Outboard Preamp VS Internal

[XtromatriX]

I have a MTD Z5 that I would like a little more punch or fullness out of... The stock pups and electronics are ok but it just feels like something is missing, that's the best way I can explain it. My question is would an outboard preamp do me any good? The stock pups are active. I was thinking about maybe an outboard preamp by Sadowsky, or maybe Aguilar or soemthing down that line. All thoughts and opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[bongomania]

With two active pickups and an active EQ, that's three preamps in your bass already. Then it goes to another preamp, in your amp. Adding a fifth preamp is probably not the solution.

Instead, I would consider trying different strings and/or a different setup (action), as the cheapest and least invasive thing to try. And if that doesn't do it, then try removing one or more of the preamps from your bass. Try some passive pickups, or try to remove the EQ from the circuit, or both.

Maybe try a nice compressor pedal. I'm not saying you need one, and I'm not assuming it would help; but when used right, they can add a little punch and fullness, so it couldn't hurt to try a couple of them out.

 

[bassbenj]

With two active pickups and an active EQ, that's three preamps in your bass already. Then it goes to another preamp, in your amp. Adding a fifth preamp is probably not the solution.

Instead, I would consider trying different strings and/or a different setup (action), as the cheapest and least invasive thing to try. And if that doesn't do it, then try removing one or more of the preamps from your bass. Try some passive pickups, or try to remove the EQ from the circuit, or both.

Maybe try a nice compressor pedal. I'm not saying you need one, and I'm not assuming it would help; but when used right, they can add a little punch and fullness, so it couldn't hurt to try a couple of them out.

I agree with Bongo on this one. If you add any kind of additional electronics I'd make it some sort of effect, modeling pod, or as he suggests a compressor etc. And also as he suggests given that you've got a bunch of electronics in your signal line already, this stuff would be best inserted in your effects loop rather than in series with the bass signal.