Sire P10 John East Uni Preamp Swap - How much difference can a preamp make? - LowEndLobster Builds
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- Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
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Hey everyone! Today we're going to take another look at my Sire P10 and answer the question - will a preamp swap make a big difference? We'll be taking out the stock Sire preamp and replacing it with a John East Uni 5 knob. I'm a big fan of the East preamps, let's see if this one will liven up my P10!
John East Uni-Pre 5 knob: www.east-uk.co...
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at www.mjcironworks.com
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Thanks Lobster! I love your tinkering on the basses in your collection. Great stuff for all us other "tinkerers" out there. You should try an Audere preamp sometime.
Thanks Chris! I have an Audere swap planned, I'll talk about it on Sunday's review vid :)
10.6k subs !!!! Let’s gooooo !!!!
WOOOO!
I have heard the John East pre-amp in a few different basses now and everyone from the Adamovic to your Sire P10 all sound really good to my ears. Thanks for the continuing education.
Thanks Philip! They're one of my favorites. Currently rocking two different preamps- the uni in this and the MMSR in my Dingwall NG3. Love em both!
@@LowEndLobster I am considering installing a JE in my P bass. I know, heresy! ;D
Seems like a great upgrade for that hifi sound
Thanks James!
The East pre sounds more clear and bright but on a P style bass, I'd prefer the original pre. Main reason is, when playing live, at gig volume, driving the speakers brighten things up anyway. I can't recall a gig that I didn't have to turn down tone or treble, even with my Sire jazz . If I was a studio guy, I'd probably want the more clear East pre.
Good work here brother!!
Thanks Gerry! Wait until you see the next vid on this bass, new pickups that IMO have a bit more of the classic/vintage tone where the stock pickups are a little bit harsher when not paired with the sire preamp. I noticed something similar when I swapped out the stock sire pre on my V7, the pickups were a LOT brighter when not paired with the sire pre. Great comment :)
I really dig that John east! You got me into them! There great sounding, I love the muds switches in the preamp such a great feature
Thanks Jeremy! Indeed they're awesome
The jury is still out, I like the stock preamp. The Johnny is to tinny on top end for me. Looking for that pickup swap coming next....
Some serious hi tech sounds. Very good played.
I have to confess, i bought a fender custom shop jazz bass V in 2004, ice blue metallic, maple fretboard.
I'm a passionate right hand player. This bass removed my ability to be that bass player. I was always in the mix lol!
Nice modding, you made a real hi tech bass more hi tech.omg i love you man!
Thank you very much! Your Jazz sounds awesome :)! Join our Discord channel and share some pics!
@@LowEndLobster I will do tomorrow, sir!
Great shirt!
Thank you!
Fellow tinkerer here! Love this video!
I put a John East "J-Tone" drop in preamp in a black Vintage Icon VJ74! Fire! I think you'll like this one bc it's powerful, but stealthy and transparent too. The wilkinson pups sound much better now, but I'm awaiting my bartolini b axis set. Then I think I'll be done tinkering with that one.
Hell yeah! That sounds sweet.
What did you think about the bartolini B axis?
Bartolini sent me those pick ups a month before they were released to the public because I didn’t care for the sound of the Bartolini’s I originally bought, for my jazz bass and they switched it out for free.
I almost bought the J retro preamp, what did you think of it in combination with these pick ups?
I paired them with a drop in Sadowsky preamp with bass, treble, vintage tone control, push pull active passive pre amp , (had an Audere pre before, but sounded to sterile to me) and that combination has been absolutely fire!!
Excited for this
:)
@@LowEndLobster Nice work man! I like the East Uni preamp, I need to listen again with my headphones though. Initial thoughts, sound really 'hi-fi', crisp and clean.
@@dm4728 Indeed, but this preamp really needs its own video - especially paired with the Nordstrand Pickups that are in 'er now :). There's soooooooooo much flexibility, you can dial in whatever you want
@@LowEndLobster Awesome! look forward to hearing with Nordy iteration 🙏
LowEndLobster, you forgot to mention one of the main benefits of the East UniPre!!!
The mini wheels on the board allow to tweak the frequencies for treble, as well as bass.
For the bass frequency there's two controls, one for the beginning of shelf, and one for the end.
(Can set it up to do 40 to 200hz or 100 to 200 for example!!!)
Which is IMO, the USP because most other preamps just boost 40hz for bass and that's just too boomy.
Also the treble are often set to 10kHz and that's way too zingy.
So the flexibility of the unipre has to be told and praised !
Yes! I will be doing a more in depth video of this preamp because there's just so much to unpack
Hi lobster.
Great video, as usual.
Do you think the uni preamp would work well with the ibanez afr
I put a uni and nord pick ups in my ibanez and i fricken LOVE the sound. I have more $ in mods than the bass itself cost and it was so worth it.
Great video!! It would be great if you made a separate video about mini-wheels on the board for low and high frequencies.
Thanks Maksim! I have another vid on this bass coming... and I forgot to mention the wheels in that one too. I have them set where I like them currently, but you're right - I should do a vid on that specifically!
Fun video, thanks! Question for you.. Is the body more squared off under your right wrist? Is it comfortable playing sitting down? I'm too damn old and always play sitting. It just looks a bit "sharper" to me.
It is a little bit of a harder edge but not hard enough where I find it uncomfortable or digging into my arm. That problem for me exists much more with semihollows after playing them for a while.
Hey LEL ! As you know, I am a huge fan of the Sire P series. This John East mod sounds AMAZING ! I was skeptical that it would add a lot since I like the stock pre.
:) glad you like the mod!
If paid $1500.00 for a bass I shouldn’t have to pay another 250.00 to make it sound like I want this why I sold my Sire and went with Bass Mods and got a bass with Aguilar pups and preamp well worth the $1500.00 I paid but thanks Lobster for keeping it 100 💯
Thanks Sid! You're 100% right, luckily I didn't pay $1500 for this one (got this and the M5 at an artist discount through Sire direct). After swapping the pickups, preamp, tuners, and bridge, it's become one of my favorite go-to basses. However, I still stand by my review and wouldn't pay $1500 for this if given the opportunity - not unless some of these upgrades I did (hardware mainly) become Standard and they do some more to differentiate this from the P7.
@@LowEndLobster I’m a big fan of your channel and follow your work I might get another Sire bass but it would either be the M7 or M5 just for a different feel and sound. I’ve been using the MJC strings for quite sometime they’re really good strings and don’t get enough publicity like they should I’ve got a good relationship with one the owners Mike and he’s a great guy, thanks again man for the great reviews, I plan on getting on your next bass giveaway.
I know this is old, but man, the EAST preamps are awesome. I would never expect an pre of that quality/cost in a $1500 instrument maybe in a 4 or 5 thousand dollar bass.
Hey, Lobster, nice vid! I was wondering if you could take a look at the Redsub Infinity Multi-scale bass, and wanted to know your opinion! I am considering getting it, and wanted to know what you thought about it.
Hey Kenji! I just took a look, not much of a fan on those frets haha - 34.5-35.5" scale. The 35.5" scale on the lower strings means that you can't use regular string sets. I'll see what I can do :)
@@LowEndLobster Figured, thanks for replying! Anyways, do you have any suggestions for a solid budget 20+ fret Jazz Bass with active preamp? If not, a 24 fret double humbucker with active preamp? An active/passive switch is preferred though not needed :)
In my opinion I prefer the warmer sound of the sire preamp. Good comparison though.
Thanks Dalton! I personally was into the extra top end sizzle but that's why I provide both clips, always appreciate your comments!
The truth about the UNI pre is that you can get it to sound warm if you want. There's so much tweaking possible. It is the most flexible and best sounding preamp I've used.
You can adjust the freq range for the bass and treble on a trim pot that's internal. Plus you have the sweepable mids. You can get any sound you want
Hey Lobster... I am looking to buy a budget bass pretty imminently here, but I also like to tinker with them. I know you said you hated the preamp on the Ibanez SR300; do you think doing this sort of mod to that bass would make you like it any better? Or just get something else? The SRs have such pretty finishes...
Honestly, I'd upgrade to a new bass. Yes, the finishes are eye catching, but it's polish on a turd IMO. The new SR600 series looks much more enticing in my opinion, and we'll be checking that out soon.
@@LowEndLobster Cool beans!
I have an SR540ZW I liked pretty well until I upgraded to a ray 4 with the Aguilar pickup and then a G&L L2K-t and a Sire v9. Playing any of these and going back to SR540ZW with those shitty Bartolini Mk1's honestly makes me never want to pick them up. One thing I have always liked about SR's though is that they seem to have very consistent overall quality and they always take a setup really nicely. Super low buzz free action. Nice thin neck.. light body.. shit tone..
Hi Lobster. I have a customer with an M2 with a duff pre-amp. Instead of just replacing with a stock Sire pre-amp, I think it would be wise to upgrade. How good would the East be instead, do you think? Or would you recommend another option? He doesn't want to change the pickups because of the cost.
Such great stuff coming from John East. The pre shape contour is worth the cost of entry alone. I am saving my milk money to put a uni pre in my ehb1505.
Thanks Jon! Thinking about a Uni for my EHB as well, I think it'll pair well with the Aguilars.
Jon, watch out for the size of the unipre.
I had one installed in my Ibanez bass and the workshop had to route a little bit the interior cavity to make it fit.
Double check your cavity depth, length etc before buying.
A few weeks ago, I replaced my EHB’s preamp with a Uni-pre. (I also replaced pickups)
I had to carve the cavity, but I think my bass had become more versatile.
Actually not too crazy about the tone of this bass with either preamp which is strange because I like the tone of some of the lower cost models that you have demonstrated.
Interesting! Perhaps you'll like the tone with the Nords more. I need to record the second half of that vid hahaha
Excellent very enjoyable. Liverpool UK
Best wishes
Thank you Paul!
Such a series of informative videos. Great work thanks.
Can you do more with the blend off centre please?
She's very bright with that new pre.
Thanks James! I have pickup swap video coming on this, and a subsequent in depth preamp overview coming :)
I preferred the stock preamp tones. But you know me; I’m a passive kinda guy!!
Thanks Rev! I think you'll like what you hear from the new pickups coming in another video- nordstrands!
Sounds like it has a little less mud. The stock pre sounded good enough, but I think that John East is more articulate. I like it.
Thanks Bizi!
Ficou muito melhor!! Esse Pre da John East é simplesmente maravilho! Combinou com a Sire !
before the change it sounds really good, now its superb! any news on the d5 and p5 ' s yet? cant wait to order one of those;)
Thank you! Nothin yet, but we will be the first spot to get em!
Cutting the mids on the stock preamp sucked all life out of the bass tone. I believe you felt the same, that's what your face told me. But for the mid boost, I actually preferred the stock preamp, the John East was getting a little honky there. Preamps can really have a huge impact on sound, and I think the numbers, like how much dB boost/cut at which frequencies they do, can only give you a rough idea of what to expect. There's so much more to it, like the Q of the bands, the general flat frequency response, how much dynamics they can handle, impedance towards the pickups (can change their sound) and the output, distortion, hiss, ...
Thanks for the comment! Check out my vid on the Flexcore that I swapped in here, I like it a bit better in this application
@@LowEndLobster Oh yeah! Just watched it, I also dig it! This might be the holy grail upgrade, I like the Flexcore preamp with the slanted Nordstrand P a lot better than this config. Far richer overall, and a lot more musical, especially with mid/treble boosts!
hi Lobster.... I need some advice if possible: I intend to replace my Ibanez's preamp mostly because I don't like the bass adjustment - in the effort to remove the ultra-low mud, it removes too much of some wanted frequencies, I would like it to only cut the very low ones (20-60Hz) and the thumb selectors adjustable bass cut/boost range on the John East preamp promises to deliver this so I'm naturally interested in it. Now for your advice: I am mostly worried about dynamics in a preamp, i.e. its translation of the sensitivity of the pickups and many preamps fail to deliver but it's impossible to tell this from a video. Some videos I've watched gave me the impression that the J.E. preamp sounds a bit "squashed" and compressed but your video suggests otherwise, it sounds very alive and dynamic. I'm confused - what do you personally think? Is the John East preamp delivering the sensitivity necessary for accurate 1/32th note playing (stuff I play is for example Jamiroquai) and I need the best possible articulation and dynamics possible.
Hey Marios! Excellent question. I've found in my experience that the east preamp really opens things up. I've used them in several contexts thus far- Dingwall, Ray24, and this -my P10. I'm doing to do an in depth video on this preamp and will talk about the little thumb switches, but between the individual pickup gains, those thumb switches, and the pre-contour/bypass that you get, the east really opens things up a bit. I think you also get two different mid freq ranges (100hz-1khz or 200hz-2khz)... or that might be the mmsr, I forget. I think the end result will largely depend on the pickups, and you'll see an upcoming video where I swap the pickups out for Nordstrands and the end result leaves things a bit more balanced (where the stock Sire pickups were definitely a bit bright). I definitely would say go for it and I don't think you'll be disappointed with the East!
@@LowEndLobster Thank you for the reply Lobster, excellent info there, by some nice coincidence, my Ibanez is an SR650E with P-style (angled pole pieces) Nordstrand pickup in the neck position, so the review you are going to make will definitely be very-very relevant and interesting to me.
If I am allowed a suggestion for your review, try playing with a really low frequency range for the bass adjustment and see if it can get rid of the mud of the deep "thump" in the sound without losing the warmth.
Thank you overall for the channel, excellent reviews, mods (and style!), whenever I see the notification dot of a new video I immediately click on it :)
@@LowEndLobster By the way, the high-end J.E preamp features a mid-sweep for mid-frequency choice.
Spare some wisdom maybe? I have a 5 string Squier Jaguar that I'm upgrading. It's got a PJ configuration and I've already swapped stock pickups for Duncan quarter pounders which was a vast improvement. I'm after the preamp / pots next and looking for recommendations. Knobs are P pickup volume, J pickup volume, active bass boost (terrible knobuse this to make bass sound like ass) and a tone knob. Some folks go in and bypass the active bass boost all together but I'm wondering if something like a Aguilar preamp set would make good use of the battery. Thoughts? Any recommendations if you were going to give it a Lobster over? Any wisdom would be appreciated. Great video as always!
Thanks Croc! Aguilar makes awesome preamps, I'd also consider the Sadowsky if you're looking for something to enhance vs completely control the tone.
@@LowEndLobster Thank ya Lobsta! I'll look into the Sadowsky too.
I know this is a older video but I'm really curious how the bartolini baxis pickups would sound in this p10 with the johneast pre have you had a chance to try those out yet? If not I highly recommend you try them out. I swapped those in my warwick Corvette standard 5 with the uni 4 knob pre and it is my main player now it absolutely slams it retained all the good things about the stock preamp and pickups but was less noisy and compressed
I have a music man special HH and was wondering what bridge to use to upgrade the bridge? Don’t necessarily like only 3 screws holding it on! Model year 2020.
You could definitely use the Albridge bridge that I used in my Project Code Red video, that's linked in that video's description (I fixed the link).
I personally have never needed all these tonal variations, however when I was actively playing gigs I always brought two different sounding Basses. Usually a Jazz with rounds and a fretless jazz with flats, many times both were fretless... I personally think one could do better with something else for the money these Sires cost.....
Thanks BP! Indeed, especially the 10 series - the value isn't there... but I got a deal on em and I love to tinker ;P. IMO my V5 fretless is where it's at in terms of performance and value if we're talking Sire. I like to mod em, but there are definitely more well rounded basses out there in the V7 price range.
Big difference in a good way. Is that the filter pre they offer, Wal or Alembic?
Thanks! Yes, I believe it's filter based, not in an Alembic way from what I understand. When I was a bit younger I spent all my money on a used Alembic Series I, it was heavy, power hungry, and the controls were confusing hahaha
Olá amigo!. Esse pré pode ser usado em 18 volts?
Marginally prefer the new one but old sounds nice to me as well. That bass has a lot of pop to it.
The John East J-Retro Dlx & The Uni-Pre are the be all end all in on board bass preamp’s! Of course that’s just my opinion.. Preamps/Eq’s w/semi-parametric mid-control + the kind of extraordinary versatility of the East designs.. typically have a high potential for a wide array of strange, unmusical & downright sour sonic results! However John’s design ingenuity & ear provides a wide sweet spot!!
The downside is definitely the price, roughly 400$ for US customers!! That’s well over double the price of Aguilar, Bartolini, Nordstrand, SD, EMG, Sadowsky, & even more hi-end stuff like Delano, Lustihand, Noll, M. Pope, Trickfish etc..
I do REALLY love what the folks at AUDERE have been doing!! They an offer a standard line w/up to 4-bands and a ton of options; One fully wired & mounted on a Jbass plate & a Rear cavity mount style. Both are absolutely top tier quality for JUST 100$!!! Pre-wired & Shipped! I own both and while they might not be J. East they punch Wayy above that 100$ price tag!
Hey there, it's a shame to see that the p10 isn't really all its cracked up to be. Do you have any thoughts on the stock p7? I'm looking into getting a new bass and I really want an affordable p, ideally a 5 string pj and the only two basses that meets all the criteria's are the sire p7 and the sadowsky metro express. The sadowsky seems to have a lot of issues though so leaning more towards the sire
It would be my first and only p bass so I'd be hoping to get something authentic to that sound. I was also looking at some of the active fender p's but they're only in 4 string models
P7 is a great bass. The P10s problem is that it's a P7 with a fancy suit for a grand more. P7 imo is the better value
@@LowEndLobster ah that's good to hear! Think I've figured out my next investment then
Wow. You can solder fast 😳
It's a gift and a curse ;P
Can you post a link to bridge?
www.ampshopbassexchange.com/accessories-3/
You can get them here, but they might currently be out of the Sire bridges. Give em a call or send them an email and they'll let you know stock and ETA
The John East preamp has more punch to my geezer ears. Wonder if that preamp would be an easy swap in my Fender Dimension.
Thank you! It's a mostly solderless process, just need to solder the jack ground to shield pretty much
That sounds so much better than the stock!
Thanks! I agree, the level of clarity that the east preamps have is second to none
Does this preamp fit in the Charvel pro mod bass?
I initially bought it for the Charvel. Yes, it should fit the cavity but you may have to widen the pot holes.
very interesting...
I think that preamp jumper set up need To be reviewed in order To find the right balance, thanks for sharing
S.V
Thank you! I will definitely be doing an in depth video on this preamp, don't worry :)
I got a warwick jazzman 4 , and would like a 5 Sting too but more towads a vintage sound any suggestions
I'd check out Reverend.
Thank you i Will try one but they look good
This made a noticeable difference in tones. Looking forward to hearing with Nordstrands (if I understood correctly).
Would be interesting to compare V5 with Mexican and American Geddy Lee. Then upgrade bridge and pickups (and perhaps tumers) of V5 before doing another comparison.
Thanks Matthew! You understood correctly! Definitely looking to snag a fretted V5 in the future and mod the hell out of it
all bass u reviewed is your own bass?
btw love ur videos.
The vast majority of the time yes, I disclose when a bass isn't mine or is sent to me but I don't accept payment or free stuff for bass reviews.
@@LowEndLobster btw nice bass collection... but why u dont want to accept gift from you subs?
Good luck bro... keep doing what u doing..
@@myopicshah I never said I don't accept gifts from subs, but I don't accept free instruments or payments from manufacturers for my reviews. Feel free to send me stuff ;P
@@LowEndLobster love you for that bro thanks! You're doing the entire slap community a huge service.
And is the bass still on 18V with the Uni Preamp?
Yes
Got a question: I have not seen you talking or using an extender in any of your mods. Could you please elaborate?, Maybe recommend one, install it, talk about its uses and play with one? Thanks
Hey Mauricio! I'm not sure what you mean by 'extender'
@@LowEndLobster hipshotproducts.com/collections/bass-xtenders
@@LowEndLobster "ex" or "x"...same thing! haha
Oh I understand now. Yeah I don't really use em honestly. I appreciate their functionality but I don't think I've actually owned a bass with one haha
For this bass I prefer the stock Pre, but man those tuners look sick . I might swap mine too on my V7.
Thanks A! The tuners were a funny accident, I thought I got the chrome ones but I got the satin ones (chrome ears still), but I love the look
@@LowEndLobster That accident worked out well Lobster. 😁
I hate to say, but I preferred the original preamp.
Don't sweat it! That's why I provide the sound clips. My opinion means diddly compared to what is communicated by the sound clips. I want my vids to help people form their own opinion, not force folks to conform to mine.
That Sire preamp just sounds so muddy, no clarity, great upgrade.
Thank you Fret Level!
moar sire!
We got you covered :)
:)
Awesome 😎
NOOOO WAIT STOOOPPPP!!!!!
.....never mind
You are no longer the mad bass scientist, more “MAD BASS SURGEON” and Fast!!!
:) Thank you Tommy! More bass madness on the horizon ;P
@@LowEndLobster I believe you, and that’s why I will always watch. Cheers
The bass sounds like it was made with bad wood! Doesn't matter what preamp is in the bass,
because it's not a great sounding bass period!