The Valenti Megathread Part IV

[Type-55]

Well Nino has done it again. I was having issues with the neck on my 4 string jazz bass. The neck would not hold the truss rod adjustment.
It was a very thin neck front to back. After attempting multiple adjustments the neck would not stay put. Just to be clear I bought this bass used
here on TB so the warranty grace period had to have expired. I talked to Nino about my concerns and he offered to put a new neck on for NO CHARGE.
This is an example of CS way above and beyond what I expected. Could you imagine getting this done at Fender? This is an excellent example of a small builder
going way out of his way to keep a customer happy. I would encourage anyone looking for a jazz style bass to consider a Valenti. Keep up the good work Nino.

 

[Type-55]

Forgot to mention I've owned Lull's, Sadowsky's and Suhr and Nino's work is the same no question about it.

 

[Nino Valenti]

That's the first 6-bolt neck mount I've seen on Nino's basses. I'd think that would improve the B-string response. The silver looks good with those block inlays too. Nice.

I started using a 6 bolt pattern on bass #212.

 

[Chef]

I got a control cavity pic today, and word that my Retirement Bass should be done in the next few days.
Sweet.
(I retired from my day gig in May, and placed the order for this in January in anticipation of that.)

 

[Chef]

You can see a video of the bass, sans strings, on Nino's fb page...

 

[peterpalmieri]

lookin real good Chef!

 

[Mr_O'B]

Well Nino has done it again. I was having issues with the neck on my 4 string jazz bass. The neck would not hold the truss rod adjustment.
It was a very thin neck front to back. After attempting multiple adjustments the neck would not stay put. Just to be clear I bought this bass used
here on TB so the warranty grace period had to have expired. I talked to Nino about my concerns and he offered to put a new neck on for NO CHARGE.
This is an example of CS way above and beyond what I expected. Could you imagine getting this done at Fender? This is an excellent example of a small builder
going way out of his way to keep a customer happy. I would encourage anyone looking for a jazz style bass to consider a Valenti. Keep up the good work Nino.

That's a nice story. Props to Nino!

 

[Mr_O'B]

Coming soon....




View attachment 958440

Bling bling, I love it! I hope you get cool hardware that fits perfectly with the color.

 

[Kevdel]

Chef is this your new ride?



It looks great and those Nordstrand Fat Stacks with the 2B preamp sounds great. I'd love to hear a full review once you get some time with it. Nino outdid himself once again.

 

[Chef]

Yessir that's it
I'll for sure report back after it lands!!

 

[Chef]

Right; so the bass arrived this morning.
I have the Fat stacks/2B preamp in an alder/rw Nordstrand, so I knew what to expect sonically, more or less.
I've had a bunch of Valenti basses, so I knew what to expect, more or less.

This bass is ash/ebony and sounds a little different because of that; but, seems great at home. And, I wanted it to sound a little different from the Nordy, so this is good.
Of course, build quality, fit, finish, playability are all as expected: excellent. Top Shelf.
I didn't know Nino had gone to a 6 bolt neck when I ordered this. That's cool.
I didn't know he'd increased body contouring for better access to the higher register, and more comfort. Cool.
This bass has a different quick change string retainer on the headstock. Nice; functional.
Nino also has his own strings now, which so far seem nice.
Warm and bright, both, with an easy playing middle-ish tension.

After I get it to a gig tomorrow, I'll report back again, but, as of now: excellent job.

 

[Mr_O'B]

Chef,

The bass was carefully thought out! The fretboard, pickguard and tone control plate go
perfectly with the color! drool

 

[Mr_O'B]

Again, props to Nino Valenti!

 

[Chef]

Thanks!
I didn't come up with this color scheme, I copied from a friend.

 

[Mr_O'B]

Thanks!
I didn't come up with this color scheme, I copied from a friend.

It's not school work, so copying is acceptable.
Your bass is proof!

 

[Type-55]

How would you describe the Nordy preamp?
I'm thinking of getting one for my Valenti that has Nordstrand NJ4's.

 

[Chef]

How would you describe the Nordy preamp?
I'm thinking of getting one for my Valenti that has Nordstrand NJ4's.

The Nordy 2B preamp with passive tone is nice and organic feeling; and yet can get modern if that's what you want.
Of the other stuff I've tried, the Sadowsky "feels active" pretty much all the time, and, the Alleva doesn't really get modern. Both of those are great at what they do tho, and fine things.
Both the Sadowsky and Alleva are boost only, the Nord is boost and cut. This is handy in a boomy room where you can pull bass out a little and tighten things up.
Nordstrand: I really like their stuff. Their pickups are great too, and, paired with their preamps; it's an excellent thing.
Recommended.

 

[Chef]

Brief gig report.
Man, that bass just flat out killed last night!
It doesn't have the exact same low mid growl thing that my Nordy with the same electronics does, but, no two things are ever the same. This bass is a little cleaner and clearer, which is fine. Maybe that's the ash/ebony (this bass) versus alder/rw (the Nordy), or, maybe that's just the way different pieces of wood will always add up differently. It sounds great, and I ordered a different spec so it would sound a little different. It's always interesting to see how that happens.
At any rate; I really, really like the Fat Stacks/2B preamp combination.
Fit, finish, playability, everything is just top shelf. As good as it can be; which has always been my experience with Valenti basses.
I had several musician friends in the crowd last say it was the coolest thing they'd ever seen, and one bass player friend who played it for a few minutes said it was the best bass he'd ever played.
I expect this bass and I will have many great gigs together. Here's a shot from sound check...

 

[Vibhas Patil]

I'm interested at the new neck joint Nino has been using. Can you post a pic of that please?

 

[Type-55]

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