Pedulla Rapture

[12bass]

IIRC, the Rapture's humbucker is a little closer to the neck than a Stingray but not quite in the P position. Years ago I compared my RB5 with a Stingray and thought that the midrange "voice" of the Rapture was similar, but smoother and more refined. It doesn't have the raw biting sound you can get with a Stingray. And it doesn't sound quite like a P either. I installed a Q-tuner in mine which seriously opened up the tone. It's been my main bass since 1997.

 

[rogerbmiller]

IIRC, the Rapture's humbucker is a little closer to the neck than a Stingray but not quite in the P position. Years ago I compared my RB5 with a Stingray and thought that the midrange "voice" of the Rapture was similar, but smoother and more refined. It doesn't have the raw biting sound you can get with a Stingray. And it doesn't sound quite like a P either. I installed a Q-tuner in mine which seriously opened up the tone. It's been my main bass since 1997.

What is a Q tuner?

 

[12bass]

What is a Q tuner?

Q-Tuner Review with Bartolini Comparison Samples

 

[winston]

I have a single-HB Rapture 4 and JJ Rapture 5 - they're my two favorite basses overall out of about 30 I've owned, sonically and ergonomically. Also they sound great with whatever strings I use, from nickel rounds to stainless flats. Most other basses I've had only really shine with a particular kind of string.

The single Rapture HB is wired in series so it has a ballsier, fuller midrange than a parallel StingRay pickup. It doesn't sound "like" a P-Bass, but it has a lot going on throughout the mids like a Precision does, and the 2-band EQ and mid switch offer a lot of variation.

My' 92 3-Band ash/rosewood StingRay was honestly my most disappointing bass tone-wise. The pickups/electronics didn't do justice the full but sparkly acoustic tone. To my ears the 3-band EBMM preamp has a clicky harshness that can't be EQd out, and the bass/mid controls did nothing to fatten up notes on the upper frets of the D & G strings. In contrast the high notes on both of my Raptures sound full and supported, even on the JJ's bridge pickup.

That said the Pedullas aren't as aggressive as a 'Ray, but that's not an issue for the music I play.

 

[12bass]

The Rapture's Bartolini humbucker comes wired in series. Installed a series/single/parallel switch on mine (w/Q-tuner). Series has the most midrange. Parallel and single have less mids, lower output, and sound similar, with single coil mode being the clearest.

 

[winston]

Briain fart on my part, meant to type "series" on the Rapture Bart soapbar (I just edited)!

 

[Laura Camacho]

Hi, I bought this 5 string Rapture J 2 online for $650 with a case . Working condition, good looks , good deal.
I like the vintage tone on it , thinking of using it for jazz, possibly de-fret it.
My concern is that the volume is not strong , compared to my other basses ( a Squier VM jazz that honestly sounds louder than the 3 fenders I played it next to, a SUB 4 I'm trying , and haven't even played it next to the Music Man nor the Alembic ).
Is this a sign of a problem , or is it common?
I see some of you mention modifications in the electronics .I changed the battery , which helped a little , but still...
Tech time?

 

[winston]

My J2000-5 Rapture has a strong output, at least as loud as a passive Jazz with flat EQ, then louder as I dial in EQ. You should get it checked out. Great price, is that metallic purple?

 

[Laura Camacho]

My J2000-5 Rapture has a strong output, at least as loud as a passive Jazz with flat EQ, then louder as I dial in EQ. You should get it checked out. Great price, is that metallic purple?

Yes, beautiful and nice tones .
I returned it because a tech found out the truss rod couldn't be adjusted.
Too risky, too many problems .
The search continues !

 

[MrLenny1]

One of my favorite bass players uses one.
David Buda.

 

[TrustRod]

The 5 string comes in a choice of 17.5 or 19 mm bridge spacing. I wish more companies offered a bridge spacing choice.

 

[12bass]

The 5 string comes in a choice of 17.5 or 19 mm bridge spacing. I wish more companies offered a bridge spacing choice.

As I recall, when the Rapture was first produced around 1995 there was only one 5-string model - the single humbucker Rapture with 17.5mm spacing and rosewood fingerboard. IIRC, the J2 was offered soon after, then 19mm spacing and a few other options (like P/J, maple fingerboard, no pickguard, etc...). Personally, I really like the 17.5mm spacing. Perhaps slappers might prefer wider, but I hardly ever slap... plus it feels better for chords and fast runs.

 

[Matt78]

Came across this after finding a used Pedulla at my local GC (different model but still worth reading other's thoughts), thought I'd chime in even though it's an old thread. I bought the '95 Rapture mentioned by 12bass when it first came out. I was looking for something that was SIMILAR to my MM, but didn't feel like it was going to "peel your face off" with such bitey mids and clicky highs. I fell in love instantly. Used it for years, and is on my top 5 "I Wish I Hadn't Friggin Got Rid Of IT" list. To me, it reminded me more of G&L L-1000's p-up placement and sound - passive. Complex midrange with room to dial in this or that. Engage the preamp, and all bets are off. The Rapture flat smoked! Instead of switching between 3 basses depending on the set, I found myself rotating from the Pedulla and passive Fender Jazz, left the MM at home. Would occasionally break out a Warwick for gruntier sounds if the gig called for it, but I gigged with the Rapture and Jazz only for about 3 years straight and never felt undergunned or "just can't get that tone...". When my kids are outta school and the house (4 more years!!! lol), it's number 2 on the buying another one list. SUPERB quality and tone. Couldn't say enough...