Thanks - the current pups aren't terrible, but are a bit middy and too low end shy for my tastes... I already have the EMGs on hand, so it won't hurt to try 'em, but thanks for the advice...
- georgestrings
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U.S. Peavey Club
- Thread starter Soundchaser11460
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Thanks - the current pups aren't terrible, but are a bit middy and too low end shy for my tastes... I already have the EMGs on hand, so it won't hurt to try 'em, but thanks for the advice...
- georgestrings
The TL-5 I was mentioning above was at Guitar Center Durham NC. The body is in good condition - I dont recall any significant knicks or scratches. The gold hardware seemed in good condition. The neck is a little chubbier than a Cirrus 5 - mainly front-to-back - but not uncomfortable at all. I'm wondering if its been refretted... the fret ends all protruded and would've snagged a sweater or your hand if you're not careful. The neck was bowed forward a good bit and the action was really high. The preamp was funny too. It seemed to work but the mid boost/cut pot had no center detent and if you boosted mids and rotated the mid freq pot, it would make these chirping noises. Strange. Finally the fretboard was kind of skanky... I'm sure it would clean up fine though.
I've decided I like TL-5s, but probably not this one. Although it's probably a good deal, I'm not sure I want to deal with the frets and preamp.
I've decided I like TL-5s, but probably not this one. Although it's probably a good deal, I'm not sure I want to deal with the frets and preamp.
IME fret sprout on an ebony fret board is very rare but I have seen it. It's caused by the fret board shrinking and it's not hard to correct. Just takes time and care. The preamp chirp is probably caused by dirty pots and could be fixed with a spray cleaner.
But all in all there are some that may need to be passed by unless the price is worth taking the chance.
mech
That TL-5 is the 2nd gen model, obviously. The frets protruding is no big deal, but you have to factor another $100 or so for a tech to dress the edges. The chirping noise is strange, and would put me off buying it. Just keep your eyes open. TL-5's are not uncommon.
Yeah, unless they're really giving it away, I think I'd avoid that one. Like the Plague. Better to pay the going rate for a nice one.
As mentioned, they're not uncommon. And "the going rate" at the moment is still a great deal for a bass at that level of build quality.
In fact, I found a nice one yesterday in the TB classifieds. SF's and Eerie Dess paint job. Double fun!
Ah one thing I forgot to mention... The TL-5 sounded goooooood.
Geoff, have you been to Mike Conn's shop "Conn-signment Music"? The last time I was there, he had at least one TL-5.
If he still has one, there's a good chance that it will be in great shape.
I've been to Mike's shop a couple of times, but not for at least a year or so... maybe longer. I'm not over in that area of town much, but I'll try to make it a point to get there sometime soon. Thanks!
- Mar 8, 2011
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- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
Already have a T-40, but with any luck, I should have a nice Palaedium by the end of the week 
Next stop, Foundation
Next stop, Foundation
Looks just like my red '92 Fury. I had to replace the vol/tone pots because the P.O. used WD40 on them instead of Deoxit. Also had to sand the pickguard because of crazing from the WD40.
While doing that job, one of the pickup leads pulled straight out of the epoxy potting. So I replaced the pickups with a DiMarzio Model P set. I have Rotosound True Bass 88 nylon flats on it. Sounds great!
I am very jealous!! 1st Gen and Eerie Dess! If I had seen it first, I would have borrowed money to buy it. That was a pretty good price, too!
Ah one thing I forgot to mention... The TL-5 sounded goooooood.
That's one thing I love about my TL-Five. I really love the slap tone it gets as it sounds like it has some natural compression going on. Definitely gets the jazz bass sound going on, with its own little twist.
Yeah I'm looking forward to it. Supposed to arrive tomorrow. It's the exact TL-5 I've been waiting for. Right place, right time, I guess.
My TL was the one I was waiting for too! Still enjoying it a ton and have really been pleased with the way it records.
I've been playing a looong time and this is my first. It's a Sarzo Sig, a player in very nice shape overall. A couple of doinks to be expected for something its age, but nothing huge or obvious. Missing the battery box (what's up with that? I understand that's pretty common), otherwise electronics work, neck is straight and responds to the truss rod, lots of fret life, hardware just needed a litle rub. The build quality is first rate.
Took it on a gig and I loved how it played and sounded. It was a great grab and I'm very happy with it.
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Took it on a gig and I loved how it played and sounded. It was a great grab and I'm very happy with it.
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It seems pretty rare to see the stock knobs on many of the older models like the Sarzo and TL-5 and 6 etc.
This pic is not the best, but I'm sure the knobs were changed. I believe the upper two were originally speed knobs and were changed to domes. The blend knob was changed to one with a line on it. The other two may be original but I'm switching all of them to domes for consistency - at this point looking for original ones seems moot since it's not prisitine.
