Detail 01
On board
Mounts in the bass's control cavity, wired between the pickups and the output jack. Not an outboard box.
Product detailSKU #1274115053160
AguilarOBP-3TK On Board Bass Preamp
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
An onboard preamp that mounts inside a bass to add active tone shaping. For players upgrading a passive instrument's electronics.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Upgrading a passive bass to active tone controls
- Players who shape EQ at the instrument, not the amp
- Rebuilds and partscaster basses needing an electronics package
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone wanting a pedal or rack unit — this goes inside the bass
- Players who prefer passive tone and no battery
- Buyers unwilling to solder or pay for install
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
Preamp, not an amp
It boosts and shapes the signal at the instrument. You still need an amp or interface to hear it.
Detail 03
Active electronics
Hotter, lower-impedance output. Long cable runs lose less top end, and the signal hits pedals harder.
Detail 04
Passive-to-active conversion
The cavity has to fit the circuit board and battery, and the control layout may need new pot holes.
Detail 05
$179.99
That's the electronics only. Professional installation is a separate cost, often comparable to the part.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Measure your control cavity first — depth and width decide whether it fits
- 02Onboard preamps run on a battery; plan where it lives and how you reach it
- 03No bass, pickups, knobs or installation included
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this fit my bass?
Depends on your control cavity. Onboard preamps need room for the circuit board and a battery. Measure depth and width before ordering, and check your existing pot hole spacing.
02Do I need a new battery compartment?
If your bass is passive it has no battery box. Either route a cavity for one or fit the battery in the existing control cavity, which makes changes slower.
03Can I install it myself?
Yes, if you can solder and read a wiring diagram. Otherwise a tech should do it — bad grounding shows up as hum you'll spend weeks chasing.
04Does it replace my pickups?
No. It sits after the pickups and shapes their signal. Your existing pickups stay in the bass.
