Recommended preamp for ukulele use

Condor · Feb 17, 2014

I am awaiting two ukes both of which have passive pickups fitted - my understanding is that passive pickups should be connected to a preamp before connecting to the amp itself - which preamp would be suitable for this? Looking for something afforable and compact, it would be useful if I could use it for a guitar as well.

Advice would be appreciated.

PhilUSAFRet · Feb 17, 2014

Depends on the amp. Some amps, especially some of the "most recommended" small amps on UU have built in preamp/eq's. The external pre-amp most often recommended here is the Baggs Paracoustic DI. The Behringer PREAMP/BOOSTER PB100 is a "budget" alternative that will get the job done, though not nearly as well as the Baggs

Here's a good article by K&K on the subject: http://kksound.com/support/pickups101/preamp.php

kesroberts · Mar 5, 2014

Does anyone have experience using the Danlectro Fish&Chips as a pre-amp? It looks like almost as good a deal as the Behringer.

RichM · Mar 5, 2014

I use the Baggs GigPro, sort of the smaller younger brother of the Baggs PADI. It is small, inexpensive (~$99), very simple to use, and clips to your belt for performing. I used it to preamp a piezo pickup on my five-string banjo. It's really hard to get a clean acoustic sound from a banjo pickup, but the GigPro at least gave me enough signal strength to cut through the mix.

vanflynn · Mar 5, 2014

I have a GigPro too http://www.lrbaggs.com/preamps/gigpro-mixpro-acoustic-preamp
I like the fact that it clips to your belt. All you need is a 2' cord from uke to preamp. If you move around the pull is on the belt, not the instrument and the controls are right there

bborzell · Mar 5, 2014

I used a Fishman for several years. Worked well for me. Mine was a G-II. They are about $60 now.

http://www.fishman.com/files/outboad_preamp_user_guide.pdf

DaveY · Mar 5, 2014

I'll add another one to the mix: K&K Pure Preamp also is a clip-on -- I just got one and have tried it out at home, and it works well, and it's under $100 (don't go by the list price). Here's info: http://kksound.com/products/purepreamp.php They don't seem to be available from the big retailers, but you can find dealers at http://kksound.com/dealersearch/

Tootler · Mar 5, 2014

Another one to add in is the Ashdown preamp pedal. It has high & low EQ and a notch filter activated by a foot switch for feedback suppression. Like the Baggs, also acts as a DI box.

Cost to me in the UK ~£100GB

http://ashdownmusic.com/products/2/Acoustic-Amplification/11/Ashdown-Acoustic/74/AA-Preamp-Pedal/

ricdoug · Mar 6, 2014

http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com...ringer-ADI21-active-DI-preamp&highlight=adi21

GregT · Mar 8, 2014

Affordable and compact - look at the Behringer ADI 21.

Condor · Mar 8, 2014

I did just that and ordered one, probably just unlucky but its stone dead out the box, so returned it to Amazon and awaiting a new one............

Tootler · Mar 9, 2014

Condor said:
I did just that and ordered one, probably just unlucky but its stone dead out the box, so returned it to Amazon and awaiting a new one............

Behringer products always get mixed user reviews on Amazon. It seems there are quality control issues with their products. The shop where I bought my Ashdown preamp said the had stopped stocking them for this reason. People who get good ones generally give them good ratings and they are good value for money. That said I'd rather spend a little more for something that's reliable.

Good luck with your replacement anyway.

Recommended preamp for ukulele use

Condor

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PhilUSAFRet

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kesroberts

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RichM

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vanflynn

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