Audere JZ3

Assembled pre-amp for dropping into a standard Fender Jazz Bass. Features a 3-band eq, pickup blend, master volume, and 3-position toggle switch for low, mid and high Z mode for varying the impedance. Also comes with a battery and setup instructions.

I installed this in my '62 reissue Crafted in Japan Fender Jazz Bass. Prior to installation of the Audere pre-amp I installed a pair of Nordstrand vintage split-humbucking pickups due to the originals being complete crap.

The 3-band eq is very functionally voiced but I typically don't use it all since the pre-amp is very transparent and eqing is generally not necessary. Exceptions are if I'm using a cheap practice amp I'll cut the mids and maybe add a little bass, and if I'm looking for a slightly old school sound I'll cut the highs.

The pickup blend knob is the probably the best feature this pre-amp has to offer, it is incredible. A typical Jazz bass wiring with two volume controls causes the tone and volume to decrease when both are open due to the increased load, plus it is hard to dial in subtle blends with the traditional setup. With the blend control there is no volume difference throughout the rotation of the control and subtle blends can easily be achieved.

The Z control is a great addition but does require some adjusting of the preamp in order to properly adjust the gain of each setting. The gain adjustment requires some trial and error and the adjustment knobs are very sensitive to subtle turns. I prefer the low-Z mode setting, and wouldn't even consider using the high-Z setting. I have noticed however, that in the middle-Z setting, I can acheive almost the same sound as the low-Z setting by boosting the lows slightly and cutting the highs slightly. Basically with as many controls as this thing has, there are many variations possible to acheive similar sounds. But the Z-mode swith is useful as a preset with less adjustments necessary to get three distinct sounds.

Very good. It is a bit expensive, but I often just sit and stare at the inside of it because it is a work of art. It is a very complex piece of gear. It is also operates quietly which is a big plus. I've also owned a stingray with a 3-band eq. To my ear the stingray pre-amp actually sounds to me like you are hearing a battery (metalic sounding) while the Audere pre-amp sounds like you are hearing a passive bass (very transparent and open).

As far as construction, The stacked control for the bass and treble quickly got bent but it still functions fine. Also some of the eq pots are getting a little scratchy sounding while being turned. Since I take good care of the instrument, I'm a little surprised it already has some minor problems.

If this pre-amp broke, I would replace it immediately since the diffence the pre-amp made, compared to the original control plate, was amazingly positive. It made me realize how important good sounding pots are to the tone of the bass.

As good as it is, I still wish Audere would have the option of sodering the pickup wires directly to the preamp. I do not like the way they attach since it requires a tight bend in the wires in order to cram all of it into the tight space. Plus sodering is bomb-proof and solid, I wonder sometimes how good of a connection I actually get with the way the wires are currently attached. If I had to replace mine, I would try to get a custom order with just volume, blend, 3-position Z mode and treble knob. For me, all the other knobs just get in the way and don't get used.