Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by PhilUSAFRet on June 10, 2012 at 8:26am

I've considered using a passive system with a external pre-amp/eq.  I wondered if I could install pre-amp/eq unit in another, small, cigar box????  Or buy a cheap external pre-amp/eq.  A nice tube pre-amp sells for under $30

 

Maybe this one?     http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&tok=kZgLZKhF_-vXcW...

Permalink Reply by Suspect Device on June 10, 2012 at 8:31am

No offense -and I don't have any experience with the onboard pre amps- but man, if you don't want to spoil the look of a beautiful box, keep that ugly plastic thing away from it! 

Permalink Reply by Habanera Hal on June 10, 2012 at 8:54am

No offense taken.  If I use an on-board pre-amp, it'll be mounted on the side of the box where it won't really be seen.  I might also re-do the mounting plate.

BTW - this is the box:

Permalink Reply by Habanera Hal on June 30, 2012 at 2:27pm

Yup, it's ugly!  Didn't expect it to be so BIG!  A 4-pole mag pup with a hardtail bridge will look and (I'm sure) will sound much better.  The pre-amp/rod piezo will go on something else.  Which brings me to a new discussion......

Permalink Reply by Don Tucker on June 10, 2012 at 9:02am

I used one of these  on a non-descript box and was VERY  happy with the performance of it, but must agree with Suspect Device it's rather ungainly looking. I would only use it on a player's piece, not a beautiful box such as yours

Permalink Reply by Habanera Hal on June 10, 2012 at 10:45am

Thanks, Don.  How would you describe the sound/tone?  Any pics of the install?

Permalink Reply by Don Tucker on June 11, 2012 at 10:41am

I find it hard to describe sound but I guess I would say it's smoother and ballsier. The signal is also increased to a level that I think is probably matched better with an amp than the straight piezo signal. Like you said you might do I also cut off the mounting flange so it would sit flat. That was a bit of a pain and then I had to glue it in. It looks kinds ugly and hacked in but sounds good and is now my "player" when I plug in to play with others.

Permalink Reply by Jillian Holladay on June 12, 2012 at 2:16am

I think the pre-amp/EQ units work well with the rod pickups.  I have built them into smaller boxes when they won't fit well into the body of the instrument.  You just need to add a 1/4" jack for the input.

Permalink Reply by PhilUSAFRet on July 1, 2012 at 3:09am

I have seriously been considering putting one of these in my smallest cigar box,  with in and out jacks, and using it for an external preamp/eq for my instruments with passive pickup sysems.  Anyone try?  Any reason why it wouldn't work?

Permalink Reply by Don Tucker on July 1, 2012 at 4:18am

I've done it and it works fine

Permalink Reply by David L. on July 1, 2012 at 4:31am

It works well - It is also really easy to add a smokey mini amp so you can have it as a battery mini amp with preamp controls, or by using a switchable jack socket have it bypass the miniamp and send the signal to an external amp.