I agree . I have asked Andi many times
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Ultradust
Commercial User
- May 19, 2007
- 227
- 1,052
- Disclosures
- General Manager, Moollon
And here we go 
Indeed...The B524 pickup is only hot enough to have enough mids without sacrificing vintage punch and upper end, and is probably as far as YJ will ever go regarding a modern hybrid design. That all said, YJ says he has no plans to do a 4-stringed version, the B524 itself being relatively unknown having nothing to do with it.
His choice to not do a 4-stringed version (or 6-stringed version, for that matter) is due to (1) costs of implementing the pickup design from R&D to parts used, and (2) something that could be best translated in English as "vintage priority". In essence, YJ feels that the Moollon P-Classic IV is exactly what he designed all components and the sum of the total to be, that is, what he's convinced to be a proper reproduction of a pre-CBS-spec Precision Bass to the best of his ability...from Leo's original design that was for all intents and purposes, close to perfect.
The timbre and output of the pickup used in the B524 is sure enough different and also flexible enough to entertain the thought of a possible build, but by no means does YJ foresee either such potential use or perceived superiority over a vintage design as found on an early-production Fender Precision Bass or Jazz Bass to take precedence, be it in the Moollon shop or in the hands of someone who could appreciate both the old and the new.
Indeed...The B524 pickup is only hot enough to have enough mids without sacrificing vintage punch and upper end, and is probably as far as YJ will ever go regarding a modern hybrid design. That all said, YJ says he has no plans to do a 4-stringed version, the B524 itself being relatively unknown having nothing to do with it.
His choice to not do a 4-stringed version (or 6-stringed version, for that matter) is due to (1) costs of implementing the pickup design from R&D to parts used, and (2) something that could be best translated in English as "vintage priority". In essence, YJ feels that the Moollon P-Classic IV is exactly what he designed all components and the sum of the total to be, that is, what he's convinced to be a proper reproduction of a pre-CBS-spec Precision Bass to the best of his ability...from Leo's original design that was for all intents and purposes, close to perfect.
The timbre and output of the pickup used in the B524 is sure enough different and also flexible enough to entertain the thought of a possible build, but by no means does YJ foresee either such potential use or perceived superiority over a vintage design as found on an early-production Fender Precision Bass or Jazz Bass to take precedence, be it in the Moollon shop or in the hands of someone who could appreciate both the old and the new.
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Could the P-Classic 5 be ordered with an additional humbucker bridge pickup?
wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
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Ultradust
Commercial User
- May 19, 2007
- 227
- 1,052
- Disclosures
- General Manager, Moollon
Yes, but not as a P-Classic V with an additional dual-coil in Jazz Bass bridge position.
We had a similar inquiry last year, and YJ was rather hesitant, due to a sort of "spoiling of the aesthetic" with the traditional pickguard in place and lack of room for sufficient controls (although he's done 1962-style stacked setups on rare occasions). In our conversation I remember him saying he would do the pickup pairing as such (and in those specific positions) only as a modified pickup position B524, accommodating both the 4 potentiometers as well as the larger body having plenty of room for both pickups.
Ultradust
Commercial User
- May 19, 2007
- 227
- 1,052
- Disclosures
- General Manager, Moollon
Indeed it did, sir! A SoCal gentleman had his eye on the transparent blonde ash J-IV for much of mid-show, and by Sunday afternoon the deal was set.
Guys, where can I purchase a Moollon P Classic? I'm jonesing for one big time, but their website leaves a lot to be desired. None of their dealers even list Moollon on their sites either. HELP PLEASE?!
Just waiting until Moollon decide too start making leftys, then I'd order an P-Classic immediately!
Ultradust
Commercial User
- May 19, 2007
- 227
- 1,052
- Disclosures
- General Manager, Moollon
I wish we could, to be honest!
Regretfully, with no more than 2 requests per year (usually just one/year since I joined Moollon 10 years ago), YJ is very hesitant about doing LH models, since he has his custom alloy parts done in bulk, and the 1950-style reverse headmachines are a certain quirk that he feels more than a small necessity. Add LH pickguards and his reverse-matched split coil VP-60 pickup to the list, and soon it unfortunately becomes a bit overwhelming for someone who has to keep a company going primarily on only 5 dozen bass builds each year....but we can hope for something in the years to come ~
Ultradust
Commercial User
- May 19, 2007
- 227
- 1,052
- Disclosures
- General Manager, Moollon
Just one more curious thing about a P-Classic V with additional humbucking (B524) pickup in J-position...
I chatted with YJ last night and for the first time he actually indicated that the idea is something he's been toying with for a while(!). P-style pickguard as on the P-Classic V, split shaft pots for 2V/2T control, it seems to be in the works, and although he hopes for the final design and images to be posted to be a big surprise, for those who may want a P-Classic V with much more tonal control in the next logical step of design, we may be able to expect the first completed prototype by summertime. Stay tuned
I chatted with YJ last night and for the first time he actually indicated that the idea is something he's been toying with for a while(!). P-style pickguard as on the P-Classic V, split shaft pots for 2V/2T control, it seems to be in the works, and although he hopes for the final design and images to be posted to be a big surprise, for those who may want a P-Classic V with much more tonal control in the next logical step of design, we may be able to expect the first completed prototype by summertime. Stay tuned
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Cool! Did you say the body would likely be slightly larger? Thx.Just one more curious thing about a P-Classic V with additional humbucking (B524) pickup in J-position...
I chatted with YJ last night and for the first time he actually indicated that the idea is something he's been toying with for a while(!). P-style pickguard as on the P-Classic V, split shaft pots for 2V/2T control, it seems to be in the works, and although he hopes for the final design and images to be posted to be a big surprise, for those who may want a P-Classic V with much more tonal control in the next logical step of design, we may be able to expect the first completed prototype by summertime. Stay tuned
5 dozen and all I want is one!...Loveyour posts!I wish we could, to be honest!
Regretfully, with no more than 2 requests per year (usually just one/year since I joined Moollon 10 years ago), YJ is very hesitant about doing LH models, since he has his custom alloy parts done in bulk, and the 1950-style reverse headmachines are a certain quirk that he feels more than a small necessity. Add LH pickguards and his reverse-matched split coil VP-60 pickup to the list, and soon it unfortunately becomes a bit overwhelming for someone who has to keep a company going primarily on only 5 dozen bass builds each year....but we can hope for something in the years to come ~
Ultradust
Commercial User
- May 19, 2007
- 227
- 1,052
- Disclosures
- General Manager, Moollon
Actually, the J-Classic V and B524 are larger, but the P-Classic IV and P-Classic V have bodies that are of the same dimensions.
I might also add (since relative to many players) that YJ tends to not recommend the lightest of the light 2-piece alder bodies for P-Classic Vs, among a few reasons being the balance of weight that much shifted toward the headstock. Kindly note that YJ's tuner alloys being remarkably dense and not cutting any corners also means that on five-stringed Moollons (much more so that on the fours) a smaller, lighter body may not be the most ergonomic choice due to the possibility of incurred neckdive. As such, YJ tends to steer toward ~ 4.1kg overall weight as the lowest recommended figure on P-V models to ensure that bass balance while on the shoulder is somewhat maintained.
