The TPC1 Preamp Buffer
Jerry Garcia's well known guitar "Tiger" had his first Operational-Amplifier(OpAmp) Preamp Buffer inside it. Tiger's Preamp Buffer was located under the Tiger plate on a blue perfboard. The preamp onboard the guitar changes the high impedance output of standard passive pickups to a low impedance output rendering NO signal loss and the ability to drive long cable runs. It gives back the loss in clarity due to additional cable capacitance/resistance at extended lengths of cable. Even shorter cable runs can benefit from the use of an Onboard Preamp.
TPC1 & TPC1sm
The TPC1's are available in 2 sizes, the TPC1(standard size) and the TPC1sm(smaller size). The TPC1sm's output capacitor is switched to a tubular type and the circuit board is altered to accomplish the smaller footprint. The TPC1sm version is specifically made to accomodate those with a smaller/tighter control cavity. Both the TPC1 and TPC1sm retain the same circuit, component material, and identical tone. The Original TPC1 is left the same for the Jerry Purist's that need/want a clone of what JG's Tiger utilized. Their physical footprint is the only difference between the two. When ordering please select the option that fits your need.
Audio Clip Sample:
These Sample Clips were recorded by Vic DeRobertis's with his Resurrection Tiger (D'addario 10's / Adamas 2mm Pick) , and his previous stage rig consisting of a Modded Twin Reverb> Focus 2R amplifier> 2 JBL E120's in his home studio. All sample clips were recorded with identical parameters. However, because the TPC-1 is slightly less then Unity, the recording volume was slighty raised to match recorded outputs. you can check Vic and his talented band out at his links below;
First sample is the CB1, and the second is The Tiger Preamp Clone for each track.
Track List;
1) Tennessee Jed intro -- middle pickup, single coil, EQ
pots wide open.
2) Big Railroad Blues intro - same as above.
3) Althea intro -- same as above, fingerpicked.
4) UJB chorded intro.
5) Terrapin solo -- middle pickup, single coil, with a pick.
6) Chinacat Sunflower E interlude -- bridge pickup, double coil, with a
pick.
7) Midnight Moonlight solo -- bridge pickup, double coil, with a pick.
TPC1 Notes:
~ A Stereo (Tip/Ring /Sleeve-TRS) Output Jack IS needed for on/off switching purposes.~
~ Jerry's OnBoard Effects Loop(OBEL) IS NOT needed to operate.~
~ The TPC1 is not a Unity Gain Preamp. A Unity Gain version is optional at time of purchase.~
~ A Layout for installation is located here.~
~ A schematic of Tiger's actual wiring is located here.~
~ Strat Type Wiring Layout located here ~
Approximate Size in Inches:
TPC1 = 1-43/64" X 1-25/64" X 1/2" Tall
TPC1sm = 1-19/64" X 1-25/64" X 1/2" Tall
(NOTE: To help decipher the preamp that suits your needs, measuring out a small piece of cardboard/paper and placing it in your control cavity can help determine which preamp you can use.)
Pricing & Shipping:
$75.00 ea. W/$4.50 FIXED Shipping To The Continental 48 States(CONUS)
If you need shipping outside CONUS then Please Contact
Me First.
Turn around time is usually around 7 to 10 Business Days.
I accept PayPal and United States Postal Money Orders. If other arrangements are needed, please contact me.
Just a few players using The TPC1;
Jeff Mattson - Zen Trickster's, Dark Star Orchestra
"I currently have your TPC1 Preamp Buffer in both of my main guitars. My newest guitar has the smaller version (TPC1sm) and it was a real easy fit. I love how sweet and clear and natural the sound is. It does a great job of driving my effects loop and keeping a perfectly even tone at any volume. Thanks for accurately re-creating Jerry's Tiger guitar buffer for the rest of us to enjoy." Jeff Mattson, Dark Star Orchestra
Jim Shank - Skull & Roses, Rum Runners
Mik Bondy - The Garcia Project
Tom Wright - Ramblin' Rose, Cats Under the Stars (Oregon)
Vic DeRobertis - Playing Dead
Zach Nugent - Cats Under The Stars (Vermont)
Luthiers Currently Offering the TPC1
Gary Brawer Guitar & Bass Repair
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