Adding a passive tone control to a bass with active 2-band preamp? *resolved*

[organworthyplayer337]

Hi, I'm looking to add a passive tone control to an active jazz bass.

The current controls are V-V-Treble-Bass, with an active/passive switch.

If I want just a passive tone, how would I go about doing that? I'm by no means an expert but I do have a very basic knowledge of all the components (pots, caps etc.). I would have someone else wire it up for me.

What would be the smartest way to incorporate a passive tone control?

Here's the wiring diagram for the current setup;

A clear explanation would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

*****

 

[organworthyplayer337]

And for the record I did google search it but still need help understanding how easy/difficult it would be and what I would need to do it.

 

[line6man]

All you have to do is connect the tone control to the place where the white wire outputs the second volume pot.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

All you have to do is connect the tone control to the place where the white wire outputs the second volume pot.

Hi,

I'm probably wrong but in the diagram all I understand is the white wire is going straight from the preamp to the switch. Where would the tone control come in?

Thanks!

 

[organworthyplayer337]

And also what pot configuration would be ideal? Since there's going to be the need for an extra pot

Is V-V-stacked Treble/tone-bass plausible?

 

[line6man]

Hi,

I'm probably wrong but in the diagram all I understand is the white wire is going straight from the preamp to the switch. Where would the tone control come in?

Thanks!

The tone control would be wired to that point.

 

[line6man]

And also what pot configuration would be ideal? Since there's going to be the need for an extra pot

Is V-V-stacked Treble/tone-bass plausible?

You won't have an easy time finding a concentric pot in the right combination of values and tapers to get a treble pot and a tone control on the same stack. It's easier to stack the bass and treble, and have a separate tone knob.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

The tone control would be wired to that point.

So instead of the wire going from preamp to switch, it would go from preamp to a lug on a Tone pot?


Would that affect the switch's function at all?

 

[Grumry]

Instead of VVBT you could try Blend, Bass, Treble, Tone. I'm assuming one of your pickups are always maxed on the volume.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

Instead of VVBT you could try Blend, Bass, Treble, Tone. I'm assuming one of your pickups are always maxed on the volume.

I'd always like to have the option of adjusting the volume just in case

 

[line6man]

So instead of the wire going from preamp to switch, it would go from preamp to a lug on a Tone pot?


Would that affect the switch's function at all?

No, you are adding a wire from the existing connection between the volume pot and switch, which goes to the tone pot.

 

[line6man]

 

[organworthyplayer337]

Oh ok. Then, from there, just add another wire from the Tone pot to the switch?

Thank you for your help and patience

 

[line6man]

Oh ok. Then, from there, just add another wire from the Tone pot to the switch?View attachment 1103619

Thank you for your help and patience

No, that would be redundant.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

No, that would be redundant.

So other than that, that's all the modification necessary? besides the stacked bass/treble pot.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

Cause I want the Tone to be usable when switched to passive mode. And with the active switch engaged, bass and treble.

 

[line6man]

Cause I want the Tone to be usable when switched to passive mode. And with the active switch engaged, bass and treble.

So you only want a tone control when you are playing passive? I've never understood the point of not having the tone control available all the time, but if you want to do that, the wiring is more complicated, and is done like this:

 

[organworthyplayer337]

So you only want a tone control when you are playing passive? I've never understood the point of not having the tone control available all the time, but if you want to do that, the wiring is more complicated, and is done like this:

Nevermind, it is probably smarter to have it available at all times; active or passive.

The part I'm semi confused with is why before the addition of the Tone pot, the two volumes were connected to the switch but not after?

Thank you, I'm learning a ton

 

[line6man]

Nevermind, it is probably smarter to have it available at all times; active or passive.

The part I'm semi confused with is why before the addition of the Tone pot, the two volumes were connected to the switch but not after?

Thank you, I'm learning a ton

The signal from each pickup goes into a volume pot, and the output of the volume pots is then sent to the switch, where it can be routed to the preamp, or to the jack, depending on whether or not the preamp is being used. The tone control is placed after the volume pots, but before the switch. You wouldn't want the tone control after the switch, because the impedance of the signal changes depending on whether or not the preamp is being used.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

The signal from each pickup goes into a volume pot, and the output of the volume pots is then sent to the switch, where it can be routed to the preamp, or to the jack, depending on whether or not the preamp is being used. The tone control is placed after the volume pots, but before the switch. You wouldn't want the tone control after the switch, because the impedance of the signal changes depending on whether or not the preamp is being used.

basically now the volume pots and tone pot aren't affected by the switch at all and is always routed to the output jack? Which means the switch is solely responsible for activating and deactivating the preamp