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Author
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Topic: Barcus-Berry standard pre-amplifier, White Mans Magic??
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Bob Mainwaring
Member From: Qualicum Beach Vancouver Island B.C. Canada
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posted 24 June 2001 11:46 PM
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I recently aquired a Barcus-Berry pre-amplifier with a bunch of other steel related stuff.I`ve never had any dealings with such a box and wondered if anyone out there knows anything about them. It looks like it`s been around for a while, and measures 2.1/4" X 4.1/4" X 1.1/2" deep. I placed a 9v battery inside and hooked it up between the steel and the Nash` 400 but all I get is a sound like a really bad pot` coming from the amp. Even switching input output around, it still sounds like a scratchy pot`
There are two small adjustable wheels inside, one red, the other blue - could it be some kind of overall sound adjustment?? On the outside there is a "gain" knob 1. Is it worth anything.
2. Would it be worth pursuing it`s possible use/effect.
3. It`s serial No.is 002581
I would apreciate any answers guys. Bob Mainwaring. Z.Bs. and other weird things. ------------------
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Darvin Willhoite
Member From: Leander, Tx. USA
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posted 25 June 2001 08:39 AM
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These were made to amplify a signal from a Piezo pickup on acoustic instruments. There were several configurations, I think the earliest had a sloped panel and 4 knobs for EQ and level. I have one that has a level knob on one end and a tone knob on the other. They usually sell for $15 to $25. |
Donny Hinson
Member From: Balto., Md. U.S.A.
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posted 25 June 2001 05:45 PM
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Darvin is right...you have an old piezo-transducer preamp that is useless with standard magnetic pickups. |
Rich Paton
Member From: Santa Maria, CA.,
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posted 28 June 2001 08:57 AM
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The BB's are very high input impedance, FET based preamps. They are quite basic in design, but very capable of maintaining excellent sound quality from the instrument pickup to an amp or mixer. Battery life is typically long, and one of these will also easily drive a healthy length of snake cable, a useful (essential, actually) feature when you are mixing acoustic instruments.
A buddy I used to play "acoustic music" with had a pair of "hot dot" piezos imbedded in the bridge of his (made in USA)Washburn acoustic guitar. His tone using that pickup setup & the BB preamp was excellent, and in general getting a great sound with piezos is not the easiest task to have to accomplish.
My Brother-In-Law uses a BB preamp with his fiddle, also with good results. To me, it sounds as good as some of the much more expensive Martin, Fishman, and other more modern and more complex piezo preamps. |
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