Thanks, well I don't know how do you play, what kind of Modern do you have - The sound is mainly depends on wood and PUs (and fingers of course) I think. Somehow the newer series have different tone (not worse!), and often pricier, I wanted to find a used but well useful item...
My one is a 2009 MIJ Metro, I 've investigated tons of YT videos about different kinda Moderns before I ordered it from bassdirect.co.uk used section - I couldn't try it in real. You know it's quite hard to make general conclusions by videos even about one specific modell played by such a different environment/players etc. I found some very convincing uploaded vids around this era Moderns, so I've started seeking for these items. And I was lucky to catch an advert, and immediately grabbed it...
I was very afraid of the shipment, insurance etc, but fortunately she'd arrived unharmed, carefully wrapped in huge bubble wraps, what surprised me a litl bit...
The questions: I use Ernie Ball Slinky (nickel) roundwound strings 45-130, sometimes 50-135. I liked medium gauge for decades until I had a power/thrash metal session requiring drop tunings so I tried a thicker 0.50 gauge set both of my basses (the other one is a Blade Penta JB), and even though it got a little more uncomfortable the sound became more thicker and stable - like it so I kept the sets on. I think using 50 gauge set at this birthday concert last year.
Few months ago I switched back to the 45 gauge for more comfort, because some finger/skin problems occuring. My fingers used to be crackin especially in winter, cold weather, dry humidity, and on the long company parties...
Second thing I used to play hard, sometimes too hard, but I like the plus 'attack' sound of the notes (I began to learn bass on classic rock/metal bass legends), but I know many players don't recommend it, this way of playing makes it 'unnecessarily' difficult, I accept that point. And furthermore not healthy ...
The setup: I don't like low or ultra low action even in the fusion/jazz genre, I found it's not beneficial for my playing style - but I admires many brilliant players on YT who has low action (I guess) helping much more fast , and accurate playing. This bass arrived with low action also, I started to setup a litl bit higher action, linked in pics. The pickups height I lowered for the same reason, some of my PUson former basses was scratched by the strings. And the sound is also effected.
On-board EQ: it's a very simple setup, I prefer active mode without gaining bass and treble, keeping that nice midrange - except if I have to play on some crap amp, or cab, the preamp EQ would be 'blessing' or jackpot in that case to gain preferred sound. VTC: I used on full, sometimes 50% when lighter, smoother tone needed, rarely 10-15%, f.e. walkin bass. I don't like to tweak down full to 0% , it's too hard cutting for me, killing the attack of the sound I think.
Compressor: Don't use any effect live, bass-cable-head (Magellan 800), when you switch to active mode, the signal will be compressed slightly I think, and that's enough for me. At home I use it in passive when practising by in-ear/headphones.
When mixing recorded tracks, bass track, I use some effects, comps sometimes, but if you have an excellent bass or any instrument it's very easy to misfit/mess up(?) its sound by bad setups... I'm learning and try to fix it sometimes you know...
So that's all, I hope it can helps you.
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