• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

New Fender "Black Top" basses

#181
I understand about the whole going to a custom builder or building a franken-bass argument. But for me, to go that rout I still wouldn't feel like I had the real thing. It would still be a fake. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask a company that I like to make me a product that I want to purchase. Nor do I find it unreasonable to be loyal to a company that has treated me well in the past and in general produces an instrument that I prefer to those of other marques.

I'm going to drop this now as the thread has gotten derailed from it's original purpose and I don't want to be the cause of it getting shut down. As to the OP of the Blacktop basses and the other basses that were posted along with them in the link provided a page or so back, I'm more likely to purchase the Squier VM5 out of all of them. The pickup combinations on the Blacktops just seem rather odd to me, maybe if they were reversed it would make more sense. Seems to me like they should have released these under the "Pawn Shop" series.
 
#183
not sure if I like the two BT models much but I'm glad to see Fender's trying to make something new. I wonder how they sound.
Also, the things that are their bread-and-butter, the J and P shapes, will likely suspend demand on these, exactly because "they do what people want them to do", and people are most comfortable with J and P being J and P respectively. Come on, just make a step forward and introduce new shapes!
That said, the Squier VM JB V is about time, and the TB Strat seems to be just another version of a HH strat
 
#184
Not even out yet, I have not clue how they sound, and... I'm already thinking about modifying a Blacktop P.

I blame Bongomania for this one, because of a question he asked in the http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/question-about-g-l-usa-782800/ thread...

I'm liking MMBongo's response in that thread about what he did for his G&L's pickups, putting in three-way switches for series/parallel/single for each pickup. The tonal options would be simply amazing for the BT, especially if the pickups have a good sound to begin with. I wonder how nasty the wiring job would be? I'm also wondering if you could cop a jazz tone out of both pickups in single, especially if you wired for the coils closest to the respective JB positions...

I guess we'll find out in a few weeks... :bassist:
 
#186
saxman_singcan said:
Hey there. I currently have my 2 Barts wired with a 3 way switch too - inner, outer, "humbucking". Not trying to derail the thread, but I am just curious what the difference in sound is between parallel and series - I am just trying to figure out which one my humbucking position is currently and if I would benefit from changing it to the other. Thanks. kim.
Click to expand...

It's a huge difference, in parallel the sound is much more open, defined and extended, and in series the sound is more closed, smooth and dark. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#187
seungkoo said:
maple fretboards are overrated...seriously. I think half the forum members just prefer maple necks due to its looks. JMHO
Click to expand...

Just to take some heat off you...I AM one of those forumites that prefers maple fretboards due to it's looks. If Fender offered matching headstocks I would probably buy rosewood every time.

Now, as far as tone is concerned...I think there is very little difference between the two, aside from the maple having a little more snap.
 
#188
iunno said:
It's a huge difference, in parallel the sound is much more open, defined and extended, and in series the sound is more closed, smooth and dark. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

Thanks for digging out this link for me, I really appreciate it. It is perfect for comparing the different settings, don't you think. (oh and btw, I figured out that my 'humbucking' position is parallel, :) ). Looks like I might have to add a couple more switches to get the 'in series' option though (just for fun that is). Take care. kim.
 
#191
seungkoo said:
maple fretboards are overrated...seriously. I think half the forum members just prefer maple necks due to its looks. JMHO

I personally like rosewood boards on my passive fenders
Click to expand...

I've always liked maple more.

I mean its not a HUGE difference in tone, but it's big enough for me to have a preference. I prefer the looks of rosewood though, IMHO it tends to go better with most finishes, though I think maple goes best with almost all pastel colors. Though pao ferro and ebony is a great median, as far as mixing the visual and tonal attributes.
 
#193
Tmw2011 said:
Not even out yet, I have not clue how they sound, and... I'm already thinking about modifying a Blacktop P.

I blame Bongomania for this one, because of a question he asked in the http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/question-about-g-l-usa-782800/ thread...

I'm liking MMBongo's response in that thread about what he did for his G&L's pickups, putting in three-way switches for series/parallel/single for each pickup. The tonal options would be simply amazing for the BT, especially if the pickups have a good sound to begin with. I wonder how nasty the wiring job would be? I'm also wondering if you could cop a jazz tone out of both pickups in single, especially if you wired for the coils closest to the respective JB positions...

I guess we'll find out in a few weeks... :bassist:
Click to expand...



I was planning on doing that anyways :p
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back