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Fuzzy Pedulla Rapture Soapbar

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Larzito, Jul 16, 2003.

  1. Jul 16, 2003 #1
    Larzito

    Larzito

    Aug 1, 2000
    Dallas, Texas
    I recently purchased a Pedulla Rapture with the single Bartolini pickup. I have adjusted its height according to factory specs (1/8” from string) and it sounds distorted. I’ve tried lowering the pickup height, lowering the volume on the bass, not used bass and treble boost excessively, etc. My other bass doesn’t do this through the same rig (wanted to eliminate other possibilities in the signal chain such as amp, cable, speakers, etc.). I tested and installed a brand new Duracell. Installed brand new strings. Tried different string set/type. Gave the bass a fresh set up. Made sure all hardware was tight. In short, I have done my homework troubleshooting the obvious. I previously owned the J2 version of this bass and didn’t have this distortion problem.

    In short, my Rapture has an inherent distorted sound, especially in the lower notes. It tends to be fuzzy even if I considerably lighten my finger technique. I don’t use a pick. Is this how the bass was designed or is there something potentially wrong with it. It is more pronounced with the mid switch in the “non-scouped” mode, but still present no matter what. I expect a little fuzziness if I attack the strings really hard, but this appears to be ever present. What do you guys suggest?
     
  2. Jul 16, 2003 #2
    mikezimmerman

    mikezimmerman Supporting Member

    Apr 29, 2001
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Some folks find Barts to be a bit "wooly" sounding, but I don't think that's what you're describing.

    If you've replaced the battery already, my first thought would be that it's a problem with the the preamp, or possibly a problem with the output jack. I'd check those before the pickup, since I can't really figure out how you'd get distortion from the pickup itself.

    Mike
     
  3. Jul 17, 2003 #3
    12bass

    12bass

    Jan 2, 2003
    Victoria, Canada
    I have a Rapture 5 with a single soapbar. No distortion here.

    It sounds like you have a problem with the electronics, either preamp, jack, or wiring. One way to test the preamp is to wire the pickup direct to the output jack and see how it sounds.

    Good luck!
     
  4. Jul 19, 2003 #4
    marc40a

    marc40a

    Mar 20, 2002
    Boston MA
    Just an idea....

    Did you check the trimpot on the preamp? It could be maxxed out and overdriving your amp's input.

    If it's not that then it sounds like a defective preamp. I'm sure that Mike P. would take care of it for ya'.

    By the way...How'd you like the Pu's and Electronics in the J2. Were they full sounding? Nice top end bite and note defintion?
     
  5. Jul 20, 2003 #5
    12bass

    12bass

    Jan 2, 2003
    Victoria, Canada
    My Rapture 5 (single pickup) did not have a trimpot attached to the preamp. Not sure if newer models do or not....

    On second thought, the fuzziness problem could be as simple as a cold solder joint. Whatever it is, any decent tech should be able to figure it out within a few minutes.
     
  6. Jul 22, 2003 #6
    Larzito

    Larzito

    Aug 1, 2000
    Dallas, Texas
    Had tech look it over...no electrical problems. He lowered the pickup 1/64" and all is ok. Its not as fat sounding now, but clearer.
     
  7. Jul 22, 2003 #7
    Larzito

    Larzito

    Aug 1, 2000
    Dallas, Texas
    As for the sound of my J2, it was very deep sounding. Scouped. Had trouble cutting through. Best slap sound I ever had though! The Bart J's are a bit dark and low on midrange. I tried real hard to make it my main bass. It was light weight, well made and punchy, but the string tension was too wobbly...I have a pretty hard right hand attack live. New bridge, tried all sorts of strings, etc. I just never got it to play like a man. We tried everything. I called MV, even talked to Michael Tobias about it. Wood is wood and some pieces are stiffer than others...musta been something the tree ate. The one I have now seems to have the right amount of tension, but doesn't have the booty the J2 did. I'm thinking the Ag OBP-3 will juice it up nicely. Just put one in my Q5 and its phat and juicy, but haven't field tested it live.