New 6 strings from Rondo ($170)

[Incubus_SCIENCE]

Has anyone played the fretless 6 strings yet? I wouldn't mind dropping $170 on one if it was decent. Judging from the intonation problems on the fretted basses, the fretless' are probably going to be even worse. Nothing that a good set-up can't change though.

The silver Douglas reminds me of an Ibanez. Not so much the body shape, but the color and fretboard do.

 

[SuperDuck]

That looks a lot like the Jackson concet series basses.

 

[chinjazz]

I got the sunburst 6 string fretted. Sorry, I should have stated that.

I hate to say this but I think I'm going to order the Douglas 6 string fretless version today. I like the fretted version and I'm definitely jonesing for a fretless 6 bass.

I still am thinking about routing out a space for a 6-string P pickup since I wind my own pickups. Then I'd take the existing pups, cut the coils off and rewind with neodymium magnets and maybe do some overwinding to give it some extra punch. Though I'm entirely sure if it's a good idea to rout for the P pup. Might be a little too cluttered. I also thought of making the bass passive, ditching the pre-amp, and re-wiring it so each J pup has it's own vol & tone controls.

Too many damn choices really.

Oh BTW. They've got a *silver* Douglas 6 string fretted for sale now.

Hey MCDEATH,

It might be better to put in a different pre-amp, even though you're into winding.. Just a thought. I've had good experiences with Aguilar OBP-3s.....

I had to buy an amp and put off the 6 string douglas, now I'm setting my sights on one of these pups..... Cheers!

 

[Shawman]

i have a feeling this thread is going to cost me some money...i can't resist!

 

[Eric Killinger]

Did you get a fretted or fretless?

Fretted.



7 string in 07? it keeps getting better and better!

 

[wEEman33]

I finally received my Comfort Strapp today and it's amazing how much better the Douglas plays (as I’ve mentioned before, I have the fretless WEB-846) with a high-quality strap; in fact, I'd go so far to say that the negative effects of the neck-dive have been all but eliminated thanks to the Strapp’s improved shoulder-cling, padding, and weight distribution. The bass is now extremely comfortable to play in just about any position on the fretboard (it’s a dream compared to my uncomfortable Squier P-Bass).

To reiterate a few minor issues I mentioned earlier:

The stock tuners are definitely sub-par, as they seem unable to hold tune for more than two or three play-sessions and are a noticeable contributor to the bass’ aforementioned balancing issues (you’ll really feel their weight whenever you’re trying to tune or restring the bass).

Additionally, both the default pickups/preamp and strings in this bass are serviceable, but a bit lacking in terms of their tonal personality/flexibility. However, after simply switching out the strings for a custom set of D'Addario chromes, I’ve been able to get a pretty smooth tone out of the bass.

Lastly, I have no clue where the truss-rod is on this thing (can anyone here help me out?), so I’m still stuck playing with the default level of action, which is a bit low for my tastes. The action shouldn’t be a problem though if I can just figure out how to adjust it.

Some other notes of interest:

For the week or so that I had it on there, the B string both sounded and played much better than I was expecting. Basically, if you want to stay in standard tuning, you shouldn’t be worried about getting a sub-standard B string; the bass is definitely capable of giving you a tight, smooth-sounding B string, even if you’re using the stock set.

Alternatively, if you--like me--want to tune to EADGCF, this bass will do just that without requiring any extra adjustments; just wind up an appropriate set of strings and you’re good to go.

If you want to slap, or if you just like having wide string-spacing, this is not the bass for you; the string-spacing is quite tight, though I found that my switch from the stock string set to an ultra-light custom set seemed to spread out the strings to a more comfortable spacing. Really though, this particular aspect of the bass is just about personal preference.

I’ll try and post some sound clips in the next couple of days to give you guys a taste of what the fretless Douglas can do.

 

[chinjazz]

Hey Weeman33,

Did you ever figure out the Truss rod adjustment? I'm about to plunk down and get one of these fretless green 6 string, and want to make sure I can adjust the neck on my own. I saw on the web site that Rondo say's this bass has 2 truss rods, and this would explain the neck weight some. I sent an email to their customer support a few weeks ago and they said there was 1 truss rod. Hmmmmm...

From the photos, It looks like adjustments take place at the head stock.

Anyway, you still liking the bass? I'm definitely not interested in any slapping on this bass. That I'm happy leaving to my Fender Jazz 24 (seriously fun on this one).

Thanks for any other feedback!
Cheers!
Adam

 

[ElBajista]

Hey Weeman33,

Did you ever figure out the Truss rod adjustment? I'm about to plunk down and get one of these fretless green 6 string, [...]
Cheers!
Adam

Definitely post a review and photos if you do purchase it! IMO, that is Rondo's best looking bass.

 

[chinjazz]

I'll definitely do that. I'm just trying to get the skinny on the truss rod situation.

 

[wEEman33]

I emailed Kurt a week or so ago and he told me that the bass has two truss rods located underneath the triangular piece of plastic that covers the edge of the headstock (see attached photo for details). I've peeked under the top two screws, and there didn't seem to be any truss rods in the "normal" position (as marked by the "X"), but I don't have the right kind of tool to open up that last screw, so they might be hiding under that bottom position (marked with the "?").

Overall, the bass is still playing pretty well thanks to a custom set of D'Addario Chromes and a small-sized Comfort Strapp, though I have found it a bit difficult to maintain a proper four-finger fretting technique once I get up around the 18th fret or so. It’s not that big of a deal though on a 6-string since I can jump around on different strings to sound those notes that are way up there on the neck.

I promise I'll post some sound clips sooner or later; I've just been way too busy as of late and haven't had any time to do so (I’m a full-time college student who also works part-time).

 

[Juniorkimbrough]

Arite, my good deed for the day - gonna pop a hole in some of your gastanks. I bought an SX fretlesses a while back and truth is it doesn't do the fretless thing all that well. The action had to go pretty high to be able to play it with no buzzes, it had this strange chorusy sound to it, and the mwah factor was zero. Check the SX thread for people who actually USE their fretless SXs. I haven't, but my guess is most people who buy them wind up having them sit on the stands after the first 2 weeks of owning them. They don't call to you to play them, they're very unispiring.

I agree a little. My fretless SX Pbass had a few unlevel spots where the line markers were but I took the neck off sanded the finish off and leveled it up a good bit. For some odd reason now that the finish is off of the fingerboard there is a TON of mwah...weird. I'm not that good of a fretless player so mine stays on a stand by my practice amp to pic up every evening and noodle around of for a little while.

 

[chinjazz]

I emailed Kurt a week or so ago and he told me that the bass has two truss rods located underneath the triangular piece of plastic that covers the edge of the headstock (see attached photo for details). I've peeked under the top two screws, and there didn't seem to be any truss rods in the "normal" position (as marked by the "X"), but I don't have the right kind of tool to open up that last screw, so they might be hiding under that bottom position (marked with the "?").

Overall, the bass is still playing pretty well thanks to a custom set of D'Addario Chromes and a small-sized Comfort Strapp, though I have found it a bit difficult to maintain a proper four-finger fretting technique once I get up around the 18th fret or so. It’s not that big of a deal though on a 6-string since I can jump around on different strings to sound those notes that are way up there on the neck.

Thanks for the feedback. I called Rondo today and they confirmed the 2 trusrods. They also said a wrench should be included. It's probably a standard Allen wrench that I have many of already. By the way a lot of players once they get up in the high frets start to use 3 fingers because of the spacing and angle that the hand naturally turns a bit horizontally (this depends on a number of things)...

I'm probably going to plunk down the change for one of these green monsters tomorrow. I used to have a John Patitucci 6, and it was real nice. Just not fretless. Once I get it I'll attempt at recording it for examples sake. I'll be off on intonation and all, but what the heck.

 

[wEEman33]

Thanks for the feedback. I called Rondo today and they confirmed the 2 trusrods. They also said a wrench should be included. It's probably a standard Allen wrench that I have many of already. By the way a lot of players once they get up in the high frets start to use 3 fingers because of the spacing and angle that the hand naturally turns a bit horizontally (this depends on a number of things)...

The bass came with three different wrenches, but none of them fit into the contours of that bottom screw (I assume the wrenches were included for the actual truss rod adjustment), so I haven't been able to see what's hiding under the plastic just yet. The top two screws are for some reason different than the bottom one, so as I mentioned before, I have been able to take them off with a phillips-head screwdriver of my own.

And yeah, I’ve been trying to make the switch over to a three-finger fretting technique for those higher frets, but it’s still a bit uncomfortable to me at the moment, as it just feels weird having the pinkie finger dangling in the air while the other three fingers go to work.

 

[chinjazz]

Sounds like the screw heads for the truss rod cover are either torq, or allen wrench or something like that. If you can't remove it with a regular screw driver (flat or phillips), then It's probably that.

I wouldn't worry too much about the dangling pinky thing. You've got to take into account that your elbow can't go thru your body or the bass and all of that physically it's forcing you to use a different technique. I'm sure someone out there has written something about this factor. I use 3 up in that register, and the notes on the B string I completely ignore because they sound like mush anyway.

 

[chinjazz]

Definitely post a review and photos if you do purchase it! IMO, that is Rondo's best looking bass.

Long story short, but all the Fretless basses are gone. I thought I snagged the last one, but their stock guy or something had it wrong, and it doesn't appear there will be another open order by Rondo for these til 2007. Anyway, I did a quick manuver to get the fretted one. Oh well...

I suppose I could go ahead and get a fret wire removal job done if I feel it necessary. We'll see. None the less, I'll give my impressions once I've played it for a few days. Sorry ElBajista....

 

[ElBajista]

Long story short, but all the Fretless basses are gone. I thought I snagged the last one, but their stock guy or something had it wrong, and it doesn't appear there will be another open order by Rondo for these til 2007. Anyway, I did a quick manuver to get the fretted one. Oh well...

I suppose I could go ahead and get a fret wire removal job done if I feel it necessary. We'll see. None the less, I'll give my impressions once I've played it for a few days. Sorry ElBajista....

Ahh, darn! Well, I supposed it's for the best since I can't afford one right now. Hopefully Rondo will bring them back at a good time for me.

I still would like to hear your thoughts on the fretted. I'm sorry that you didn't get the fretless!

 

[chinjazz]

Just got the bass today, Here's my review of the Fretted green bass.

Neck is heavy, but nothing the right strap and right height won't cure. For those guys who like to play with the bass high up, I'd think twice (but for $170).... Definitely get strap locks.. The back of the neck is flat and width is comfortable.

No buzz what so ever, and action is straight and low.

Generally the bass is well suited for finger style. Spacing is too tight for slap/pop. I'm not a tapper, but it would be good for that style. I immediately put on a set of Pro Steels.

Fit and finish out of the box wasn't great. It seemed that there was a lot of dirt on the fret board. But what I speculate it was was they were "ebonizing", making the fretboard darker with some finish, and didn't wipe off the excess. I Cleaned it up no problem with Lemon Oil and Dr. Ducks stuff.

I played it thru my Motu 828MK II, and head phones. Tone wise it can easily get P and J tones. 60 cycle hum is there, but that can be remedied. Not too impressive EQ, but overall as a starter 6 to see if you like the range, EQ shouldn't be at the forefront.

I've owned a Patitucci and of course it was better, but I never liked the pre-fabbed slap tone in it. I think If I wanted to slap on a 6, I'd get something like and MTD Z (once it gets here).

This bass will be usefull for me as I mostly produce my own music at home. If you're a heavily gigging kind of dude, I'd recommend something with a more balanced weight, and lighter in terms of the neck.

Yes, 2 truss rods, and very easy to access (3 philips head screws away). I don't seeing the need to make the neck any straighter. I do wonder if the bridge height adjustments can go lower (for grins).

Anyway, I agree with all the other reviewers that's it's well worth the little money.

I might not be able to make any sample recordings for a few weeks. I'm super busy, but I'll see what I can do.

Cheers!

 

[ElBajista]

Just got the bass today, Here's my review of the Fretted green bass.

Neck is heavy, but nothing the right strap and right height won't cure. For those guys who like to play with the bass high up, I'd think twice (but for $170).... Definitely get strap locks.. The back of the neck is flat and width is comfortable.

No buzz what so ever, and action is straight and low.

Generally the bass is well suited for finger style. Spacing is too tight for slap/pop. I'm not a tapper, but it would be good for that style. I immediately put on a set of Pro Steels.

Fit and finish out of the box wasn't great. It seemed that there was a lot of dirt on the fret board. But what I speculate it was was they were "ebonizing", making the fretboard darker with some finish, and didn't wipe off the excess. I Cleaned it up no problem with Lemon Oil and Dr. Ducks stuff.

I played it thru my Motu 828MK II, and head phones. Tone wise it can easily get P and J tones. 60 cycle hum is there, but that can be remedied. Not too impressive EQ, but overall as a starter 6 to see if you like the range, EQ shouldn't be at the forefront.

I've owned a Patitucci and of course it was better, but I never liked the pre-fabbed slap tone in it. I think If I wanted to slap on a 6, I'd get something like and MTD Z (once it gets here).

This bass will be usefull for me as I mostly produce my own music at home. If you're a heavily gigging kind of dude, I'd recommend something with a more balanced weight, and lighter in terms of the neck.

Yes, 2 truss rods, and very easy to access (3 philips head screws away). I don't seeing the need to make the neck any straighter. I do wonder if the bridge height adjustments can go lower (for grins).

Anyway, I agree with all the other reviewers that's it's well worth the little money.

I might not be able to make any sample recordings for a few weeks. I'm super busy, but I'll see what I can do.

Cheers!

Great review! Hopefully I'll have enough funds when they bring back the fretless 6's in that finish.

Can you post some photos? I want to see if it looks as good in person as it does online. Even though I'll still be viewing it online....you know what I mean.

 

[fryBASS]

oh man i want one soooo badly1!!!

did you ever figure out what the drivers license number was for?

 

[ElBajista]

Bump! Rondo has new ones in stock!!

http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitar6.html