PRODUCT REVIEWS:
Boost R.V.B.
In some situations, such as large venue, reverb may not be on the top of a bassists list of effects. On the other hand, in a small venue, such as a club or coffee shop, having a good reverb can make your bass sound amazingly full. Adding a little reverb to tapping, chordal, slap bass and finger techniques, can make an intimate setting sound like an arena setting. Out of all the effects out there, I feel that reverb is the most overlooked by bassists.
Tech 21 offers just about as many effects as you could possibly need as a bassist. Chorus, Fuzz, D.L.A (delay) and of course reverb(R.V.B.) As with all American made Tech 21 products, the Boost R.V.B. is constructed in a rugged metal chassis with killer looks in a compact, battery operated pedal that provides every reverb effect available.
Features:
9V power requirements(10 hours battery life) or DC power (not included)
1/4"1megOhm high impedance input and a 1/4" 1kOhm low impedance output.
Mix: allows you to determine the amount of direct signal with reverb signal.
Feedback: sends the signal back to the input to increse the amount of reverb and also creates a spring reverb signal. Be careful when using the feedback control, as you may get what you ask for... FEEDBACK.
Tone: effects the high end of the reverb signal.
Time: controls the decay of the reverb once the note begins(short to long)
Level/boost: adjusts the output level up to 9db
Rumble: adjusts the amount of low end in the reverb signal
Trails: allows you to bypass the pedal, yet still have the reverb effect trail in the mix....once again, VERY COOL!
LED indicator
Buffered bypass to eliminate unwanted pops and clicks sometimes associated with "true bypass" pedals.
100% analog
To sum it up.....
Once again, Tech 21 has made an amazing product with the Boost R.V.B. To celebrate the completion of these Tech 21 reviews, I'll be combining the VT Bass Deluxe, Bass Boost Chorus, RotoChoir and Boost R.V.B. to demonstrate the amazing quality and sound of Tech 21 products in a pedal board configuration with the VT Deluxe as the preamp. A series of video reviews will accompany each of these Tech 21 reviews with a final video showing all the above mentioned. these fine Tech 21 products will also be available to demo at the 4th Annual Bass Day on April 21st. Until then...check out Tech 21 for a huge selection of effects, amps and more.
RotoChoir
What..... a RotoChoir on bass!?
As I've mentioned before, the role of a bassist is to support the band...right? What if your band decides that a keyboard player would be the missing link to musical perfection? Well... why not try out the Tech 21 RotoChoir to give your bass that classic Leslie sound? That's right, the RotoChoir from Tech 21 is a 100% analog roto simulator that will give you a wide range of those classic tones. The vintage rotating speaker cabinet was designed with the concept of a speaker/horn spinning(rotating) in a cabinet to provide a tremolo effect for keyboards or guitar. Tech 21 has created a durable, compact alternative to packing around a big heavy rotating speaker cab. The RotoChoir will surely impress those of you who doubt that a classic tone can come from a pedal.
Features:
100% analog circuit, 9V power requirements(approx. 10 hrs battery life) or DC power (not included)
1/4" 1megOhm high impedence input, 1/4" 1kOhm low impedence mono or stereo output (TRS for strero)
Level: adjusts the overall output.
High and Low: pre-EQ section that cuts and boosts the tone allowing you to adjust distortion response, balance the rotary or shape the horn response.
Drive: adjusts the amount of overdrive (distortion) in the mix (classic Leslie tone)
Position: simulates moving a mic closer or further away from the horns or speakers. Used with the Biamped mode, the mic is aimed at the horns. where as in Single Speaker mode, the mic is aimed at the speakers.
Biamped: the up position(off) is a perfect Leslie 125-style/Fender Vibratone-style with the bottom rotor only. Engaged, the biamped switch emulates a Leslie 122-style Bi-amped mode, where the highs and lows turn in opposite directions, creating a wonderful rotary effect that is very smooth.
Top Speed: allows you to set the top speed of the rotor in fast mode. Using the Fast/Slow switch provides the two Leslie modes, a faster vibrato or slower chorus like effect. By using the Fast/Slow switch, you can change the overall roto speed with the touch of a button, allowing you control in a live situation.
Speaker Sim: engaging the Speaker Sim button provides those classic peaks and valleys associated with slightly over-driven roto sounds.
LED indicator
Buffered Bypass which elliminates those pops and clicks sometimes associated with "true bypass".
With amazing wood grain graphics, sweet Leslie sounds and a compact size, the Tech 21 RotoChoir is constructed in a durable metal chassis that will take the abuses of every gig, big or small. When it comes to great 100% analog effects, Tech 21 has once again "nailed it"! So... if the band starts talking about a keyboard player coming to rehearsal, you may want to check out the Tech 21 RotoChoir and show that bass can support a band in many ways. Chords will have a whole new appeal with the addition of a RotoChoir.
Check out the Tech 21 site for a large selection of effects, preamps, amplifiers and more. Stay tuned for a video review coming soon to NorCal BASSIX T.V.
Bass Boost Chorus
As bassists, we spend a majority of our time laying low in the mix, staying in time and filling in the groove... right? Of course... many players choose to keep an organic approach to bass playing, (bass, chord and amp), that's it. A simple approach to a bass set up is fine when your bouncing from gig to gig. What about effects? To some, using effects on bass may not be a priority. But think about this, as bassists we are there to support the band regardless of any situation. Using effects such as chorus, reverb and rotary simulators can make your bass tone fuller, which actually helps to fill in even more of a sonic range in the mix. Techniques such as tapping, slapping and chordal playing, sound amazing with the right amount of effects.
Tech 21 is well known for its amazing products such as the VT and VT Deluxe Bass preamps, SansAmp direct boxes, VT bass amps, multiple effects and more, which are all made in the USA. Tech 21 has continuously produced 100% analog effects for bassists and the Bass Boost Chorus is just another example. Using chorus for bass, can provide a wonderful flowing bass tone that is sure to set the mood on those whole note ballads we love so much. Unfortunately, many chorus pedals are designed for the tonal range of guitar, not bass. That's where the Bass Boost Chorus comes into play.
Features:
100% analog circuit. 9V power requirements (approx. 10 hours battery life) or DC power supply (not included)
1/4" 1megOhm high impedance input and 1/4"1kOhm low impedance output.
Mix: allows you the determine the ratio of direct bass and effect signal. Where most chorus pedals are preset to a 50/50 mix.
Tone: gives you the options of sparkling clear to a darker analog chorus.
Speed: allows you to set the modulation speed ratio of the chorus from fast to slow.
Detune: shifts the direction of the chorus pitch from sharp to flat. With the added Multi Voice control, the detune feature can effect the signal in 2 voice pitches (one goes up, one goes down) The Multi Voice switch creates 3 choral voicings with 90 degrees of seperation that chase each other...very cool.
Level: allows you to set the overall output level, which at times can be decreased when using chorus.
Depth: is used to set the tonal range (sweep) that the chorus will reach. Ranging from smooth flowing to almost tremolo like sounds.
LED indicator and very responsive controls (when you make a change, you'll know it)
Buffered bypass eliminates any pops and clicks, as well as signal loss that may occur when multiple "true bypass"pedals are used.
Overall, the Tech 21 Bass Boost Chorus is the "perfect" choice for bassists looking to expand their tonal spectrum, create the perfect pedal board or just looking for inspiration. Allowing complete control to create an array of chorus sounds that will surely fill that void in the mix. The Bass Boost Chorus is constructed in a sturdy metal chassis that will withstand all the abuse of the road and perform perfectly everytime. The Bass Boost Chorus even sports a killer water graphic that looks as good as it sounds. Stay tuned for a series of Tech 21 product reviews and videos coming soon. Meanwhile, check out the Tech 21 site for a wide selection of quality products for bass and guitar.... you won't be disappointed.
S.U.B. Series U Bass
More Bass, Less Space
While recently attending the 2012 NAMM show in Anaheim, I spent my time searching for anything that I felt would move bass in a new direction. All the newest basses, amps, effects, strings... you name it, all under one roof. Don't get me wrong, I found many wonderful products for bassists, but one stood out to me as the most innovative product I've seen in a long time. The U Bass and U Bass S.U.B. by Kala.
Kala, known for its fine Ukuleles, has changed the direction of bass with the introduction of its new U Bass. The U Bass is a 21" scale (28" overall) powerhouse for bassists. Using propietary polyurethane strings, the U Bass produces a huge low end that sounds remarkably like an upright string bass with massisve lows that are sure to shake the house. I mean really "shake" the house. Standard features of the S.U.B. Series U Bass include custom Hipshot tuners, bolt-on maple neck, rosewood fretboard, rosewood nut, poplar body, Shadow pickup system (volume, bass, treble) and a deluxe gig bag. Did I mention that the U Bass meets all airline carry-on requirements? Thats right... no more watching your beloved bass go off to baggage claim.
The U Bass has a very functionable 2 band E.Q. (bass, treble) powered by a CR2032 battery that allows you to dial in your tone in any situation. One thing I'd like to mention is that the cover to the control cavity is easily accessible due to magnetic tabs which allows you to change the battery without the need for a screw driver.
The use of polyurethane strings makes playing the U Bass a dream on the fingers. The custom Hipshot tuners work perfectly to ensure that your U Bass stays in tune. The Shadow pickup system is located in the adjustable bridge and provides a remarkable amount of output that is even across all four strings. Having an adjustable bridge also allows you to set the action of your U Bass at any height you'd like. In the studio, the S.U.B. was completely silent with no feedback or unwanted sounds, which proves that the U Bass can be used for many recording situations. The S.U.B. Series U Bass is available in four colors, fretted in a 4 string (EADG) configuration, but can be tuned anyway you like. The U Bass can be used with any guitar strap and hangs perfectly balanced while sitting or standing.
The U Bass is available in the California, Acoustic-electric and S.U.B. models. The California is available in 4 and 5 string, fretted or fretless. S.U.B. Series U Basses are an affordable alternative to the California model which features Ash bodies manufactured in California at the Kala custom shop. Regardless if you choose the S.U.B., California or Acoustic-electric, you will be amazed I'm sure. That's why we've decided to give U Bass the NorCal BASSIX.com 2012 Bass Innovation Award for creating a bass product that not only sounds great, is easily transported and made of quality materials, but can change the direction of bass as we know it.
So whether your playing rock, blues, jazz or just looking for an excellent travel bass, studio bass, live performance bass, or an upright player whos tired of packing around that enormous bass, the U Bass from Kala is the way to go. Be sure to visit U Bass and see what they have for you. Be sure to check out the S.U.B. U Bass at the 4th Annual Bass Day on April 21st
Shred Neck
What... the worlds smallest bass?
Actually, this is a Shred Neck. The Shred Neck is a practice and warm up bass featuring the first six frets of a bass. The Shred Neck allows you to practice while traveling or getting ready to hit the stage and fits in any luggage. We all know there are a lot of practice devices out there, but the Shred Neck allows you to actually feel bass strings under your fingers. Techniques such as slap & pop, tapping and fingerstyles can be practiced on the Shred Neck due to a scalloped picking area. This allows room for your fingers under the strings.
I recently had the opportunity, while on a ten hour drive from L.A, to practice using the Shred Neck. Afterwards, my hands were warmed up and ready to go. Although the Shred Neck can't be plugged in and has no intonation, it is very effective for scales and finger exercises. The Shred Neck is available in four colors, features a rosewood fretboard, chrome hardware, dot inlays and a gig bag. A strap can be attached to the Shred Neck or it can be used while seated due to the headstock (which is actually the body) having a contour that allows you to rest it against your leg.
All in all.... the Shred Neck is a cool little practice tool.
SSB 4 & 5 Pickups
For many years, the wonderful people at Seymour Duncan have produced high quality pickups for virtually any instrument, including bass. With the introduction of Basslines pickups, Seymour Duncan has again shown its skill in producing pickups for every bass players needs. Whether you use jazz, precision, soapbars or humbuckers, Basslines makes it and makes it good.
Basslines SSB5 phase 2 soapbar pickups feature full-length dual blades which will accomodate string spacings up to 3.10". The SSB pickups are available in both active(requires a 9 volt battery) and passive. This review will be directed towards the passive SSB5 pickups. The SSB5 produces a moderate output with very organic tones. Essentially, that means that you get the true sound of the instrument. If your bass is constructed of high quality ash, you want pickups that will produce the tonal quality of that ash, not the thin and brittle sound that can sometimes come from low grade pickups. The SSB5, teamed up with Basslines active STC-2 or 3 band tone circuit produces an extremely clean and versatile array of tones for any style of music. In the studio, having a pickup with the ability to produce a wide array of tones, as well as clean harmonics, all while being virtually silent, makes recording your bass a dream. The last thing a bassist needs is a noisy, low output signal while performing or recording.
As I spent hours going through every tone available from the SSB5 pickups, I was joined by one of our columnists, Brad Smith, who also uses Seymour Duncan Basslines Hot Stacks in a Fender Geddy Lee jazz bass. We also reviewed Basslines SSB4 pickups with the STC-3 band tone circuit in a ZON Sonus standard bass. Whether we used passive or active circuitry, the Basslines consistantly produced a clean signal. Of course, having active tone circuits allows any player to increase the bass, mids and treble to further dial in their own sound. Adding Basslines to a stock active/passive circuit, will surely add a level of clarity to your sound. To have several basses with Basslines pickups in the demo room, is a treat to say the least. This allowed us to evaluate all tonal possibilities from a wide selection of Basslines products. To sum it up.... if your looking to hot rod your bass, Basslines are the way to go.
Whether your replacing just the pickups or both pickups and circuitry, installation of the Basslines is very easy. Seymour Duncan offers a selection of various wiring diagrams on their website, as well as a wiring diagram that comes with the pickups. As always, if your unsure of how to wire in pickups, consult your local music store to have them properly installed. Be sure to visit the Seymour Duncan website for a wide selection of pickups for every bass.
Truss Rod Drivers
Having a proper set up on a bass can make playing an ease. As most manufacturers have now designed basses with easy to access truss rod adjustment slots, vintage basses however, require the removal of the neck to access the truss rod. Having to remove a neck over and over can result in stripped out neck bolts, damage to the bass body and even trussrod damage. Using the proper tool to adjust a truss rod is essential in preventing damage.
CRUZTOOLS introduces the new Truss Rod Drivers. Available in a standard version that features a 9mm tip, which ensures a proper fit when making adjustments while the neck is removed. For those of you who prefer to make adjustments without removing the neck, CRUZTOOLS also introduces the Cheater Driver which features a 4mm tip. This allows you to make small adjustments to the truss rod, assuming it is visible at the heel of the neck while bolted to the bass. Both the Standard and Cheater feature oversized handles, extra long shaft for easier access and heat-treated chrome vanadium alloy for strength.
CRUZTOOLS has yet again shown it's determination in providing musicians with the tools they need. Whether it's for your bass, motorcycle or automobile, CRUZTOOLS offers a huge selection of useful tools for every job.
Hipshot Bass Xtender (Double Stop)
When NorCal BASSIX first began almost three years ago, I wanted to provide bassists with honest product reviews of killer basses, strings, accessories and more. Hipshot was the first company that stepped up to the plate and truly delivered. We first reviewed the Hipshot GB7 Bass Xtender which to say the least is truly a killer product. The GB7 is a replacement for your standard Gotoh tuners found on Ibanez, ZON, Dean etc. For those of you who don't know what a Hipshot Xtender does..... let me tell ya.
The Hipshot Xtender is a replacement tuning key which allows you to drop tune your E string to D, Db, C or lower with the flip of a lever. The drop tuning is controlled by the adjustment screw. Replacing your old tuner with a Hipshot Xtender takes only a few minutes and a philips screw driver. I've been using a Hipshot Xtender for almost 20 years and I've never had one fail. In fact I still use one of my original Hipshot Xtenders thats over 15 years old and it works perfectly.
Recently our good friend, Michael Manring performed a masterclass at the NorCal BASSIX demo room for a small group of bassists. During the class, Michael spoke with us about his use of Hipshot products on his signature ZON Hyperbass which uses "4" Hipshot Xtenders. As we spoke, I noticed that the Xtenders on Michaels bass had a small adjustment screw that none of my Xtenders had. To my surprise..... the Hipshot Bass Xtender Double Stop! This small adjustment screw allows the Xtender to change to 3 different tunings. For this review, I set the GB7 Double stop to go through E in the upward position, D in the middle position and C in the dropped position.
The bass being used for this review is a 4 string ZON Sonus Standard. The reason I chose this bass is because the size of the headstock on the Zon Sonus has enough room between tuners to fit multiple Hipshot Xtenders. I have a Hipshot GB7 Double Stop for the E tuner and a standard Hipshot GB7 on the A tuner which allows me to drop the A string to G with the flip of a lever.
I know some of you are saying," why do I need an Xtender on my bass when I can just retune?" To test this, I drop tuned another bass the old fashioned way. Taking the time to use the tuner to be accurate only takes a few seconds when done perfectly the first time. What if you can't quite get that D back to E in time for the next tune? The Hipshot Xtenders bring you back to pitch in one second, everytime. Having the ability to drop tune that fast, takes all the worries out of that dreaded tuning battle. For metal, funk, blues, jazz, you name it, drop tuning can be used in many ways. Knowing that everything can be taken care of with the flip of a lever, sure makes life easier.
Hipshot not only provides bass Xtenders, they also make replacement tuners and bridges for every bass and guitar you can imagine. Thats right... you can even put an Xtender on your guitar... not that any of you play one of those. Hipshot offers the absolute finest quality products for bassists looking to upgrade their bass. Be sure to visit Hipshot or check with your local music store about how to order Hipshot Products.
VT Bass Deluxe
Tech 21 is a company known for its amazing handmade effects, amplifiers and direct pedals. Tech 21 offers American made top quality products designed for all bassists. I'd like to start this review with a few situations which I have found myself in as a working bassist performing everything from rock and funk to metal and jazz.
First, I find myself playing a wide range of basses for all occassions. In some cases, I may use a Fender P-Bass for metal and a Charles Cote' custom bass for jazz. Different basses have different output levels which means that I have to adjust my amp settings for each bass. Thats all fine until I forget to change the settings before a quiet jazz performance and end up with a very loud, distorted metal tone at the beginning of a small luncheon performance. Not a great way to get hired back to that particular venue.
Second, being invited to a studio session where I'm told,"you don't need to bring an amp, I've got one for you". Only to find out that the amp provided is completely useless in a recording situation and doesn't provide me the tone I need. Not to mention that in some cases the amp isn't even there. This too can be a major pain.
Finally, I show up for a live performance or clinic in which a full P.A. system is being used. Thats great until you realize the so called "soundman" is no where to be found. Again..... not a great way to start the gig.
The Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe is an easy to use all analog preamp/direct pedal with digital recall, that can solve all these problems. The VT Bass Deluxe provides 2 inputs for basses with different output levels. The VT Bass Deluxe allows you to set 3 different preamp settings for each of the 2 inputs or 6 settings for one input. The VT Bass Deluxe also features the Tech 21 "Lazy Pot", which slowly increases the level settings to allow you time to make changes before your volume gets out of control. Other control features are Drive and Level just like your standard bass amp. The Drive allows you to set the amount of input signal from the bass. The Character knob provides you the option of vintage 70's tones, flat studio tones or full tube distortion. An active E.Q. with Low, Mid and Highs make this one of the most versatile direct pedals I've ever used. The VT Bass Deluxe is simple to use and doesn't require hours of manual time and programming. You simply adjust the controls to your liking and press the desired location switch twice. Thats it!
The Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe features both 1/4"and XLR outputs which allow you to send your signal directly to the P.A. and your amp while still having control of your tone. Also includes a 1/4" input boost and XLR pad options with the push of a button. The XLR output also accepts phantom power from the mixing board to power the VT Bass Deluxe. Be sure to tell the soundman that you will need phantom power. The VT Bass Deluxe also features an effects IN/OUT section which allows you to engage all your favorite Tech 21 effect pedals when you want.
The VT Bass Deluxe sounds amazing whether your using that old P-Bass or a custom Charles Cote' bass with soapbar pickups. The best thing about the VT Bass Deluxe is that it truly sounds like anything you want. The active E.Q. covers every style of playing. Crisp highs, super low end, gentle mids, screaming tube distortion.... you name it. I must say, the slap bass tones alone are impressive. A fretless bass ran through the VT Bass Deluxe, offers a smooth and full choice of tones. Be sure to stop in and try the Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe yourself.
Tech 21 has truly created a functional, easy to use product for bassists with the VT Bass Deluxe. Now, whether I'm looking for the soundman, recording a session or switching basses..... I'm all set with no worries. Tech 21 offers many great products for bassists and guitarists. Check out the Tech 21 website for some great product videos and fine American made products for musicians.
Gruv Gear V-Cart Solo/Fret Wrap
Gruv Gear is a company that focuses on one thing...making life much easier for musicians. Some of you may remember the Gruv Gear FretWrap that we reviewed not long after the NAMM show. The FretWrap itself showed that Gruv Gear had an understanding of things that musicians need.
The new V-Cart Solo is yet another example of Gruv Gear leading the way. Moving large bass cabinets, P.A. equipment or even bags of concrete can take its tole on a person. I personally dread those long hauls across intersections, parking garages and stairways. Whether your a bass player, a drummer or a handyman, the V-Cart Solo makes it all as easy as pushing a grocery cart with new wheels. The ability to go from storage position, 4 wheel platform, 4 wheel V-mode and a 2 wheel dolly makes this without a doubt a crucial addition to your already growing pile of gear. I know what your thinking..."just more gear on stage"....well, the V-Cart solo can be used as an onstage amp holder/wedge with the optional stage wedge. This allows you to wheel your rig from your vehicle to the stage and back to your vehicle without removing your amp. The V-Cart Solo also features rugged tires with two 360 degree casters, allowing you to reposition your amp at anytime. This feature also makes it easy to maneuver through tight areas.
If a picture could ever say a thousand words... I think this does it. Gruv Gear claims that the V-Cart Solo will hold 500 lbs. When I first heard this, I couldn't wait to load it up. I'd like to take credit for this great pic, but the guys at Gruv Gear beat me to it. You can see theres actually more than 500 lbs. Gruv Gear also makes carpeted decking and XL extension frames to increase the size of the V-Cart Solo to accomadate even more gear.
Next, we move on to the Gruv Gear fret wrap, which is a string muting system designed to help get rid of those unwanted overtones and fret noise sometimes associated with techniques such as tapping, slapping and chordal harmonics, which can sometimes create unwanted overtones that may interfere with what your trying to play. The fret wrap is constructed with a quick release velcro strap, which means no more wrenching a hair tie over your headstock. The fret wrap focuses on the center strings and conforms to the outer strings when tightened. Fret wraps come in 3 packs for 4, 5 & 6 string basses, as well as different colors, which allows you to have one on every bass you may own. Be sure to check out all the great products from Gruv Gear.
As bassists, we endure countless jokes and cliches associated with the role of being the only real musician in the band....oops.... did I say that!? The role of the bassist also brings with it a certain level of pride and responsibility.
Why not show that pride with Lathon Bass Wear.
Lathon Bass Wear is a California based company providing quality jerseys, tanks, t-shirts, hats and more for bassists. Lathon Bass Wear was gracious enough to provide us with some great samples of their products. I've had plenty of those t-shirts that have a great logo or design, only to shrink into an unwearable dust rag after one washing. Or the hat you order because "it was so cool in the picture", only to find out that it's as thin as paper. Thats not the case with Lathon Bass Wear. Lathon Bass Wear is stylish with great logos, phrases and colors as well as being top quality durable clothing for any active bassist.
Check out Lathon Bass Wears on-line catalog for a great selection.
MJ Active Jazz Pickups & Circuitry
I recently received a phone call from the great bassist Bobby Vega. I can't tell you how surprised I was actually talking to one of the finest bassists on the west coast. (If you haven't heard of Bobby Vega, check out BobbyVega.com) As we spoke about things like basses, tone, amps, strings and performing, I couldn't stop thinking about how great of a tone Bobby has in his playing. Of course playing bass for 40+ years will do that. One of the factors that plays a part in his killer tone, is the pickups. When EMG expressed interest in having NorCal BASSIX review a set of pickups, I immediately thought about Bobbys vintage jazz basses and our stock Fender mexican jazz bass that hasn't been used in a while.
Within a couple days, there was a set of EMG MJ Jazz pickups/circuitry at the door. Taking apart a perfectly good bass can be a little nerve racking to say the least. Did I lose a screw, where is that wire, oops.... I forgot the battery, are common phrases mumbled during the installation and removal of pickups. (I would recommend always having a knowledgeable tech do anything that your not sure of.) If you decide to go at it alone, EMG has helped to solve those mumbled phrases. The EMG MJ pickups require no soldering at all. Use of quick connect plug in wiring allows you to install pickups quickly and even swap out pickups when you want. Simply unscrew the pickup screws, unplug the wire from the pickup itself and replace it with any other comparibly sized EMG pickup.
After the installation was complete and a few minor adjustments made (mostly trying to figure out how to get the 9V battery into the control cavity), I spent hours playing these pickups. The knob configuration on this bass is volume, volume, tone. The EMG MJ pickups are active which explains the 9V battery for those of you who may not be too familiar with active pickups. The EMGs have that jazz bass tone that every bassist loves, the sweet "Jaco" bridge tones and the punch of a front jazz pickup. Just imagine the jazz bass tone you love on steroids! As soon as I plugged these in, I could hear how responsive the EMG MJ set is. The array of tones available make this stock mexican jazz bass as worthy as any other bass around.
EMG offers a wide assortment of pickups, Precision, Jazz, PJ, soapbar... you name it. You can even get your pickups in various colors to match that old relic bass. Check out EMG for some great videos, soundclips and all around pickup info.
Sonus Standard 4
Since the early 80's Joe Zon has been a pioneer in the bass world. The name Zon raises the eyebrows of many bassists. Bassists such as Michael Manring, Robert Trujillo and Ray Riendeau are just a few of the many bassists currently playing Zon basses. Advancements in neck and body woods, graphite, use of multiple Hipshot D-tuners as well as magnetic, piezo and laser pickups have made Zon basses an icon in the bass community.
The new Zon Sonus Standard 4 string features select grades of maple with quilted or burl maple veneer tops. Three piece maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. The neck of the Sonus standard is fast and smooth similar to early jazz basses. The Sonus also features a Hipshot bridge, enclosed tuners and two U.S made Duncan Basslines dual coil pickups with a 3 band E.Q. as well as the option to go active or passive. This allows you to reach virtually every bass tone possible. With the option of gloss or satin finish combined with the perfectly balanced Sonus body style makes for a very nice bass.
That being said........... lets get to the point.
Out of the box this bass had action in the range of 2mm from the fretboard with almost no buzz! Both the bridge and tuners work perfectly. The bridge is very user friendly "if" you ever need to make an adjustment. The Basslines pickups sound great and really do provide the ability to get a wide range of tones. Whether you like that jazz bass, precision bass or soapbar tone, the Zon Sonus does it. Placement of both the neck and bridge pickups play a big part in this basses ability to achieve so many tones. The neck pickup is slightly forward for a wonderful p-bass tone whereas the bridge pickup has a sweet jazz bass tone. With zero noise in the studio, we decided to open it up. The circuitry was nicely done with a very nice shielding. Having the proper shielding and ground makes all the difference when it comes to being in the studio. Nobody wants to hear your bass hissing in their headphones.
The attention to fretboard detail was amazing on this bass. This bass featured the gloss finish and let me tell you..... it is glossy. It took our photographer Jazmin, a while just to not have too much glare from the lights during the shoot.
After a total of 30 hours of playing the Zon Sonus, we have come to the conclusion that this bass kicks #@&!
Consistant playability up and down the neck makes techniques such as slap&pop, tapping and chordal playing, almost effortless. This bass also came with Zon bass strings that sounded great. There will be a full review of Zon strings coming soon so check back. Zon now offers the Sonus, Mosaic and Legacy Standard basses in both 4 and 5 string, allowing players a more affordable way to the Zon experience. Zon is also one of the worlds finest custom bass builders and can help you create anything imagineable. The Zon Hyperbass was designed with Michael Manring and features four Hipshot D-tuners. Go to the NorCal BASSIX video section to see Michael Manring in action on the Hyperbass at our last two BASS DAY events and be sure to stop by the Zon website.
For information on submitting review products contact: wadecraver@att.net