Wrote my own song cuz I got tired of copyright issues
Last edited:
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.
After Pedullist’s and mtb777’s great stories, mine’s pretty mundane. I fall into the “stumbled upon one” category.
As an entrenched 4-string guy going all the way back to the 70s, I had wanted to make the jump to 5-string for a number of years, but couldn’t find one that was a reasonably good combination of neck thickness and string spacing. If I found one where I liked the string spacing, the neck was too fat and felt like a telephone pole (e.g. Ibanez BTB). If I found one with a comfortable neck, the strings were too close together.
I eventually settled on a Schecter Stiletto Studio 5 and bought a used one from a friend in 2005 (didn’t want to break the bank on a 5-string only to ultimately determine I couldn’t live with one). It was the only “fiver” I had ever tried that had a reasonably good combination of neck thickness and string spacing that a 4-string player would be comfortable with.
After using the Schecter for a while I decided I definitely wanted to stick with a 5-string, just not that one. Ultimately the string spacing proved a bit too narrow.
By chance I came across a Thunderbass ET5 with a flame maple top at Guitar Center (haven’t seen another one like that since!) that had the neck I was looking for. It had the wider string spacing I liked, but the back of the neck was much flatter than usual, which makes it really easy to get your hand around it. In other words, a neck with wide string spacing that didn’t feel like a telephone pole. For a not-quite-reformed 4-string guy, it felt quite natural.
Searching online for Thunderbasses I came across a Craig's List ad from a guy in Phoenix selling one with a cocobolo top. Once I saw that baby, my jaw hit the table. It was simply breathtaking! That did it for me, not just any Thunderbass would do. It would have to be a cocobolo Thunderbass!
As luck would have it, several weeks later, about the time I had the cash together, that guy put the same bass up on ebay (hey, how many cocobollo Pedullas can be for sale out of Phoenix at the same time? ).
Between the time I first played the Thunderbass at Guitar Center and the time I was ready to buy one, I found out about the two string-spacing options. I honestly had no idea which one I had played at GC, and I had no idea if the cocobolo beauty on ebay was the same or not. But I took a chance and snagged it anyway for $2000, less than half the $4700 (at the time) list price for a new one. It was only three years old and in perfect condition, which made the deal even sweeter. I figured if it was the wrong spacing I’d know once I got my hands on it, and I could always re-sell it and not lose much. But I got lucky and it turned out to be the right one, with (as I’ve since learned) the 19 mm spacing.
As with all my basses, I’ve used the Thunderbass both live and on recordings. Hearing the recordings played back on a stereo with excellent bass response, the TB has some incredible low end! I can see why Michael appropriately named it “Thunderbass.”
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
Pedulla Club #45
Tobias Club #133
Last edited:
I use my Thunderbolt ET 4 for most modern grove stuff as well as my Thunderbass ET 5. Most of my recordings are done using those two basses. I have a Lakland US 4460 Jass with Aguilars passive single coils and an Ash Body Maple board Fender American Standard from 2000 with passive Barts. Bassically some worship gigs or more red dirt country gigs I only use the Lakland. It's got that sound and look they want but for anything modern to Jam/Funk/Jazz or cover tunes I only take my 2 Pedullas. My Bolt with it's 22 frets and barrell bridge has a more meaty sound and less modern tone. I get a lot of compliments as it is easy to mix and tracks well. The Thunderbass 5 has that incredible open B bloom. I've played Modulus, Zon and Ken Smith 5's and prefer the Pedulla for 5 string work. It has every bit the Modulus HI FI Jam/Funk/Jazz tone but fuller sounding. Plus the Pedulla's necks are more comfortable that the aforementioned.So, let's make this thread a bit more interesting...
What do you guys do with your Pedulla's? What type of music, do you play live, record? Why is a Pedulla the best choice for you? Was it a long time wish, or did you just stumble upon one and liked it?
For me, it started when I (after working hard and saving money) went out to buy a Yamaha TRB at Edwin van Huik's bass shop in Hilversum. Yes, it was Chick Corea Electric Band/Patitucci that made me want a Yamaha. I was also interested in a Pentabuzz, but at that age (round 17) I wasn't too fond of its shape. But Edwin insisted I would try it, and glad I did. It literally melted in my hands. Being a double bass player from origin, fretless made a lot of sense. I got used to its shape eventually, I love it now. I was still in a band those days, so when a MVP5 showed up 2 or 3 years later, I had to buy it. The band imploded when I was around 20. Yes, that is the best term. There was no debate or fight, people just stopped showing up for rehearsal. Then I started recording at home because it felt better to me, something I've done for more than 20 years now. Learned how to play other instruments, write songs, sing, mix, etc. Bass wasn't that important to me for many years. I recorded the part for the song I did, and moved on. I've done a lot of internet collabs, sometimes entire albums, and they must be around the internet everywhere.
As you all know I bought two Pedulla's last year, especially made for me. This reignited my enthusiasm for playing bass. It's like falling in love with it again. I started playing ukelele at 6, acoustic guitar at 8, and after my dad noticed I preferred to play bass parts on my acoustic guitar as a kid, he urged me to play double bass at 11. I really wanted to play bass guitar, but my dad is a purist (luthier of lute type of instruments) so that wasn't a choice. Took me another 4 years to convince him bass guitars were cool too.It's so nice to pick up those songs I tried back then, and to be able to study and even play them. It's like picking it up were I left it. It feels very natural to me.
I still like working alone. Did one album on my own last year (it's in my sig). Now I'm just doing video and play bass a lot.
I am having problems with the battery box in my Rapture; to much movement on my part and it pops as the batter is moving around in there. I have tried the foam trick, it sort of works and now, I have tapped the silly thing shut.
I went to the Pedulla web site to order a new box, but quickly killed that when it charged me $27 to ship a $20 part. $57 for a new box is just too silly for me!
Will look to another source to solve my problem.
Fishheadjoe
I went to the Pedulla web site to order a new box, but quickly killed that when it charged me $27 to ship a $20 part. $57 for a new box is just too silly for me!
Will look to another source to solve my problem.
Fishheadjoe
This might work: NEW Gotoh BB-02 for 9V Battery Box for Guitar / Bass BB02 Compartment | eBay
Should be able to find the same part with cheaper shipping elsewhere.
Have you tried gently bending the metal terminals so they make better contact?
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
What shipping method did you select? Are you in the US? When I put in my info, it charges $16.95 for the part, $1.06 tax (I'm in MA) & $8.95 for shipping: $26.96 is the total... If that's too much, okay; if not, call or email Christine to make sure your pricing is correct.
Best of luck!
Guessing the extra cost is due to shipping to Canada. USPS is usually the most economical but often not an available option.
The calculator was for USPS, way too much for a $10 item everywhere else. Thanks for the link above...
I have tried to move the tangs of the battery box and even installed new foam to help hold the battery secure. it's not perfect, but it is holding for now. I taped it shut again after trying the above...
Fishheadjoe
I have tried to move the tangs of the battery box and even installed new foam to help hold the battery secure. it's not perfect, but it is holding for now. I taped it shut again after trying the above...
Fishheadjoe
Can’t come anywhere near comparing to Pedullist or Philly Watts, but here’s a recording of me playing my sweet 5-string Thunderbuzz.
Oh yes, check out the "stealth" key change coming out of the keyboard solo!
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
Pedulla Club #45
Tobias Club #133
Last edited:
Thanks for the kind words guys!
The Thunderbuzz definitely sounds different from a “regular” Buzz. I opted not to go with the polyester finish, which probably makes a difference. Plus, I don’t know if the Buzz and Thunderbass have the same electronics or not. My luthier tells me that Pedulla’s Bartolini pickups and electronics are proprietary, custom made to Pedulla’s specifications.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
Pedulla Club #45
Tobias Club #133
I think the electronics are essentially the same on the Buzz and Thunderbuzz it's just the pickup configuration that's different, unless of course you have a Buzz with Bartolini Soaps instead of the more regular PJ set up. But I think the same Bass/Treble Pan and Volume with the THunderguts switch are the same. I have played both and that's the biggest difference besides the obvious body shape differences. Both sound great in my opinion and it comes down to which is more comfortable in your hands.
Hey All. I've been following this group/thread for a while now since I picked up a Pentabuzz, but never took the time to send in my pics. The Serial is really a bit difficult to discern and emails with Pedulla weren't really helping to narrow it down. I'm incredibly happy with it at the moment as it's just awesome AND a return to "home base" since I had #1594, if memory serves me correctly, in college (dumbest thing I ever did gear wise was selling that one). So...back in Pedulla land all is happy. There is however one variable that is giving me doubt about whether or not she is the "Bass of Life" or not...and that's the weight. SUPER dense and heavier than any of my other 5s or 6s for that matter. Have there been any ongoing conversations on here about the strengths and weaknesses of lighter vs heavier weights for the Buzz series specifically? Happy Mwow to eveyone. 
Attachments
Curious, a search of the thread only got one other post where someone didn’t like the weight. Pedulla says the Buzz is between 9-10 lbs. (I assume the actual weight is determined by if it’s a 4, 5, or 6-string), which I think is fairly average. What are your other basses?
In any event, we’re happy to welcome you to the club! See below for your number.
Updated list:
1. p0k
2. kobass
3. michael case
4. Tom7
5. Lonnybass
6. westrock
7. bgartist
8. robwren
9. kojak
10. mikekim
11. Rick Auricchio
12. hiderebirth
13. nalapit13
14. jmorbita (retired from club)
15. jmcgliss
16. Munjibunga
17. coreyfyfe
18. lamonica78
19. krrt
20. BlacksHole
21. rockdoc11
22. Chebass88
23. BigRedX
24. Thunderchief
25. steve4765630
26. BadJazz
27. cetera
28. kaputsport
29. swpyne
30. Kawai-chang
31. kdog
32. Russell Bergum
33. mburd
34. Soulfishing13
35. zoomduck
36. Fawkes007
37. pondscum29
38. NL5
39. Mike - NJ
40. eshears
41. Eminor3rd
42. wallybill
43. chrisp2u
44. Chunk-O-Funk
45. WayneP
46. rhs1856
47. rb1
48. robisbass
49. ZachB
50. baconeater
51. Pedulla?
52. JensWest
53. Bushwood
54. p5string
55. timmbass
56. pbass6811
57. pjmuck
58. pedulla-2007
59. Pedulla-Player
60. Envincibal
61. genocide roach
62. JEDI BASS
63. mightog
64. Jamie Bishop
65. trujo777
66. MoBeach
67. Asomodai
68. dangorange
69. blueacid4l
70. Maclu
71. jmjam -
72. daahoud
73. hensonbass
74. JazzyLambert
75. Flaked Beans
76. jelpo
77. comno
78. Fishheadjoe
79. mc2ny
80. churchplayer
81. seungkoo
82. Vakmere
83. chimaera1982
84. mindwell
85. anthomp
86. melodicly
87. ClassicJazz
88. LarkinLondon
89. ZiggyDude
90. rusackas
91. rodneyat
92. silvertripper
93. 88Sound
94. MasterMonkeyMan
95. jacobw82
96. tombowlus
97. bassthunder100
98.ghiadub
99. bass4worship
100. surfdog
101. chepo06
102. Dan Knowlton
103. TylerE
104. Tony CC
105. CelinderMotoMan
106. NYCBass
107. Pedullabill
108. foundation
109. Mi5a
110. Musicmaster75
111. MVPBASS
112. c-ba55
113. BassGreaser
114. 4to5to6
115. GBassNorth
116. Khui
117. francios
118. seamus bass
119. RandyMolson
120. Sir CussFreq
121. lpjiang
122. thibo62
123. nickmcknnn
124. newamsterdam
125. apener
126. fretless guy
127. mtb777
128. MisterWraith
129. BostonJazz72
130. BrandonA119
131. JeX
132. PazzoBasso
133. pert-urb
134. Randall
135. evilgus
136. INTP
137. scubaduba
138. Freddels
139. Oubabass
140. Where July
141. rolorockbass
142. esa372 (retired from club)
143. selassie1
144. joebar
145. BenTitusMusic
146. Dwight
147. Sid Fang
148. Thumpy Fenda 5
149. deitzel
150. Dougazbass
151. amerbs38
152. emurga
153. rockiezz
154. fabinosto
155. Modulus1906
156. rocoop53
157. socialleper
158. 7777777
159. g-bro
160. dayer2bme
161. fabinosta
162. gegznes
163. tkhNote
164. BottomThumper
165. Folmeister
166. CTC564
167. TheShape101
168. Marial (retired from club)
169. Hot Pocket
170. Suatie
171. LatimerFripp
172. NightDonkey
173. Baird6869
174. Mexibass
175. Crowella
176. Dan Horboychuk
177. Sgroh87
178. LexD
179. stefandisgust
180. LeonD
181. EddieJackson
182. ric426
183. inthebasscleff
184. dataxguy
185. Addison
186. markcv
187. RLK
188. N03L
189. Templar
190. pmad bass
191. Caustic Crunch
192. hyperdoc
193. robthebassplaye
194. DampSneaker
195. AGH
196. WilsonMusic
197. hyoshim
198. AudioDwebe
199. Worldeeeter
200. punchdrunk
201. bmallory
202. drumsnbass
203. Aquarianfuture
204. Boba Fretless
205. mildewman
206. mhartman29
207. OldSchool50
208. thopper
209. Folmeister
210. Kim Jong Funk
211. Merlino
212. Fresh Eddie
213. Twarpie
214. Lovep
215. FlyingFinn
216. japhy4529
217. IronLung1986
218. olnost
219. Jeff Sarsippius
220. roccobasstorius
221. climber
222. mking
223. brookes
224. DanielleMeyer
225. RobLindberg
226. guszkl
227. srbbass
228. laslen
229. Pedullist
230. guitarflinger
231. gegznes
232. naetog
233. Selta
234. Element Zero
235. ThunderR
236. SpcMnk
237. Beatfarm615
238. Jefenator
239. India_Sierra
251. Philly Watts
252. blmartin2215
253. Daniel Immel
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
Pedulla Club #45
Tobias Club #133
Some sweet Pentabuzz action at church this morning. I fall more and more in love with this thing every day.
That looks really nice. I love the Dark Midnight Blue with Black Hardware. I'm looking at getting a Thunder T5 in the same color but it has Gold Hardware. Now I kind of know what it would look like in Black. You are braver than me to play fret less in a worship band. I tried and with so many melodic instruments going on I got way too many dirty looks. I just can't get the intonation consistently in that setting like I can in guitar based trio or 4 piece.
