TBX tone control in a P-bass

[TonH]

Hi,

In my MIM P-bass I have installed a TBX tone control. It seems as if there is more presence with the control all the way up. Half way (and further down) it's the normal sound I had with original pot.

Does anyone else tried this. Let me known what your experience was with such a tone control.

By the way, a TBX tone control was used in the Precision Elite I, but that also had a preamp that amplified the high frequencies to much.

[SGD Lutherie]

I've used them in some basses. When the control is turned from 5 to 10, it effectively removes the tone control from the circuit, so you get a brighter tone. TBX means Treble Bass eXpander.

[acebase62]

TBX were also standard in 80's passive MIJ Jazz Bass Specials (PJ).

I use TBX tones in my Warmoth JJ and PJ, and prefer TBX to standard passive tone controls.

[Filip Burdon]

it's possible to put the TBX in a mexico stndart P bass?

[birminghambass]

Originally Posted by Filip Burdon

it's possible to put the TBX in a mexico stndart P bass?

Yep. I've installed a few, have one in a P now. I think they're a fantastic alternative to a regular tone pot.

[Stealth]

Of course, it shouldn't be a problem, provided you can get a prewired one or make one yourself. There are several schematics of the TBX around on the net - the biggest problem is the pot itself as it works like a blend pot, but the two decks of the pot aren't the same value, so you either have to get a custom one (expensive) or make one yourself from two different ones.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Stealth

Of course, it shouldn't be a problem, provided you can get a prewired one or make one yourself. There are several schematics of the TBX around on the net - the biggest problem is the pot itself as it works like a blend pot, but the two decks of the pot aren't the same value, so you either have to get a custom one (expensive) or make one yourself from two different ones.

Also, on the real pot there is a tap on one of the decks. The DIY kits don't have that.

[Filip Burdon]

What would you say are the advatages of the TBX that I will not get from a standart tone pot?

I thought about buying this.

http://www.thomann.de/pl/fender_tbx_...c288f5c7ea3d56

Will it do the job, because I have no idea what the terms like "1k", "250k", "500k" mean xd
And you're using those terms here quiet often

[Stealth]

Well, that thing on Thomann is the TBX control itself, so it should work. You'll get regular tone control behavior through half of the control's turn, and a treblier tone throughout the rest of the turn.

The terms we listed (1k, 250k, 500k) are shorthand for the maximum resistance values of the pots - the "k" means they measure out in kilo-ohms (as opposed to, say, a 1M which would be a mega-ohm pot). The value of pots affects the overall tone of the bass by interacting with the pickups. It's a broad subject, and it might be a good idea to google a primer on electronics (how resistors and capacitors work and what they do to any guitar's sound).

[Filip Burdon]

Yhym thanks!

I'm going to put an spb-3 in my P bass, it shouldn't be any problems?

I'm going to check out this subject a bit deeper, because my knowledge about electronics is rather small xd

[TonH]

It is very easy to put a TBX tone control in your bass. The kit mentioned above comes with the right pot, capacitor and resistor.

By the way, TBX stands for Tone Boost Expansion, acoording to Mr. Paul Gagon who invented it.

See: http://www.glguitars.com/gagon/gagon-2.asp