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The MARCUS RETRO 01 electronics is based on that of the J-Retro, except that the bass & treble contours are voiced to be similar to the preamp that Marcus uses.
This unit can be supplied mounted to a scratch plate designed to fit the original 4 string basses. For the 5 strings, it will be necessary to use the non-plate version which should be fitted to the existing plate.
Its high quality circuit uses three stacked knobs plus a single knob. It includes an active blend circuit plus 3 band equaliser with bass, variable frequency mid, treble plus bright function. A passive tone circuit is also included which operates in both active and passive modes.
A very gentle built in contour gives immediate lift and colour without detracting from the basic sound of the bass. The active blend circuit prevents the loss associated with many passive basses where, when both pickups are up full, the signal from one pickup cross-feeds into the other and vice versa.
However, a switch is included to allow a passive equal mix of both pickups which gives a different tone to an equal passive mix. A second switch - basic "get-you-out-of-trouble" passive mode is included in case the battery dies in crucial circumstances, but this mode allows some useful settings too.
HARDWARE OPTIONS: Standard Black Scratch Plate with Chrome Knobs and Toggles. (Can be mixed by special request)
NOTE: The plate version is suitable for the original 4 string type only. We do not currently supply a plate version suitable for the 5 string bass. It will be necessary to fit the Marcus Retro to the original plate, or obtain an after-market type.
What they say!
* Hi John! I just wanted to let you know that I'm extremely pleased with my new Marcus Retro preamp! What a difference it makes! The bass is like a completely new instrument with it. So, thank you so much for your excellent work and for your kind service. I'm one happy customer
Cheers and best wishes. Bjorn - Sweden* Hi John. I emailed preamp on installing a Marcus Retro in my bass - Marcus Miller Signature with Lindy Fralin pickups. Do not know if you remembered, I live in Sao Paulo - Brazil. Have you been all the the bass and installed can that was wonderful, very up of common Marcus Miller, simply the best! They were all amazed with the sound of the instrument and now they want their products in Brazil. Hugs. Yuri - Brazil
* Hi John, I received the preamp and build it in my MM fender. It sounds fan-tastic! I'm still experimenting with the possibillities of course, but instant Marcus sound out of the box..Thanks a lot for this piece of work! Keep up the good work and best wishes. Stephan - Netherlands