Does the Dean Pace neck contain a trussrod for neck adjusting? Or is it just a piece of maple with a rosewood fingerboard?
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Double Bass Dean Pace EUB megathread
- Thread starter DaBassman
- Start date
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Just got it about a half an hour ago and have to leave for a rehearsal, so I'm just giving my very first impressions. I'm not totally thrilled... we'll see though, it may grow on me and I really need something like this for one particular gig I have.
1st off it's alot bigger and heavier than I expected, but that's OK. What's NOT OK is that the stand seems kind of lame and I can't adjust to a height that I'm really comfortable with. The stem that attaches to the bass looks as though it should slide all the way into the bass, but only goes in about a an inch or two. Not sure what that's all about. It would have been nice too if they included a tool and some instructions as it took me a few minutes to figure out that I was going to have to grab a pliers to get it anywhere near a height that was playable.
The strings as everyone has said in previous reviews are absolute crap. That's no biggie.
What I DO like about it is that is sounds a 'little' double bassy. Everyone who's reviewed it says it's simply an upright EB and I disagree. The neck is a whole lot thicker and feel again a 'little' DBish. I think it's a nice cross btwn the 2, and just enough in the EB direction to make me happy.
There's a chance this might go back - I don't know. I'm going to give it all day tomorrow and see what Musicians Friend's return policy is.
I'm also kind of upset that this prticular bass has clearly been returned by someone else. The paint is scratched pretty significantly on the underside where the bass mounts, but not enough for me to deal with the whole sending back and waiting again should I keep it. That's a Musician's Friend thing - and this ain't the 1st time that's happened. I may be done with those guys.
Anyone notice I'm not all that happy right now??? I'll definitely give write more later. Later.
1st off it's alot bigger and heavier than I expected, but that's OK. What's NOT OK is that the stand seems kind of lame and I can't adjust to a height that I'm really comfortable with. The stem that attaches to the bass looks as though it should slide all the way into the bass, but only goes in about a an inch or two. Not sure what that's all about. It would have been nice too if they included a tool and some instructions as it took me a few minutes to figure out that I was going to have to grab a pliers to get it anywhere near a height that was playable.
The strings as everyone has said in previous reviews are absolute crap. That's no biggie.
What I DO like about it is that is sounds a 'little' double bassy. Everyone who's reviewed it says it's simply an upright EB and I disagree. The neck is a whole lot thicker and feel again a 'little' DBish. I think it's a nice cross btwn the 2, and just enough in the EB direction to make me happy.
There's a chance this might go back - I don't know. I'm going to give it all day tomorrow and see what Musicians Friend's return policy is.
I'm also kind of upset that this prticular bass has clearly been returned by someone else. The paint is scratched pretty significantly on the underside where the bass mounts, but not enough for me to deal with the whole sending back and waiting again should I keep it. That's a Musician's Friend thing - and this ain't the 1st time that's happened. I may be done with those guys.
Anyone notice I'm not all that happy right now??? I'll definitely give write more later. Later.
- Dec 5, 2002
- 4,165
- 2,254
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Ernie Ball Music Man/Sterling By Music Man
Mine's gone so I don't have it here for reference, but the stand: if you use a drum key, you should be able to adjust the height to where you want it.
I don't know what's going on with the scratches, but I can say this - the first one I got from MF looked like the entire employee pool at Dean ate fried chicken and then purposefully set about touching the bass everywhere possible.
Seriously - inside the little slots where the axles are for the tuners? There were fingerprints IN THERE. I couldn't even get my fingers in there.
And then it crapped out - poot poot poot, and then the preamp died.
The replacement was a much better instrument and not half as dirty.
All in all, it was a fun experiment while it lasted and now it's been replaced by the Fish, which I will surely play more (and with more dexterity).
Hope it works for you, amigo.
I don't know what's going on with the scratches, but I can say this - the first one I got from MF looked like the entire employee pool at Dean ate fried chicken and then purposefully set about touching the bass everywhere possible.
Seriously - inside the little slots where the axles are for the tuners? There were fingerprints IN THERE. I couldn't even get my fingers in there.
And then it crapped out - poot poot poot, and then the preamp died.
The replacement was a much better instrument and not half as dirty.
All in all, it was a fun experiment while it lasted and now it's been replaced by the Fish, which I will surely play more (and with more dexterity).
Hope it works for you, amigo.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Started my very own Pace review thread - I guess I just shouldda posted it here. Anyhow... here's the start of a new thread:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186752
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186752
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Got back home to spend some time with it. Got over the initial freaking out. Looked at the scratches again and came to the conclusion that it was most likely done in the factory - the bass shows no other wear whatsoever. Again, it's on the underside of the bass where it connects to the post, so it's impossible to see and it ain't all that bad anyhow.
I fiddled with the stand and realized they make it so it pretty much adjusts to the size of a DB - DUH! The neck is the same exact height as the DB I have next to my bed that I can't play. Got the whole stand thing together and adjusted to where I'm comfortable. Played for about 45 minutes and it's growing on me.
It's a lot easier to play than my Mike Kelly acoustic fretless I think because my Mike Kelly is 32" scale and no matter how much I play it, it's hard to stay intonated. This thing is coming a lot more naturally - I don't have to glue my eyes to the neck. It has a lot more mmwwah than any fretless I've ever owned and while I know mmwwwah isn't too much associated with a DB, I still think the Pace sounds a lot closer to a DB than a typical electric bass. I starting to really dig the fat neck too.
I shall invest in strings as everyone else has done - probably the biggest fattest nylon ones i can find, and I'll keep on playin it. I'm feeling more like it's gonna be a keeper after getting over my initial shock.
More to come I'm sure.
I fiddled with the stand and realized they make it so it pretty much adjusts to the size of a DB - DUH! The neck is the same exact height as the DB I have next to my bed that I can't play. Got the whole stand thing together and adjusted to where I'm comfortable. Played for about 45 minutes and it's growing on me.
It's a lot easier to play than my Mike Kelly acoustic fretless I think because my Mike Kelly is 32" scale and no matter how much I play it, it's hard to stay intonated. This thing is coming a lot more naturally - I don't have to glue my eyes to the neck. It has a lot more mmwwah than any fretless I've ever owned and while I know mmwwwah isn't too much associated with a DB, I still think the Pace sounds a lot closer to a DB than a typical electric bass. I starting to really dig the fat neck too.
I shall invest in strings as everyone else has done - probably the biggest fattest nylon ones i can find, and I'll keep on playin it. I'm feeling more like it's gonna be a keeper after getting over my initial shock.
More to come I'm sure.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
I figgered I'd continue my review on this post since it's got more responses then the one I started, linked above.
After only 3 days I braved it and took it to a gig. Used it for 2 songs in each of 3 sets (it was a cover gig). Used the emaciated strings it comes with. Twas an experience for sure. 1st - it raised a good handful of eyebrows and fer some reason made a lot of peoploe smile. The audience seemed to get a huge kick out of it, perhaps because they noticed I was getting a huge kick out of it. While the bass limits you to standing and playing in one spot on stage, it totally freed my body up to really get into the music. I never performed any music on stage before where my body was completely free. I dug it.
It's easy to transport, and after figuring out the stand, sets up quickly. I could probably get it all ready to go in 60 seconds if I were in a race with someone. Maybe 67.
The sound. People here have said it sounds just like an electric, but I have to disagree. Lots of mwah, I kinda have to be careful to NOT mwwahh it, it's barky, has lots of midrange that I like, and has a tiny little bit of the DB thump. I had to kick in the bass boost on my amp, but left the settings otherwise the same as for my Bongo.
I changed the strings yesterday to the recommended Rotosound 88s and played it for a while in the house. Sounds thumpier for sure - it didn't quite add as much fullness as I thought it would, took some of the unecessary bite away - my jury is actually still out on the new strings. They feel cool and they will probably be best for the gig I initially bought the bass for, but if I use it with The Nerve! as I plan (but hadn't planned) - I may want to go back to steel strings. Gotta check out the nylon at a gig before I know for sure.
I'm feeling brain dead from not enough sleep so I hope the above is all coherent. Ever feel hung over even though you didn't drink a thing??? 2 diet cokes last night - can't even blame it on the sugar. Hmmm.
After only 3 days I braved it and took it to a gig. Used it for 2 songs in each of 3 sets (it was a cover gig). Used the emaciated strings it comes with. Twas an experience for sure. 1st - it raised a good handful of eyebrows and fer some reason made a lot of peoploe smile. The audience seemed to get a huge kick out of it, perhaps because they noticed I was getting a huge kick out of it. While the bass limits you to standing and playing in one spot on stage, it totally freed my body up to really get into the music. I never performed any music on stage before where my body was completely free. I dug it.
It's easy to transport, and after figuring out the stand, sets up quickly. I could probably get it all ready to go in 60 seconds if I were in a race with someone. Maybe 67.
The sound. People here have said it sounds just like an electric, but I have to disagree. Lots of mwah, I kinda have to be careful to NOT mwwahh it, it's barky, has lots of midrange that I like, and has a tiny little bit of the DB thump. I had to kick in the bass boost on my amp, but left the settings otherwise the same as for my Bongo.
I changed the strings yesterday to the recommended Rotosound 88s and played it for a while in the house. Sounds thumpier for sure - it didn't quite add as much fullness as I thought it would, took some of the unecessary bite away - my jury is actually still out on the new strings. They feel cool and they will probably be best for the gig I initially bought the bass for, but if I use it with The Nerve! as I plan (but hadn't planned) - I may want to go back to steel strings. Gotta check out the nylon at a gig before I know for sure.
I'm feeling brain dead from not enough sleep so I hope the above is all coherent. Ever feel hung over even though you didn't drink a thing??? 2 diet cokes last night - can't even blame it on the sugar. Hmmm.
I recently picked up a Dean pace (natural finish) EUB. Do any of you have any suggestions on strings for this bass. The bass is 35" scale. The stock strings sound very dead and I'm looking for ideas. Do you recommend flats or roundwound? Any help would be great.....Gene.
I've never played a Dean Pace, however as a rule of thumb I'd reccomend flatwounds on a fretless bass. Roundwounds tend to put groves into fingerboards faster.
John
John
Half rounds maybe? D´Addario still make them, I think.
Thomastiks flatwound Jazz Bass strings have a bright sound for flats, as does Pyramid Gold, however they are hard to find in the US, I think (it´s hard enough in Europe...)
Mikael
Thomastiks flatwound Jazz Bass strings have a bright sound for flats, as does Pyramid Gold, however they are hard to find in the US, I think (it´s hard enough in Europe...)
Mikael
- Mar 22, 2000
- 1,972
- 73
- Disclosures
- Big Cheese Emeritus: Gollihur Music (retired)
I'd second MJ's Thomastik recommendation, and the flats are available in extra long scale. Their sustain is much better than your average flatwound string.
However, if you're seeking a double bass sound, IMHO the Fender nylon wrapped strings have a more URB-like character than many- of course, it depends on the type of URB you're trying to emulate.
I have a set on an old Hohner fretless electric and using URB pizz techniques, plus dampening them by hand or sticking a light piece of foam under the strings next to the bridge, it can fool the casual observer. Labella also makes similar strings, but I found the Fenders ever so slightly better in this regard, though I'm sure they vary.
It all depends on what you're trying to achieve.
However, if you're seeking a double bass sound, IMHO the Fender nylon wrapped strings have a more URB-like character than many- of course, it depends on the type of URB you're trying to emulate.
I have a set on an old Hohner fretless electric and using URB pizz techniques, plus dampening them by hand or sticking a light piece of foam under the strings next to the bridge, it can fool the casual observer. Labella also makes similar strings, but I found the Fenders ever so slightly better in this regard, though I'm sure they vary.It all depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Thank you all for your thoughts on this issue. I've been an electric player for 39 years, and these EUB's look like alot of fun. I picked this bass up in a trade and it really needs new strings. Your ideas will help me make a decision.....Gene.
Can anyone provide a sound clip of the Dean Pace? I understand they don't sound quite like a real upright bass?
I agree with those above. I play URB (1905 Juzek FB), an NS CR4 EUB and have 17 fretlesses from '68 J to 36" Fodera
Imp 5.
I have switched on about half of my fretlesses (except the piccolos) to La Bella Black Nylon & I can pop harmonics close to Roto Rounds.
I have them on a Bebesee 5, Imp 5 36", etc.
Good growl in low positions too.
my .02
Imp 5.
I have switched on about half of my fretlesses (except the piccolos) to La Bella Black Nylon & I can pop harmonics close to Roto Rounds.
I have them on a Bebesee 5, Imp 5 36", etc.
Good growl in low positions too.
my .02
Can anyone provide a sound clip of the Dean Pace? I understand they don't sound quite like a real upright bass?
IMHO they don't sound anything like an upright and 35 inch scale isn't going to help matters.. Your best bet is the Thomastik flats and JACK UP THE ACTION if possible.
IMHO they don't sound anything like an upright and 35 inch scale isn't going to help matters.. Your best bet is the Thomastik flats and JACK UP THE ACTION if possible.
where did you find the pace in natural? i can only usually find it in red, black or blue. i've seen pics of the natural, but no one seems to have it.
i am definately 'gassing' for the Pace. i already have a set of roto77s waiting. for strings on the Pace, i suggest the roosound 77el montel stainless flatwound (extra long)
i played one the other day. a little tubby, it's not awesome, but for the price, it'll work. i with you could do arco on it
and it had an active EQ. it'll do for acoustic shows, farting around, doing police songs.
what does everyone else think about the PACE? i do want one, to me into or out of it.
i am definately 'gassing' for the Pace. i already have a set of roto77s waiting. for strings on the Pace, i suggest the roosound 77el montel stainless flatwound (extra long)
i played one the other day. a little tubby, it's not awesome, but for the price, it'll work. i with you could do arco on it
and it had an active EQ. it'll do for acoustic shows, farting around, doing police songs.what does everyone else think about the PACE? i do want one, to me into or out of it.
I came to this thread because I'm curious about what others recommend for getting closer to a real upright sound on a PACE. The strings on the one I have are OK but they seem just a little light. I don't know the brand or type except they are steel and flatwound. I was wondering what might produce a fatter sound. (I'm also curious about whether anyone has run a PACE through one of those bass emulators but that's for a different thread.)
I found my used blonde/natural PACE at Portland Music Company http://www.portlandmusiccompany.com/ here in Portland OR. It was the only one in the store I went to but I thought they mentioned having another one at one of their other stores. I don't know what color though.
I'm a complete novice on bass. (I play a little keyboard and have a couple bass guitar playing friends) I've just been curious about learning.
I walked in the store and fooled around with PACE because it looked interesting and got hooked. The neck feels great, I liked the sound, and it's ultra portable. I've never played anything fretless but I find I can already pick out a simple bass line or two. It's fine for me as beginner. Note: It can't be bowed. The strings lie flat. It is kinda like an upright fretless bass guitar.
I found my used blonde/natural PACE at Portland Music Company http://www.portlandmusiccompany.com/ here in Portland OR. It was the only one in the store I went to but I thought they mentioned having another one at one of their other stores. I don't know what color though.
I'm a complete novice on bass. (I play a little keyboard and have a couple bass guitar playing friends) I've just been curious about learning.
I walked in the store and fooled around with PACE because it looked interesting and got hooked. The neck feels great, I liked the sound, and it's ultra portable. I've never played anything fretless but I find I can already pick out a simple bass line or two. It's fine for me as beginner. Note: It can't be bowed. The strings lie flat. It is kinda like an upright fretless bass guitar.
