40hz

It's the little things that really make the difference. I'm sure Fender would of told you to sod off! (Coming from a Fender lover) so fair play Spector! It does sort of increase GAS knowing a company will sort you out, even if the bass isn't new, knowing you're in good hands so to speak. Same sort of thing with Ashdown, say what you like about the tone (marmite) but their customer service is second to none, so that makes them an attractive proposition. Most other conpanies in the bass world could learn a lot from stuff like this!

I agree. Always wondered why the emphasis is on body wood, always imagined neck woods would make far more difference.

I've extensively used a Jap Marcus Miller in the past and you'd think from all the internet reports that the preamp was from a kinder egg. In reality I found it quite usable as standard. Granted it's not gonna get you 'quite' to Marcus levels of punch and sizzle but it's IMO still very usable. That said the John East would dramatically improve precedings!

FWIW there are so many tales of the weak G string, my Ray34 suffering from it too, there simply has to be some truth in it, many Musicman owners deny it or attribute it to user error. Rather than even admitting something must be wrong somewhere if there are so many reports of it. I absolutely love my Jazz Bass but there are sh*te aspects to it that I won't defend like my life depends on it. Don't want to upset anyone because Musicman basses are the BOMB but they do have their foibles and a few MM owners should be a tad less precious and relax, they are still wonderful instruments!

*Update*

Finally got to test it in anger and took it to band last night, using it with far less gain but boosting output/volume wielded a supremely aggressive yet clean, non farty tone. Very happy now!

Roger Waters is one of my heroes. Most Floyd tracks are a masterclass in taste and serving the song. When I think of Dark Side, I couldn't really hum you any of the basslines ( money excepted) but in that IS his mastery. I couldn't play that understated! I would stomp all over that album! yet Roger's lines are perfect for what the songs demand.

I kinda agree with you there bubinga, often thought the same sort of thing. Don't get me wrong either, I really like Musicman basses but they (fans) do seem to be more fervent!

These Trace's are the BOMB, absolute bargain at that price.

THAT fretboard! congrats!

[quote name='Platypus' timestamp='1417558540' post='2621813']
Does that Aguilar pre have trim pots that can be adjusted?
[/quote]

Sadly not. I had a look earlier.

Cheers guys, been fiddling about with it for the past hour or so, recording direct and really listening. It's definitely a gain issue, i think I underestimated just how hot the 18v Aguilar is. It's INSANE. So basically, backing off the gain (more than i thought i'd have to) has really improved the sound. Was thinking a compressor would do the trick as well chiliwailer. Thanks for the input!

[quote name='stoo' timestamp='1417509236' post='2621002']
I get similar things happening sometimes - usually pickup height or fresh battery solves it, but the other thing I tend to try is using one of the effects slots in my MS60B or B3 with one of the preamps which have a HPF... seems to knock off the bits that the amp can't handle without adversely affecting the rest of the sound too much.
[/quote]

Stoo, what sort of pickup height are you running mate?

Hi guys

Wonder if anyone can shed any light on why this might be. Everytime I play my Modulus Flea through an amp of any description (Trace Elliot, Peavey, Hartke and Ashdown so far) I get this overdriven, grindy farty sound (mostly on the fundamental) as if the signal is waaaaayyy too hot. I've experimented and the sound is still present when I turn the gain down on the amp, I boost bass and treble about 2/3rds of the way on the aguilar obp-1 preamp, but even wound down it seems to be there. Recorded it doesn't seem to suffer from it and when i played direct through a PA it was mostly as clean as a whistle. I've tried lowering the pickup slightly and that didn't seem to alter the sound. Changed the batteries to fresh 9v's and that didnt help. Tried backing off the bass on the amp's eq. I dig in hard when playing and have a lot of attack, but my Jazz doesnt seem to suffer so bad with this grindyness. Really peeved off as i want a super clean and smooth bottom end to go with the snap and i just cant get it through an amp. Possibly a trim pot issue?

Any ideas from you guys? Other Fleabass owners?

Cheers!!

Robin made a Sleeve for my Trace Elliot GP12smx. Very impressed with his handiwork. Extremely good quality build. Excellent communications, a polite and funny bloke. Deal with utter confidence!

Haven't managed to track a secondhand 104hr down yet, so looks like it'll be a brand new one for xmas!

I'm super pleased with Robin's work, the sleeve is built and finished to a high degree. Honestly as good as a Trace specific one. Absolute gent to deal with too!

I have the single pickup version of this, 5 string as well. It is the quietest bass I've ever played in terms of output. Although the actual tone is very sweet! Often thought of installing a preamp myself.

I also got these in a 2 for 1 deal from strings direct. Strung up my Modulus Flea with them nearly 2 weeks ago and am finding them to be pretty decent. The strings have a lovely feel to them, not coarse at all, very slinky and smooth, thumbs up in that dept. They also seem to be holding up well regarding brightness and longevity which is good. They didn't require much settling in at all either. Once they were on and initially played with for 3-4 minutes they pretty much held their tuning perfectly. They are a bit toppy, but then, that's to be expected as they are aimed at slappers. Tonally a little bit 'vanilla' there's nothing here that is especially diifferent but for the price paid, there's no complaints. Not replacing my string of choice, D'Addario flexsteels anytime soon, but a good all-rounder. Recommended.

The only thing I can say about this place is that my dad used to love going there.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1416222331' post='2607969']
Call me prejudiced, but I won't work in a band with keyboard players. I'm sure there are some very good professional keyboard players out there who are great guys and gals, but in short - I've never once met any of them. Obviously I've been unlucky. Don't feel bad about it!

Couldn't agree more. I have a sharp disdain for keyboard players. Never seem to get on with them. Plus they constantly fill up every single microsecond of sonic space with noise!
[/quote]

I know people might disagree but IME the bolt on Epi wasn't tonally THAT far off a real T-bird. I loved mine, twas especially good for playing Cure tracks.

I had a Sandberg Basic 4. That thing honest to god could out-ray a Stingray. It was a very dynamic instrument to play, really responsive. That thing could sound out even the most brutally attacked notes. Excellent build quality to boot and lightweight. They go for relative peanuts 2nd hand. Wish I hadn't sold it

I loved my old Epi T-bird. That thing sounded EVIL. Sold it due to the permanent bruise on my forearm from playing it.

2009 onwards MiM pickups are actually really decent, they are a new type referred to as 'modern' or something IIRC. Certainly sound the nuts on my Jazz. Plenty of bark and fizz!

DROOL. . . . .