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Picked up a MIM cabronita P...

TheHardOne

TheHardOne

Aug 6, 2013
65
135
Wichita, KS area
#1
20180330_192618.jpg


So I picked this bass up (on the right) kind of on a whim... Had a P void in my collection that needed filled and this one struck my eye. The jazz next to it is my first bass (MIM circa 2002ish). Played it through the previous owner's Ampeg rig and struck a deal. Sounded good, played good, and semi-unique appearance. As is par for the course, it sounded better through the other guys rig but I still enjoy noodling with it. Since I am not versed in P, how far different in tone is this from a "normal" P tone?

I've got some unknown flats on it, but still missing that thump I was hoping to find. EQing the amp gets closer but also been meaning to order up a set of La Bella flats to see if that helped.

Anywho, just wanted to show it off a little... Back to lurking I go.
 
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#2
can't answer your question but I'm betting the goodness is in there waiting to come out with some degree of tweakerations, anything that great looking has to have oodles of tone to the bone even with cheapo rounds, at least you know that it can sound like gold and with flats it'll be even better. two gorgeous burst sweethearts... those deserve a pro shoot to blow up, frame, and hang over the fireplace at the Winter cabin.
 
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#3
Congrats!

TheHardOne said:
Since I am not versed in P, how far different in tone is this from a "normal" P tone?
Click to expand...
The Cabronita's stock Fideli'Tron humbucker is quite a different animal than either the original single-coil or split-coil designs for the which the P is better known. I think your idea of trying a set of flats is a logical first step in your search for more "thump." Down the road, you might want to experiment with swapping pickups. I know that at least one TBer swapped the Fideli'Tron with a TV Jones alternative and was pleased with the result.
 
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#6
CiaranQ said:
Sure it’s a cabronita? The high mass bridge would struggle to fit under a 51 ashtray. And, it didn’t come wth a 51 pickguard, nor a 51 control plate. Not even sure the body mounted controls would line up with a control plate.

Still, looks good!
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Thanks! Yeah, pretty sure it is. Guy I bought it from said he bought it new and modded it to look more like a '51 P. Said something about that pickguard being a one-off kinda deal. Sure caught my eye.
 
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#7
As one who modded a Cabronita, and is a big fan of all things slab, these alterations kinda take the sleaziness out of the original “alternative” slab that the Cabronita was meant to achieve. Having said that, if you like it that's all that matters.

Although I found the original pu a worthy candidate, I installed a hotter TV Jones ThunderBlade bridge pu. Sporting TI flats, this is una chica con glope!

0C429E85-53DD-4F4D-91AC-E1D7A406A771.jpeg
 
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#9
2saddleslab said:
As one who modded a Cabronita, and is a big fan of all things slab, these alterations kinda take the sleaziness out of the original “alternative” slab that the Cabronita was meant to achieve. Having said that, if you like it that's all that matters.

Although I found the original pu a worthy candidate, I installed a hotter TV Jones ThunderBlade bridge pu. Sporting TI flats, this is una chica con glope!

View attachment 3014295
Click to expand...

Beautiful instrument, well executed... Love the pinstriping!
 
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#10
2saddleslab said:
As one who modded a Cabronita, and is a big fan of all things slab, these alterations kinda take the sleaziness out of the original “alternative” slab that the Cabronita was meant to achieve. Having said that, if you like it that's all that matters.

Although I found the original pu a worthy candidate, I installed a hotter TV Jones ThunderBlade bridge pu. Sporting TI flats, this is una chica con glope!

View attachment 3014295
Click to expand...


Wow. Well done.
 
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#15
REV said:
If you want that thing to thump, experiment with some foam at the bridge. Great lookin' bass BTW.
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How could I have forgotten?? That's the thump ingredient in my 1963 P - the foam under the bridge cover, between strings and bridge. Bridge covers are the perfect way to mount foam. I started a thread about the foam used....

Original muting foam on 1963 Precision - revealed!
 
#16
Pilgrim said:
How could I have forgotten?? That's the thump ingredient in my 1963 P - the foam under the bridge cover, between strings and bridge. Bridge covers are the perfect way to mount foam. I started a thread about the foam used....

Original muting foam on 1963 Precision - revealed!
Click to expand...

Thanks for this! Looks like a trip to the hardware store is in order once I get back home...
 
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#17
TheHardOne said:
Thanks for this! Looks like a trip to the hardware store is in order once I get back home...
Click to expand...

There's a link in that thread to foam which is a close match to the original. I think it will have to be in contract with the strings for a couple of weeks to pack down and not muffle them too much, but you can work with that. If you have to buy a roll of the stuff you will have plenty to experiment with.
 
#18
2saddleslab said:
As one who modded a Cabronita, and is a big fan of all things slab, these alterations kinda take the sleaziness out of the original “alternative” slab that the Cabronita was meant to achieve. Having said that, if you like it that's all that matters.

Although I found the original pu a worthy candidate, I installed a hotter TV Jones ThunderBlade bridge pu. Sporting TI flats, this is una chica con glope!

View attachment 3014295
Click to expand...

Dang, that’s a beauty !
 
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