Session 4 : Aguilar OBP-1

Tests
- preamp Aguilar OBP-1

I built the preamp in an old Marchall channel switch stompbox...
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Audio files

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My opinions
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Aguilar OBP-1

I wanted to build the OBP-1 in my bass but its big size and its need of two 9v batteries changed my mind : I didn't want to make too big holes in my bass. (note than I tested an old version of the OBP-1. Aguilar has drastically reduced the size of the version of the OBP-1 that is currentlyavailable : you should check before ordering an OBP-1 that you will receive the new "small-sized" version of the preamp, if you want to install it in your bass !!) I finally decided to install the OBP-1 in an old Marshall stompbox (see pictures below).
The OBP-1 is not very versatile : you can only boost bass and treble (no cut and no middle control) but the boostable freq are so well chosen ! The OBP-1 is very quiet and produce very clean and warm sound even with lots of boost. I usually use very slight boost (round 10-15%) just to add bottom or transparency (useful for slap sound for example). I like the passive sound of my bass and I don't use the OBP-1 in every situation. The OBP-1 seemed to me much more suitable to a jazzbass than the OBP-3 (OBP-3 would perhaps fit a Musicman better ?...). I can only regret its so BIG SIZE comparing to the OBP-3 and its need of 2 batteries !
(Note that the latest models of OBP-1 are now as small as OBP-3 !!! Check it on the Aguilar's website ! If you order an OBP-1 be sure that you will receive a new/small one : you will have a lot less troubles in mounting it in your bass !!!)

N.B. : I have already tested the Aguilar OBP-3 in session 1 .

Note that I used 3PDT footswitches to get 2 real true-bypasses with LEDS. 3PDT switches can be hard to find but I got mine from www.custom-sounds very easily and at a very low price. 3PDT switches are sometimes the only good choices to add true-bypass feature using leds to a stompbox.

Picture 1 : 3PDT switch I got from www.custom-sounds

Picture 2 : My custom preamp and FX loop stompbox

Picture 3 : Still my custom preamp and FX loop stompbox

Picture 4 : Note the use of 2 9V batteries that perfectly fit the box and also the BIG size of this old-fashioned OBP-1 !!! (New : note that the new model of OBP-1 is as small as the OBP-3 !!!)

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