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The Pedulla Club!

#3,221
600 Ohms said:
New member. This is my second PentaBuzz, both from 1994, with narrower 17.5mm bridge. Sold the first one, stupidly. Bought this one from fellow TB member smoof in 2012. Has ill-advised Aguilar preamp installed (not a fan of mid controls in preamps), I'm planning on replacing it with the stock one—there's no need to try to improve on a perfect tone.

View attachment 3144176
Click to expand...

Interesting. I would not choose an Aguilar preamp myself as I have never found the Aguilar sound to really speak to me. However, I really like mid controls on active basses. I could do without the bass control for the most part but I love having a mid control.

I do a lot of my practicing on a Phil Jones Big Head preamp. It's got a gorgeous, super clean and crisp tone but it only had bass and treble controls. When I use my SKC Bogart I nudge the mid control up. I usually boost my upper mids on my amp when using my Pedulla because I want that horn-tone. Well, I suppose this is more a criticism of the Big Head (which I otherwise love and it's a stunning bit of kit, mid control or not).
 
#3,222


600 Ohms said:
New member. This is my second PentaBuzz, both from 1994, with narrower 17.5mm bridge. Sold the first one, stupidly. Bought this one from fellow TB member smoof in 2012. Has ill-advised Aguilar preamp installed (not a fan of mid controls in preamps), I'm planning on replacing it with the stock one—there's no need to try to improve on a perfect tone.
Click to expand...


Another nice Buzz! Still trying to fill in the numbers I accidentally skipped, so we’re giving you #243. Welcome to the club!

I’m using Konig and Meyer A-frame stands similar to what you’re using. The basses do sit low, but I alleviated the knob problem by removing the rubber cover and cutting an inch or so off that piece with a hack saw. If you inject soapy water under the rubber cover with a syringe, it’s easy to remove and re-install. Of course, the rubber piece will need to be trimmed down as well.


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
240. CTBassGuy
241. Marcus Holbrook
242. Gusdfunk
243. 600 Ohms
251. Philly Watts
252. blmartin2215
253. Daniel Immel
254. Artman
255. TheHoneyBear
256. 59jazz
257. Dr. Cheese
258. MHT75



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

 
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#3,224
No, they don't do trussrod repairs at all. Only what's on the current services page. I did not get any explanation, other than 'sorry, we do don't do that. It's better to order a new one'. I anticipated all extra (shipping) costs, like a new fretboard, suggested a refin, a dropoff by a friend. I would be willing to sign a waiver that said that I accept tax when it arrives in the Netherlands. What is the risk, or problem to them? You make basses 'for a lifetime', as Michael often said, but you refuse to deliver support in those rare cases something goes wrong. Even for customers who are crazy enough to pay for this construction. :)

But I see a pattern:

-you ask for a C string, potentiometer or trussrod wrench (all around 15-20 dollars), you pay around 70 dollars (50 for shipping, can't be negotiated)
- you ask for new electronics, you're being advised to replace the pickups as well (as they have changed 'so much' the past 20 years). Why is a normal Bartolini set (vol/blend/bass/treble) 155 dollars, and a Pedulla set 395 anyway? Because it's so different? What can be so different exactly?
- you ask for one tuning peg, you have to buy the whole set (150-180)
- you ask for a repair, you're being advised to order a new one
 
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#3,226
Pedullist said:
No, they don't do trussrod repairs at all. Only what's on the current services page. I did not get any explanation, other than 'sorry, we do don't do that. It's better to order a new one'. I anticipated all extra (shipping) costs, like a new fretboard, suggested a refin, a dropoff by a friend. I would be willing to sign a waiver that said that I accept tax when it arrives in the Netherlands. What is the risk, or problem to them? You make basses 'for a lifetime', as Michael often said, but you refuse to deliver support in those rare cases something goes wrong. Even for customers who are crazy enough to pay for this construction. :)

But I see a pattern:

-you ask for a C string, potentiometer or trussrod wrench (all around 15-20 dollars), you pay around 70 dollars (50 for shipping, can't be negotiated)
- you ask for new electronics, you're being advised to replace the pickups as well (as they have changed 'so much' the past 20 years). Why is a normal Bartolini set (vol/blend/bass/treble) 155 dollars, and a Pedulla set 395 anyway? Because it's so different? What can be so different exactly?
- you ask for one tuning peg, you have to buy the whole set (150-180)
- you ask for a repair, you're being advised to order a new one
Click to expand...
@Pedullist... I had the same problem with my Rapture. I bought it used from a pawn shop for a great price, but I knew it had problems. The truss rod was maxed and on the verge of destruction. I took it to my repair dude for a replacement. He told me that the finger board was easily removed with heat, he ordered a correct trussrod for the Rapture (Stew MAc I believe) and installed the rod. Glued up the fingerboard and the rod functions as it should. The only means of telling the work was done, was some finish missing where the neck and fingerboard meet. Not an issued for me at all.
I went through the same frustration as you when I called Pedulla for some help. No help was offered other than having a new neck built, which would have set me back more than I paid for the bass!
Find a good local repair person, get a quote and get it fixed, it will be worth it!
Fishheadejoe
 
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#3,227
Yeah, I'm awaiting a response from De Gier (a guy who makes basses for Bona).

The fix might be easier than a rod replacement (I'm guessing it still works, you just have to make it adjustable again).

Thanks for sharing your frustration. :)
 
#3,228
Daniel Immel said:
That's gorgeous! I was thinking about one of those eventually. I'm really getting used to the feel of my Pentabuzz again and a better 6 is also needed. How are you liking it so far?
Click to expand...

It's very nice. Good fun. You just play differently on a six, even when you do stuff that could be done on a 4. At least, I do. And you can play chords and solo's. The sound is amazing. I've always wondered how a JJ setup would sound. It has smooth highs and deep lows. Very pleasant, not in your face, but I like that.
 
#3,229
If you think about it, they have to be protective of Mike's time when it comes to service. There are a lot of Pedulla basses out there since at one point he had a whole crew of guys building and lots of contracts to fill. But now he's just one semi-retired guy. So there's a vastly disproportionate amount of potential service inquiries as all these basses start to age. It would be very easy for him to get bogged down doing service and never build another bass.

I know that whenever something negative comes up with one of these small builders there'll be an army of people coming out of the woodwork to defend them, but personally I've had excellent service experiences with Pedulla. I had some minor issues with my Pentabuzz early on and Mike was not only accommodating but visibly concerned about it. I'm sure he'd service everything if he humanly could, which is most likely why they have such a firm policy to lean on.
 
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#3,230

Pedullist said:
But I see a pattern:

-you ask for a C string, potentiometer or trussrod wrench (all around 15-20 dollars), you pay around 70 dollars (50 for shipping, can't be negotiated)
- you ask for new electronics, you're being advised to replace the pickups as well (as they have changed 'so much' the past 20 years). Why is a normal Bartolini set (vol/blend/bass/treble) 155 dollars, and a Pedulla set 395 anyway? Because it's so different? What can be so different exactly?
- you ask for one tuning peg, you have to buy the whole set (150-180)
- you ask for a repair, you're being advised to order a new one
Click to expand...

I can help with the one I bolded.

I was having some problems with the electronics on my 2001 Thunderbass a few years back. Don’t remember why, but my luthier wasn’t impressed with the electronics and just wanted to replace them.

That idea was nuked when he discovered that the pickups and electronics are an integrated proprietary system, built for Pedulla by Bartonini, that isn’t compatible with anything else. IOW, you can’t use any other pre-amp, not even another one from Bartolini, without replacing the pickups as well. Same for the pickups – you can’t drop another set into the existing electronics. For one thing, the stock Pedulla pickups have more wires than others do.

Changing out the entire system for new pickups and pre-amp was more than I wanted to spend. Fortunately, my luthier was able to make a fix to get the electronics working right again.

I can only guess about why Mike recommends everything out when someone wants only new electronics for an older bass. If the old system was an integrated proprietary set-up as well, it’s logical that Bartonlini would quit making then when Mike had him come up with a new design. Hence, a new original-design electronics can’t be had anymore, and the old pickups won’t work with the new electronics.

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

 
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#3,231
WayneP said:


I can help with the one I bolded.

I was having some problems with the electronics on my 2001 Thunderbass a few years back. Don’t remember why, but my luthier wasn’t impressed with the electronics and just wanted to replace them.

That idea was nuked when he discovered that the pickups and electronics are an integrated proprietary system, built for Pedulla by Bartonini, that isn’t compatible with anything else. IOW, you can’t use any other pre-amp, not even another one from Bartolini, without replacing the pickups as well. Same for the pickups – you can’t drop another set into the existing electronics. For one thing, the stock Pedulla pickups have more wires than others do.

Changing out the entire system for new pickups and pre-amp was more than I wanted to spend. Fortunately, my luthier was able to make a fix to get the electronics working right again.

I can only guess about why Mike recommends everything out when someone wants only new electronics for an older bass. If the old system was an integrated proprietary set-up as well, it’s logical that Bartonlini would quit making then when Mike had him come up with a new design. Hence, a new original-design electronics can’t be had anymore, and the old pickups won’t work with the new electronics.

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
Click to expand...
That's so not what I wanted to hear, given I bought the bass with the Aguilar preamp in it. Well, it's tax deductible—that's about the only good thing I can say about the cash I'm about to spend!

The nagging thing is: how much longer will I be able to restore the bass, you know? For a guy in semi-retirement, I probably can't rest on my laurels.
 
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#3,232
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#3,233
600 Ohms said:
That's so not what I wanted to hear, given I bought the bass with the Aguilar preamp in it. Well, it's tax deductible—that's about the only good thing I can say about the cash I'm about to spend!

The nagging thing is: how much longer will I be able to restore the bass, you know? For a guy in semi-retirement, I probably can't rest on my laurels.
Click to expand...

That is the question on many of our minds I'm sure. Who will refinish our buzz fingerboards once Mike is retired?
 
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#3,234
Yes, that thought has been on my mind too. But my first Pentabuzz had an epoxy coating that worked well too. Sounded less direct and maybe smoother. If eventually all support stops on basses that have a couple of special features, like the the coating, electronics and maybe the trussrods on MVP's en Buzz's, he may need to instruct some young luthiers. :)

IronLung1986 said:
If you think about it, they have to be protective of Mike's time when it comes to service. There are a lot of Pedulla basses out there since at one point he had a whole crew of guys building and lots of contracts to fill. But now he's just one semi-retired guy. So there's a vastly disproportionate amount of potential service inquiries as all these basses start to age. It would be very easy for him to get bogged down doing service and never build another bass.

I know that whenever something negative comes up with one of these small builders there'll be an army of people coming out of the woodwork to defend them, but personally I've had excellent service experiences with Pedulla. I had some minor issues with my Pentabuzz early on and Mike was not only accommodating but visibly concerned about it. I'm sure he'd service everything if he humanly could, which is most likely why they have such a firm policy to lean on.
Click to expand...

I am a big fan of Pedulla basses (I have 7), and received truly magnificent service in 2016. And if she had said that Michael had no time, or wouldn't do any more service jobs because he only wanted to do fun stuff until his retirement, I'd get that. But I got the feeling that if I were American, and spoke to Michael, I may have gotten my service job. One can never be sure about that of course. It felt a bit cold, the whole approach. And she knows how much of a fanboy I am, so it struck a nerve. Sometimes I get the feeling she's trying to protect him from extra work. Which I also understand.
 
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#3,235
The thing is: he makes basses with all these special features, they seem to hate it when other luthiers try to fix or alter it, yet they sell basses to foreigners like me....but don't offer services. I would've loved this bass to remain 100% Pedulla, offering to pay for a total refin, fretboard, maybe even electronics, that was my intention. But now I have to ask a local luthier to make sense of the design and fix it. I would expect them to hate that idea.
 
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#3,236
Pedullist said:
The thing is: he makes basses with all these special features, they seem to hate it when other luthiers try to fix or alter it, yet they sell basses to foreigners like me....but don't offer services. I would've loved this bass to remain 100% Pedulla, offering to pay for a total refin, fretboard, maybe even electronics, that was my intention. But now I have to ask a local luthier to make sense of the design and fix it. I would expect them to hate that idea.
Click to expand...

Yeah, a small outfit like that can afford to be fussy on some level, and I get that. The basses he makes are obviously of maximum quality and integrity, so I suppose some of that goes with the territory. One just needs to figure out what to do since a cottage industry isn't likely to emerge with the purpose of making Pedulla parts and copies into the future!
 
#3,237
Frankly, I don't know just how proprietary Pedulla's electronics are. My Raptures have what appears to be a Bartolini NTBT preamp and somewhat customized Bartolini passive pickups. If the preamp failed, I would have no issue replacing it with a standard NTBT or perhaps a different preamp entirely. As for the pickups, I've found the stock Pedulla pickups are dark sounding, with somewhat muted highs, which is in-keeping with the normal Bartolini C voicing. My Rapture 5 now has a much more open-sounding Q-tuner BL-5. The only proprietary aspect I could find was that the original Bartolini humbucker has a custom coil size.

With regard to Pedullas which have active (powered) pickups, I can't see any reason why older pickups or preamps could not be reused, or swapped, even if the newer models are different, assuming 9V is used. The basic underlying electronic theory is the same regardless. However, I suppose there might be some difference in the sound between old and new.
 
#3,239
I'm in the process of swapping electronics in my '03 MVP. Once I put an Audere preamp in my '86 Buzz, I was enlightened to how much these basses are lacking without a constant midrange control.

I know I can adjust the mid frequencies in the control cavity, but it's not the same a being able to bump/cut the low/high mids as needed on the fly. I find the bass and treble frequencies more useable in the Audere than the Bartolini too.

My MVP sounds great, but it's always lacking compared to the Buzz after the swap.
 
#3,240
Perhaps subjective, but in my view, Pedullas are held back somewhat by their pickups/electronics. While some may like the warm, rolled-off in the highs sound which is characteristic of Bartolini, IMO it fails to adequately reproduce the nice acoustic tone of these fine instruments. Thus, I think it is worthwhile to consider upgrading the pickups/electronics to something more open sounding.
 
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