• Ernie Ball
  • MusicMan
  • Sterling by MusicMan

Old/New Preamp Question

R

radiotrib

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2005
Messages
235
I have a 1980 Stingray and lately it fizzes and clicks when I touch the metal parts. Now that's probably an earth (ground) problem with the kit I am using it thru in my room (knackered old Tascam 4 track into a Nytech stereo hi-fi).

I could take the time to remove, clean and rewire all the bits inside, but if I'm going to do that, there's also the option of getting a new preamp for it as well. BUT there's the rub ...

It sounds beautiful to my ears just as it is, and what I needed to know is whether the new Stingray 2eq preamps are just the same as the old ones, or do they change the sound of the guitar in any way ?? Has anyome tried this and can comment ?? Is there anyone from EB/MM tech who can give an opinion?

I'd write to EB Tect Support, but I'm not talking about a new guitar, nor about a defitie purchase of even a preamp, so I would feel like I am wasting their time, and EB resources to do that. Of course .. if one of them sees this thread and decides to reply ... :)

Thanks in advance to all of you out then in Bassopea

K4
 
Rod Trussbroken

Rod Trussbroken

Moderator
Joined
Jul 25, 2002
Messages
5,216
Location
Bris Vegas. AUSTRALIA.
>>>...what I needed to know is whether the new Stingray 2eq preamps are just the same as the old ones, or do they change the sound of the guitar in any way

The current Ernie Ball 2 bander EQ is exactly the same as the Pre-EB 2 band EQ.

However:

*The 1976 Pre-EB amps were different with regards component layout on the board. The wiring from the board to the pickup and control pots was also different.

*In 1977, the component layout and wiring changed and became standard from that point onwards. But there was subsequent variation between the use of Tatalum versus Electrolytic capacitors.

*Up to the end of 1978, the boards were coated with black epoxy. In 1979, the epoxy coating was deleted.

*By circa 1983, the use of Electrolytic capacitors became standard. For audio purposes, it would appear that Electrolytic was considered to be superior.

*The IC chips were likley to be zapped in the event of the guitar lead being short-circuited. In circa 1982, an outboard resistor was included to protect the IC chip.

*In 1985, Ernie Ball adopted the same preamp (and outboard resistor) for their Rays along with the same wiring.

*Circa 1986, the protection resistor was included on the preamp board.

*Circa 1990, the preamp board changed from rectangular to crescent moon shape. Although the value of the pots remained the same, they were now soldered direcltly to the board.

*The IC chip has remained the same (LM4250CN).

So, putting aside the above variations, the current preamp is electrically the same as the Pre-EB, but in a more modern package :cool:
 
Last edited:
strummer

strummer

Enormous Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2005
Messages
4,518
Location
Safe European Home, Stockholm, Sweden
Rod Trussbroken said:
>>>...what I needed to know is whether the new Stingray 2eq preamps are just the same as the old ones, or do they change the sound of the guitar in any way

The current Ernie Ball 2 bander EQ is exactly the same as the Pre-EB 2 band EQ.

However:

*The 1976 Pre-EB amps were different with regards component layout on the board. The wiring from the board to the pickup and control pots was also different.

*In 1977, the component layout and wiring changed and became standard from that point onwards. But there was subsequent variation between the use of Tatalum versus Electrolytic capacitors.

*Up to the end of 1978, the boards were coated with black epoxy. In 1979, the epoxy coating was deleted.

*By circa 1983, the use of Electrolytic capacitors became standard. For audio purposes, it would appear that Electrolytic was considered to be superior.

*The IC chips were likley to be zapped in the event of the guitar lead being short-circuited. In circa 1982, an outboard resistor was included to protect the IC chip.

*In 1985, Ernie Ball adopted the same preamp (and outboard resistor) for their Rays along with the same wiring.

*Circa 1986, the protection resistor was included on the preamp board.

*Circa 1990, the preamp board changed from rectangular to crescent moon shape. Although the value of the pots remained the same, they were now soldered direcltly to the board.

*The IC chip has remained the same (LM4250CN).

So, putting aside the above variations, the current preamp is electrically the same as the Pre-EB, but in a more modern package :cool:
Click to expand...

Rod, the depth of your knowledge is nothing short of AMAZING!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom