HazLab Preamp Alternative
Looking for That Original Haz Tone?
If you just bought a vintage Spector bass but it's got a KHaz or other Haz clone that's not working well, or your TonePump or Legacy just isn't giving you that vintage Spector tone you're chasing in your head, you're in the right place.
LHZ Preamps started as a project on the TalkBass forums to develop a miniature preamp based on the vintage 1981 Haz design. It was created as a modern alternative to provide that vintage tone and feel for players who couldn't find (or afford!) an authentic Haz preamp. That's still the core of what we do.
Shop the LHZ-04 (2-band) | Shop the LHZ-05 (3-band)
Why players switch to LHZ
Spector players often have common problems they are trying to solve:
- They have a 30-year-old "Khaz" clone preamp that is failing due to age or poor components.
- They struggle with the TonePump preamp's high output, lack of center detents, or asymmetrical EQ cut & boost ranges.
- They find the Legacy preamp sounds darker than their Hazlab-equipped Spector basses, or have concerns that it goes through batteries faster.
- They find the ToneCapsule preamp to be too bright and modern-sounding.
- They find the EMG preamps to be too "sterile" and clean, with no character.
To be clear: we're not saying the LHZ is better than the others! Every preamp is designed to deliver a specific certain tone and feel. As musicians, we are on a tone journey to find the preamp that brings us closer to that sound we hear in our heads.
We often advise players new to Spector basses to take a month or two before making the decision to change preamps. During that time you very well may fall in love with the one you have! But if you find yourself fighting against it after a month or two, then it's time to find the preamp that brings you closer your sound.
The LHZ is designed to deliver the same vintage EQ response, dynamic feel, and signature harmonic overtones as the iconic preamp used in the USA Spector NS-2 basses from the early 1980's. If the "classic Spector Tone" is on your radar, then this is what the LHZ is designed for!
What to expect
The LHZ preamp won't turn your bass into something it isn't. It will not make a Spector Performer sound like an NS-2: much of that punchy NS-2 tone is due to it's narrow pickup spacing.
However, if you put an LHZ into a bass with the same narrow pickup spacing as the NS-2 (such as a Euro or Icon) and you use EMG P/J pickups... you are absolutely going to be getting that classic "Spector tone" all day long! The LHZ preamp is available in two versions:
LHZ-04 is the two-band version (bass, treble) and the closest match to the original Hazlabs layout. Most players who grew up on that tone find this is the one they want.
LHZ-05 adds a midrange control for players who want more flexibility across different gigs or sessions. Compare the two here.
Removing the upgrade risk
We understand that it's a leap of faith to invest in a preamp when you cannot try it first. There's also no shortage of online comments claiming their preamp is the best one ever. This is how we de-risk your decision to try LHZ:
- 60-day return policy, no questions asked. Install it, live with it for a few weeks, and if it's not what you wanted, send it back for a full refund.
- 1-year warranty on the hardware. Break it, we'll replace it. Simple as that.
- Installation help from the person who designed it. If you get stuck, email us a couple photos of what you're looking at. You'll be talking to the person who built the LHZ, not someone in a call center reading a script.
- Wiring diagrams for every common setup, and if yours is unusual, we'll draw you a custom one!
Want to hear it first?
Check the TonePump vs LHZ comparison , the Legacy vs LHZ comparison, and TonePump EQ Explained for the technical side, or head to Sounds for direct audio comparisons.