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How about the original/stock Aquila Thunderguts strings? What happens to them if I undergo the mod?
The modification should make the fretlines correct. The fretlines will be off a bit without the modification.
Without the modification, one would have to correct for the difference by fingering the note a little behind or in front of where they're fingered with thunderguts. If they say the bridge needs to move 1/4" to correct intonation on the fretted basses, then it seems to me that a 1/8" difference in fingering at the 12th fret is about all that would be needed on the fretless basses. Heck, on a fretless the fretlines are just guidelines, anyway.
If the modification is to make it a truly adjustable bridge, you should be able to move it back.
I can see the need for modding the fretted models, but I'm skeptical as far as the fretless is concerned.
If they're talking about adding a "zero fret" also - I don't believe I've ever seen one on a fretless instrument before.
I'm guessing that this is an even bigger issue on the shorter scale U-Bass.
If I understand correctly, the purpose of a zero fret is to compensate for the difference between how a string vibrates when played “open” versus how it vibrates when pressed against a fret.
On a fretless bass, I wonder if it would have the unfortunate converse effect of making the string only sound like a fretted bass when played on an open string!
If intonation is accurate before the mod with those, then it will not be after.
Sounds like the only benefit for a user of the fretless MicroBass of switching out the original bridge for the adjustable one is the ability to use LaBella strings and (probably) no longer have to pull the strings off the nut in order to tune, a procedure I find to be rather a nuisance.
Whether that's worth $150.00 plus two-way shipping to Goldtone on a $375.00 instrument is not a question with an easy answer.
Wayne was kind enough to answer my latest e-mail late on a Friday to say that the shift in the relative positions of the fret markers will be only very slightly affected by the switch to the adjustable bridge.
Whether that's worth $150.00 plus two-way shipping to Goldtone on a $375.00 instrument is not a question with an easy answer.
Wayne was kind enough to answer my latest e-mail late on a Friday to say that the shift in the relative positions of the fret markers will be only very slightly affected by the switch to the adjustable bridge.
Could a skilled luthier potentially do this job more quickly and less expensively? Of course, I still can't buy the strings I would need in that instance.
I am determined not to come to regret buying the original GT MicroBass despite knowing that all future models will include the adjustable bridge, including the anticipated (and herein previewed) solidbody version.
I am determined not to come to regret buying the original GT MicroBass despite knowing that all future models will include the adjustable bridge, including the anticipated (and herein previewed) solidbody version.
If thats the case, it sure seems as though a qualified luthier could do it if (and only if) he or she could somehow get ahold of the correct strings, and for less than the nearly $200 it would cost to do it via GoldTone.
That is not an adjustable bridge that is a bridge it is a fixed bridge that has been modified 1/4 in backwards towards the end pin. Thanks but no thanks I will live with the Thunderguts or the Pahohoe's. I have no problem tuning I just lift up the string right where I pluck it to kind of stretch it. I do not lift the string out of the nut. When I do this I hear the striung move in the nut slot and then it is in tune. No Big Deal.
If I understand this correctly, the larger saddle groove and shim allow you to use either Thunderguts or LaBellas. You switch the position of the shim and saddle depending on which strings you're using. Is that right? Actually, I think that's pretty cool, as long as the fit is snug.
I have resisted commenting.
I have much I'd like to say, because I used to be in dialog with the related parties. But, I will refrain.
Except, I'll give my Personal view. After seeing the alternatives, if I really wanted to use both very different string types on the same type bass, my inclination would be to have 2 basses, each set up properly, rather than have one bass hacked to swap different types of strings in. But, that's just me. YMMV.
What I will do is caution all of you - to be careful with significant investments until you can actually have your desired strings In Hand. Enough said.
I have much I'd like to say, because I used to be in dialog with the related parties. But, I will refrain.
Except, I'll give my Personal view. After seeing the alternatives, if I really wanted to use both very different string types on the same type bass, my inclination would be to have 2 basses, each set up properly, rather than have one bass hacked to swap different types of strings in. But, that's just me. YMMV.
What I will do is caution all of you - to be careful with significant investments until you can actually have your desired strings In Hand. Enough said.
That is correct. That is how the shimmed bridge is supposed to function.
When I spoke with La Bella about the strings last week we did not know if users were going to be hip to this idea or even want to run the strings anymore with the modification. The strings are not a pipe dream and still in the works. The only thing to my understanding holding them up now is packaging but that was put on hold due to this fitment issue. I'll talk with La Bella and let them know to keep production going on these for the users who would still like to use them.
Thanks. I'm willing to try them on my fretless MicroBass and fretless U-Bass without modification to either instrument's bridge.
