Brubaker Brute Club, Part 2

[phillybass101]

I don't know about the fearful 12/6/1 cab, but I do know about the Lil G. I played one over the weekend; killer cab, took everything I threw at it. If you want to hear it, go to YouTube and look for Lil G Virgil 001. I am playing it at his house. Keep in mind that it is being recorded via a Ipad, so you can hear the bottom as you do live. Trust me, his house was shaking but the cab did not break up when I played the B string.

Yeah I'm leaning towards the LIL G. Brad Johnson, and Malcolm are playing though these as well. Thanks for getting back. The fearfuls are interesting though. I'll check your vid out.

 

[mmbongo]

The Brute's body shape only allows it to have dual soapbars to me. The rest just don't flow well to me.

Double buckers for me, baby! Of course I also feel the Lakland 5501 is a great looking bass

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[Brad Johnson]

The Brute's body shape only allows it to have dual soapbars to me. The rest just don't flow well to me.

I've heard sound clips that were great and everything I've read shows an excellent value.

I've learned that loving tone and not being embarrassed to be seen holding a bass translates to better playing for me. I once tried to sacrifice the way I felt about a bass' look (Lakland 5502Deluxe) and I simply couldn't bare it.

Clearly I'm in the minority about the Brute. I'm not saying anyone is wrong or attacking the design; I simply wasn't interested in owning a Brute until I saw a picture of the singlecut with soapbars. I just didn't realize it was exclusive to the headless design.

I'm still a supporter of the bass and recommend it. I just can't own one under current circumstances.

It's cool... after all, we all have our preferences.

 

[a2zbassman]

Philly, I'm with you on the personalized, one of a kind, thing. No one else out there has a Brute JJX-5 just like mine, (Not that I'm aware of anyway) with all Delano electronics - exposed pole j-pups and 3-band pre with mids switch, all black hipshot hardware, etc... Also, my KXB is unique with the 2 j-pups. Thats why I went with the FF cab build as well. I did my own unique finish, using a polyurea garage floor coating with poly-gold glitter mixed in the clear/top coat. Not another like it on the planet!

 

[Brad Johnson]

Function over form for me any day. I happen to like the sound of MM pickups and single coils so this works for me. I agree that one should not play a bass they think is for lack of a better term ugly. I happen to be a fan of the J/MM config because I'll come close to a 60's JB vibe, a 70's JB vibe, the single MM in series vibe, and the basic single coil plus MM sound just by the flick of a switch. I am a fan of Jazz basses and MM basses so this config is cool to me. I made a concession in that I'm very partial to maple boards but I didn't kill the SC in my opinion of it. Any way I have a solution for that as well. At a later date I may commission Kevin to build me a replacement neck made from ash with a BM board. Howz that for an upgrade? That axe would immediately turn into a snappy, punchy, bright , in your face slap machine. I am holding this suggestion in my back pocket but it can be done. And at a later date an electronics upgrade to the pre and pickup combo of my choice. Thus a very personalized, upgraded, one of a kind Brute Sincle Cut with a J/MM config. Final price would sit between a lakland skyline 55-02 and the expensive USA made version. probably about only $500 more than a stock 55-02. I can guess at what the consensus wants and I too would welcome it. A brute with double coil soap bars that could be upgraded to what Kevin runs in his custom basses. At this point the best candidate for this would be the headless SC that will be coming out. I do believe in the right of free speech and I think Doodaddy exercised it well.

I know some people actually like doing upgrades and I'll just throw this out there... by the time you do all of that to a Brute, guess what you could've had?


Yep.


When you figure you can get a pretty nice but not over the top US Brubaker for around $3k new and if you're patient can sometimes find deals on used ones (I've done both several times) the appeal for me isn't there to do that many mods. Not saying anyone else shouldn't do whatever they want, just saying.

I'm pretty sure a new US neck would cost more than a Brute. And here's the biggest drawback that most folks don't consider until it's too late... if you sink that kind of money into a Brute or any similar bass it better be a keeper because resale value will in no way come close to reflecting what you put into it. Because it will still be a Brute. If you had to sell it you'd likely come out better parting out the mods but that's not a given either.

Think of it like putting a $150k gourmet kitchen in a neighborhood of $120k houses.

OTOH if you spend similar money on the US version, resale value is much, much better. Something to think about. I'm just saying keep all of this in mind before you get in too deep.

If it's all about the adventure, cool. Go for it.

 

[phillybass101]

I said that I may make these upgrade changes but most of what I was trying to convey is that despite not really liking rosewood boards, this did not lead me to bash the bass as in fact I have pre-ordered and pre-paid for one. I also mention that I like the J/MM config. and instead of bashing the bass Doodaddy could have said that the J/MM config was not for him. My intent was to add that Brutes are upgradeable and while we all have our own opinion his comments were borderline bass bashing. My evidence...“That configuration on a single cut makes me want to punch a baby. In the face.”

You are correct in that I can have a USA made Brubaker in the 3k range. However, a good pre and pickups u[grade minus labor would only cost me around $500. That is a lot cheaper than a 3K+ bass.

 

[a2zbassman]

I didn't read it as bashing the brutes at all. Just a colorful, dark sense of humored, way of saying, "IMO/IME I'm really not a fan of the mm-j pup configuration."

Edit: Let me state unequivocally that I, in no way, shape or form, advocate any sort of baby-punching. Nor do I believe that the OP'er does either. . . .

 

[phillybass101]

Well at least the Brubaker Brute Club Thread is alive again. It was dead for some time.

 

[phillybass101]

I didn't read it as bashing the brutes at all. Just a colorful, dark sense of humored, way of saying, "IMO/IME I'm really not a fan of the mm-j pup configuration."

Edit: Let me state unequivocally that I, in no way, shape or form, advocate any sort of baby-punching. Nor do I believe that the OP'er does either. . . .

Thanks for your explanation. I didn't get it that way. I try keep an open mind and will take it as you indicate. And as Brad indicates... I could be wrong.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I said that I may make these upgrade changes but most of what I was trying to convey is that despite not really liking rosewood boards, this did not lead me to bash the bass as in fact I have pre-ordered and pre-paid for one. I also mention that I like the J/MM config. and instead of bashing the bass Doodaddy could have said that the J/MM config was not for him. My intent was to add that Brutes are upgradeable and while we all have our own opinion his comments were borderline bass bashing. My evidence...“That configuration on a single cut makes me want to punch a baby. In the face.”

You are correct in that I can have a USA made Brubaker in the 3k range. However, a good pre and pickups u[grade minus labor would only cost me around $500. That is a lot cheaper than a 3K+ bass.

I was responding to what you actually wrote, Walt. That included putting a US Ash and Maple neck on a Brute.

As far as bass bashing, that too is apparently in the eye of the beholder. What he said looked nothing like bashing to me... it was simply someone who does not like the look of the current pickup configurations on the current basses. That is allowed.


I didn't take his baby comment seriously... if he was serious about punching a baby chances are he would've tried it before, got caught and already learned a valuable lesson...

no bass is worth punching a baby over. Or drinking someone's bathwater either.




And the other lesson from this is that people having contrary opinions does not necessarily equal bashing.


I own or have owned basses that people have flat out told me were ugly. My standard comeback is:

"Thanks".


Because as long as I like it, other folks' opinions really don't change that.

 

[phillybass101]

Late responding, but responding nevertheless.

I'm aware of tonal capabilities and options and such, but when it comes down to it, I cannot and will not play a bass that I hate to even look at. That configuration on a single cut makes me want to punch a baby. In the face.

Aesthetics are an opinion and I am more than aware of that. I just lost 100% of my interest in this instrument as long as that is the only configuration available.

To Doodaddy. I feel your pain and many of us Brute owners want to see a Brute with two soap bar pickups. I can however can look at it this way. All of the boutique builders who have introduced import lines have tried to stay true to their custom lines, but provide the customer with a tone that befits the brand and accommodates the customers price concerns. For example, MTD, Mike Tobias, has several Kingston basses, but doesn't introduce dual soapbars until the Z series, which streets for $1250, which is $400 more then a Brute Single Cut does. The Kingston Heir also uses a J/MM config, as it provides the Tobias tone with the Heir body wood and style. Anyone listening to the YouTube clips of the single cut Brute can hear the great tone, which is very indicative of a custom Brubaker. And, since Kevin has designed all his basses to be mod friendly, you can do things to the basses you cannot do with other basses at this price point. Everyone else I have come across has a 2 wire MM pickup, the Brutes all come with a 5 wire, which allows you to simply add a toggle switch and immediately get more tonal choices.

 

[phillybass101]

I was responding to what you actually wrote, Walt. That included putting a US Ash and Maple neck on a Brute.

As far as bass bashing, that too is apparently in the eye of the beholder. What he said looked nothing like bashing to me... it was simply someone who does not like the look of the current pickup configurations on the current basses. That is allowed.


I didn't take his baby comment seriously... if he was serious about punching a baby chances are he would've tried it before, got caught and already learned a valuable lesson...

no bass is worth punching a baby over. Or drinking someone's bathwater either.




And the other lesson from this is that people having contrary opinions does not necessarily equal bashing.


I own or have owned basses that people have flat out told me were ugly. My standard comeback is:

"Thanks".


Because as long as I like it, other folks' opinions really don't change that.

I hear ya Brad I didn't get it that he was trying to be humorous. The ash neck and board would be overboard I agree and would warrant a serious review in terms of cost vs. value and what esle could be had in terms of money spent. I only wanted to convey that the Brutes are an excellent platform for upgrades and that not liking one aspect of bass (for me) would not deter me from buying it. Of course to each his own. The rosewood board albeit not to my preference was not a deal killer for me. Obviously the J/MM config was for Doodaddy. He does have a right to his opinion.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I hear ya Brad I didn't get it that he was trying to be humorous. The ash neck and board would be overboard I agree and would warrant a serious review in terms of cost vs. value and what esle could be had in terms of money spent. I only wanted to convey that the Brutes are an excellent platform for upgrades and that not liking one aspect of bass (for me) would not deter me from buying it. Of course to each his own. The rosewood board albeit not to my preference was not a deal killer for me. Obviously the J/MM config was for Doodaddy. He does have a right to his opinion.

Exactly.

 

[phillybass101]

I don't know about the fearful 12/6/1 cab, but I do know about the Lil G. I played one over the weekend; killer cab, took everything I threw at it. If you want to hear it, go to YouTube and look for Lil G Virgil 001. I am playing it at his house. Keep in mind that it is being recorded via a Ipad, so you can hear the bottom as you do live. Trust me, his house was shaking but the cab did not break up when I played the B string.

Virgil, I did check your vid out on youtube, Man you got skills. The rig sounded awesome. Was that an eden head? Were the cabs two 4ohm or 2 8ohm cabs? What kind of bass was that. It sounded sooo good. So you made the drive from Philly? That's a long trip to check out a cab. The day will soon come when I order one of those Lil G's. Man I just asked alot of questions

 

[phillybass101]

To all, Doodaddy and I are cool. We PM'd each other and understand each other. Its' all good.

 

[stix_clgi]

Virgil, I did check your vid out on youtube, Man you got skills. The rig sounded awesome. Was that an eden head? Were the cabs two 4ohm or 2 8ohm cabs? What kind of bass was that. It sounded sooo good. So you made the drive from Philly? That's a long trip to check out a cab. The day will soon come when I order one of those Lil G's. Man I just asked alot of questions

I think I pm'd you before about the Lil G, but if I didn't...GET IT lol! Honestly though, I'd like to do/see a direct A/B comparo between the fearful 12/6/1 and the Lil G. The idea of a dedicated mid-driver+woofer+horn in a small and lightweight package is interesting to me, but I wonder how strong the lows/low mids will be with just one 12" woofer vs the two in the Lil G....

I love my Lil G, and I'm convinced it was divine providence that led to my meeting Brad, Malcom, and Rick where I learned about it, in addition to playing like $600,000 worth of Brubakers. I've played the Lil G with Acoustic Image, Markbass, SWR, and now Genz Benz -I hope to play a Tecamp soon- and it performs wonderfully. It outperforms most of the 2x10's, 2x12's, and even 4x10's I've played (one exception is the Eden D410XLT, but that thing is like $1200 and weighs 80+lbs!!!). Strong lows, distinctive mids, and super-crisp highs, all while retaining clarity...and it handles 1200w @ 4ohms!

 

[stix_clgi]

Oh yeah, regarding the Brutes, I hope they make a six string SC with the MJX or soapbar configuration in any of the colors currently available. I still haven't had a change to actually sit down with a Brute yet, although I played one for like 6 minutes after a concert last year. Every time I go to Atomic to see if any are in they never have them, or say "you just missed one, it sold 2 minutes ago!" lol....

 

[a2zbassman]

. . . but I wonder how strong the lows/low mids will be with just one 12" woofer vs the two in the Lil G....

. . .

No problem in that department IMO. The choice of speakers, x-overs, cab dimensions, port and shelf size all contribute to the freq response the cab will deliver. And it delivers plenty in the lows and low-mids dept. Two 12" drivers in the Lil G would most likely give you more overall volume then a 12/6/1 ff cab though.

I'd really like to try a Lil G sometime. Maybe try the A/B thing myself even. I've heard nothing but great things about them. Unfortunately there aren't very many, if any, of them floating around ND yet.

 

[stix_clgi]

No problem in that department IMO. The choice of speakers, x-overs, cab dimensions, port and shelf size all contribute to the freq response the cab will deliver. And it delivers plenty in the lows and low-mids dept. Two 12" drivers in the Lil G would most likely give you more overall volume then a 12/6/1 ff cab though.

I'd really like to try a Lil G sometime. Maybe try the A/B thing myself even. I've heard nothing but great things about them. Unfortunately there aren't very many, if any, of them floating around ND yet.

True, I'm sure the fEARful cabs wouldn't get the good rep they have if they sounded bad. Still, the best test would be a direct comparison. Was yours expensive (as in over $800) with the components you used? Also, have you seen the Baer 112? I think it's similar to the 12/6/1 with a dedicated mid driver....

 

[a2zbassman]

. . . Was yours expensive (as in over $800) with the components you used? Also, have you seen the Baer 112? I think it's similar to the 12/6/1 with a dedicated mid driver....

I think my build kit was $650 - 675 if I remember correctly. If you were to add in time spent on the build, then $???? But like I mentioned in an earlier post, it was kind of fun and very educational. And there's just something extra in being able to say I built it myself, IME.

Anyway, I think the Baer, Audiokinesis, ff, and a few others all fall into similar categories as far as cab designs go. All trying to reach a similar goal in bass cab sound. I'm not going to be one to say that mine is better than another. You like what you like and use what works best for you. Right now my ff does that for me. Plus, to bring this thread back on topic, my Brubaker Brute sounds great through it!!!!!