Modulus Q5 Preamp Question

[GRoast]

If I wanted to change from Bart preamp to an Aguilar OBP-3 in my Q5, and keep the Bart pickups, is that an easy swap out, and reversible? I'm no electrical genius but will try easy things. Thoughts? Also, I hear good things about the episode preamp - same question, easy swap? And thirdly, what other options are out there besides onboard preamp swaps between Bart, Aguilar, EMG - they seem to rule the market. ab

 

[Dave W]

Yes, very easy and totally reversible. Any manufacturer would be the same.

There are a lot of preamp options out there. In addition to what you mentioned you got Nordstrand, John East, Delano, Noll, Glockenklang, Darkglass, etc.

 

[GRoast]

Thanks, I also meant to type epiphani (epifani?) in orig post. Sounds like I should read up on a few options.

 

[Dave W]

Thanks, I also meant to type epiphani (epifani?) in orig post. Sounds like I should read up on a few options.

I don’t believe Epifani makes onboard preamps anymore.

What don’t you like about the Bart pre? I quite like the Bart pre and Bart pickups in my Modulus Q5.

 

[GRoast]

Hi Dave, I guess I feel it's kind of squishy and limited-if that makes sense, not broad, granted a lot of my reference is in practice through headphones which is vastly different from when live, then it's pretty good if a louder gig where I can put some volume and power behind it, but I still feel like Its a more limited squishy (I guess not as articulate as I'd like tone pallet). It's more headphones, smaller amps where it's underwhelming to me. I had a Q5 in mid 90's with Barts - I do not know if the preamp was, It may have been an EMG pre (becasue originally the bass had EMG pups)- if that's possible - but it sounded better IMO. Maybe that's what I'm looking for. I suppose I should do a battery test too - see how if they are waning.