Rick + Aguilar Tone Hammer

[ig55]

Has anybody tried Aguilar's new Tone Hammer stompbox pre? It's actually based on the OBP3 onboard preamp, with a parametric mid control and DI features (balanced out, post/pre-EQ, ground lift). Works with 18V power supply, lots of headroom. Also has a nice overdrive section...

I recently got a chance to try one out. I was quite familiar with the OBP3, as I used to have one installed on one of my previous basses. I was quite sure about its capabilities as a preamp, but to my surprise, I was blown away by the overdrive section. It's got the character of an all-tube SVT with the gain knob past the "breaking point" of the tubes. Thick and creamy with serious grind if needed!!! Mated perfectly with my 4001V63.

I've tried out a lot of drive units in the past, most of them not pleasing me at all. I've eventually settled on the TC Electronic Vintage Bass Distortion, which is a very versatile drive unit with fuzzy character and a wet/dry mix feature. But the overdrive on the Tone Hammer definitely nailed it for me. Now the TC is gone and I use the Tone Hammer as an "overdrive with a great 3-band EQ"

Highly recommended for overdriven Rick enthusiasts...

[jps]

Have you tried it as a preamp going straight in to a power amp?

[ig55]

Yes, I tried that on my Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0, plugging the Tone Hammer directly into the effect return. Works fine...

[jps]

How does the TH compare tonally to the Shuttle's preamp?

[ig55]

The TH is quite transparent as a preamp, just like its onboard brother OBP3. There is really minimal difference in tone (barely noticeable) when it's engaged with flat eq, compared to when it's bypassed.

The Shuttle 6.0 pre, on the other hand, has some color if its own, most probably due to the 12AX7 tube used in the circuitry. However, they get along very well with the V63. Although I used to like transparent amps in the past (like the GK 200MB I used to own), I have no complaints about the color of the Shuttle with either V63 or the other basses I own (2 G&L's and a fretless J). It's color more subtle compared to the heavily colored solid-state Hartkes and Ampegs

[jps]

I used to have a 200MB, I think they sound better than their replacement, the MB150 series.

I recently bought a G&L JB-2, great bass, very lightweight and nice neck. At some point I may replace the pickups with some type of humbuckers, not sure yet on whether side by side or stacked coils, and what brand.

[rickenbrother]

I used to have a 200MB, I think they sound better than their replacement, the MB150 series.

I have a GK MB200. Great little amp!

[ig55]

I agree on the comment that 200MB's are better than the MB150. They have a very transparent preamp section that perfectly reflects the sonic characteristics of the bass you plug into it. On the other hand, they reflect any flaws in one's playing technique as well. So it challenges you to play better. Power was my main concern in replacing that little monster. If I had enough spare cash for the Shuttle, I'd never sell it.

And for the G&L JB-2, it's definitely a great J-bass clone and certainly better built than the original, like all G&L's are. Its stock pickups are a bit harsher and more aggressive sounding compared to the Fender pickups. I'd recommend you Nordstrand J pickups. NJ4 single coils nail the true vintage 60's sound. If you want something vintage-ish without the 60-cycle hum you can try out the hum-canceling NJ4SV set. These are really close to the single-coil sound. And for something in between the P and J sounds, I'd recommend the hum-canceling NJ4SE's, which are currently installed on my fretless J. In the neck position it's really close to the P-bass sound. In the bridge position, it's somewhat darker sounding than a single coil J. I get the typical Jaco fretless tone (bridge full, neck 50% with single coils) with the bridge pickup soloed. That may give an idea how darker it is

[jps]

Thanks so much for the pickup info!!! I totally agree about the stock pickups sounding exactly as you describe it. Now I just need $$$ as the Nordstrands are pretty pricy but form what I have read worth it.

[ig55]

Yes, they are a bit pricey but definitely worth it. I had the chance to try 3 models up to now (NJ4SE, NJ4SV and Fat Stacks) and all were great pickups. And they got a very nice customer service. You won't regret buying Nordies...

[jps]

Nice horseshoe! Is it a magnetic one?

[ig55]

Yeah... Custom hammered...

[jps]

That makes it even more special.