Brubaker Brute Club, Part 2

[a2zbassman]

Someone please help me out if I'm wrong here, but I believe that if it's got the "Brute" emblem on it, then it is Splitable. Just have look to see if the pup has 4 wires when he pulls the old guard off. If so, then it's Splitable.

 

[bassgod76]

Someone please help me out if I'm wrong here, but I believe that if it's got the "Brute" emblem on it, then it is Splitable. Just have look to see if the pup has 4 wires when he pulls the old guard off. If so, then it's Splitable.

I would just take it as is with black pickguard, sans switch, and save a few more bucks, but I think that blue guard with white would look sick.

 

[a2zbassman]

Yes, the blue guard would look great. If it's not Splitable, just have him put in a dummy switch attached to nothing to fill the hole.

 

[bassgod76]

Yes, the blue guard would look great. If it's not Splitable, just have him put in a dummy switch attached to nothing to fill the hole.

My OCD would not permit that

 

[a2zbassman]

Allright, get them both, and if /when you upgrade to a Bart preamp, you already have the hole for the mid select switch.


Edit : or maybe he'll wire up an active/passive option for you on the stock electronics. Can't hurt to ask.

 

[bassgod76]

Allright, get them both, and if /when you upgrade to a Bart preamp, you already have the hole for the mid select switch.


Edit : or maybe he'll wire up an active/passive option for you on the stock electronics. Can't hurt to ask.

I will ask him if there's a possibility he could sell me a Bartolini preamp at a discounted rate and just ship it all with the base, and I could install it myself.

 

[phillybass101]

Brubaker is offering 20% off on a Custom Brubaker this week. You can call them at 410-391-8181 or contact Brad Johnson.

 

[bassgod76]

Shipping today. I'm excited

 

[a2zbassman]

Shipping today. I'm excitedView attachment 579786

Cool! So what did you decided for the switch? Did you go with a new preamp or was the MM pickup split-able?

 

[bassgod76]

Cool! So what did you decided for the switch? Did you go with a new preamp or was the MM pickup split-able?

It was splitable. Just went that route.

 

[bassgod76]

I got her today. I haven't been able to plug her in yet.
Pros:
I like her size. Seems like a real comfy bass.

Cons:
The store I bought it from claimed they set it up. I'm not finiky, but a low action is kinda what I expected with this bass, since so many slappers love them. This bass looks like a drunk person set it up.
Also, they didn't bother to countersink the new pickguard holes.
Lastly, the neck pickup is half ass screwed into the body. My OCD is killing me.

 

[a2zbassman]

That's too bad about the screws and pickup, pretty sad actually. But, the action could just need a truss rod adjustment. With the necks on the Brutes being so thin-and-comfy front to back, they move pretty easily, especially when they are new, IME anyway. I was adjusting my neck every 3 - 4 weeks when I first got mine to keep the action nice and low. Now it's only every couple of months after acclimating to the local climate. Good luck getting all the screws countersunk and everything. Give us an update when you get it all sorted out.

 

[bassgod76]

They also claimed they went ahead and shielded the cavity, just like USA Brubakers. I guess I will find out when I remove the pickguard on Friday

 

[bassgod76]

I adjusted the trus rod a bit, and it plays better. The G string, on the 23rd & 24th frets I think have high spots. The string bottoms out there, and adjusting the bridge to overcome the discrepancy, makes the string height insanely high. Not a big deal, since I rarely play in that fretboard territory. I will seek out a fret dress and level in the near future.

How does she sound?

This bass sounds fantastic playing by myself. With the bridge and neck pickups full on, the tone is brilliant, modern, and something that would make Marcus Miller blush.

I tried different settings, but didn't care for the split coil setting. I also wasn't hot on the MM pickup soloed. It just sounded very tinny and harsh, compared to it paired with the neck pickup.

I did think the neck pickup soloed was pretty decent. Nice round thick tone.

This may all change when combined with a live band.

I really love the size, weight, and neck profile.

 

[phillybass101]

The Old Man and his Brute. Man I kicked Booty that night. I believe it was the Hat

 

[Sav'nBass]

For me ergonomically the Brute is hard to beat... I feel like Goldilocks sometimes when I play it ...

I likre the neck on it better than my Lakland or my MTD..

 

[a2zbassman]

Just a heads up . . . If anyone is on the fence about buying a Brute, you should check out the current pricing at a couple of the eBay stores. The single cut 5's are around $670, SC 4's are at $616. And you can get a double cut 5 for around $570. These are prices on NEW Brutes. Not sure if they're just trying to clear out old stock for new ones, or what? But it looks like a great time to buy if you've been thinking about one.

 

[BioWeapon]

Just a heads up . . . If anyone is on the fence about buying a Brute, you should check out the current pricing at a couple of the eBay stores. The single cut 5's are around $670, SC 4's are at $616. And you can get a double cut 5 for around $570. These are prices on NEW Brutes. Not sure if they're just trying to clear out old stock for new ones, or what? But it looks like a great time to buy if you've been thinking about one.

I would 100% buy one for that price if mine didn't already make me super happy Play it every day! They don't sell the JJX's anymore though :/

 

[Sav'nBass]

Yeah I feel so lucky to have gotten mine... They are just very comfy basses to play... My JJX has soapbars in it...

 

[wvbass]

The Old Man and his Brute. Man I kicked Booty that night. I believe it was the Hat
View attachment 599309

The hat is definitely happenin' - no question - but I don't think any booty that got kicked was about the hat. The man's got chops.