Ginsly’s Acoustic Preamp Build

[Manic Mechanic]

Build Rating

5.00 star(s)

My acoustic preamp build. Used a BB size box so I could add some extras. Used the buffer/inverter board for balanced output direct to PA. Found the overall volume boost not enough so I added a Muffin Crumb gain stage to the input with a trimmer to help out my low output pickups. Probably overkill, but I also added an effects loop between the preamp and D.I. to insert a reverb pedal. Thinking about adding a voltage doubler to increase the headroom too. Should be a nice setup for acoustic guitar and mandolin.

 

[Ginsly]

Yayyyyy it lives! Mine’s en route

Huh, so the boost wasn’t enough? That’s a bit of a bummer… I wonder if there’s a way to squeeze a little more out of it without the added muffin crumb…

Did you use the TL082 as in the original or did you opt for a 72? Can’t quite see in the pic…

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Yayyyyy it lives! Mine’s en route

Huh, so the boost wasn’t enough? That’s a bit of a bummer… I wonder if there’s a way to squeeze a little more out of it without the added muffin crumb…

Did you use the TL082 as in the original or did you opt for a 72? Can’t quite see in the pic…

I’m using passive magnetic pickups with acoustic strings so the output is very low. Probably be fine for you, I just wanted a little more. I have a TLO72 in it. Going to test a NE5532 as well to find the lowest noise floor.

 

[Passinwind]

I’m using passive magnetic pickups with acoustic strings so the output is very low. Probably be fine for you, I just wanted a little more. I have a TLO72 in it. Going to test a NE5532 as well to find the lowest noise floor.

Try an OPA1642 on an SMD adapter, if it'll fit. I've done quite a few acoustic instrument preamp builds over the last few years (for guitar, mando, Dojo, and upright bass) and IME that's been the sweet spot for a cost effective low noise choice.