Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My main bass is my 77 4001, and I play it through my Markbass TA 501 head. However, I noticed a long time ago how much quieter the 4001 is when compared to other basses I've owned and/or played. This got me thinking that a preamp might be the solution. I do have an Ampeg SVP CL preamp around from my previous rig, but I was hoping there might be some other solution that wouldn't "color" the sound so much, nor do I know if this is the right way to go. I don't need any more power than I already have at my disposal, it just seems that with a preamp or something for the bass, I could probably use the amp a lot more efficiently than I do right now. Might a simple DI do the trick? I was thinking about running it right into the input, as there is no other way to do it, and I don't want to hurt the amp.
Any suggestions would be helpful!

Does the amp get loud enough right now for any foreseeable gigs? If so just keep on rockin' with what you have.

Yeah, it does. I'm just wondering how different things I might do might affect the preamp. So far, the 4001 and the Markbass are pretty much a perfect combination. No serious plans to change the setup at all. Just curious.

Robert, if you have a compressor pedal that has gain matching, you could use it to boost a little and see that way, without worrys to the Markbass.

Thanks, guys.
John, I love the avatar!

Thanks! It was time to ditch the Christmas tree, and I've always admired the Lone Ranger, so there it is.