Yamaha BB 4 PJ 4 string EMGs or bartolini/aguilar preamp?

I'd go with either the Aguilar OBP3, or Bart HR5.3. Those sound the best to me, the older OBP1 is boost-only, and a bigger unit. With the BB1500, you'll have to either poke another hole in the top for 3-band, or stack some pots. If I recall, it's not the biggest control cavity ever, either...so you have to factor in the two 9v's for 18v operation, or go 9v. So many choices! I think it all boils down to whether you want 2-band EQ, 3-band EQ, or the "EMG sound", which I personally don't care too much for, and also, if you want to modify your bass.

Another option you might consider, and it's a good one, is a Sadowsy preamp. It's in a foot pedal, and they sound montrous! Another option, if you can find them, is the Yamaha NE-1. It's a parametric mid controller that is small, yet effective for getting you heard in a loud band setting. I use one, and it helps my active basses have a different voice from the onboard EQ, yet it doesn't trash up my sound. I think Aguilar has a two-band EQ in a box form as well, has the OBP1 in it. Any wil help your sound.

Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide.

 

It depends- I like having a mid control, personally. It's where the tone of a bass lives. Two-bands, if they're not the cheap Chinese pre's, and are voiced well (think Sadowsky or Aggie), can work fine. A really cheap one will make your bass sound cheap, IMPO. Measure the room you have available, then take a couple 9v's and put them in the cavity. Do they fit? How about 3? That's what I usually do as a "tester" for an active circuit. If it won't fit well, I don't put it in. Unless it's a cheap Chinese bass...

 

Yup. Rout a bigger, standard-size cavity with the templates available from StewMac. They also have the back cover. I'd do it. You can screw a 9v battery clip to the edge of the cavity to hold the battery, or rout a battery box into it. That's how I would hande it. That's a pretty cramped little cavity!

 

If you don't feel like cutting on your bass, I'd seriously consider an external EQ, like a Sadowsky or Aguilar. The Aggie box is basically the OBP-1 two-band in a box, makes your bass sound like it has the OBP-1 in it, but it's a small pedal. Same with the Sadowsky. That would be my choice. Would end up being ony a little more dough than the pre itself, plus you can use it on any passive bass to give it more "huevos".

 

This is what I'm talking about. They show up on eBay from time to time, or you could check out the classifieds here, someone might have one. Or, check with one of the online shops. They should go for around $179. Maybe a little more, or a little less.

Aggie DB924.

Or this- Sadowsky Preamp

 

The actual module for the OBP1 is pretty big. If you're gonna do some cutting, router the area with the standard cavity template available from Stew Mac. Order the cover as well. You'll be glad you did. Also, use either conductive paint or copper tape to shield the cavity, and get the back of the control plate as well. If you don't feel confident in your ability to rout the area, see if you can find someone who does it regularly to help you out. If you are gonna cut into your bass, go with the 3-band Bart setup, or the Aggie OBP3. Either will make a difference in the sound, the Bart sounds a little more "polished", while the Aggie sounds more aggressive. Hope that helps, and feel free to PM me if you want.

 

Oh, two-band is fine, don't get me wrong- I am a big proponent of mid control, though. Your plan might work, see if you can build a mock-up out of 1/4" ply or mdf, replicating as closely as possible your final interior dimensions that you marked out. Don't cut into the bass unless you're sure it'll fit. If you have enough spare pots lying around, you should be able to do a test-fit before you actually cut into the bass. The cutouts you pictured look like they might just give you enough room.

 

That's a stereo jack, TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve). The ring is what acts as a switch. You plug in a mono cord, and it closes the circuit at the ring. The tip and sleeve function as a normal jack. Look on the web for a stereo endpin jack.

 

Pics? Sound clips? It doesn't exist if you can't back it up with proof!

Glad to hear you like the preamp. You're right, it's not as plug 'n' play as a passive, but there is so much more that you can do with a little EQing on the bass. Experiment, use your ears first, your eyes last. Start with everything zeroed out, then work the bands individually, both boost and cut. Once you have a thorough understanding of how each affects your sound, you will have a better grasp on how to achieve the same results from your amp.

It's kind of like using spices when you cook. Many people find a certain spice they like, then use it on everything. But only after a little experimenting do you start to understand how certain spices work together to form a taste that is different from, and greater than, the sum of it's parts.

Anyhow, glad I could be of assistance. Do post some pics, and soundclips if you can.