Here is the info on the Tune Japan site on the BEB
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Official TUNE Club
- Thread starter user362432
- Start date
-
- Tags
- club
Here is the info on the Tune Japan site on the BEB
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Hi guys! Not really a bass player here but been looking around for a cheap one to lay down my bass lines when I record at home. Was going to go for or Squier VM or CV, or something of the sorts, but an opportunity just popped up. Am selling an Ibanez AS-103 NT and somebody interested offered, lo and behold, a Tune Bass. Obviously, not knowing much about the brand, I've read around and am up to speed on the whole Japanese vs Korean ordeal. So, this is the model he's offering - btw, he states it's japanese -:
Invalid Link Removed
I've really digged around for the model and only came up with this:
FS/FT Tune Guitar Technology SJX-4
The guy selling the model actually states it's Korean and then I found this:
Invalid Link Removed
A shop in Spain selling a bass by the same model name, whose characteristics match the guy's bass on basschat.co.uk. This has lead me to believe it either must surely be a Korean model or the Koreans copied a model that was made by the original 'Tune' company back in the 80s or 90s.
One last thing. I have read somewhere that the pots should read MIJ, or there shouldn't be a letter at the beginning of the serial number to further certify it being Japanese. In any case, the guy who wants to swap for the Ibanez says he can't find the serial number for the love of God, and, did open the back and sent me this pic of the pots.
If anyone could help shed some light on this, I would be truly grateful as I don't think I'd go for it if it was Korean. Not so much because of country make but because of sheer value. He's putting down a value of 650 against something I could buy for 1000 new at the shop. And, as mentioned at the beginning this just started looking for a cheap alternative to lay my tracks down.
Btw, I scoundrel-ed the WWW for info so I hope this hasn't been posted on another thread.
Many, many thank!
Carlos
Invalid Link Removed
I've really digged around for the model and only came up with this:
FS/FT Tune Guitar Technology SJX-4
The guy selling the model actually states it's Korean and then I found this:
Invalid Link Removed
A shop in Spain selling a bass by the same model name, whose characteristics match the guy's bass on basschat.co.uk. This has lead me to believe it either must surely be a Korean model or the Koreans copied a model that was made by the original 'Tune' company back in the 80s or 90s.
One last thing. I have read somewhere that the pots should read MIJ, or there shouldn't be a letter at the beginning of the serial number to further certify it being Japanese. In any case, the guy who wants to swap for the Ibanez says he can't find the serial number for the love of God, and, did open the back and sent me this pic of the pots.
If anyone could help shed some light on this, I would be truly grateful as I don't think I'd go for it if it was Korean. Not so much because of country make but because of sheer value. He's putting down a value of 650 against something I could buy for 1000 new at the shop. And, as mentioned at the beginning this just started looking for a cheap alternative to lay my tracks down.
Btw, I scoundrel-ed the WWW for info so I hope this hasn't been posted on another thread.
Many, many thank!
Carlos
Hi guys! Not really a bass player here but been looking around for a cheap one to lay down my bass lines when I record at home. Was going to go for or Squier VM or CV, or something of the sorts, but an opportunity just popped up. Am selling an Ibanez AS-103 NT and somebody interested offered, lo and behold, a Tune Bass. Obviously, not knowing much about the brand, I've read around and am up to speed on the whole Japanese vs Korean ordeal. So, this is the model he's offering - btw, he states it's japanese -:
Invalid Link Removed
I've really digged around for the model and only came up with this:
FS/FT Tune Guitar Technology SJX-4
The guy selling the model actually states it's Korean and then I found this:
Invalid Link Removed
A shop in Spain selling a bass by the same model name, whose characteristics match the guy's bass on basschat.co.uk. This has lead me to believe it either must surely be a Korean model or the Koreans copied a model that was made by the original 'Tune' company back in the 80s or 90s.
One last thing. I have read somewhere that the pots should read MIJ, or there shouldn't be a letter at the beginning of the serial number to further certify it being Japanese. In any case, the guy who wants to swap for the Ibanez says he can't find the serial number for the love of God, and, did open the back and sent me this pic of the pots.
View attachment 1040269
If anyone could help shed some light on this, I would be truly grateful as I don't think I'd go for it if it was Korean. Not so much because of country make but because of sheer value. He's putting down a value of 650 against something I could buy for 1000 new at the shop. And, as mentioned at the beginning this just started looking for a cheap alternative to lay my tracks down.
Btw, I scoundrel-ed the WWW for info so I hope this hasn't been posted on another thread.
Many, many thank!
Carlos
Hey Carlos.
Wow, u have been busy.
Tune's are an interesting conundrum. People who have them and know what they are, love them.
Problem is, most people don't know anything about them, so they tend to have poor resale. ("If it don't say Fender, it ain't no good" attitude)
I can say that; I own Fenders. And Tunes. And Ibanez.
I bought my first Tune because I loved the sound. They have a great pickup, and sound amazing out of the box. I have had many "bass guys " compliment it over the years because of it's unique sound. That's why I bought it.
I didn't know anything about the Korea vs Japan stuff, just loved the bass, and bought it. (Found out after that it's Korean)
It's my opinion that even if it is Korean, it's still a great bass. You will do well with it. Yes, your Ibanez guitar might be worth more, but that is something only you can weigh out.
Maybe he will throw in a couple bucks to sweeten the deal, but in the end, I don't think it's a bad deal for either of you.
Buy, that's just my opinion.
Good luck. Make sure you post pics if you get it.
-Dan
Thanks for that Dan.
Yes, I have researched to my full extent and I'm basically down to having sent a couple of emails out to the two companies to see if they can shed some light.
It's all a bit dodgy with the 'Tune' brand. Loads of ads out there claiming MIJ and massive variance in prices. I'm aware that resell value is complicated due to its niche nature.
Regardless, as I had mentioned, I'm not really a bass player. I mostly doing my lines through midi input on the keyboard using samples. However, because I primarily design those lines on guitar, they don't always translate as desired. In any case, if the material does make studio, I'd always get a proper bass player to lay down the tracks. That's why I was going to go down the 'Squier' road. For convenience and affordability more than anything else. Not sure I'd appreciate the 'Tune' whether Korean or Japanese. However, I am a bit concerned on losing value on my Ibanez as that one holds it's resell value a bit better and if things come to worse, and I did have to trade in the 'Tune', I might be losing out.
I happen to be from Spain and there are a lot of ads for 'Tunes' here but as I said, with ridiculous variability in price and a huge claim in 'Made In Japans' with what seems to be little or to no knowledge on the sellers part.
In any case, if it were a Japanese version, i could bite the bait knowing I have a more solid investment.
BTW, here are some pics of the model JIC the links weren't OK. I'll post my findings and still hoping someone might pop by with a little more expertise on the topic.
Cheers,
Carlos
Attachments
Hola Carlos. I own several TUNE's, all Japan models, except 1. Just by looking at your pictures, my guess is that this model is from Japan. I have never seen a Korean TUNE without a serial number (long number with a letter at the beginning), but I have several Japan TUNEs without. Also, looks like the fretboard is ebony, which would also indicate made in Japan, as the Korean's use rosewood. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Joe
Joe
Hi guys, quick update on this one. Got an email from the Japanese company:
"Hello, this bass (SJX-4 WN )was made in Japan around 15years ago.
Thank you.
Kanda"
Short but clear. I know I might be missing up on an opportunity but I've decided to let this one down. As I mentioned, I'm not a bass player and a decent setup Squier will do the job I need for recording purposes. Found a good deal and decided to go down that road. Sold my Ibanez guitar and I'm putting just under half of what I got towards the bass. So saving money and getting what I need at the end of the day.
Been busy on another thread with regards to the bass I'm getting. If you are interested the thread is here:
What kind of P-Bass Special is this?
In any case, thanks for all you help and I hope I contributed constructively to the Tune club lovers.
Cheers again,
Carlos
"Hello, this bass (SJX-4 WN )was made in Japan around 15years ago.
Thank you.
Kanda"
Short but clear. I know I might be missing up on an opportunity but I've decided to let this one down. As I mentioned, I'm not a bass player and a decent setup Squier will do the job I need for recording purposes. Found a good deal and decided to go down that road. Sold my Ibanez guitar and I'm putting just under half of what I got towards the bass. So saving money and getting what I need at the end of the day.
Been busy on another thread with regards to the bass I'm getting. If you are interested the thread is here:
What kind of P-Bass Special is this?
In any case, thanks for all you help and I hope I contributed constructively to the Tune club lovers.
Cheers again,
Carlos
Sounds like you made a great decision, and ended up with cash in hand too. Good job.
Enjoy.
(And don't b afraid to post links to your recording. Always love to hear...)
The wheels are turning.
In about two weeks I will have TWB's lined fretless fingerboard replaced with an unlined fretless Macassar ebony fingerboard.
It will be done by Luthier Bruce Johnson.
In about two weeks I will have TWB's lined fretless fingerboard replaced with an unlined fretless Macassar ebony fingerboard.
It will be done by Luthier Bruce Johnson.
Last edited:
Thanks for that! Very happy with the purchase. Will be updating on the other thread as it's now not realted to the 'TUNE' topic.
Cheers!
Carlos
How's that fretless TWB?
My neck will be sent out at the end of the week.
A Macassar ebony fingerboard will be put on.(if you haven't read post #868 above)
I like my fretless TWB. I love my fretted TWB.
I struggle with the piezo pickups on the fretless, and have often thought of installing pickups similar to my fretted. I even priced them through Tune (Japan).
While the individual pots on each pickup makes it easy to balance, the piezos are crazy sensitive. Brutal Finger noise. String choice is critical, and after many different types, (it came with rounds from Tune!) I settled on tape wounds. They seem to give the best tradeoff of sound vs noise.
(I have a fretless Jbass for comparison)
No noticeable dead spots on the TWB, big advantage over the J.
So your fretless has the traditional pickups?
No.The pickups in mine are Delano SBC-7HE/S duo coils.
They're actually made for a seven string bass,but they fit in my six.
(See post #636)
Cool. And great to go back and read up some info from "before my time".
Got me to asking questions though. ( and pls excuse my ignorance)
I guess I have a TWB5, and a WB5. I guess I got some info to explore.
You have a WB-5?
POST PICS O' THAT PUPPY!!!drool
Umm ok....
(Great little pickup from VSN Guitars a couple years back.)
@tryinalearnDan
What you got that strung with ? I'm thinking of swapping the nickels on my piezo fretless Maniac for flats or tapes.
What you got that strung with ? I'm thinking of swapping the nickels on my piezo fretless Maniac for flats or tapes.
Those are Galli G-77 tape-wound strings.
I tried them on a whim awhile ago. Liked em a lot, and have used them on this bass ever since.
They were about $40...
PM me if you want retailer info.
I took off the supplied rounds when I got the bass home, and strung it with chromes. They weren't quite right, tried another brand (fender flats I think), but liked them less.
Saw these online so took the gamble. Bought more since.
But that's just my findings....
(If you read couple posts up, I struggled with finding (IMO) a good match for the piezo pickups).
I use Chromes on my passive J, and love them on that application.
YMMV of course.
Saw these online so took the gamble. Bought more since.
But that's just my findings....
(If you read couple posts up, I struggled with finding (IMO) a good match for the piezo pickups).
I use Chromes on my passive J, and love them on that application.
YMMV of course.
@tryinalearnDan
No UK stockists for the Galli strings,I've a set of La Bella tapes I may try or Roto Tru Bass in the same gauges as your Galli's. Will post how I get on.
No UK stockists for the Galli strings,I've a set of La Bella tapes I may try or Roto Tru Bass in the same gauges as your Galli's. Will post how I get on.
