First Look: Trickfish Introduces the J-Core Preamp with Mike Pope’s Signature EQ Design Ahead of NAMM
Just ahead of the 2025 NAMM Show, Trickfish Amplification has unveiled a new preamp called the J-Core Preamp. The company says the drop-in Jazz Bass plate replacement offers their Flex Core preamp configuration in a simple and performance-driven design.
“Featuring Mike Pope’s signature 4-band EQ design, the J-Core delivers adjustable EQ points and enhanced signal routing,” they write. “Intuitive rocker-style internal mini switches allow players to individually fine-tune frequencies for bass, low mid, high mid, and treble. Incremental output gain adjustments provide versatile control to match your playing style. The addition of a vintage-style passive tone control provides a natural high-end roll-off, for classic warm tones. The J-Core effortlessly fits into the Jazz Bass control cavity and is powered by a single 9-volt battery.”
The Trickfish J-Core preamp will have two options: a four-band EQ with four knobs and a side-mounted jack or a two-band EQ with three knobs and a plate-mounted jack. The J-Core 4B will be shipping in February for $299 while the J-Core 2B will ship in March for $279.
Trickfish Amplification J-Core Preamp Features:
| Jazz Bass Plate Preamp |
| Drop-in Design |
| 4-band or 2-band Versions |
| Frequency Selection: |
| - Treble: +/- 15dB at 6kHz or 10kHz |
| - Hi Mid: +/- 15dB at 600Hz or 900Hz |
| - Lo Mid: +/- 12dB at 330Hz or 473Hz |
| - Bass: +/- 12dB at 46Hz or 90Hz |
| Output gain steps of 0dB, +3dB, +6dB, or +8dB |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
