TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Any updates to this question? Has anyone installed the Relentless J set and using two 250k pots rather than the recommended 500k?
That’s fine with me. I just installed them in my Modulus J. What an improvement from the Barts. It is plenty bright with 250k. In fact it's now the brightest jazz bass I have, against my AVRI jazz, my MIJ jazz, and my Moollon jazz. Currently wearing older roundwounds.
bassnyc1,
Did you order either? According to their website and latest specs (these often change every few years somehow, yet they probably remain the same product), the Relentless Middle that Mr. Billy first co-designed with Mr. Larry has a bit more low mids-the Relentless P consequently has slightly less low mids, and more treble. The original 1977 Model P has "better" treble than both, and less low mids than either Relentless version. This could all be up to interpretation, as once they measured in only bass/mids/treble approximations.
The low mids are impressive on the Relentless P model, yet not muddy. Never had a Relentless Middle equipped bass, but the specs seem too close to expect a stark difference-main benefit would be the lack of touchable pole pieces (though the latter is also a feature more than a defect, since these are adjustable, as with the Model P). I am glad they did not retire the old and super well-known Model P, though.
I would happily use all three versions of this model, though the radiused aspect makes both Relentless models *perfect* for my playing. Wish more pickups could be used like finger ramps, at least as well as the Relentless style pickups do.
If you already did make a choice, I doubt you made a mistake. Just two versions of excellent after all.
I know that in the end I ended up using more the cheaper Squier bass with the Relentless P, than the technically nicer vintage style Fender bass, though I would not part with either, as their sounds-and aesthetics in my case-are so unique and wonderful.
No problem, was just curious! I had missed your question, though I did not have much to offer regardless. Was wondering if you had enjoyed the pickups, had you made the switch.
SPB-1 should be more traditional than all these three Dimarzio P pickups, and is generally well-loved. The Model P voicing will be a different beast, though still noticeably a P tone-just lots of wonderful mids, you notice right away there's a *lot* extra there. Still a P bass tone! But definitely different than a vintage style pickup which I also love. In my case, I just currently have two Precisions (three if I count the old Electra which I rarely use, and does have a Delano, more vintage style alnico pickup installed.) The Model P/Relentless pickups would alter the tone quite a bit (some love this, others not so much) so perhaps just buy-or modify-another bass to enjoy that flavor.
Best of luck, and bass on!
