Breda Audio Music Man Stingray Pre-Ernie Ball 1978 Inspired Onboard Preamp SMD

This is an onboard preamp for electric bass inspired by Music Man Stingray pre Ernie Ball from 1978 in SMD format.

It's not a 1:1 clone since it has been chosen a modern approach with the prerogative of maintain the original sound of the time.

Since the LM4250CN does not exist in SMD format, in this project i have chosen the LF351DT. This IC have better performance overall with the only exception of the battery consumtion (1.89mA VS 0.08mA)

DISCRETE COMPONENTS WITH LM4250CN IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN MY OTHER ADS!

This SMD version have an additional feature: when the preamp is bypassed (passive mode) the treble control become a real passive tone.

The limited dimensions of 26mm x 20mm allow the fitting of this preamp in virtually any kind of bass.

Just like the discrete components version, the differences are:

• anti-inversion diode in order to protect the IC in case of a reverse polarity
• resistor that minimize the "bump" when the preamp is bypassed and engaged (naturally you can wire up the classic A25K volume after the OUT of the preamp itself; just like the one in the photos)
• added the 1KOhm resistor in order to protect the IC, this was a feature introduced in the 1982
• a better power supply section

The frequency response of this preamp was studied in order to have a distinguishable sound rather than a flat color.

The bands frequencies are:

• +20dB / -16dB @10 kHz for the treble
• +14dB / -7dB @40Hz for the bass

The preamp will be provided with 2 separate pots (one for each band) whose measures are M8, 10mm threaded part and center click.

It's also present a push/pull volume with the same measures that allows the switching from active to passive mode.

Thanks to these dimensions you can put everything on a pickguard/plate or directly onto the wood of the bass.

It's true that generally there isn't any center detent on the eq pots in this kind of preamp but, since it's a boost-cut preamp, i find it a very logical and handy feature.

In particular the values of these 2 custom pots are:

C1M/A500K for the treble

A100K for the bass

The volume is a classic A500K pot.

22 awg silicone wire.

Every product is tested before shipping and i will ensure a clear and complete communication!