Passive Pickup, Is a preamp necessary?

VK18 · Aug 27, 2009

Im an considering purchasing an ukulele with a passive pickup however i would like to know if i want to amp it or plug into a PA, if a preamp is necessary. As they seem to be quite expensive and I don't want to have to spend an extra 100 dollars on an already expensive instrument if it can be avoided. Maybe someone who has a uke with a passive could post a sound clip of with preamp and without. Because im having trouble grasping the difference.
Mahalo
-Vince

tadam3000 · Aug 27, 2009

Do you need a preamp with a passive pickup-no. But I think it improves the sound tremendously. A good amp head or mixer might do that for you, but depending on the circumstances, you may not have that around.

Kanaka916 · Aug 27, 2009

Refer to this recent thread regarding passive/active pickups. Lotsa good info there as well as some other links.

Brad Bordessa · Aug 27, 2009

I just made some quick sound files with and without my Fishman Pro EQ Platnium preamp. The EQ sliders were set flat, but even so it fills out the bass quite a bit.

Without preamp: http://liveukulele.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/without-pre.mp3

With preamp: http://liveukulele.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/with-pre.mp3

I hope that gives you an idea.

VK18 · Aug 27, 2009

Thank you so much this helps a ton!!!

buddhuu · Aug 28, 2009

I vote preamp!

I use a fairly similar Fishman product and am happy.

buddhuu · Aug 29, 2009

Hippie Guy said:
I just made some quick sound files with and without my Fishman Pro EQ Platnium preamp. The EQ sliders were set flat, but even so it fills out the bass quite a bit.

Without preamp: http://liveukulele.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/without-pre.mp3

With preamp: http://liveukulele.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/with-pre.mp3

I hope that gives you an idea.

Hey, good job. Clearly shows the difference, and nicely played. :music:

deach · Aug 29, 2009

Hippie Guy said:
I just made some quick sound files with and without my Fishman Pro EQ Platnium preamp. The EQ sliders were set flat, but even so it fills out the bass quite a bit.

Without preamp: http://liveukulele.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/without-pre.mp3

With preamp: http://liveukulele.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/with-pre.mp3

I hope that gives you an idea.

Very cool. Thanks!

Passive Pickup, Is a preamp necessary?

VK18

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