Matt Pulcinella Basses

Yes, I've played several. Matt makes some very nice basses. Nice body style, several electronics options, he seems to be making a quality instrument and the price isn't bad at all.

 

I've played both of the ones that Bass Palace has (or at least had as of 09/01/01).

They ruled. The best B I've ever heard out of a bass with a one-piece maple neck was on the red bass with Bartolini Js.

If I weren't going for a more "modern" sound, I'd be all over one of those in a hurry.

 

Analogkid9,
Would you say that Pulcinella basses are only good for vintage sounds? They would not work for modern approaches? What about if you put Bartolini pickups or Duncans in them?

Thanks for the input. (I'm considering one down the road myself)

 

The ones I tried had Aeros and Bartolinis, respectively.

The Aero-equipped one was very blah modern-hi-fi. Not my speed.

The Bart-equipped one was like a '70s J--I think it had an ash body under all that finish, and the pickup placement was like one--with a bit more midrange fullness. The Swami was tearing it up on a block-on-rosewood J a few minutes before I played the Pulcinella, and I could definitely hear the similarities. VERSATILE. Considering that Marcus Miller's tone is one of the major benchmarks for modern bass builders, and that the Pulcinella came close enough for 90% of listeners, I'd say you'd be in good shape to get one.

FWIW, The bass I'm having built will be somewhere between a Thumb Bass and a Pedulla in terms of tone, but I could definitely see myself with that Pulcinella if the gig called for it.

 

I've had a Pulcinella 5 for about a year and am extremely happy with it. As far as the sound goes, you can get about any sound you want based on the component choices you make. You get to select whatever neck and body wood(s), pick-ups, pre-amp, etc. that strike your fancy. Take a look at his website and be sure to visit his photo gallery. Mine is the bubinga!

 

Has anyone ever tried Matt's Jazz style basses (I believe they are called Level 4)?

 

Hey boobinga,
There are actually TWO Level 5's made of Bubinga, one with a top and a Lightwave bass with a whole bubinga body.

Which is yours?