NBD: Heartfield DR5 (Fender)

[TriumphRider99]

I wonder if that’s a common problem. My truss rod seems to be maxed out, too. I’m hoping my luthier can do something about it when I get the bass to him about the neck.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

In terms of tone, I would be more worried about the Aguilar not sounding anything like the original preamp. I am pretty sure that any luthier worthy of the name would be able to address the truss rod issue.

Years ago, I replaced the fried Fender preamp inside a Precision Lyte bass with an Aguilar OPB-3. It was cool because you could have a passive tone control as well as the active ones. The Lyte is actually one of the two basses seen in my avatar. The Lyte is now long gone, as I started playing more fretless and more 5 string basses. No regrets although it did have one of the fastest necks I have ever played.

 

[jbybj]

Then there is the Fender branded Heartfield Model. This one also has that cool little layer of graphite under the fretboard. This is such an easy playing bass.

 

[WayneP]

Interesting! What model is that? I’ve browsed through online images and can’t find one that looks like it.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

 

[jbybj]

Interesting! What model is that? I’ve browsed through online images and can’t find one that looks like it.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

There is very little information on the Fender HM Bass. Some erroneously claim “HM” stands for Heavy Metal. During my research, years ago, I became convinced it is indeed Heartfield Model. There seem to be many more HM Strats, Squier and Fender, from the brief window of their manufacture, late 80’s to early 90’s. I have found a few passive 5 string HM basses, same body shape, 3 pickup, 5 position switch, (made in Japan) but never another active preamp 4 string with the shark fin inlays, (made in USA). I found it at West L.A. Guitar Center, back in the days when they still took used instruments in trade.

 

[TriumphRider99]

There actually is a HM that stands for heavy metal, but it looks different. Headstock comes to a point. I used to own one.

 

[mikeswals]

That's what I was able to find, too....EMG singles on this DR4 below. Dunno who spec'd them, but evidently EMG built them. After reading through this thread I have a better understanding of how the controls are supposed to work. Haven't had a use for what appears to be a Lo-Z output jack (?). No exotic wood on this one but like others have noted, the build exudes quality at a glance. A pretty impressive sounding and playing bass to my ears. I wouldn't mind a fiver to match!

View attachment 7017216

View attachment 7017217

Do you want me to put you in touch with my friend? He mentioned probably selling it (he is also here on talkbass). It's looks like the 5 string version of yours.

 

[Iridescentone]

Do you want me to put you in touch with my friend? He mentioned probably selling it (he is also here on talkbass). It's looks like the 5 string version of yours.

No thanks, I'm in "sell mode" atm.

 

[TriumphRider99]

Do you want me to put you in touch with my friend? He mentioned probably selling it (he is also here on talkbass). It's looks like the 5 string version of yours.

You could put your friend in touch with me. An active 5 string is just up my alley. Thanks in advance!

 

[WayneP]

Took the DR5 to church this past Sunday for its first public outing. Still trying to sort it out - drastically different tone controls compared to my other basses, which has distressed me a bit. Been thinking I should look into upgrading the electronics to make like my other basses. But I talked myself off the ledge, realizing "What would be the point of that? If you want it to be like your other basses - just play one of them!"

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

 

[BassAgent]

Good argument, plus: the tone circuit is one of the things that make the Heartfields unique

 

[WayneP]

Any of you Heartfielders have an easy remedy for that abysmal battery box?

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

 

[mikeswals]

You could put your friend in touch with me. An active 5 string is just up my alley. Thanks in advance!

I had sent him a link to this thread

 

[jd56hawk]

I mentioned this a few days ago in another thread.
If Ibanez can do reverse-burst finishes, why can't Fender?
It's so refreshing after the same old, same old all the time.
That color looks great!

 

[mtdkingstonheir]

Any of you Heartfielders have an easy remedy for that abysmal battery box?

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

Inquiring minds want to know. Hopefully one of the many helpful folks on TB can give some input/suggestions.

 

[WayneP]

After making that post, I found this on the Heartfield Club thread. I ordered one; I’ll let you know how it works. Shop around, I found one on ebay for under $30 delivered. Unfortunately, it seems they all come from Japan, so be prepared for a long wait.

ESP BATTERY BOX 9-volt Battery Box for Electric Guitar Bass Stainless Steel

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Heartfield Club #36
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

 

[WayneP]

After making that post, I found this on the Heartfield Club thread.

Speaking of, I’ve resurrected the dormant Official Heartfield Club. Everyone on this thread who owns one and isn’t a member, head on over their and join up! Just requires a picture!

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Official Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Heartfield Club #36
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

 

[Iridescentone]

Any of you Heartfielders have an easy remedy for that abysmal battery box?

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

You guys are having problems with the battery box?

 

[WayneP]

You guys are having problems with the battery box?

Mine has no provision for holding the battery to the revolving door. So, the battery is hard to get in and out. The DR5 review in the August 1990 edition of Guitarist Magazine noted the double-sided tape holding the battery clip to the door fell off.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Ecclesia: Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Official Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Official Heartfield Club #36
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
My Basses

 

[spufman]

Odd, my DR-4 battery door pivots to reveal a clipped in 9V. Pinched the wire once and had to splice since it's a very tight squeeze, but there's no double-sided tape involved.

 

[Iridescentone]

Odd, my DR-4 battery door pivots to reveal a clipped in 9V. Pinched the wire once and had to splice since it's a very tight squeeze, but there's no double-sided tape involved.

Same here, mine has a plastic holder/clip deleo attached to the pivoting lid. Not sure how the plastic clip is fastened to the lid, though....I guess it could be taped....not gonna mess with it to find out. It's a tight squeeze, but it works fine and the battery is held firmly.

If mine has tape that falls off one day, I'll just put in some fresh tape. I can see how that could happen, as old as these basses are becoming.