ikay

Recently been looking more closely at bass EQ options and out of curiosity started comparing the frequency centres of various EQ devices - amp EQ controls, EQ pedals, onboard active EQ etc. Chart attached in case it's of interest to anyone. I'll be adding to this as I go but if there's anything in particular you'd like to see covered let me know and I'll see what I can dig up. [attachment=82788:EQ_Frequ..._Centres.doc]

Pure laziness on the part of the body builder IMHO! These days lot of jazz bodies seem to have the larger rout as it's easier to machine and hidden under the pickguard. Even the new US Standard Jazz has this. One benefit of an extra large rout is that it gives you the option to install a P pickup for a P/J configuration. In practical terms, unless you're planning to remove the pickguard it doesn't matter either way.

[quote name='4StringFortress' post='1269918' date='Jun 15 2011, 12:15 PM']Thanks for the suggestion im definitely going to check them out. I was thinking about going for a set of Elite nickel plated strings I heard they give a smoother sound with a bit of a zang have you had any experience with nickel plated string? or would you still suggest looking at the hotwires?[/quote] For roundwounds I only use nickel. I've tried various SS but just prefer the sound of nickel for what I do, a touch softer and more organic if you know what I mean. I'd still suggest trying the hotwires or some other 'halfwound'. The only way to find out is to give them a go!

Sounds like you have the sound you like from the string you already use in which case I'd go for either the Elites or Picato if you want to play it safe. If you want to try something different give Status Hotwire half-wounds a go. I really like them, very smooth sounding and a similar to flats but with a bit more zing if you need it. You can get them here - [url="http://www.status-graphite.com/"]http://www.status-graphite.com/[/url].

[quote name='derreybass' post='1263451' date='Jun 9 2011, 11:45 PM']If anyone knows a source of springs for bridges I'd like to know as I had to use 2 for each saddle 'cause I couldn't find any long enough.[/quote] Might be worth trying here - [url="http://www.airedalesprings.co.uk/compression-springs.php"]http://www.airedalesprings.co.uk/compression-springs.php[/url] (select 'standard compression springs' from the LH menu for details of spring lengths, diameter etc)

Vintage Fenders have a 1/2" body radius. According to the blurb on fender.com the new American Standards are the same: "The Fender American Standard Series Jazz Bass has a vintage body radius"

Yamaha TRB5 has 19mm string spacing. Less aggressive sound than an SR5 but also a great bass and worth a try if you haven't already. I regularly use both in my covers band. Which one depends on my mood and the phases of the moon [attachment=81811:P1020721.jpg]

This is normal for a vintage style bridge with no seating channels for the saddle screws. The string/saddle will just find it's natural position. Nothing to worry about looks fine to me

The Audere JZ3 and battery should just drop into the existing control cavity. Went into my JO4 no problem. Its a great pre, the eq frequencies are very well chosen to bring out the best in a jazz. I use the 'standard' z mode most of the time which is familiar jazz territory. Lo-z opens up a deeper and darker range of tones for when the occasion demands. I don't find a lot of use for hi-z mode. You can buy over here from Bass Direct - [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Audere_JZ_Preamps_.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...Z_Preamps_.html[/url]. If you order direct from the US add about 25 percent for VAT and customs charges.

[quote name='Al Heeley' post='1243798' date='May 25 2011, 07:36 AM']I've heard others recommend Bore Oil, might give this a try, just pretty expensive for a tiny bottle but I guess it lasts a few years.[/quote] This is what you need - [url="http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm"]http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm[/url] Mail order from the US but delivery is very quick. A little goes a long way, it's excellent stuff

[quote name='obbm' post='1244614' date='May 25 2011, 07:00 PM']Ian, I have an A5 fretless which you are welcome to come and try.[/quote] Hi Dave, brilliant, thanks I'll pm you. Cheers

[quote name='walbassist' post='1244277' date='May 25 2011, 02:16 PM']You can always come and play my Veillette instead. It costs a lot more than the Godins but my god what a bass... [/quote] That's stunning! Beyond my means (and my abilities!) I'm sure but that's a beautiful bass. One day...!

[quote name='walbassist' post='1244190' date='May 25 2011, 01:10 PM']I had one, bought new, for a short while a couple of years ago. This was prior to the new version with the added magnetic pickup. Nice warm sound from the piezo, not too clicky like some and [i]very[/i] woody. Good EQ as well, and the synth access was fun. Bit of a one trick pony, albeit one it did very well, so the new version with magnetic pickup should be more versatile.[/quote] Thanks, sounds promising. I guess with synth access it could be a 1,000 trick pony but I'm only really interested in the one trick. I'm a bit confused as to what piezo it uses. On the Godin website it says an undersaddle transducer and preamp by L.R.Baggs but I was recently in touch with RMC about their piezo saddles and they said try an A4 to hear what they sound like. Maybe the new A4s us RMC saddles and preamp? Shame you haven't still got it or I could whip over and have a go! Cheers

If anyone out there has one of these I'd be interested in comments. I'm particularly interested in the quality of the piezo sound (rather than the hex output features). Sound clips or videos would be good if poss. Thanks

Take a look at Fret Doctor fretboard treatment - [url="http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm"]http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm[/url] Can only order online from the US but delivery is amazingly quick (mine was anyway). This is intended for nourishing and preserving natural wood instruments. It penetrates the wood and is much longer lasting than lemon oil. Use sparingly and wipe off any excess, it doesn't leave any oily residue. It's great stuff will bring up and enhance the natural depth of colour of your fretboard. However, I suspect the only thing that really looks like a vintage slab of brazilian rosewood is exactly that!

May be worth tryng a high pass filter to cut out subsonic frequencies such as this one from SFX [url="http://www.sfxsound.co.uk/mainpage.asp?page=micro_thumpinator"]http://www.sfxsound.co.uk/mainpage.asp?pag...cro_thumpinator[/url]

I think you've pretty much got it - nut slots are cut lower on a fretless and a straight neck will give the mwah, if that's what you want - [url="http://www.bassplayer.com/article/32783"]http://www.bassplayer.com/article/32783[/url] The Gary Willis setp manual is also a useful guide - [url="http://garywillis.com/pages/bass/bassmanual/setupmanual.html"]http://garywillis.com/pages/bass/bassmanual/setupmanual.html[/url] I find too much mwah can become a bit tiresome after a while so if you want a more full bodied fretless sound just add a little more relief. Worth experimenting with string damping as well for a more thuddy upright sound.

[url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/143-korg_ma_30_digital_metronome_"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/14...ital_metronome_[/url]

Have a chat with the very nice people at Proel - [url="http://www.proelint.co.uk/"]http://www.proelint.co.uk/[/url]. They're the UK distributor for MarkBass and have been very helpful to me in the past

Take a look at the 'Amp tech' thread in the pinned listing at the top of this section and see if there's anyone local to you - [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=198"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=198[/url]

Just came across the MK.4.23 boost pedal (25db of ultra clean boost) while looking for something else. One of the configurations they mention is to boost input to a power amp stage. Should do the trick so thought I'd pass it on: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Creation_Audio_Labs_MK4_23_Boost.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...4_23_Boost.html[/url]

[quote name='markstuk' post='1224271' date='May 8 2011, 05:05 PM']Apparently there is a mod to the PLX 2402 to increase sensitivity by changing 4 (sic) resistors.....[/quote] This thread on talkbass may be of interest - [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/qsc-plx-input-sensitivity-issue-129819/"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/qsc-plx-...y-issue-129819/[/url]