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Preamp Advice for my 'ol 4 string

R

rockstarbassist

Inactive
Apr 30, 2002
9,093
32
The Woodlands, TX
www.reverbnation.com
Disclosures
Endorsing Artist: HCAF
#1
I've been wanting to kinda "fix up" my 1988 Charvel 3B bass lately, and need some advice on a preamp.

Here's a link to the model from the '88 catalog-
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And mine is in firecrackle w/ black hardware. VERY 80's, but very eye-catching to say the least, and records like a BEAST when setup right, especially when detuned.

Anyhow, I already upgraded years ago the stock Jackson pickups to EMGs, but I'm not sure why there's even a battery in the bass, as there's no real preamp to speak of, unless the pickups themselves are active which may be the case... I haven't checked under the hood in probably 5-6 years.

But it's definitely a rock bass, so I want something that'll be along those lines.
I'd like to have it set up Volume/Bass/Treble, and keep the 3-way toggle switch intact if possible.
I"m kinda iffy on the Aguilars right now, as honestly I wish I'd had the Bartolini preamp put in my Modulus. They just suit better. The Aggy is a tad aggressive for that bass.

What say you, defenders of the 4 string faith? :thu:
 
#2
You already have EMG active Pickups, it seems. Have you changed the battery recently?

You didn't mention mid boost. Was that because you want to keep the present control layout?

Truthfully, I recommend a Sadowsky external (outboard) pre, assuming you can get some treble cut on your instrument, as the Sadowsky is boost only (IIRC).

Another nice way to go is the Sans Amp Para DI. I just hate to see anyone significantly modify a somewhat rare instrument. In another 10 or 15 years, it be it will be a classic, heck it sorta already is. :D
 
#3
Yeah the battery is good to go. I changed the battery probably about a year ago, but it just sits in my practice room most of the time, so it should be fine.

And yeah, just a 2 band would be fine, as I don't want to get into any drilling or body mods at this point.

And maybe that's a good idea too... I just wanted to possibly get it in a "one and done" package, and not have to worry about anything external. I would play the bass a lot more if honestly it sounded better. :)
 
#6
I like my Aguilar two band that's in my Spector w/EMGs. Seems to work well with the EMG pups, the Aguilar adds great low pump and can and really good cutting highs all the while maintaining great mid range tone.
I just put in a Audere pre in another bass, this pre is pretty very good, but flat/non-aggressive sound compared to the Aguilar and gets as close to an analog sound as I've heard in a active pre.
 
#8
KEEP THE EMG Pups!!!

I've really liked EMG preamps. Not in love with BARTOLINI preamps, but things do improve. I've seen rave reviews about AUDERE, AGUILAR and LowEnd.

LowEnd and Phil Jones also have "outboard" preamps.

Do some research and let us know what you decide.
 
#10
Sort of off topic....but consider converting to 18v operation - 2 batteries. This makes a nice tonal difference with EMGs (some models more than others - the dual coil mdoels like DC really benefit from this) - more headroom and less compressed sounding. I do it with all EMG-equipped basses and have never been diappointed.

Won't give you EQ capabilities like an onboard preamp addition, but will IMO improve TONE which is important no?

Jamie
 
#11
If you have the 3b, then you have a total of 4 holes (3 pots and one 3way switch).But, thats only if you want to part with the switch for a midrange tradeoff.

If EMG is the way you want to go, then you can go 3 band.(b/t stacked, mid/mid freq stacked, blend and volume)
Plus you can always go 18v.

Emg BQC system:

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Or...................

The EMG BQC control, which just consists of 2 pots as the mid/mid freq and bass/treble as above without the blend and volume. If you're fairly knowledgeable with electronics, then you can keep the 3 way, instead of a blend pot and retain you same volume pot.

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#12
Cool, thanks for the input guys.

I really was looking for something somewhat "cost effective", as this bass (plus case) back in 98 only cost about $500, but it is my first "real" bass and sounds awesome when I rock it out.

I think the EMG BQC might fit best. And yes correct, it has 3 holes. I really don't use the pickup switch too much, as it drops volume pretty significantly, but I'll see what I want in the end.
And 18V on this thing would shake down walls! Great idea! :bassist::bassist::bassist:
 

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