Tweaks

[Russel]

This could be... enlightening.

I'd like to know about any tonal tweaks that y'all do to your basses outside of the EQ, switches, and volume, but that aren't permenant mods. Like, setup stuff. (and also the EQ settings that bring these tweaks out)

In example, to make my J-bass sound more original, I've raised the pickups a bit and put electrical tape over the pickups to reduce that horrible popping noise that occurs when the strings hit the pole pieces, or whenever I slap.(I've noticed this also affects the tone) I've also lowered my action quite a bit, and I've got the D and G strings buzzing just a little, so they're ready for that tingy kinda tone with just a little touch. Several other small things have been modified, and the bass is just generally mine all over--when my teacher so much as touches it, it buzzes.

Maybe I'm just a tweakhead?

 

[maddog]

Maybe I'm just a tweakhead?

not sure you want to call yourself that around these parts.

 

[Bass Control]

I always want the lowest action I can get out of an instrument, but I pull the pickups down to compensate for the change and to keep it at the factory settings. Reason for this being because (I beleive) the preamp was designed to work with the pickups at a certain height so you can get the best sound out as opposed to something over driven because the pickups are too close to the strings.

That's just about the only tweaking I do. Then I don't really have to change anything when I changes strings because I stick with the same brand, gauge, yadda yadda yadda.

 

[INMT]

I used to use an external EQ thingy, brand I won't mention. SO far my SR and B6 hold their own and I have not needed it on any jobs.

 

[oli@bass]

I always want the lowest action I can get out of an instrument, but I pull the pickups down to compensate for the change and to keep it at the factory settings.

+1

Generally, I do like the basses the way they are, with their own character and sound. That's why I buy them. And except for making them "mine" with the setup, the rest is just my playing technique. However, different basses get me into playing differntly, and that's really interesting.

 

[Oldtoe]

Those damned blue collar tweakers!

I knew a man who hung drywall
He hung it mighty quick
A trip or two to the blue room
Would help him do the trick

 

[BluesBassPlayer]

I'm going to assume you mean ways to improve or change the MM basses. Tweeks like a passive option, separate volume & tone controls for the HH and HS models. Balsy bridges with string thru options? Replacement pups and preamps.

Don't know if its necessary with a MM. Seems like Fenders need all the help they can get.

G&L's are also great basses, unaltered, but there are pages of G&L tweeks to be found on BadAss.

Now if MM opened up a custom creations or custom shop what would we all want to see?

Jimi

 

[strummer]

Now if MM opened up a custom creations or custom shop what would we all want to see?

Jimi

Do a search on that, and you'll find some of the freakiest threads here

 

[Russel]

Okay, I misused the word "tweak." I apologize.

I'm a pretty firm believer that something should be made the best it can be in original form. That's a big reason I like EBMM-I don't want to have to modify something, and I like to know that I got the instrument in its entirety from the factory-there's something about keeping an instrument stock that's special to me.

But I also strongly believe that an instrument is a personal thing, and that I should make it "mine," hence my electrical tape and etc.

What would you call that? Finicky?

I'm a finickyhead.

 

[Russel]

Those damned blue collar tweakers!

Hey-yuh
Hey-yuh




Love that song.

 

[Kristopher]

Reason for this being because (I beleive) the preamp was designed to work with the pickups at a certain height so you can get the best sound out as opposed to something over driven because the pickups are too close to the strings.

I find this effect pleasing actually, so my Sterling pickups are raised a bit. I dig hot signals. Kinda like hot chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven....