97 starfire 2 bass

[zbassman]

I would like to get more tonal variation out of my tone controls instead of adjusting my EQ on my amp all the time. Any one have suggestions on how to modify the original existing electronics to achieve this?

 

[mellowgerman]

A couple of Alembic Superfilters should do the trick :mrgreen:

but on a more serious and realistic note, perhaps something in this direction: http://www.noll-electronic.de/sites_e/tcm_3pm.html

 

[hieronymous]

What kind of adjustments are you making at the amp? What kind of sounds are you going for?

 

[fronobulax]

No ideas - I just live with whatever my Starfire I puts out - but Welcome.

 

[zbassman]

I was thinking of something modified onboard. For example, when i adjust the tone controls there is very little change in tone. My acoustic electric martin and modulus have way more tonal variation. Maybe because they are active and my guild is passive?

 

[fronobulax]

I was thinking of something modified onboard. For example, when i adjust the tone controls there is very little change in tone. My acoustic electric martin and modulus have way more tonal variation. Maybe because they are active and my guild is passive?

I'd say yes - active vs. passive.

My JS II which has Guild humbuckers which I assume are similar, pretty much produces one 'sound'. If I don't want that sound I generally grab another bass instead. I have found that using rounds rather than flats gives some more variation to that one sound but there are definitely limits.

The Bisonic in my Starfire has enough variation that I would not call it just one sound, although it still might be less than what you want.

As much as it pains me to suggest it, I wonder of a Pilot, with active electronics, might be the best Guild bass for you. Maybe one of the Pilot experts (Grot, krysh?) will chime in since they also have vintage Starfires.

 

[mgod]

I would like to get more tonal variation out of my tone controls instead of adjusting my EQ on my amp all the time. Any one have suggestions on how to modify the original existing electronics to achieve this?

It might be worth noting that our progenitor, Mr. Casady, went from lots of controls onboard to almost none. Ultimately there's more tone control in hands and choice of instruments than in electronics.

 

[mellowgerman]

I would like to get more tonal variation out of my tone controls instead of adjusting my EQ on my amp all the time. Any one have suggestions on how to modify the original existing electronics to achieve this?

It might be worth noting that our progenitor, Mr. Casady, went from lots of controls onboard to almost none. Ultimately there's more tone control in hands and choice of instruments than in electronics.

This is an interesting point and I think you're absolutely right to put a significant amount of emphasis on the players touch contributing to the tone.
However, when thinking about the evolution of Jack's setup and sound, I think it's also worth considering the musical context (Hot Tuna now, versus the Airplane in 68). Also, although his bass has gotten simpler, he does now generally use an Aguilar DB 680, a DB 728, and a Bass Pod XT Pro, which arguably is more complex in tone shaping than his amps back in the day, right?

 

[Happy Face]

mgod, please recount the great story and lesson we all should be reminded of now & then. Well, at least me!

(On another topic, hope you saw the Cash tribute talk in the latest Rollng Stone.)

 

[mgod]

mgod, please recount the great story and lesson we all should be reminded of now & then. Well, at least me!

(On another topic, hope you saw the Cash tribute talk in the latest Rollng Stone.)

Hell no, I hate typing that much.

And no, I didn't - Rolling Stone? All I find in there any more is Matt Taibbi. I'll have it search it online.

 

[mgod]

I would like to get more tonal variation out of my tone controls instead of adjusting my EQ on my amp all the time. Any one have suggestions on how to modify the original existing electronics to achieve this?

It might be worth noting that our progenitor, Mr. Casady, went from lots of controls onboard to almost none. Ultimately there's more tone control in hands and choice of instruments than in electronics.

This is an interesting point and I think you're absolutely right to put a significant amount of emphasis on the players touch contributing to the tone.
However, when thinking about the evolution of Jack's setup and sound, I think it's also worth considering the musical context (Hot Tuna now, versus the Airplane in 68). Also, although his bass has gotten simpler, he does now generally use an Aguilar DB 680, a DB 728, and a Bass Pod XT Pro, which arguably is more complex in tone shaping than his amps back in the day, right?

No, I disagree completely. My guess is he uses a Bas Pod (horrors!) for fuzz and effects. But his basic tone would still be mostly hands, not Aguilar.