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NBD! Peavey TL-5 in Blue

#21
Insederec said:
As far as controls, they were all kind of sticky (which I'm guessing is mostly down to it not being played because they're freeing up more now) and the pickup selector knob is pretty loose. Also the positioning of the volume knob is actually quite frustrating when I'm playing with a pick. Every time I downstroke it lowers the volume because it's directly in the path of where I like to pick.

Also sometimes (maybe once per hour) the volume seems to randomly fade out and then kind of crackle and slowly come back up without me touching anything. I think I've narrowed it down to just this bass and not any other part of my setup, but I dunno. I'll try to get to the bottom of it.
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Sounds to me like the pots need cleaned. Get some Deoxit from a computer store, if you have one nearby, and spray it inside the pots' openings, with the battery disconnected, of course. Makes a world of difference most of the time.
 
#22
Gilmourisgod said:
If it plays good, run it till the frets start buzzing, bet you'll get at least a few years out of it before you have to deal with that.
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I don't mind a little buzz. So far it's got just enough for me, but I wouldn't hate a little more, at least until it starts messing with the tuning or until notes start bottoming out. I feel like I'm willing to shell out if I have to though, this bass deserves the love. (Although, it looks like the nut has been filed down to compensate, it probably isn't something I could handle on my own without a lot of trial and error)

Gilmourisgod said:
Maybe use pressure wounds or chrome flats in the meantime?
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Thought about it, and I might only if I can find some that sound and feel the way I want them to. As much as I want to preserve this bass, there's no point in "preserving" something I don't love to play.
 
#27
Be sure to squirt a generous amount into the pot, and twist the pot back and forth, to loosen and remove whatever is there. May have to do it a couple times. Also, wait until the cleaner dries thoroughly before hooking the battery up again. I did this to an amp last night that was being a bit bothersome. Brought it right back to where it should be.
 
#29
toddbooster said:
Did they make these in a four? I like everything about this except the too many strings part.
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As far as I know, they did not sadly. I was in the market for a 5er, but if I wasn't, I would have been very disappointed. You can look at some other Peaveys with the Super Ferrites. I believe the DynaBass and Cirrus around that era did as well, but I think others on here would know more than I would about that.
 
#30
Insederec said:
Indeed. This thing's got some punch. And, while I don't slap much, if I do, it's like cheat mode. It's got the most gnarly slap sound I've ever heard without even doing much with my hands. Unbelievable.
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You hit the nail on the head. Here is a scratch track I did on mine a few years ago for a friend. Flat EQ on my old black TL-Five straight into my Boss BR1600 recorder. I don't think I did much if any EQing to the bass on the mixer either. Something about that ebony board gives it a punchy/quick attack.

 
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#35
Insederec said:
How would you go about fixing that? Or is that best left in the hands of a luthier? My mind goes to matching colors and transparency, sanding down the area and matching the thickness of the clear lacquer around it... I dunno.
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Depends on the finish type. You want to match it. If it's lacquer you'll want to use that.

For something like that though, I'd probably turn it over to a pro. Getting a good color match and buff out can be tricky, so some experience in repairs and refinishing will make all the difference between barely noticeable and "well…at least now the wood is protected." :laugh:

For that covergirl, I'd want it done right and spend the money. (And she is one gorgeous bass isn't she?) But that's me. YMMV.
 
#38
Insederec said:
That switch has been a lot of fun so far. In passive it sounds much more like a classic jazz bass. It's got a sort of warm tone to it. I do kind of miss a tone knob though.
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Actually, the TL-Five does have a tone control when in passive. Although IMO not quite the range of say a 'normal' jazz bass, the treble knob becomes a passive tone control.
 
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