The John East preamp club

[Geri O]

The batteries flip out. Is that more of an issue you think? I've got a fairly competent tech who's doing the work for me.

No, not at all.
The tech will, or should, know what to do with the wires coming from the battery box and where to attach them to the preamp.

Good luck!

 

[ptidwell]

Subscribed

 

[kazamamaster]

To those who've put the j-retro 01 deluxe in a fender jazz, what did you do for the control jack? My tech seemed to be flustered over the fact that the passage way from the jack to the main co trol cavity didn't lend itself much leeway to install the new preamp. He wanted to opt to take the jack apart then resolder the jack. Seemed like too much to do to me but I couldn't really think of a way myself to get the wires from the new jack through that small passage way. Any ideas?

 

[Geri O]

To those who've put the j-retro 01 deluxe in a fender jazz, what did you do for the control jack? My tech seemed to be flustered over the fact that the passage way from the jack to the main co trol cavity didn't lend itself much leeway to install the new preamp. He wanted to opt to take the jack apart then resolder the jack. Seemed like too much to do to me but I couldn't really think of a way myself to get the wires from the new jack through that small passage way. Any ideas?

If the tech is good, then unsoldering and resoldering the jack will be a piece o’ cake for him to do. A 5-minute task.

 

[kazamamaster]

UGH. It just slays sound wise now. I don't know how people don't have these in every bass.

 

[Geri O]

UGH. It just slays sound wise now. I don't know how people don't have these in every bass. View attachment 4978843

A sentiment I wholeheartedly share!….

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Has anyone here run Lane Poors into a J- Tone or J-Retro?

 

[ptidwell]

My preamp of choice Uni-Pre 5. My first one was in my Skjold Lions Pride back in 2007 been hooked ever since.
For me, the sweepable mids and active/passive tone control is a game changer. My 55-94 with Barts and a Uni-Pre is filled with tone!

 

[Ethereal Thorn]

UGH. It just slays sound wise now. I don't know how people don't have these in every bass. View attachment 4978843

I'm working on it I have them in 3 so far and I want them in the rest

 

[kazamamaster]

Am I the only one who doesn't really use the pickup blend switch in the j retro deluxe? I've really been curious as to what it does tone wise but I don't hear much change one way or the other. Is it more of a way to quickly swap towards front or rear pickup instead of using the blend knob?

 

[Geri O]

Am I the only one who doesn't really use the pickup blend switch in the j retro deluxe? I've really been curious as to what it does tone wise but I don't hear much change one way or the other. Is it more of a way to quickly swap towards front or rear pickup instead of using the blend knob?

I seldom ever use it, except for the occasional venture into Jaco-land with the bridge pup.
I prefer a single volume control for both pickups and the balance control is kind of a bonus for me. My usual Jazz tone is both pups 50/50, or centered.

Seldom use of the balance control is perfectly fine…..

 

[sonojono]

Anyone ever ran a John East on a PJ bass?

 

[KevinPaulo]

Anyone ever ran a John East on a PJ bass?

I just did actually a couple of weeks ago, on a Sire P10dx. Original preamp went bad on the mid pot. And man oh man with those original pickup set it’s already killin’. Imagine with a set of nordys or b-axis!
I’m more than happy with this upgrade. Still playing around with the frequencies. In due time I’ll be posting some updates on my findings and settings.

 

[KevinPaulo]

About the wheels on the UNI-pre I tried outlining the “possible” positions of some frequencies. I might be completely wrong about this. I tried e-mailing Mr. East about it with no luck of getting a reply. Hopefully if he sees this thread he can confirm what I did here. Some say just go by ear, but found myself spending way to many hours seeking for my sound, whereas with this “guide” at least to my knowledge I nailed it pretty quickly.

 

[SuperFunkyPete]

If that’s right, that is super helpful. Thanks!

About the wheels on the UNI-pre I tried outlining the “possible” positions of some frequencies. I might be completely wrong about this. I tried e-mailing Mr. East about it with no luck of getting a reply. Hopefully if he sees this thread he can confirm what I did here. Some say just go by ear, but found myself spending way to many hours seeking for my sound, whereas with this “guide” at least to my knowledge I nailed it pretty quickly. View attachment 5013619View attachment 5013618 View attachment 5013617View attachment 5013616

 

[Ethereal Thorn]

I just did actually a couple of weeks ago, on a Sire P10dx. Original preamp went bad on the mid pot. And man oh man with those original pickup set it’s already killin’. Imagine with a set of nordys or b-axis!
I’m more than happy with this upgrade. Still playing around with the frequencies. In due time I’ll be posting some updates on my findings and settings.

Bartolini b-axis sound incredible paired with a east pre I have them in one of my Warwick corvettes highly recommend that pairing

 

[Deleted member 394512]

I'm in. Excuse the quick photo evidence.

Love the UniPre 5 Knob I put in a few days ago. John is a fantastic person to deal with. I made a mistake in my order and John was very helpful and pleasant. I am super picky with crazy hearing and trust issues. I was not disappointed with the decision to go with a East. Now time to order some custom wood knobs.

Thank you very much!

 

[Al T.]

My Elwood C has a J-Retro Deluxe and it is a great match for the Delano pickups.

 

[Funky40]

. East about it with no luck of getting a reply. Hopefully if he sees this thread he can confirm what I did here. Some say just go by ear, but found myself spending way to many hours seeking for my sound,

Agreed. This one seems a case where having some precise numbers would be of so much help !
Thanks alots for doing so @KevinPaulo

even if yours should be not perfect, i´d guess its at least of some help !
Since i would guess, you´ve put your work into it ?
( should have went back long ago, to get a 2nd look at my settings.
Thats a good kick to do so

 

[pb9717]

I just got a Cort A5 Plus single cut 5 string, and its guts are pretty unremarkable. The Bart Mk1’s are not very appealing sounding, especially the bridge pickup. Lousy tone for sure. The neck pickup is ok, but I’ve just purchased a pair of Lacompte Triple Threat single coils from a fellow TB’er to replace them. Now I’m seriously considering the UNI 5 but its……$330! Delivered to my USA address. I’ve seen the reviews and I’m sure it’ll make the bass sound incredible. I just need that little push……there isn’t a better option I assume. I have a Sadowsky that has the incredible pre in it, with the passive tone which I love. But I’m gassing for this Pre.

Tell what I need to hear to pull the trigger on this……Please…chime in like crazy.