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Is the Fishman Brico Comodo Any Good, Reddit? A Deep Dive

Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, the Fishman Brico Comodo is exceptionally good, particularly for musicians seeking a compact, high-quality preamp/DI solution for acoustic instruments. It offers a blend of pristine sound reproduction, practical features, and a surprisingly versatile tonal palette that punches far above its weight class. The hype you might see on Reddit is largely justified, but understanding why it’s good, and for whom it’s best suited, requires a more nuanced exploration.

Understanding the Brico Comodo: What Makes It Tick?

The Brico Comodo isn’t just another preamp; it’s a meticulously crafted piece of gear designed with the acoustic musician in mind. It’s a single-channel preamp/DI box that prioritizes clean gain, tonal shaping, and practical connectivity. It distinguishes itself from the crowded market through several key features:

High-Quality Preamp Section: This is where the Comodo shines. It boasts a very low noise floor and ample headroom, meaning it can handle a wide range of input signals without clipping or introducing unwanted artifacts. It accurately amplifies the signal from your acoustic instrument, preserving its natural tone.
Effective EQ and Tone Shaping: The Comodo features a 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) specifically tailored for acoustic instruments. The frequencies are thoughtfully chosen, allowing you to sculpt your tone to address common acoustic issues like boominess or harshness. Additionally, it features a Shimmer control and a voicing switch.
Versatile Connectivity: It includes an instrument input, a balanced XLR output (for DI), and a headphone output with a dedicated volume control. This makes it equally at home on stage, in the studio, or for silent practice.
Compact and Durable Design: The Comodo is built like a tank. Its small size makes it incredibly portable, while its rugged construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of touring and gigging.

Who Is the Brico Comodo For?

While the Comodo is a fantastic piece of gear, it’s not necessarily the perfect solution for everyone. It is ideally suited for:

Acoustic Guitarists: This is its bread and butter. The Comodo excels at amplifying acoustic guitars equipped with various pickup systems (piezo, magnetic, soundhole).
Upright Bassists: Its clean gain and effective EQ make it a great choice for upright basses, allowing for precise tonal control on stage.
Mandolin, Ukulele, and Banjo Players: The Comodo can bring out the best in these instruments, providing a clear and articulate amplified tone.
Performers Who Value Portability: Its compact size makes it incredibly easy to transport, making it ideal for traveling musicians.
Musicians Seeking a High-Quality DI Solution: The balanced XLR output provides a clean and reliable signal to the front-of-house or recording console.

Understanding the Comodo’s Sound Signature

The Fishman Brico Comodo is often lauded for its transparency. It aims to amplify your instrument’s natural voice without adding significant coloration. This is a double-edged sword. If you are looking for a preamp to drastically alter your tone, this is not the one. It’s more of an enhancer, taking the signal coming into it and making it better. Its EQ allows you to dial in the ideal frequencies for your instrument and performance setting.

However, it is not “sterile.” It adds a subtle warmth and richness that can enhance the overall listening experience. The “Shimmer” control adds a touch of brilliance, making your instrument sound more open and airy, while the voicing switch allows you to further sculpt the tone.

The Comodo vs. The Competition

The market for acoustic preamps is crowded, with many options vying for your attention. How does the Comodo stack up against the competition?

LR Baggs Venue DI: The Venue DI is a popular choice, offering similar features to the Comodo. However, some users find the Venue DI to be slightly more colored, while the Comodo is more transparent. The Venue DI also has a built in tuner, which the Comodo does not offer.
Grace Design Felix 2: The Felix 2 is a high-end preamp with two channels and extensive routing options. It’s significantly more expensive than the Comodo and geared towards professionals who need maximum flexibility.
Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI: The Para Driver DI is known for its overdrive capabilities, making it a good choice for players who want to add some grit to their acoustic tone. The Comodo is not designed for overdrive.
Headway EDB-2 H.E: A feature rich and very versatile preamp that offers two channels with sweepable mid ranges and a host of input output possibilities.

Ultimately, the best preamp for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, the Comodo offers a compelling combination of sound quality, features, and value that makes it a strong contender in its price range.

Conclusion: Is the Fishman Brico Comodo Worth It?

For most acoustic musicians, the answer is a resounding yes. The Fishman Brico Comodo delivers exceptional sound quality, practical features, and a rugged design in a compact package. It’s a versatile tool that can elevate your amplified tone, whether you’re performing on stage, recording in the studio, or practicing at home. While it may not be the absolute best option for every player, its combination of performance and price makes it a top contender in its class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Fishman Brico Comodo

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about the Fishman Brico Comodo:

1. Does the Brico Comodo have phantom power?

No, the Brico Comodo does not provide phantom power. This means you cannot use it directly with condenser microphones that require phantom power. It is designed for use with passive and active pickups.

2. Can I use the Brico Comodo with an electric guitar?

While the Comodo is primarily designed for acoustic instruments, you can use it with an electric guitar, especially if you’re looking for a clean boost or a way to send a DI signal to a recording console. However, it won’t provide the same overdrive or amp-modeling capabilities as a dedicated electric guitar preamp.

3. What’s the purpose of the “Shimmer” control?

The “Shimmer” control adds a subtle high-frequency boost to your signal, making your instrument sound more open, airy, and articulate. It can be particularly useful for instruments that sound a bit dull or lack presence.

4. Can I use the headphone output for silent practice?

Yes, absolutely. The Brico Comodo has a dedicated headphone output with its own volume control, making it ideal for silent practice.

5. Does the Brico Comodo run on batteries?

No, the Brico Comodo does not run on batteries. It requires a 9V DC power adapter (sold separately).

6. Is the Brico Comodo true bypass?

The unit has a buffered bypass, which means the signal is still running through the preamp circuitry, even when the unit is off. This can prevent signal loss, especially in long cable runs. Some purists may prefer a true bypass, but the buffered bypass in the Comodo is generally considered to be of high quality and does not negatively impact the tone.

7. What’s the difference between the Brico Comodo and a regular DI box?

A regular DI box typically converts an unbalanced signal to a balanced signal for sending to a mixing console. The Brico Comodo does that, but also includes a high-quality preamp and EQ, allowing you to shape your tone before it reaches the console.

8. Can I use the Brico Comodo with my soundhole pickup?

Yes, the Brico Comodo is compatible with soundhole pickups. In fact, its clean gain and EQ can be particularly useful for taming the often-boomy low-end of some soundhole pickups.

9. Where does the Brico Comodo get its name?

The name “Brico Comodo” is a creative combination. “Brico” refers to building and creating, fitting with the tool’s purpose in shaping sound. “Comodo” is derived from the Italian word for “comfortable” or “convenient,” reflecting the unit’s compact size and ease of use.

10. Does the Brico Comodo have a ground lift switch?

Yes, it has a ground lift switch. This can be useful for eliminating hum or buzz caused by ground loops.

11. How does the voicing switch affect the tone?

The voicing switch provides subtle yet effective tonal shaping. Different positions are designed for different instruments and pickup types. Experiment to find the setting that sounds best with your particular setup. It’s a great way to fine-tune your tone.

12. Is the Fishman Brico Comodo suitable for recording?

Absolutely! The Comodo’s pristine preamp and balanced XLR output make it an excellent choice for recording acoustic instruments. You can use it to send a clean DI signal to your recording interface, allowing you to shape the tone further in post-production.