• 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 La Cabronita Precision Bass

#241
About the pickup: I have not measured, but it certainly seems to be in the standard Precision Bass position.

I took the Cabronita out and played it a bit last night. The sound of the Fideli'tron pickup reminds me of the Duncan SCPB-3 (Quarter Pound Single-Coil Precision) pickup, which I have in another bass. Compared to a vintage-style SCPB pickup, the Fideli'tron is a bit hotter and more aggressive. With the TI Flats, it sounded really nice in a blues context.

This bass is very comfortable to play. I could easily play it all night.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dexter_Bass
#242
Just went to Musiciansfriend.com and wanted to take advantage of their 15% off sale on one of these. It didn't work but they gave me a code that did. While I decided not to,pull the trigger at this moment (even though $500 seems like a great price) I want to share the code that works with my TB brethren (and sistren). Use code: VJ815169
 
#245
Did you get to play it? If so, how was it?

Steve

Fletz said:
Just went to Musiciansfriend.com and wanted to take advantage of their 15% off sale on one of these. It didn't work but they gave me a code that did. While I decided not to,pull the trigger at this moment (even though $500 seems like a great price) I want to share the code that works with my TB brethren (and sistren). Use code: VJ815169
Click to expand...
 
#246
RHFusillo said:
The sound of the Fideli'tron pickup reminds me of the Duncan SCPB-3 (Quarter Pound Single-Coil Precision) pickup, which I have in another bass. Compared to a vintage-style SCPB pickup, the Fideli'tron is a bit hotter and more aggressive. With the TI Flats, it sounded really nice in a blues context.
Click to expand...

So you're saying the Fideli'tron has the punch and depth of a single coil precision pickup? That's very intriguing!
How about the high end? My scpb has a very sweet top end.
Thanks!
 
#247
lookiel said:
So you're saying the Fideli'tron has the punch and depth of a single coil precision pickup? That's very intriguing!
How about the high end? My scpb has a very sweet top end.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Given that I put a used set of flatwounds on the bass and rolled off the treble a bit, I wasn't looking for much high end. But it still had enough to give it presence.
 
#248
lookiel said:
So you're saying the Fideli'tron has the punch and depth of a single coil precision pickup? That's very intriguing!
How about the high end? My scpb has a very sweet top end.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

It has presence, but not a lot of biting sheen. Plenty of treble & upper mids for note-definition in a rock mix, but not a lot of glassy shimmer if you want Marcus Miller tone or piano-like tones.

It's punchy, deep and with musically subdued highs in my opinion. With fresh roundwounds I still rolled the tone off a bit - so there are more highs than I need/want. I went with coated EXP's and am very happy with the tone!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dexter_Bass
#249
lookiel said:
So you're saying the Fideli'tron has the punch and depth of a single coil precision pickup? That's very intriguing!
How about the high end? My scpb has a very sweet top end.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'll offer another opinion. Now keep in mind, that almost all I've played for the last decade are Precisions strung with rounds and loaded with Quarter Pounder pickups, so I'm not much for variety...

After a few rehearsals through a few different amps I find the Fidelitron P/U has much less high-end and much lower output than I'm used to. That said, it has wonderfully defined mids, and by boosting my volume and treble a bit I (and my bandmates) are quite happy with how it sits in the mix. To me it sounds vintage without being muddy.
 
#250
I have Precisions with the following pickups:
Lollar in my custom Senn
Fender vintage reissue in my '57 ri
Fender active 5 in an AMDLX
Vintage 1978 Fender pickup

The Fedelitron matches the '57 Reissue in terms of output volume and bottom. It's louder than the 1978 pickup by a lot & similar to the 5 string in passive mode. The Fidelitron is lower in output and bottom than the Lollar.

I was surprised that the volume and depth matched my '62 reissue Jazz with Lollars though!
 
#251
Fletz said:
Just went to Musiciansfriend.com and wanted to take advantage of their 15% off sale on one of these. It didn't work but they gave me a code that did. While I decided not to,pull the trigger at this moment (even though $500 seems like a great price) I want to share the code that works with my TB brethren (and sistren). Use code: VJ815169
Click to expand...

"The coupon vj815169 has exceeded its usage limit."
 
#253
scotch said:
The Cabronita killed it during the show! Played it the whole set. The local backline tech's quote: "You guys had the best guitar and bass tone I've heard in years!"

I'm very happy with the instrument!
Click to expand...

Cheers for the extensive reviews/reportage Scotch


MikeyThrottler said:
...

...The pickup also has a lot of mids, which I love, but a much different character than a spit coil. It kind of sounds like a Thunderbird with the neck P/U soloed. Oh, and it comes ALIVE when you start to overdrive the tubes a bit.

As for the feel, I've noticed 2 things. 1. This is NOT a "C-shaped" neck, this is a "U-shaped" neck. Yes, it measures 1.625" at the nut like most modern P's, but the neck is noticeably deeper. It's the deepest neck I've ever played; not as fast as my American P, but I find it comfortable as I have massive hands.

...

There's my 4-day review. I'm sure I'll know more after a long band practice tomorrow night.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your insights as well, MikeyThrottler.

Even at a discount, I can't justify its purchase right now. I've got two Squier Jag projects that don't get gigged, but the GAS for this Cabronita is mighty powerful.

I want to fill in the CNC hole, refin in Candy Orange, or maybe just in translucent Gretsch Orange and cover the hole with a silver dollar or, as suggested earlier, a bottle opener or some such thang. ARrrGgHh! Frick'n GAS...
:atoz:
 
#255
tribbledaniel said:
Question for those who've played this bass : does it sound anything like the Fender demo or is that the sound of the amp with overdrive? Thanks.
Click to expand...

The bass into a clean amp is not that grindy! There's definitely some amp or pedal crunch happening. It does have an inherent throaty grunt to it though - it definitely lands on the "wants to crunch" end of the spectrum! If you like two-hand tapping an Alembic, you're not gonna like the Fidelitron for that!
 
#256
scotch said:
The bass into a clean amp is not that grindy! There's definitely some amp or pedal crunch happening. It does have an inherent throaty grunt to it though - it definitely lands on the "wants to crunch" end of the spectrum! If you like two-hand tapping an Alembic, you're not gonna like the Fidelitron for that!
Click to expand...
What kind of strings do you use? I followed the link to your D'Addario page and noticed that you've used flats before. I'm thinking of putting Chromes on my Cabronita when it arrives. I'm a beginner but I like playing blues-rock type music (ZZ Top, Fabulous Tbirds, CCR..)
 
#257
tribbledaniel said:
What kind of strings do you use? I followed the link to your D'Addario page and noticed that you've used flats before. I'm thinking of putting Chromes on my Cabronita when it arrives. I'm a beginner but I like playing blues-rock type music (ZZ Top, Fabulous Tbirds, CCR..)
Click to expand...

I have D'Addario EXP roundwounds on mine. I'm sure Chromes would sound great though! I have Chromes on 3 of my basses & love them! They retain a bit more brightness than some other flats, but still have classic flat thump (just let them break-in, it takes a little longer to develop their best tone).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back