Marco.EB

Hello

 

I sold my cab and now it's my bass head... I do no longer need such a powerful gear, I am happy with a Hartke HD500 (or 508...) 

 

It's a Glockenklang Blue Soul obviously, but in a perfect condition. I replaced two pots with new supplied by Udo (they were too loose and a bit noisy), I also replaced all screws by new ones and even a new face kindly provided by Glockenklang too... So it looks almost like a new one, and scream as hell. I prefer the Soul over the Sky, I think it's more warm, more ... plenty?

 

Contact me to arrange the transport to UK.

 

 

We've made a trade and Harry was kind enough to make the trip to me. Very nice person, pleasant time spent with nice person  

Closed. 

Traded with @HazBeen  

2 hours ago, BassTool said:

That sounds great! 👌🏼

 

Thank you! It'll be even better with a good player I guess... That's why I didn't make a "pro" demo video yet.

On 09/04/2024 at 15:46, BassTool said:

Tried to watch this video Marco using the above link, but it comes up as 'private', any ideas how I can view please 🤔

 

Thanks mate but it has been updated... I chose the Bartolini between the 3 pickups. As for the fretless, it's almost finished, I just need a decent player to make a good demo or I'll do it myself ASAP.

 

Meanwhile I thought I deleted it but no : https://youtu.be/cyG8TqB2hy8?si=bVhqellN9Y48scKQ

 

 

But it has 9J1 (original dual coils) in the end not 9CBJS1 (singles classic barts) but it's pretty close.

6 hours ago, soldersqueeze said:

 

If it's a freely given donation then VAT wouldn't apply and wouldn't be charged. However I suspect you would need to declare this and do the paperwork explaining exactly what it you're donating, to whom and why. 

 

So yes, it would be possible if it were a genuine donation. 

 

Could indeed happen, or like I said in my post in Build Diaries, if I want to make a passaround or just send a bass for a trial to someone? Same scenario for me, I don't sell something but hard to prove, at least in a case of a passaround like I did in the past...

Update : I've created a website, sorry so far it's french only but compatible with Google Translate ; www.elwraybasses.com

 

And both last models fretted and fretless have already been sold.

 

So I have to make a new batch (still processing the costs) of 4 basses; 2 in four and 2 in five strings. 

 

I'm currently looking for a machine (I found it but in USA) for radiusing fretboards, with a sanding belt, not with the router tool, with new templates and custom orders to Bartolini it may costs some $$. I'm still into a passaround but as I asked in my Nitti's sale post, I'm wondering what is  happening for a donation, poassaround, well anything which is "free" and pass through the border?

20 hours ago, Mikey D said:

Yes the tax on full value. It's basically 20% extra which is a real shame. 

 

Damn, same here, except it's 21%.

 

I could make an effort to 1150 GBP, including transport, which leads to 1380 GPB with 20% rate. Still a pretty good deal considering new price and the mods.

 

Ha that blessed times without Brexit ... 

 

I don't want to go on an illegal field here but I'm still wondering ; let's say I'm offering a bass (as I build basses, could be one of my own, and that could be a real life situation here) as a donation to a music school i.e. , what is happening if the amount is 0?

On 29/03/2024 at 15:18, Mikey D said:

I'd be all over this at that price if was in the UK. It even has the John East and knobs that I put on all my Ibanez Basses. GLWTS.

 

Thanks. Price is dropped here (on basschat) partially because it's not in UK. I'm not familiar to send used things since Brexit, but I guess there is, like here, import fees? but not full VAT as I'm not a pro seller selling a new bass...

I did my best to make a demo. Added to the first post.

Updated introduction, with a defintive version.

Hello&welcome

 

D'addario XL? in flats they are pretty close to the fender ones.

2 hours ago, Shiveringbass said:

Thanks quite light for a classic instrument.

 

 

Yeah that's a honest weight, luckily I added Res-O-Lite tuners, which help the balance of the instrument.

Hello hello people

 

Didn't want to make too many updates for nothing... So now I am at 4 basses finished (or almost) including 2 as I consider good for sale.

 

Not really the question to sale or not to sale now but I'm more into a pickup contest... I can't decide between 3, or, more accurately, 2 sets of pickups. I've made a video (not including the fretless who is made with Jazz Bartolini 9J1) for you to help me. After many trying (I just received the Bartolini's today so I need a bit of recoil) I tend to exclude the EMG set ; it is good but for my tastes, too 'expected' sound... I'd rather go for a sound with more growling mediums. So far I still prefer the SSB for fingering, they have that smooth but 'in the face' sound. But the Bart's (coming right from USA) have some lovely, lovely clear highs and some crisp details in it. I recorded a very mediocre video with the Adam Nitti as a "reference" and just playing all open or bridge tone off (my most used configurations), sorry for P lovers.

 

I'd like you to give your opinion on this, if you have 5 minutes.

 

Here's the beasts on the wall:

 

 

The fretless is just a beautiful monster with a flamed maple / ash body and Ziricote fingerboard with fretlines. (black tuners are coming)

 

Here's the vid;

 

https://youtu.be/BQT2Eme2dIM

 

Thanks !!

 

You can also go to youtube and like the comment related to the pickup you enjoyed the most.

7 hours ago, Shiveringbass said:

Hello Marco,

 

Have you got a weight for this baby ?

 

Thanks

 

Hello

 

4098gr or 9,034lbs  

Price drop at £1250.

 

Very last price (I really need ton invest in bass making but I will not go below this price)

 

Oh BTW I've found my old feedback page : 

 

Best preamp ever. Congrats!

9 hours ago, tobiewharton said:

Really liking the look of it Marco!

 Thanks! I'm waiting the wood to make the 3rd "proto", exactly the same configuration but with Bartolini pickups.

 

I know that the look could be a bit "standard" for some people but I choose to make a design I like and at the same time something quite.. classic.

 

From there I'll choose between the 3 pickups sets to make a proper introduction to a definitive version. 

Update: I'm torn between EMG and SD, but so far my preference goes to the EMG for several reasons. After discussing with Doug from Bartolini, I'll try the M43C (dual coil original bass) in the next one and if it's not THE pickup, I'll stick with EMG. They have a wide range and a nice P sound and bridge sound as well.

I'm waiting wood for the next one and the final configuration will unveil itself.

5 hours ago, fleabag said:

I don't speak your language mate

👍   

 

There is EN subs but somewhere in the video you can see the fit.

 

 

3 hours ago, fleabag said:

 

👍   Thanks Marco -  if i cant find an original MK 2B, i think the EAST uni-pre 5 is what i'll  go for 

 

John is really a nice guy.... costed me a lot in Belgium because of VAT and import fees but worth the 400... it's the most versatile pre I ever tried, transparent although, a bit too many options but it's inside that is interesting.. caps can be swapped, frequencies can be adjusted, each pickup gain too... careful, it takes a lot of place... I recommand you check if your compartiment can embed it if it's the same as my Nitti:

https://youtu.be/rGdyNtqf9G8?si=uPU2rFYvJNVO6VQN

 

Pff I got an Ibanez pre, but the wires are cutted... if tou want to solder them back, I can send it to you for free ... Otherwise I have a Uni-Pre 5 on my Nitti and it's awesome.

 

Edit : or I have a Warwick 4 knob pre but you will have to put a dummy knob.

Bartolini. Fits perfectly Ibanez and sounds dope. HR5.2-AP/918

Hello folks!

 

Thanks to those who followed the first steps of finalzing the project. I deleted the video and the content of the first post. Now I can introduce properly the very first (not prototype) Elwray Basses WN4. The Logo is not yet applied for the simple reason I'm still looking for a clean and neat solution (and the Schaller S-locks are on their way)

 

In a few words, I wanted to build a "back to basics" bass, with no fancy stuff but with the details that matters. That's why I chosed the walnut body with no top, the maple neck, the passive operation (I prefer VTVT this way I can put different caps on each pickup, more smoothness on neck pickup and more growl on bridge one), The B-style bridge (simple, efficient, reliable, quick release), the Res-O-Lite tuners to minimize the neck dive, Graphtech nut because IMHO it's the best, fake pearloid because I prefer the consistancy in the matter and it's not from nature (woods, except from the ebony, are european woods), truss-rod is currently a hex one bevause I couldn't find any Muiscman style in stock nut it'll be with those in the future, stainless steel medium frets from Sintoms because it's the a classic and the size seems the best option to me, body design and overall bass design is made to obtain a lightweight bass ; this very one is 3.4Kg or 7.5lbs and the 23rd fret is really accessible thanks to the fretboard shifted towards the nut (and the shape of the body). I rather use my skills to make a very good "basic" bass instead making fancy colors and tops with exotics woods from dying tropical forests. I really wanted to have dual coils pickups to enjoy the full noiseless experience, and passive shouldn't fail you in the middle of a gig/rehearsal/playing (and doesn't need batteries). I'll made a propre video as soon as I'll have the good gear to film it.

As for the neck shape, to be honest it's done with my feeling, I can't say if it's a C or D profile but it's between a thin Ibanez-like and a old fat Fender style. I'd say medium (I've read somewhere that thin necks are not really good for lot of playing, but I'm not a kine). I played a bit with chrome/black details to a add a bit of 'life" in the hardware instead of the "all black" gear.

 

So here's the specs of the bass:

 

Body:

- two bookmatched pieces of walnut

- no top but available on demand

- hand carved body shape on the back

 

Neck:

- bolt-on neck (5 bolts with flus mounted chrome ferrules)

- flamed maple with walnut inserts (4mm) 

- ebony fretboard (rounded edges)

- dual action truss-rod at the heel with 4mm hex key covered by a matched piece of walnut

- 40mm nut width, Graphtech Black Tusq XL

- Sintoms stainless steel medium frets with rolled edges

- 34" scale

- radius 16"

- fake pearloid side dots (2mm) and round fretboards markers (6mm)

- angled headstock with flamed maple top, tuners layout 2 + 2 (angled)

 

Electronics:

- Bartolini M34C dual coils humbuckers (EMG35 enclosure) - those are "Original Bartolini" (I'm stll open to use Seymour Duncan SSB4 pickups)

- passive operation VVT (on this version but mainly VTVT), blackwood knobs

- 500K ohms pots with 0.047uF cap

- Switchcraft chrome stereo barrel jack

 

Hadrware:

- Hipshot B-Style 5B400BB (Black Brass version), flush mounted

- Gotoh GB350 Res-O-lite tuners black

- black screws / chrome screws

- Schaller security S-locks black

 

And here's the pictures of the final bass (without logo and straplock buttons) :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the video : 

 

 

 

 

 

On 17/02/2024 at 23:35, tauzero said:

 

They're MK2, not BH2. I think it's just the BH2 that are the "fake Barts".

 

MK1 , MK2 and BH2 are "fake Barts", produced by Ibanez. So as Doug from Bartolini told me. They're not produced in USA and just co-designed with Bartolini. As long as the tone is on the spot for the player it doesn't matter anyway. I don't like BH2 but I like MK1. I like high end pickups as much as the cheap DX5 on my old '99 Ibanez. No judgement here, just to share infos I got from Bartolini directly (I'm in contact with them to get Bart's for my future projects).

 

On 17/02/2024 at 23:26, fleabag said:

Finally -  found the bluddy culprit !!  The middle white block of the 3 in the preamp , below , was the perpetrator, and nothing to do with faulty blend pot or faulty pickups.

 

I had the bass on the floor, vol up, and dialling the  blend between  pickups, whilst probing the various terminations.  Found that middle white block had some dodgy crackles, and tapping it cut the volume and tapping again brought volume back. Pulled control cover off, fired up the solder station, ripped off the sticky back insulator, and heated all the solder joints up till i see the solder flow.

 

Job done - everything is as it should be.  @tauzero  Think you called it.  Dodgy preamp, but only a slightly failing solder joint rather than failing preamp.  Which is what @Marco.EB advised.  So you were both on the money.

 

Which joint, dont know,  cos i heated them all up, but carpet bombing all joints has sorted it

 

Cool you've found the issue and fixed it.