Analog Bass preamp pedal

Winny_Pooh

I've been very happy with the "Natural Bass" preamp model in my GT-1000 core (adds some tubey tone and removes the top end stringy clang) but would like an analog equivalent to build a single pedal board.
Anything out there thats not super transparent nor overdriven? 

UnclePsychosis

I suspect that you would like the Aguilar Tone Hammer. 

FWIW, I own both a GT-1000-CORE and an Me-90b, and the Natural bass model is my favourite on those - but since buying a Tone Hammer (the first version) I haven't turned either on. 

fretmeister

There's loads of modest priced bass preamps that are really good these days.

A lot of them are based on the Tech21 Sansamp BDDI which is Ampeg flavoured - Behringer (BD21 about £30), Caline (Wine Cellar, about £45) and Joyo (Tidal Wave - about £65 but you get a mid control!) do one. They all have clean blends. I have the Behringer and the Caline and both sound nice but I'd like the Joyo for that mid control - basically the first 2 are based on the V1 Sansamp and the Joyo on the V2.

The Tone Hammer is very nice but not as many clones about, but DemonFX do the "Tone Mallett" (yes really!) for under £50. I've not tried that but there's a big thread on Basschat about it.

They are all dirt cheap compared to the things they are aping. I use my HX Stomp but I always stick the Caline in the bag just in case.

I've got the Mark Bass Vintage Preamp too which is my absolute favourite but it's also as expensive as the other top line stuff.

Winny_Pooh

@UnclePsychosis said:

I suspect that you would like the Aguilar Tone Hammer. 

FWIW, I own both a GT-1000-CORE and an Me-90b, and the Natural bass model is my favourite on those - but since buying a Tone Hammer (the first version) I haven't turned either on. 

Interesting! 

UnclePsychosis

Also if you want super clean and never overdriven - whatever the green MXR pedal preamp is called (Google tells me it's the M81) is super clean. It's not very exciting, but it does work well. 

fretmeister

UnclePsychosis said:

Also if you want super clean and never overdriven - whatever the green MXR pedal preamp is called (Google tells me it's the M81) is super clean. It's not very exciting, but it does work well. 

I had one of those - it's a bit dull TBH. Missing even just that barely audible OD that just makes it sound fuller.

It's not much more than an EQ.

Bridgehouse

I’ve had most of them at some point. 

Sounds mad but the Behringer BDI21 is actually really good for the money.

In fact, I’ve got a spare and if you are happy to pay postage you can have one of mine to try it out. 

Drop me a PM if you’re interested

Chiliwailer

fretmeister said:

There's loads of modest priced bass preamps that are really good these days.

A lot of them are based on the Tech21 Sansamp BDDI which is Ampeg flavoured - Behringer (BD21 about £30), Caline (Wine Cellar, about £45) and Joyo (Tidal Wave - about £65 but you get a mid control!) do one. They all have clean blends. I have the Behringer and the Caline and both sound nice but I'd like the Joyo for that mid control - basically the first 2 are based on the V1 Sansamp and the Joyo on the V2.

The Tone Hammer is very nice but not as many clones about, but DemonFX do the "Tone Mallett" (yes really!) for under £50. I've not tried that but there's a big thread on Basschat about it.

They are all dirt cheap compared to the things they are aping. I use my HX Stomp but I always stick the Caline in the bag just in case.

I've got the Mark Bass Vintage Preamp too which is my absolute favourite but it's also as expensive as the other top line stuff.

Do you know if the Mark Bass aux in is stereo? I’ve seen some bass preamps that weirdly only have a mono aux in. 

Cheers. 

fretmeister

I think it is - I've plugged my iPod into it loads without difficulty and I don't remember thinking it was just doing a dual mono signal.

When I get a mo over the weekend I'll plug it in and check.

Winny_Pooh

@Bridgehouse said:

I’ve had most of them at some point. 

Sounds mad but the Behringer BDI21 is actually really good for the money.

In fact, I’ve got a spare and if you are happy to pay postage you can have one of mine to try it out. 

Drop me a PM if you’re interested

Generous thanks, sounds silly but I hate the look of it so won't accept

I've since looked up the demonfx clone of the aguilar so may try that.  

fretmeister

The Caline sounds the same as the Behringer - it's a square metal box but it's yellow. Don't know if that look is as bad for you as the Behringer!

stickyfiddle

They’re not cheap and I’m a complete stuck record but the Origin Bassrig pedals are both incredible 

Bridgehouse

Winny_Pooh said:

@Bridgehouse said:

I’ve had most of them at some point. 

Sounds mad but the Behringer BDI21 is actually really good for the money.

In fact, I’ve got a spare and if you are happy to pay postage you can have one of mine to try it out. 

Drop me a PM if you’re interested

Generous thanks, sounds silly but I hate the look of it so won't accept

I've since looked up the demonfx clone of the aguilar so may try that.  

Understandable mate. They seem to collect in my garage like bloody rodents! 

I’ve bought two used basses over the years that have had one in the front pocket of the gig bag! 

I’ve got a Dr J Sparrow as well which is pretty good - but if you are after the Aguilar tone then you’re better off with the demonfx. 

These days I still just use my Helix Stomp for most DI duties, but I really should get a proper one with 9v and phantom power for backup… the PJB one has an internal battery which is usb-c recharge as well as phantom power and that’s one I might get.

The ampeg SCR is a really good one tonally as well.

Chiliwailer

fretmeister said:

I think it is - I've plugged my iPod into it loads without difficulty and I don't remember thinking it was just doing a dual mono signal.

When I get a mo over the weekend I'll plug it in and check.

Thank you - I only just remembered I’d asked! 

littlegreenman

@Winny_Pooh A used EBS microbass II could be worth a shout? 

Revolutions

My brother toured with the deluxe version of this for years - he just has a cheap solid state head & uses the vt for tone. Sounds really nice. I bought the little one & it’s perfect for home demos. If you like that big, bold ampeg sound.

Kebabkid

Bridgehouse said:

I’ve had most of them at some point. 

Sounds mad but the Behringer BDI21 is actually really good for the money.

In fact, I’ve got a spare and if you are happy to pay postage you can have one of mine to try it out. 

Drop me a PM if you’re interested

This gets a +1 from me, too. Superb value for money and really good-sounding.

Another to consider is the Laney Digbeth Preamp (£139)