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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre is a powerful, versatile preamp designed to bring out the best in your acoustic instrument. This feature-rich preamp is equipped with two inputs, allowing for quick instrument changes or blending of two pickups. The dual-channel setup is easily controlled through a toggle footswitch and separate level controls for each input.
The Tonebone PZ-Pre isn't just about volume, but tone control. It features a highly musical 3-band EQ and variable notch filter to help eliminate feedback. In addition, a unique Mix function allows for a more natural rendering of your instrument's sound by combining the signals from two pickups.
This preamp is also designed for optimal on-stage performance, with a combination power booster and effects loop bus that can be engaged with a simple foot stomp. A separate tuner out and mute footswitch make on-the-fly tuning a breeze. With comprehensive output options, including pre-EQ balanced lo-Z balanced output and post-EQ XLR output, you can ensure the sound you want reaches both your personal amplifier and the front of house mix.
Like all Radial products, the Tonebone PZ-Pre is built to last with heavy-duty 14-gauge construction and backed by a 3-year transferable warranty.
Key Features:
- High-performance 100% discrete class-A PZB piezo boosters
- Ultra-quiet preamp circuit adaptable to any pickup system
- Two inputs for quick instrument changes or blending of two pickups
- Powerful semi-parametric EQ and feedback eliminating controls
- Pre and post-EQ direct box outputs
- Combination power booster and effects loop bus
- Separate tuner out with footswitch mute
- Comprehensive output options for all types of monitoring
- Heavy-duty 14-gauge construction
- 3-year transferable warranty.
Owner's manual
Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre User ManualVideos
Radial Engineering
Joe West Demonstrates Radial's PZ-Pre
Reviews
PROS
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Eliminates boominess for a more natural sound on acoustic guitars
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Enhances sound quality, especially with passive piezo pickups
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Durable construction, described as "built to military specs"
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Offers flexibility with EQ, Notch filters, and boost function
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Multiple DI options and eq filters improve sound customization
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Maintains instrument's natural sound without coloring it
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Effective feedback rejection with notch filter, mid-sweep, phase, etc.
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Compatible with a wide range of pickup systems and instruments
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Customer service is helpful and responsive
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Transparent, clear sound that "breathes" and doesn't become brittle
CONS
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EQ applies to both channels, complicating use with different instruments
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Some models lack effects loop bypass switch, limiting setup options
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Sound may feel artificial with EQ unless used with Piezos
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre.
Setup and maintenance
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The M80 pickup is noted for its feedback resistance but may require gain staging adjustment to avoid feedback issues during live performances.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre is recognized for its large footprint but praised for its comprehensive EQ capabilities, suitable for varying acoustic guitar tones.
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Comparisons
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The Neve RNDI is favored for its simplicity and versatility, effectively handling multiple instruments including bass, keys, and mandolin with no need for additional settings.
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Use cases and applications
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Combining a passive pickup with an active DI/preamp is recommended to optimize signal fidelity and minimize potential feedback during live shows.
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User experience
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Users often find that keeping setups simple, especially for singer/songwriters, reduces failure points and setup time, enhancing reliability during performances.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
598
Once you get one of these you'll never have another DI
At first you think it's a lot of cash for a DI, but when you hear the EQ and boost abilities and the two instrument feed, you'll know it's worth it. This allows me to play all my low output acoustic instruments with piezo's live
Artist usage
Add artist
"The acoustic board consists of an Ernie Ball volume pedal, Boss FRV-1 reverb, TU-2 tuner and a Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre acoustic preamp."
"A mainstay among performers playing large halls, the [L.R. Baggs pickups] are used with Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre preamplification leading into a Fishman Aura acoustic imaging blender."
"The Radial PZ-Pre is an absolute life saver for us. I can say in complete honesty that there is no way that we could produce the kind of quality acoustic show that we have been lately without the use of your fine products. It's made life on stage so much simpler."
Zac Brown , Grammy winner :"The Radial PZ-Pre is the most natural sounding acoustic preamp we have ever used, not to mention its road-tested durability. Thanks Radial."
That goes into a Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre, which is a great little 2-channel acoustic preamp with some bass roll-off, a notch to filter out body resonance, a phase-reversal switch to cut feedback, and a sweet midrange.
Guitar Player interview, 2010.
En la pedalera de la derecha, se puede apreciar el sistema acústico que utiliza para simular las Guitarras acústicas con su Les Paul o su Hollowbody.
PREAMPS
JLP is using "PZ-Pre" preamp/D.I. by Radial Engineering Ltd. and also "Venue" by L.R.BAGGS.
"I love my Bones! Electric or Acoustic, Radial's Tonebone series are dependable, quiet, and superior to anything I have ever tried or used on the road, in the studio, and at home. Thank you for great tone!" - Greenway about his Tonebones, and he has been featured with PZ-Pre.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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