Club Moollon

[dhagopian]

Hehe just a heads-up for those interested in a fretless J-IV with epoxy over makassar ebony.

Of course...unlike as posted, this J-CLASSIV(sp.) was NOT made up north in the DPRK and knowing who originally bought/owned this one, if I'm not mistaken it's actually Candy Apple Red. As new would be $2499 out the door.

Moollon J-CLASSIV IV 2015 Fiesta Red | RON's Gear Bazaar

I was seriously tempted but I just can't get into red.

 

[dhagopian]

Hey guys, if you need to make a truss rod adjustment, do you remove the neck?

 

[ad9000]

On the Moollons the truss rod adjustment is pretty close to the body (on mine at least), so it's hard to avoid your tool digging into the body if you're adjusting it with the neck attached. However, a repairman who I greatly respect once told me that it's best to adjust the truss rod when there is tension on the neck, so the couple of times I've needed to adjust it I've done so with the neck on (very carefully).

 

[SLO Surfer]

I read somewhere that you can order your Moollon with a premade cutout for adjusting the truss rod without removing the neck (like many current fender models), but they don’t come stock that way. I could be wrong, but I have question on that out to Andi right now as I’m about to pull the trigger on one.

 

[basses55]

Ive ordered that from the factory, they do it.

 

[FLORINS]

Mine has the truss rod route.

 

[Joe Clark]

Man, I didn't know the truss rod route was an option. I definitely would've gone that, uhh, route...

Luckily I haven't had to touch the truss rod on mine at all. Just a slight adjustment on the saddle height and redo the intonation after raising the saddles a hair for my heavier touch.

By the way, in the 5 weeks that I've had it in my hands, my P-Classic IV has usurped my beloved CS Jazz bass that I've had for 13 or 14 years and was my personal golden standard for a long time. Short of slapping, which I'm rarely called on to do, the finger style, thumb muting, and pick tone of the Moollon is so addicting.

Hope all you people have good gigs this weekend.

 

[dhagopian]

Thanks for the feedback guys. And agree I've tried many other clones and these just sound the best.

 

[basses55]

I don’t remember if I already posted but here is a newer J5 that came a few months ago. Killer bass, open and dynamic, lots of bottom and plays with low action no problems. Andi and YJ as always were great to deal with as most you know....
Love this one!

 

[TomB]

Make sure you clarify with Andi about the truss rod route. When my P5 was coming together, YJ was only able to route the pickguard, not the body. Perhaps he's changed that since, as it was over a year ago. In spite of my initial concerns over that, I too have only had to touch my truss rod once gently in the year. That neck is a rock!

 

[Kmrumedy]

I noticed Rufus Philpot is playing Moollon Jazz basses now. Does anyone know if he is an endorser for the company or is he playing them by personal choice?

 

[AngelCrusher]

I noticed Rufus Philpot is playing Moollon Jazz basses now. Does anyone know if he is an endorser for the company or is he playing them by personal choice?

I think a little both. I know he endorses Exotic basses.

 

[bumperbass]

I read the review in Bass Player magazine again the other day, and was kinda intrigued about what they said about the tuners on the J-Classic V.
Apparently, the old-spec tuners used in early Fender models had a higher zinc content, resulting in improved sustain, low-end response, and evenness throughout the range compared to newer alloys.
Really? Seriously? Tuners do all this? Can anybody explain this?
Thanks.

 

[ad9000]

I read the review in Bass Player magazine again the other day, and was kinda intrigued about what they said about the tuners on the J-Classic V.
Apparently, the old-spec tuners used in early Fender models had a higher zinc content, resulting in improved sustain, low-end response, and evenness throughout the range compared to newer alloys.
Really? Seriously? Tuners do all this? Can anybody explain this?
Thanks.

I think it would be a subtle difference at best, but all the fine details of this nature do add up to make a difference. That is what sets Young Joon apart as a builder, that he has very intently studied what makes the old Fenders great and has thoughtfully incorporated a lot of those factors in building the Moollon instruments.

I do think with tuners larger posts (like on the stock Fender tuners) can give you a more solid fundamental low end vs. the modern skinny post-types. I replaced stock Fender tuners with Hipshot Ultralites on a bass that I own, in an attempt to remedy a serious neck dive problem, and while it did help the balance it didn't sound or feel as solid, especially in the low end.

 

[kenny ames]

I've owned basses where the pickups were made in house. I've owned basses with nitro finishes. I've owned basses with quarter sawn necks. And I've owned a butt load of 5 string jazz basses. Never have I played anything that articulates as well as my JV, nor where the dynamics were as responsive. The B is the most integrated of any bass I've owned. I've owned over 50 Sadowsky's. Handles like a high end sports car. So, how much difference does the proprietary tuners and bridge make?? Enough!! Like what was said above, the sum is greater than the parts. Not sure what affects what or where the magic is exactly. But the end result speaks for itself. And it's a most eloquent linguist.

 

[dhagopian]

The B is the most integrated of any bass I've owned.

I just recently got a JV and couldn't agree more with this statement. Really impressed with how consistent the B sounds to the rest of the strings.

 

[ad9000]

I am a very happy J-Classic V owner as well. I agree 100% about the B string - best I've ever had on a 34" scale Fender-inspired instrument, and in general the bass seems to be opening up and sounding and playing better as it ages (almost 3 years now).

 

[Kai Sanchez]

I've owned basses where the pickups were made in house. I've owned basses with nitro finishes. I've owned basses with quarter sawn necks. And I've owned a butt load of 5 string jazz basses. Never have I played anything that articulates as well as my JV, nor where the dynamics were as responsive. The B is the most integrated of any bass I've owned. I've owned over 50 Sadowsky's. Handles like a high end sports car. So, how much difference does the proprietary tuners and bridge make?? Enough!! Like what was said above, the sum is greater than the parts. Not sure what affects what or where the magic is exactly. But the end result speaks for itself. And it's a most eloquent linguist.

Can you go into more detail about your Moollon compared to the Sadowsky's?
Thanks

 

[Joe Clark]

Speaking of articulation, I've never played a more dynamic bass that responds so much to technique. On my P-Classic, the fundamental is SO deep sounding that on acoustic gigs, I can pluck lightly at or on the fretboard and get upright vibes. The fretboard and body is so dang resonant.

I've owned US Lakland, Sadowsky, Fender Custom Shop, Pedulla, and Music Man, as well as spent quality time with Alleva Coppola's and F Basses. Some apple and oranges type comparisons with the F Bass and Pedulla, but from a craftsmanship perspective, my Moollon hangs with and oftentimes exceeds the aforementioned.