Electronics Upgrade

[Allan Padmore]

I recently bought a bsr5gn and this is an awsome bass! The overall output compared to my 9volt crv5 is roughly similar. However I do NOT have to crank the bass knob to get hugh bottom end! Granted the new bass is an 18volt with different dip switches and S/P switches but Ken can confirm - frequency points are similar if not the same. Bottom line is the newer pre kicks butt over the 9volt version. I have not even thought about switching to another pre like I did with the crv5.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Allan Padmore

I recently bought a bsr5gn and this is an awsome bass! The overall output compared to my 9volt crv5 is roughly similar. However I do NOT have to crank the bass knob to get hugh bottom end! Granted the new bass is an 18volt with different dip switches and S/P switches but Ken can confirm - frequency points are similar if not the same. Bottom line is the newer pre kicks butt over the 9volt version. I have not even thought about switching to another pre like I did with the crv5.

The Newer Pre' is basically the same as the older Pre' but with some new additions. The DIP switch is one of them. The settings from the shop ARE different than the pre-set of the 9v unit. For instance, the Bass 'shelf' filter is set at 100 on the 9v but 200 on the 18v. What that does is boost (or cut) a wider band of frequencies. With the 9v set at only 100, the Bass is a tighter boost or cut. The 200 setting is just more. If both basses are the same exact woods (really impossible) and set flat, the only differences should be the woods themselves. The 18v pre' HAS the 9v default setting there as well as marked on the instruction sheet that comes with the Bass. The 18v just allows you to have it set differently.

The other two differences are more obvious. The Pots on the 18v are steel bracketed against the board to prevent breakage. The 18v also uses 2 batteries. This means little unless they both run low. At that point, they have a combined voltage and woll last longer than a single battery. They do however drain together so it 'eats' more juice along the way. The output is the same as if you put a second battery in your car under the hood. It wont go any faster, but will run longer with the lights left on!

[Allan Padmore]

Thanks for the info, Ken. I just knew the 18v sounded phatter and warmer. No need to max out the bass knob.

[Tim Bishop]

Not to my ear. I'm equally as pleased with either 9V or 18V pre-amp. When it comes down to the final mix, I see no advantage one over the other. If I had to choose between one over the other, the difference for me would most likely come down to the wood combinations.

[Allan Padmore]

Thats OK too. That's what's great about sound and tone - each individual has their own ear and taste. I know I won't have to upgrade my pre now. It has everything I need. The mids can produce an almost slightly overdriven tube grit if that's possible. Through my Aggie DB680 I was looking for a bit of grit but with the bsr5gn's mids I can coax some grit/hair from my tone.

[Jonny Blomgren]

Is it easy to install the 18v yourself?
My pots and jack are starting to wear out, and an upgrade would be a great way to cure that.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Jonny Blomgren

Is it easy to install the 18v yourself?
My pots and jack are starting to wear out, and an upgrade would be a great way to cure that.

Who are you asking this question to?

What exact bass do you have?

Does it have Series/Parallel switches, 7 holes in the Top of the bass?

Do you have all the exact tools to take it apart and re-assemble it?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Jonny Blomgren

Is it easy to install the 18v yourself?
My pots and jack are starting to wear out, and an upgrade would be a great way to cure that.

I'm curious. Any particular reason you would choose the 18V over the original 9V pre-amp?