Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Fender - Classic Player Rascal Bass
- Thread starter howlin
- Start date
Here's a question for anyone who actually knows: Are the pickups series or parallel (in combined positions)?
If they're series like most of the strats with lipsticks are, then this is not gonna get the sound a lot of people will be expecting as Danos are series and this is a HUGE part of their sound, almost as much as the (relatively) low impedance and low output of the pickups. That's why they get that "is that a Fender or a Gibson?" sound. They have the scooped tone and jangle of single coils, beefed up by running through each other like an HB.
If they're parallel, that's a relatively easy fix, but I friggin hate opening up otherwise perfectly good new stuff - especially when this should be what one would consider the "right way" of wiring these.
If they're series like most of the strats with lipsticks are, then this is not gonna get the sound a lot of people will be expecting as Danos are series and this is a HUGE part of their sound, almost as much as the (relatively) low impedance and low output of the pickups. That's why they get that "is that a Fender or a Gibson?" sound. They have the scooped tone and jangle of single coils, beefed up by running through each other like an HB.
If they're parallel, that's a relatively easy fix, but I friggin hate opening up otherwise perfectly good new stuff - especially when this should be what one would consider the "right way" of wiring these.
One thing I don't like is that the bridge doesn't start by the strap button. Instead, there is a lot of body behind the bridge. This would probably make the bass feel bigger than it needs to. It looks as long as a full scale. It also means strange ergonomics if you're used to playing by the bridge.
I would definitely put Lace Sensor pickups in this.
I would definitely put Lace Sensor pickups in this.
Don't know of any wiring diagram in the world that could wire all three pickups in series with the controls you see on this bass. The easiest way to wire three in series is three toggle switches.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
With this and your previous comment, why are you even looking at this bass? It doesn't sound like its a bass you'd be happy with.
I don't go into jazz bass threads and talk about how much more I'd like them if they had the ergonomics and electronics of my Bongo. I don't understand why people do this???
People aren't allowed to comment on a new design? The second comment is merely a comment on whether the pickups could be wired in series under the hood. My guess is no.
And the reason why I look at this bass is because I would love a more upscale version of my beloved Bronco Bass.
And the reason why I look at this bass is because I would love a more upscale version of my beloved Bronco Bass.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
You're right. My apologies. Just not something I would do. I'd rather just go looking for a bass that would make me happy, as opposed to criticize one that didn't.
I don't read a single thing I said where I said "I hate this bass, it's horrible, and I wouldn't buy it." I commented on one thing, that I wish the body were smaller. I've been on the record on this forum saying I actually rather love the premise of this bass, since I happen to love putting Strat pickups (Lace Sensors) on a short scale bass.
You may be right about the all three in series on a single switch - but there are two switches - the 5 way and the on/off pot.
I actually would be reasonably happy with a conventional 5 way set up (a, ab, b, bc, c) if they were series - which is easy, because it would provide the Danelectro sound a guy like me looking at a short scale with lipsticks is looking for.
I agree, I prefer my neck to be closer so there's less reach and less neck dive. But it does allow for a few more frets.
There are worse designs. I have one of the Danelectro '63s with a long scale and it has the bridge where many shorties do (it's the same body and everything else as the short scale) so it can be quite a reach to the lower frets (and just a totally different hand position than my Fender long scales. Much harder to play than my old longhorn I wish I still had which had a short neck and the more traditional bass bridge position - its no wonder guys like Jack Bruce and Cassidy played like they did - those shorties are just so easy to get carried away on.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Aight. I'll quit it now. I made a comment I really shouldnt have, and I'm not being sarcastic. My apologies, as its too late to take it back. I can be a dick at times, for no valid reason. Hopefully that admission makes me a little less of one 
.
.Actually, further response - make the switch 3 way and use the on/off on the tone for the middle, or just use the tone as a volume for the middle - a classic "nashiville tele" trick. (Yes those are parallel, but what the things are selecting would be doable in series.
Personally? I would just lose the blade switch and use the classic Brian May setup. Three on-off-phase switches, always in series. Drilling straight across the blade switch would really give it a custom pawn shop vibe.
I already have a Mustang. It doesn't really feel or sound like my Bronco that much. It's very different due to the split pickup.
I don't think you need to worry about short scale basses looking toyish. I don't think tall people look silly with 6-string guitars, and they're smaller than basses.
Man, just when I thought my GAS was under control this comes along. Oh well, my credit card better get ready.
A lot of people have noticed that the Rascal seems to be as big as a long scale; someone on the GAK demo I posted asked if the bass was really big, or if the GAK employee was just really small. It's weird because it has the same body style/scale length as the Bass VI, but when I look at the Rascal it just seems bigger.
I need to try it out in person to see if it's a good fit.
It'll look a little bigger because of the headstock and tuners actualy make it a little longer (the bass VI headstock is a guitar headstock so it is actually smaller- obviously the tuners are bigger) - soit is actually (a little) longer.
Combine that with the bridge is one long piece which doesn't break up the length (and visually emphasizes it) in a way that the two pieces of the Jag/JM/VI tremolo bridge do.
I hadn't thought of this at first glance, but you're right - why bother with a short scale if you have to extend your arm to a full scale reach anyway?
It does seem quite...portly. I think my hopes of a lightweight Rascal will be for naught. Back to Warmoth I guess.
I hadn't thought of this at first glance, but you're right - why bother with a short scale if you have to extend your arm to a full scale reach anyway?
It does seem quite...portly. I think my hopes of a lightweight Rascal will be for naught. Back to Warmoth I guess.
I currently own a Squier SS Jag, which I like, but wish it had a bigger or maybe heavier body for better balance. My issue with long scale basses is the stretch between frets. I have long arms for a short guy. I wear a 35" sleeve, which is normal for a man who is 6' 4". I stand 5' 7". so the arm reach is not a problem.
Yes, I do have to bend over to tie my shoes.
