Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$179.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$179.99
Amazon
5.0 (5)
Used
Reverb
$179.99 5 available New
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$179.99
Thomann
4.4 (29)
$211.00 $209.00 $2.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Aguilar OBP-3 On Board Bass Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your bass to the next level with the Aguilar OBP-3 On Board Bass Preamp. This powerhouse preamp offers unparalleled tonal versatility and control, making it a favorite among bassists seeking to refine their sound. With its 3-band stacked boost/cut and a built-in toggle for precision adjustments, the OBP-3 ensures your bass cuts through any mix with clarity and warmth. Whether you're laying down the groove in the studio or commanding the stage, this preamp is your secret weapon for achieving professional-grade sound.

Key Features:

  • 3-band stacked boost/cut for detailed tonal control
  • Built-in toggle for precise sound shaping
  • Up to 18dB boost and 16dB mid cut/boost for dynamic range expansion
  • Designed for seamless integration with most bass guitars
  • Renowned Aguilar quality for reliability and durability

Product specs

Type 3-band Preamp, Boost/Cut
Instrument Bass
Active/Passive Active (requires 9V battery)
Features Separate Treble, Mid, and Bass pots, Mid Frequency switch

FAQs

What are the main features of the Aguilar OBP-3 On Board Bass Preamp?

The Aguilar OBP-3 is a 3-band preamp offering separate Treble, Mid, and Bass controls with a Mid Frequency switch. It provides +/-18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz, and +/-16dB at either 400Hz or 800Hz for mids, and treble at 6.5 kHz.

Does the Aguilar OBP-3 require a battery to operate?

Yes, the Aguilar OBP-3 is an active preamp that requires a 9V battery to function.

Can the Aguilar OBP-3 Preamp be used with passive basses?

Yes, the Aguilar OBP-3 can be used with both passive and active basses, providing enhanced tonal control through its 3-band EQ.

What type of tonal control does the Aguilar OBP-3 offer?

The Aguilar OBP-3 offers extensive tonal control with its 3-band EQ, allowing for significant cut and boost of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, as well as a switchable mid-frequency setting for more precise tone shaping.

Is the Aguilar OBP-3 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Aguilar OBP-3 is suitable for live performances, providing robust tone shaping capabilities and flexible EQ controls, making it ideal for adapting to different acoustic environments.

Combinator / Sean Fairchild

Combinator / Sean Fairchild

Warwick Preamp Comparison - Aguilar OBP-3 and MEC BEC III

Video thumbnail for Warwick Preamp Comparison - Aguilar OBP-3 and MEC BEC III by Combinator / Sean Fairchild

Warwick Preamp Comparison - Aguilar OBP-3 and MEC BEC III

Combinator / Sean Fairchild

Combinator / Sean Fairchild

Video thumbnail for 1999 Fender American Standard Jazz Bass with Aguilar OBP-3 Preamp demo by Tim Sarter

1999 Fender American Standard Jazz Bass with Aguilar OBP-3 Preamp demo

Tim Sarter

Tim Sarter

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aguilar OBP-3 On Board Bass Preamp.

Features and functionality

  • The Aguilar OBP-3 preamp allows for easy tonal adjustments on the fly, especially useful for keeping amplifier settings flat.

    Source
  • EMG active pickups require battery power to produce a signal even if the preamp is bypassed, highlighting the importance of battery maintenance.

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  • The preamp allows for bypassing the EQ section, though it still drains battery unless the battery supply is also switched.

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  • EMG active pickups are compatible with Aguilar preamps but require 25K volume pots instead of 250K or 500K used with passive pickups.

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Use cases and applications

  • Active pickups like EMGs generally offer a flatter EQ curve and higher output, beneficial for clear response across a wide range, favored by recording engineers.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Rewiring the preamp switch to bypass the preamp while retaining power to the active pickup is possible, allowing for passive operation of passive pickups.

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  • Multiple users recommend balancing a P/DC pickup combination to avoid a muddy tone, particularly with a neck DC pickup.

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  • Switching from 9V to 18V power can easily be done to increase headroom, but users should expect a change in compression and tonal character.

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Comparisons

  • EMG pickups offer a neutral tone compared to MEC pickups, which might appeal to those looking for a specific sound character.

    Source
  • The Aguilar OBP-3 preamp is noted to have a less aggressive output compared to some models in the Spector Euro line, allowing for smoother integration with active EMG pickups.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A stereo barrel jack might be necessary for EMG pickups if the existing setup uses a standard barrel jack.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fitobass

Boom!

Versatile Pre. Clean. Passive Active alternative. Mid selector switch. Boutique.

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See also: Aguilar

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