Detail 01
Onboard, not outboard
It lives inside the bass and runs off a battery. Your tone controls move to the instrument, not the amp.
Product detailSKU #1274115053213
AguilarOBP-3SK Onboard Bass Preamp
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Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Onboard 3-band preamp for bass, installed inside the instrument. For players who want tone shaping at the bass rather than at the amp.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Passive basses that need active EQ without changing pickups
- Players adjusting midrange on stage between songs
- Studio use where small EQ moves matter before the DI
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone wanting a plug-and-play pedal or rack unit
- Players unwilling to route a battery cavity or drill knob holes
- Purists who want the passive signal path untouched
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
3-band EQ
Separate bass, mid and treble control. The mid band is what most passive basses can't touch at all.
Detail 03
Preamp, not a pickup
It boosts and shapes what your existing pickups already put out. It won't change the fundamental character of the pickups.
Detail 04
Active circuit
Higher output and lower impedance, so long cable runs and pedals lose less high end.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Requires installation: soldering, a battery compartment, and often new knob holes
- 02Check your control cavity depth and pot spacing before ordering
- 03Battery is a consumable — a dead one means no signal from the bass
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this fit my bass?
Depends on control cavity size and how many knob holes you have. Measure the cavity depth and count your existing pots before buying.
02Do I need a tech to install it?
Most people use one. Installation involves soldering to the pickups and output jack, and usually routing or drilling for the battery and extra knobs.
03Does it work with any pickups?
It's a preamp stage that takes the pickup output and shapes it, so it works with passive pickups generally.
04Does it need a battery?
Yes. It's an active circuit, so it draws power. Unplug the cable when not playing so the battery isn't drained.
