Detachable neck Azola Bugbass

[Dan in NJ]

I'm seriously considering checking out and purchasing a used Bugbass--anyone have any thoughts/experience with the detachable neck Azola? Why were they discontinued?

Also, re/ the older piezo (I think it's the single wing) set-up, anything I need to watch out for?--I'm looking to do high-volume gigs with it--

Thanks! Dan

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by Dan in NJ

Also, re/ the older piezo (I think it's the single wing) set-up, anything I need to watch out for?--I'm looking to do high-volume gigs with it--

My experience with the original BugBass pickup (single Bass Max) is that tone was uneven. The bottom strings were loud but the top strings fainter and sounded like they were far from the pickup.
At that time, I replaced the bridge/pickup system with my own maple bridge and Underwood pickup.
I think they now put two Bass Max pickups on the bridge.

[Dan in NJ]

Merci bien, Francois--

[Francois Blais]

Hi again.
With the Azolas permission, I'm posting this more detailed information:

1.) There were *never* any BugBasses made with a detachable neck feature. There is a neck tilt function for string action adjustment. The neck should not be removed except by a professional.

2.) The pickup systems used in these instruments have evolved *many* times in the past ten years.

The earliest original BugBasses were passive, and a variety of different piezo elements, different piezo placement, and different bridge designs were used over time.

Several "upgrade" versions were also offered in the early years.

Then there were several different pickup configurations using semi-custom K&K piezos - some only in the bass side "wing slot" of the bridge, some in both sides of the bridge - often including a passive bass boost function.

The most current system is proprietary - involving strategic piezo placement inside the bridge (for optimum tone and volume balance string-to-string), and an onboard 3-band preamp to further enhance the instrument's versatility. This system has been in use for several years, and is now standard equipment on all Azola models.

Just wanted to be sure you had the most up-to-date info.

You may contact us directly if you need further clarification on anything.

Sincerely,
Jill Azola

[Dan in NJ]

Francois, thanks to you and to Jill for yr efforts. I'm going to pass on this and at some point I will likely buy an EUB directly from the maker.
The guy selling this as a "detachable neck" is a bassist with an impressive resume and schedule and is listed as a endorser on the Azola site (on the Lightning Bug list). I have to assume he had it modified. In any case, I'm going to back away from it--if any NYC area cats want to check it out, here's the link: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/msg/92674170.html

asking price seems a bit high--but I'm no EUB expert (clearly!)

I played one of the older Bugs when a guy playing one locally let me sit in on it. I had the same experience you describe, notes disappearing up the G string.

Also, I have a Biesele which I love on my main gig bass and I might prefer a EUB with either a magnetic option or a traditional fingerboard end to mount a Biesele on.

Again, thanks Francois!

[Steve Azola]

Hello again Dan and Francois,

Now that Dan has clarified that it is Massimo's special *Lightning Bug* which he was considering, that changes our reaction to his initial comments, in which the model was referred to as a BugBass. We *did* build two special Lightning Bugs several years ago which had a pretty unique and efficient approach to the disassembly concept. We actually had a lot of fun at the NAMM show that year demonstrating the first one.

The only reason we opted *not* to carry that version into full production was because we ultimately worked out the small, lightweight, and economical SKB travel case we're using for the Ltg Bug - which does not require *any* disassembly at all - keeping things as simple as possible.

Hope this info helps. Sorry if we confused you earlier.

Sincerely,
Jill Azola