for the aside, but...

Dang, how cool!

Biltmore has been on our bucket list for years.

My country artist is working on gigs in that direction. We hope to make the trip if it happens.

Yes, it is a great "bucket list" entry. 'Tis quite a sight to see. Plus, the fact that the last, full-on collaboration of Don Knotts and Tim Conway was filmed there when I lived in Eastern Tennessee made the movie that much more fun. That's how I ended up visiting the Biltmore two or three times. And, to wit...

Otherwise, we'll have to talk the grandkids into an extra day during our next trip to Gatlinburg....
(shouldn't be too hard....)

...having lived out there is why I call Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge "A Tale Of Two Tourist Traps". So, if you're out there, already, I say make the most of it.

(Side-note: If you like decent-or-better barbecue, Calhoun's in Oak Ridge, TN is pretty good and the riverside view is nice. It's not JL's Barbecue in Pryor, OK, but in my somewhat broad experience, nothing is as good as JL's! )

 

[Geri O]

UPDATE:

UPS delivery is now scheduled to deliver the J Core preamp tomorrow.

I feel like asking them if they know the way from Jackson (their hub) to Florence (my house - 25 minutes away!)

We'll see tomorrow.....

 

[JacobMiranda]

As a metroexpress owner, I want to love this, but Roger offers a great preamp at $100 less, yet no mid select, help me decide

 

[J.Wolf]

As a metroexpress owner, I want to love this, but Roger offers a great preamp at $100 less, yet no mid select, help me decide

both are excellent, and very different from one another in terms of character and EQ.

 

[friedlbug]

Hey guys, Jake from Trickfish here.

Hello, hope you don't mind me tacking onto this thread, but I have a '77 jazz with Sadowsky single coils pups that I love, except for the hum. Would you 2-band J core be a good fit for that configuration?