Now that is a good lot of advise, thanks everyone. I've got other basses to record with and a SansAmp I can run through so I can turn into an active signal and I can get any tone. However I use a TC RH750 amp and prefer to go straight into the amp and use the TC foot switches to save needing a pedal board, therefore I'd rather have the pre-amp on the bass than on the floor.
I guess it'll be fun to try it and see what happens - but only if there is space without any carpentry...