【used】Asobi Effect / Bark Pre Bass Preamp【GIB Yokohama】

Asobi Effect is the brand of Takato-san, who runs Asobi Bass School, an online bass school.
He is quite a bass fanatic himself and tests a lot of things himself on a professional level and incorporates his knowledge into his products.

This product is a pre-amplifier for bass with a built-in UK-made OEP transformer.
OEP is an affiliate of CARNHILL, the company used in NEVE replicas.

By incorporating a transformer, the coldness characteristic of the line is diminished and the sound becomes warmer, speedier and a little more compliant.
It gives the impression of an organic nuance.
I feel that this point shows a great deal of character in this product.

Along with the quality sound designed while using a transformer, the main attraction of this product is the control system, which bassists will have to agree is very itchy.

The controls include a basic EQ for BASS and TREBLE, and unique EQs for FAT, COLOUR and BOTTOM.

The BASS can be boosted/cut at 40 Hz and the Treble can be boosted/cut at 4.5 KHz.
The range of boost/cut is ±10 dB.
Some products offer greater boosts, but in this product these are kept within practical limits.
Combined with the exquisite design of the Q width, it does not break down even when turned up to the max.
It is a very musician-like design.

The FAT gives the impression of a boost-only low-mid EQ.
Even when turned up, it doesn't saturate, it doesn't produce a nasty middle, and it literally sounds a little fat.
I personally like the way it compensates for what the PB has and the JB doesn't.

The COLOR looks like a knob with the MXR M-80's COLOR switch.
It cuts certain bands down to -15dB.
This is made with an exquisitely narrow Q range, so that when you turn it up, you don't reduce the volume feel, you don't lose the important mid-range, and yet you get clearer bass.
It seems to be very similar to the Bartolini XTCT middle cut.

The BOTTOM is like a passive high-cut tone circuit.
As you turn it up, the treble peak seems to shift downwards little by little.
I think this is very useful for pick players, slap players and bass players who want different high frequency peaks depending on the bass.

The technique of installing a boost-only EQ and passive tone control on a JB is a specialty of Sadowsky and Alleva Coppolo, and I feel that it has a similar aim to the design of such products.

The power supply is designed to use 9V DC, but is internally boosted to 24V.
The design remains clear in the circuit and free from distortion.

A good product that strikes a bassist's heartstrings because it was designed by a bassist.
I personally feel that it works especially well with basses with two PUs, such as the JB.

Recommendation.

Slight signs of use on the exterior, but overall in beautiful condition. Operation is good.

Delivered by GIB craftsmen after strict inspection.

Accessories : none.

Text by : Shunsuke Saga

Inspection by : Inagawa
Product photograph : Ryuzaki

GIB with 3-month warranty

Ships in sturdy cardboard boxes.
International shipping is also possible.

Contact Info

LINE : vwj2699r
email : info@bassick.jp
tel : 045 594 7308