Upgrading Bass & some technical stuffs

[GrayAkira]

Hey guys!

I'm planning to upgrade my current bass, which is Fender Precision Standard CIJ. Previously changed the bridge to Badass II. Now planning to change the pickup (and maybe the on-board preamp?).

So here's the thing, I don't know anything about the on-board preamp. I don't even know if I have to change it to have the sound that I want or not. So how does the preamp work actually? What does it mean by 2-band and 3-band? Which one is for Precision type bass??

Ahaha, hope someone can clear this questions for me. Currently I'm using an Outboard preamp that is SansAmp Bass DI by Tech 21. Sometimes there are noise coming from the jamming studio's amp (surprisingly not at my home's amp) unless I touch metal parts on my bass (strings, bridge, tuner, ect). The problem is with the grounding right? How to solve this problem??

Thanks thanks to all those who can help. Others who might have questions regarding their bass can share also. We might be able to help each other!

 

[dumbcube]

Onboard

Basically onboard pre-amp means having a pre-amp EQ on your bass guitar. Simply put, you can adjust your treble, bass (which is 2-band and includes mids if 3-band). Some more powerful onboard pre-amps, like the J-retro, has additional functions like a mid-frequency sweep and a 'slap-mode' which boosts the higher frequencies.

There are no band-types for Precisions: the only thing you need to check out before getting a new onboard pre-amp is whether it can fit the bass's cavity, fit your bass model (usually manufacturers will mention if the pre-amp is built to fit a Jazz or Precision), and also importantly, the location of your 1/4 inch jack. If your jack is situated on the top, make sure the preamp is made that way too. Otherwise, you'll need to drill holes into the side of your bass, not something you'd want to do.

I upgraded the pre-amp on my Fender CIJ Jazz to a J-retro and so far it sounds awesome. A downside to upgrading your pre-amp (most likely when you do so, your bass becomes an active one) will be weight. My Jazz now weighs a ton when compared to when it was passive.

Regarding the noise, sounds like either the studio amp or your bass requires grounding.

Hope this helps.

 

[Morlock]

1. On-board preamp is basically the same as out board preamp in function.
2. 2 band means you have treble and bass controls, 3 band is treble bass and mid.
3. Outboard preamp is quite ok. you dont need an on-board preamp, if you already have that. but some would argue the onboard is better.
4. noise can come from different places. (cable, wirings, pickups, effects, outboard preamp) you just need to check which one is causing it. most of the time it is the wirings you just need a professional to rewire your bass and put some groundings on it. some times it is also due to old type pickups. I'm using EMG pickups and EMG onboard preamp and I dont have any noise at all.

 

[GrayAkira]

Alright thanks guys for clearing things up!
Maybe I'll upgrade the onboard preamp next time and get a new pickup first. Cheers!