East Tone (UK) Ltd

General information

The bass community has been benefiting from the handiwork of John East since 1998, initially in the form of the J-Retro preamp. With a background in pro audio, John created an extremely versatile high-quality retrofit preamp that in most cases can simply be dropped into a Jazz Bass with no need for internal routing or any other form of modification.

Later on he added to the range, including, among others, the U-Retro (universal), Marcus Retro for Mr Miller’s signature Jazz Bass and P-Retro designed for Precision Basses, as well as enhanced pre EB MM style units. His preamps have been hugely popular, gaining him an international reputation and client list that can’t be topped.

'The main thing that impressed me is the high level of build quality and thoughtfulness in its design. John East really has thought of everything – the P-Retro should get some sort of science or innovation award!' - Andrew McKinney.

'I was one of the very first guys to have the J-Retro 01 in 1998 and John actually made me a lovely little circuit for a bass I had made in 1983, with treble and bass trim pots in the back, which sounded fantastic!' - Phil Mulford.