Our new Tilt EQ
Simplifying the Tone Quest: Introducing the McGrath Tilt EQ
For a while now, the ultimate goal has been to simplify the control layout on the Thunderhorse bass without sacrificing an ounce of tonal versatility. Today, I am excited to share a massive breakthrough that achieves exactly that. Alongside our new 12-way rotary switch, I have been developing a custom, onboard preamp called the McGrath Tilt EQ.
The design was inspired by the legendary DOD FX10 Bi-Fet Preamp, a classic pedal renowned for adding mojo to a player's tone. The original pedal kept things simple with just a tone and volume knob. That original tone pot was actually a tilt EQ, where turning it one way dialed in rich low-end while rolling off the highs, and turning it the other way added beautiful top-end sparkle and clarity.
We took that classic inspiration and optimized it specifically for an onboard bass layout. The master volume control has been moved to an internal trimpot on the PCB, though it is still fully adjustable if you need to tweak your overall output level. The main control pot now features a center detent so you can easily find your flat, neutral baseline. Built using modern, high-end, audio-grade components, the preamp is designed to run flawlessly on either 9V or 18V systems with easy-connect terminals for hassle-free installation. This was built for players who want a highly musical, intuitive onboard EQ without staring down a complicated wall of knobs.
The McGrath Tilt EQ preserves your natural bass response when tilted to the treble side. It simply shifts the focus to the highs without boosting the low-end, keeping your tone tight, clear, and perfectly balanced. When you roll it over to the bass side, which is probably where most players will land, it adds a beautiful warmth and beef to your tone. If you go all the way with it, it turns into an absolute sub bass machine.
To show you exactly what this setup can do, we have built a stunning new medium-scale, J-style 5-string Thunderhorse finished in a striking White Sands finish. This bass is heading out to The Bass Channel for a full review very soon. Thanks to the new preamp, this bass features an incredibly clean, powerhouse 4-pot layout consisting of a master volume with a push-pull preamp bypass, our 12-way rotary pickup selector, the McGrath Tilt EQ, and a passive tone control. You get an immense matrix of pickup configurations and a powerful active or passive EQ workspace, all managed by just four knobs. Stay tuned for the review drop.