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Question about pre-amps

I got a pretty cool old Zenith tube Hi Fi radio with a switched RCA input that goes right to the amp. Labels say this thing is 50 watts.

I have plugged in (with an adapter) my 2 string bass, but while I get 'dirty contact' noise thru the speakers, no guitar sound.

The ham radio guy here on the ship has told me that it's very possible the pup does not have enough output (the input is for a phonograph) and said a preamp would work.

I'm looking online and all the in-body ones are for piezo...which I am not interested in.

So what can I do? Adapt the mini micro piezo plugs to 1/4" phono, or what? Build a stand alone box (cigar!) and hard wire a jack?

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on November 22, 2019 at 7:38pm

yes the rest are in the RF detector circuit and the IF curcuits, all part of the radio side.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on November 22, 2019 at 2:51am

At the price i just found online, both under 10 bucks, i'm just gonna order replacements...

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on November 21, 2019 at 6:08am

I probably answered my own questions, just found this youtube vid. Gonna try again, not sure what I had done with the vol switch other than turn it on (blush)...

https://youtu.be/6WPSFX7Bc9A

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on November 21, 2019 at 6:24am

Did you verify the wiring of your adapter cord to be correct, a backwards connections will give you nothing?

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on November 21, 2019 at 6:27am

No I did not, but I will. Gary is among the "Grey Radio Gang", all hams (there's a station on the ship and they broadcast/receive on mostly ships equipment), and many are ex Navy radio guys. But as I said, I will check it.

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on November 21, 2019 at 6:27am

There’s a group for radios turned amps here, scroll around, there’s a video link that shows you how to easily convert one, 2 wires & a Jack is all you need?