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The Valenti Megathread Part III
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
- Start date
- Status
Chef
In Memoriam
When I ordered #88 there was....ummm....lets call it confusion on Nino's order for the body.
#103 is actually painted the same as #88, just goes to show you what different lighting can do to a paint finish!
#103 is actually painted the same as #88, just goes to show you what different lighting can do to a paint finish!
- Feb 2, 2001
- 12,719
- 1,291
- Disclosures
- Builder: Valenti Basses
- Feb 2, 2001
- 12,719
- 1,291
- Disclosures
- Builder: Valenti Basses
So who traded-in a green fretless Valenti to GC in Seattle about two months ago? I don't know if it's still there, but was a nice looking bass.
Chef
In Memoriam
- Feb 2, 2001
- 12,719
- 1,291
- Disclosures
- Builder: Valenti Basses
Hey, Ok, a little mod on #067, and reports' in. As always, YMMV, for sure.
Reckon most cats might like the mid range hump of the passive Norstand system that came as ordered on #067. But once I plugged 'em in, I realized that the voice I heard through the magnetics wasn't quite what I thought I was hearing acoustically. Its like I boosted the mids on the preamp. But again, many might prefer that.
So I ordered up some AERO JB5s Type I's to replace the NJ5's, as I know AERO to make acoustically "pure" pickups that have a flat and broad response profile. I know Nino hasn't spec'd AERO pups in the past, but they can be ordered for his line of basses. I would expect a slight upcharge for the AEROS as they are generally more expensive, but read on.... I hope 067 makes it down to the NYC GTG for a "live fire", but til' then here's the note I sent off to Larry Pollack, the owner of AERO,
"Dear Mr. Pollack,
Expectations are always "iffy", as there is so much cognitive stuff that bears on them, but alas, they often do bear true. One truth is, once I replaced the "brand name" pickups on my Valenti PJ5 bass ( configured as a J5 ), the authentic aucoustic sound of the instrument came through, without the midrange boost the "brand name" magnetics seemed to give.
Also within expectations is the tightening of the B string tone, particularly an issue on any 34" neck. Big and boomy became big and round when the Aero Type I's were installed. As I expected. They're flat down low, way low. Tight in the depths.
The best part of expectations are, of course, the upside surprises. What I forget about the Aero's was the articulation. Now, I don’t know how windings can make such a difference, but I can clearly feel my "fingers" more now. Strings are more sensitive to the touch, harmonics ring with a bit more shimmer ( although I did clean the strings during the swap),I can "pop,spit & burp" with a lot more breath, and ghost notes have more clarity. Cool!
Thank you again for another wonderful experience!
Gene Chaas
Buffalo NY
I'd also add since I sent Larry that note, that although the lighter Valenti seemed to sustain as well as the ash Lakland ( 8.5 lb vs 10.5 lb) acoustically, I didnt notice it as much plugged in. Well, I don't know how, but now, the magnetic sustain is like, 'till the sun comes up. Cool from such a light bass.
There's my "schillage" for the month. Tell you what, I really dig being able to buy such a high end product, at a reasonable cost, from two such great craftsman as Nino and Larry. US made, to boot!
Reckon most cats might like the mid range hump of the passive Norstand system that came as ordered on #067. But once I plugged 'em in, I realized that the voice I heard through the magnetics wasn't quite what I thought I was hearing acoustically. Its like I boosted the mids on the preamp. But again, many might prefer that.
So I ordered up some AERO JB5s Type I's to replace the NJ5's, as I know AERO to make acoustically "pure" pickups that have a flat and broad response profile. I know Nino hasn't spec'd AERO pups in the past, but they can be ordered for his line of basses. I would expect a slight upcharge for the AEROS as they are generally more expensive, but read on.... I hope 067 makes it down to the NYC GTG for a "live fire", but til' then here's the note I sent off to Larry Pollack, the owner of AERO,
"Dear Mr. Pollack,
Expectations are always "iffy", as there is so much cognitive stuff that bears on them, but alas, they often do bear true. One truth is, once I replaced the "brand name" pickups on my Valenti PJ5 bass ( configured as a J5 ), the authentic aucoustic sound of the instrument came through, without the midrange boost the "brand name" magnetics seemed to give.
Also within expectations is the tightening of the B string tone, particularly an issue on any 34" neck. Big and boomy became big and round when the Aero Type I's were installed. As I expected. They're flat down low, way low. Tight in the depths.
The best part of expectations are, of course, the upside surprises. What I forget about the Aero's was the articulation. Now, I don’t know how windings can make such a difference, but I can clearly feel my "fingers" more now. Strings are more sensitive to the touch, harmonics ring with a bit more shimmer ( although I did clean the strings during the swap),I can "pop,spit & burp" with a lot more breath, and ghost notes have more clarity. Cool!
Thank you again for another wonderful experience!
Gene Chaas
Buffalo NY
I'd also add since I sent Larry that note, that although the lighter Valenti seemed to sustain as well as the ash Lakland ( 8.5 lb vs 10.5 lb) acoustically, I didnt notice it as much plugged in. Well, I don't know how, but now, the magnetic sustain is like, 'till the sun comes up. Cool from such a light bass.
There's my "schillage" for the month. Tell you what, I really dig being able to buy such a high end product, at a reasonable cost, from two such great craftsman as Nino and Larry. US made, to boot!
Ok last comment-- so I went to GC for the sale the other day. Bought a tuner. Its a good thing whn the bass es you have ( both jazzes) blow anything away in their bass room.
I did however, plug a n active Fender MIK J5. Hmmm. You sure can make it sound like a P with some judicious use of the three band.
So now I'm torn ( we go a few old soul tunes that I dial up a P on), as to whether to think about a preamp for 067, or to have a reverse P5 done up for her.
Only issue is, I really dig the sound of the J neck pup.
I did however, plug a n active Fender MIK J5. Hmmm. You sure can make it sound like a P with some judicious use of the three band.
So now I'm torn ( we go a few old soul tunes that I dial up a P on), as to whether to think about a preamp for 067, or to have a reverse P5 done up for her.
Only issue is, I really dig the sound of the J neck pup.
So who ended up with #103 ??
It's the jazz version of my PJ5 #88
Just curious
Love those basses...
Chef
In Memoriam
MikeBass
Supporting Member
- Nov 4, 2003
- 11,943
- 3,137
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist- Suhr basses, PedalTrain, GHS, Ultimate Ears
Wish Nino took trades!!!! (88 wenge neck thru Warwick Streamer gloss red.......
)Man that thing is SWEET!!!!
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