I've actually never played a buzz, but i've definitely seen WAY more in the PJ configuration, and I know that's what Pedulla recommends. I'm sure both would sound great though.
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I've actually never played a buzz, but i've definitely seen WAY more in the PJ configuration, and I know that's what Pedulla recommends. I'm sure both would sound great though.
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
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- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
I love Pedulla basses.. I had a few 5 strings from 1988-89 and a buzz.. They all have the best and most comfy feeling necks that i have ever played...
um... nope. Takes too much money! My TBass 6 and TBolt 5 have 'bars. My 4- & 5-string Buzzes have P/J pups. They're all different vintages, however, so the preamps are all over the map: 3-knob, 4-knob, 3-knob+T-guts... I had a brief conversation w/Mike last week about JJ vs 'bars on a Hexabuzz (can't do P/J 'cause of the number of strings) and he prefers the 'bars for that application.
Having said all that, I find that the P/J setup gives me more tonal options w/o twiddling knobs on the amp. If you're thinking of a Jaco sound, or something "hi-fi" / trebly, P/J will probably suit. If you're more interested in a consistently thicker/"vintage" sound, the 'bars would probably be a better choice. The T-guts module + a blend that favors the bridge pup + a little treble boost does a very decent Jaco sound on my TBass.
I saw Mike 'cause he'd just refinished my TBass, now a fabulous Vintage Cherry Sunburst w/gold hardware. (I'm looking for a smiley labeled "smug") Maybe I'll take a new pic(s) on the next warm sunny day (that would likely be June around here). I think she'll be christened Christine.
Thanks so much for the great info, rhs! I’m not especially fond of a “trebly” sound so it looks like the soapbars won’t get me a penalty. I’m looking to get a used Pentabuzz, and since you don’t necessarily get a choice in pick ups when you find the “right one,” I was just wondering what I’d be giving up if I couldn’t get the P/Js. I’m primarily concerned with not losing that great “mawah” tone.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45
Greetings!
I just bought a used Pedulla Thunder Bass ET in Zebra - 4 string. It looks like the other ones posted but the bridge is black. I will get pics up.
Living out in Central PA - we don't get to try out boutique basses unless you travel. I was curious about Pedulla and wanted to see what they are like. Plus I was Jonesing for something in Zebra. I have a smattering of other boutiques and thought this might be a nice addition - especially since none are doing the Bartolini thing.
So, I got the TB and essentially just bought it. How that happened is another story! Anyway - I was having fun at home but at the first live gig I was somewhat dissapointed. Maybe the TB was the wrong choice of models and I should have gone with the traditional MVP neck through model (I tend to like the fundametal of a necthrough). It was like the lower notes on the E string were just gone...
Or - maybe I just need play with it longer. I prefer that idea. Yes - I have the Thunder Bass and not the Thunderbolt.
I had posted a Pedulla question and it was suggested that I seek out the Pedulla club for ideas. This was my post. Any thoughts would be welcome.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=628551
Thanx,
- Ziggy -
I just bought a used Pedulla Thunder Bass ET in Zebra - 4 string. It looks like the other ones posted but the bridge is black. I will get pics up.
Living out in Central PA - we don't get to try out boutique basses unless you travel. I was curious about Pedulla and wanted to see what they are like. Plus I was Jonesing for something in Zebra. I have a smattering of other boutiques and thought this might be a nice addition - especially since none are doing the Bartolini thing.
So, I got the TB and essentially just bought it. How that happened is another story! Anyway - I was having fun at home but at the first live gig I was somewhat dissapointed. Maybe the TB was the wrong choice of models and I should have gone with the traditional MVP neck through model (I tend to like the fundametal of a necthrough). It was like the lower notes on the E string were just gone...
Or - maybe I just need play with it longer. I prefer that idea. Yes - I have the Thunder Bass and not the Thunderbolt.
I had posted a Pedulla question and it was suggested that I seek out the Pedulla club for ideas. This was my post. Any thoughts would be welcome.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=628551
Thanx,
- Ziggy -
Link Removed
Is this how I become a member? lolol
That is my beautiful #1 dream bass.
GREAT looking bass! Welcome to the club:
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IMO, the mwah - which I love - comes mostly from the interaction of the strings, fingerboard, and fingers. The Body woods, pickups, and electronics can enhance it or interfere with it, of course. If you get a loater model, chances are good it'll have the Thunderguts module - you can also have Mike add one - which can put you out in front with a nice singing mid-rangey tone for melodic solos.
Picking up fretless really opened my ears to a lot more tonal alternatives and encouraged experimentation with different techniques and even toys (normally I'm a purist, but I had a good time trying to recreate Pino's 80s tracks!). I don't sing, but sometimes I'll use the fretless to fill in vocal harmonies, like in the a capella break on Zep's "The Ocean"; people who are paying attention can be kind of amazed...
Good luck & keep us informed!
Richard
IMO, the mwah - which I love - comes mostly from the interaction of the strings, fingerboard, and fingers. The Body woods, pickups, and electronics can enhance it or interfere with it, of course. If you get a loater model, chances are good it'll have the Thunderguts module - you can also have Mike add one - which can put you out in front with a nice singing mid-rangey tone for melodic solos.
Picking up fretless really opened my ears to a lot more tonal alternatives and encouraged experimentation with different techniques and even toys (normally I'm a purist, but I had a good time trying to recreate Pino's 80s tracks!). I don't sing, but sometimes I'll use the fretless to fill in vocal harmonies, like in the a capella break on Zep's "The Ocean"; people who are paying attention can be kind of amazed...
Good luck & keep us informed!
Richard
I believe (correct me if i'm wrong) that the thunderguts module is only in the thunderbass and thunderbolt models and not the Buzz basses. Those just have the Mid cut/boost switch. I think its different but I'm not 100% sure.
Hey Ziggy,
Sorry to hear about the problems getting your tone - that sucks! If it's low-end oomph you're looking for, I'd definitely stay away from the T-guts switch - it's function is mid-boost (you probably have a switch in the control cavity that lets you adjust its certer frequency, too). You've already done 2 of the 3 things I'd have suggested - strings & pickup height - have you put in a new battery? Pedulla's current models are "all active all the time" (don't leave a cable plugged into it), so a good battery is important. Do you get a solid boost from the bass control? If not, while you've got the cover off, check for loose wires or bad connections...
Good luck,
Richard
ps. Mike & Christine are both great to work with and Mike will call you back to talk about issues. The email address is [email protected] (no "e") and the phone number is 781-871-0073.
Oops - brain fog induced by insufficient caffeine ingestion had me confusing mid-boost/cut & thunderguts switches - ignore comment about the switch; it should help!
I had my eye on a beautiful Bubinga Thunderbass on eBay that had been converted to fretless, so thats why I was asking about the soapbars. But the guy up and cancelled the auction early!
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45
I had my eye on a beautiful Bubinga Thunderbass on eBay that had been converted to fretless, so thats why I was asking about the soapbars. But the guy up and cancelled the auction early!
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45
I placed an opening bid on that...
Seen this one yet?
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So youre one of the guys who bid $1.25? Hee hee, I think I would have been able to beat you.
Any thoughts on how much it might have sold for? Thats only the second Thunderbass fretless conversion Ive seen on eBay on the past 2 years or more. IIR the last one was also in like new condition and couldnt even get an opening bid of $1300. I noticed that the last primo Pentabuzz that was on eEbay was put up twice and didnt make reserve either time - managed a bid of only $1250 the first time, and $1650 the second. Times must be tough Im used to seeing top-condition Pentas go for $1800-2000 or better.
I figured being a non-production unit, the Thunderbuzz conversion might worth less than a Pentabuzz, so I was hoping that between that and the dismal prices Pentabuzzes seem to be fetching right now, that this one might go for cheap. But who knows, I suppose its one of a kind-ness could make it fetch a premium price...
Yes, I saw it. Already have one of those.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45
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Hi Richard
I did try the switch - and it gives quite a boost. I will check the battery but I suspect it is quite strong as the bass is actually pretty loud.
I suspected that the switch was not just a flat/boost but a cut/boost. That from how it thins out when I turn it off. Christine at Pedulla affirms that. She also suggested the bridge saddle height. So - maybe I can raise the g/d/a strings a bit. Last of her thoughts was that she did not know DR strings and suggested the Pedulla ones. Though I have no qualms with that someday - I really have not found anything better than the DRs to date. So - I think not a problem there. Plus – al lmy basses that the TB will be compared to are DR shod and no reason to give the Pedulla a disadvantage.
Eventually, I guess the next step is that adjustment you mentioned. I need study that and how it works - also write down the default settings.
Interesting so far to say the least.
I did try the switch - and it gives quite a boost. I will check the battery but I suspect it is quite strong as the bass is actually pretty loud.
I suspected that the switch was not just a flat/boost but a cut/boost. That from how it thins out when I turn it off. Christine at Pedulla affirms that. She also suggested the bridge saddle height. So - maybe I can raise the g/d/a strings a bit. Last of her thoughts was that she did not know DR strings and suggested the Pedulla ones. Though I have no qualms with that someday - I really have not found anything better than the DRs to date. So - I think not a problem there. Plus – al lmy basses that the TB will be compared to are DR shod and no reason to give the Pedulla a disadvantage.
Eventually, I guess the next step is that adjustment you mentioned. I need study that and how it works - also write down the default settings.
Interesting so far to say the least.
UI owned a fretless thunderbass for a short time. I really only bought it to flip it because i don't play fretless, but it sounded great!
So youre one of the guys who bid $1.25? Hee hee, I think I would have been able to beat you.
Any thoughts on how much it might have sold for? Thats only the second Thunderbass fretless conversion Ive seen on eBay on the past 2 years or more. IIR the last one was also in like new condition and couldnt even get an opening bid of $1300. I noticed that the last primo Pentabuzz that was on eEbay was put up twice and didnt make reserve either time - managed a bid of only $1250 the first time, and $1650 the second. Times must be tough Im used to seeing top-condition Pentas go for $1800-2000 or better.
I figured being a non-production unit, the Thunderbuzz conversion might worth less than a Pentabuzz, so I was hoping that between that and the dismal prices Pentabuzzes seem to be fetching right now, that this one might go for cheap. But who knows, I suppose its one of a kind-ness could make it fetch a premium price...
Yes, I saw it. Already have one of those.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45
I think its rapid disappearance probably means it was sold off eBay, no idea on a price. I bid $300, but was quickly outbid, which was OK - I'd have been watching closely at the end to see if it would be w/i reach. Given its unique character, the assertion that the conversion was done by Mike, and the exotic top, I was guessing the price would go higher than a PBuzz of similar vintage.
I scored a Coco T-Bolt last year that I've been playing a lot. Had Mike refret it and clean up some other minor issues - cosmetically, it's not in the same class as yours, but it's still pretty! I prefer his neckthrough over bolt-on basses, however; neither the 'Bolt nor the Raptures I've tried is as easy to play. My favorite neck remains the one on my '88 Buzz 4...
Too bad the Pedulla does not have a forum for stuff like this.
Relating to my earlier posts I have adjusted the saddle heights a bit and will see how that turns out. I had contacted Pedulla as people suggested. One thing they mentioned to me was that they were not familiar with DRs and to use Pedulla strings
I have tried DR Highbeams to about everything and always come back to them. I am not sure who makes Pedulla's strings - but can anyone compare them to the DRs. I like a bright tone but also need a string that last long like the DRs do.
Relating to my earlier posts I have adjusted the saddle heights a bit and will see how that turns out. I had contacted Pedulla as people suggested. One thing they mentioned to me was that they were not familiar with DRs and to use Pedulla strings
I have tried DR Highbeams to about everything and always come back to them. I am not sure who makes Pedulla's strings - but can anyone compare them to the DRs. I like a bright tone but also need a string that last long like the DRs do.
