Scooby Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 (edited) Here's my two week old Lightwave fretless! It's a beautiful bass, with a great sound and the sustain is unbelievable - so, why am I selling? Simple, I just cannot get on with a five string fretless bass! (Will I never learn??). The details and spec are below but as it is in mint condition, has never left the house and spent it's entire, short existence in my music room then I'm asking a very reasonable A Youtube clip: Anyway, the blurb: Lightwave have been perfecting their optical pickup technology for the past 15 years. The Sabre bass is made from high grade lightweight swamp ash and is chambered for extra resonance. The top and headstock are top quality flame maple and the neck is super stable maple. The fretboard is made from resin pressure impregnated wood and is hard and resilient but gives pure and clean note definition. The overall sound is lively and natural and the option of using the piezo pickups in the bridge adds high end details and the eq allows you to dial in and out both mid range and bass. All-in-all the Lightwave sabre takes you into uncharted territory for bass tons from warm almost upright double bass to modern expressive tones. Light in weight, easy to play, fast neck and a huge array of tones make these bases so popular. The Saber's high performance design makes it ideal for gigging, the sonic demands of digital recording, or long hours of playing and practising. And since the LightWave Pickup does not rely on body mass for its extended bass response and long sustain, the Saber is exceptionally light in weight and designed with a natural, familiar feel. If you're considering a fretless, the Sabre Fretless delivers truer 'mwah' and 'growl' due to its LightWave Optical pickup – the ideal way to get the most fretless tone. Spec:[list] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][b]BODY[/b][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Body Wood - Chambered Ash with slash hole[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Top - AAA Grade Flame Maple[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Finish - Gloss Polyurethane Natural[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][b]NECK[/b][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Fretless, unlined[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Number of Frets - 24[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Scale Length - 34"[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Attachment - Bolt On (5 bolt)[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Neck Finish - Satin Polyurethane[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Neck Wood - 3-piece Rock Maple[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Fingerboard Wood - Diamondwood[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Fretboard Radius - 14"[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Neck Shape - Low-Profile 'C' Neck Carve[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Inlays - Mother of Pearl Dots[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][b]HARDWARE and ELECTRONICS[/b][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Pickups - LightWave Optical Pickup[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Bridge - Custom GraphTech Monolithic Bridges with IceTone™ Saddle[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Pre-Amp - LightWave Designed Active Pre-Amp[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Controls - Master Volume, Bass Boost and Cut, Mids Boost and Cut / Mid Sweep, IceTone™ Blend, Warm / Cool Toggle Switch[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Power - 16 Hours playing time with 1 hour recharge[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size][color=#333333]Accessories - Pro-Tec Gig Bag[/color][/size][/font][/color] [*] [color=#463C3C][font=ArialMS, Arial, sans-serif][size=3][size=3]•[/size]Weight: 7lb 7oz, 3.35kgs[/size][/font][/color] [/list] Edited December 2, 2011 by Scooby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabinosto Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 Gorgeous ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted November 25, 2011 Author Share Posted November 25, 2011 [quote name='fabinosto' timestamp='1322223328' post='1448137'] Gorgeous ! [/quote] Cheers, Fabinosto. It's a great bass particularly for someone who can play 5 strings ;o))) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adledman Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 hi scooby, very intrigued by these and how it picks up the sound. does it still pick up fret buzz like a conventional system? i know this is fretless but you know what i mean. i.e can you lower the action to a stupidly low setting with out any detriment to the sound? type bump. cheers. ad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted November 25, 2011 Author Share Posted November 25, 2011 [quote name='adledman' timestamp='1322244787' post='1448623'] hi scooby, very intrigued by these and how it picks up the sound. does it still pick up fret buzz like a conventional system? i know this is fretless but you know what i mean. i.e can you lower the action to a stupidly low setting with out any detriment to the sound? type bump. cheers. ad [/quote] Hi Ad The action is already very low and you could, should you be so inclined, lower it even further. The Lightwave system is optical so only 'recognises' string movement not buzzes or rattles - see the Youtube clip I've added for more info. In fact, the Youtube clip is just a great bit of bass all round! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadget Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Just to add a bit of info here... I used to have an original Saber A 5 string, but regrettably sold it! An action thats bitten me in the bum on more than one occasion! With regards to the 'action'. When you lower or raise the action of the string, there is an adjuster in the bridge that raises and lowers the optical pickup as well. You adjust this until the sound is its strongest. There is info on this on the lightwave website if I recall? As for the sound, you will get some 'fretbuzz' from the system, but its not as aggressive as on other basses. Adding in the Piezo will obviously add to this 'fretbuzz', and can give you as much buzz as you'd expect from any bass with a piezo built in. The lightwave tone is quite stunning. It gives avery strong fundamental note, and is very clear, even when set to more bassy tones, with the top end rolled back. Its a very natural sounding tone, but can have a good bit of bite in there if you want it to. Laid back is NOT a term I would use to describe, but there ius a good deal of warmth to the sound, even when made to sound more aggerssive. I have not played the newer models, so I cannot comment on how the VL5 compares, but in essence, it appears to be the same kind of design, with a few minor changes. I alos cannot comment as to whether (or how) any improvements or revisions to the pickups or electronics have changed things? I can only imagine they have gotten better, but it was already good to start with, so alls good! Hope that helps? I seem to be struggling for words today. Regards G! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted November 26, 2011 Author Share Posted November 26, 2011 [quote name='gadget' timestamp='1322299080' post='1448978'] Just to add a bit of info here... I used to have an original Saber A 5 string, but regrettably sold it! An action thats bitten me in the bum on more than one occasion! With regards to the 'action'. When you lower or raise the action of the string, there is an adjuster in the bridge that raises and lowers the optical pickup as well. You adjust this until the sound is its strongest. There is info on this on the lightwave website if I recall? As for the sound, you will get some 'fretbuzz' from the system, but its not as aggressive as on other basses. Adding in the Piezo will obviously add to this 'fretbuzz', and can give you as much buzz as you'd expect from any bass with a piezo built in. The lightwave tone is quite stunning. It gives avery strong fundamental note, and is very clear, even when set to more bassy tones, with the top end rolled back. Its a very natural sounding tone, but can have a good bit of bite in there if you want it to. Laid back is NOT a term I would use to describe, but there ius a good deal of warmth to the sound, even when made to sound more aggerssive. I have not played the newer models, so I cannot comment on how the VL5 compares, but in essence, it appears to be the same kind of design, with a few minor changes. I alos cannot comment as to whether (or how) any improvements or revisions to the pickups or electronics have changed things? I can only imagine they have gotten better, but it was already good to start with, so alls good! Hope that helps? I seem to be struggling for words today. Regards G! [/quote] Thanks, G. There is an extensive manual that goes with the bass and all the necessary tools for adjustment. The electronics are a vast improvement on earlier models and the only 'buzz' that gets picked up is from the fingers!! The Lightwave web site is very helpful and any emails are quickly answered. Overall, a great bass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabinosto Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 [quote name='Scooby' timestamp='1322238630' post='1448502'] Cheers, Fabinosto. It's a great bass particularly for someone who can play 5 strings ;o))) [/quote] Unfortunately, i only play on 4 strings now. Thats why I sold my 2 5 strings fretless... Good luck with the sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby K Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Wow, what a fascinating bass!! Very interesting indeed. All the best with the sale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnozzalee Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 I've owned one courtesy of Happy Jack, fantastic basses - mine was fretted though and more yellow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted November 27, 2011 Author Share Posted November 27, 2011 Sunny Sunday morning bump. Feel free to suggest trade options and I will consider p/x too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted November 28, 2011 Author Share Posted November 28, 2011 Monday boomp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted November 28, 2011 Author Share Posted November 28, 2011 Up she rises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 Mid-week bumpage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted December 1, 2011 Author Share Posted December 1, 2011 Morning campers and a bump for a small price reduction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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