Making $100 Bass Sound Like a $1000 Bass

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ต.ค. 2022
  • So I've been wanting to post more 4 string bass content on my channel for a little while now, but have never had a good sounding 4 string bass to use, so I decided instead trying to buy one and spend over $1000 I thought I'd take a cheap $100 4 string bass that I had in the closet and make it sound like a $1000 bass.
    Huge thanks to my friend Justin Cobb for helping me with this!
    Check out his channel | @neoguitarconcepts20
    EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO
    Donner DPB-510 - BASS
    www.donnerdeal.com
    DiMarzio Relentless Pickups
    www.dimarzio.com/pickups/stan...
    / dimarzioinc
    dimarzioinc?igs...
    Lusithand Double NFP Preamp
    lusithanddevices.com/
    / shop_tab
    / lusithandevices
    Rotosound Stainless Steel Strings
    imp.i114863.net/2rZn67
    Chrome Metal Knobs
    imp.i114863.net/rnYjKv
    Music Nomad Guitar Tools Kit
    imp.i114863.net/Xx7zeX
    Fret Oil
    imp.i114863.net/mgYxmM
    Let me know in the comments if you can hear the difference!
    Thanks for watching!
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    Music in this video
    Retro Toaster Oven by Mikey Geiger | UOPM7W61VFAPE3HK
    Milkyway Saloon by Kristian Leo | PMDRF2KCUWST2EIY
    Arkansaw by Fleece Mob | MS9ERYWDYUPOCN8F
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    Bellion by She Breezie | OMBOYD02LEFVNI0K
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  • แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต

ความคิดเห็น • 747

  • @markusm108
    @markusm108 ปีที่แล้ว +249

    The 'before' actually did sound a lot better. The upgraded version sounds much more scooped - more top end and bass but also sounding much more muddy. Maybe it plays better now but those original pickups were a better fit to the body than the new ones imo.

    • @darkfox2401
      @darkfox2401 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It also sounds like its picking up more sounds from the body after the re-work.

    • @taliesinmusic
      @taliesinmusic 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      definitely not scooped. Might be your headphones, there's more crispy high end and the low has more clarity as if its edges have been sharpened. The earlier pickups had no definition between the lows and low mids so it sounds flatter, and more like a mumble - that's what I call muddy.

    • @cyborgchimpy
      @cyborgchimpy 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@taliesinmusic TH-cam bitrate is 256.

    • @NousSpeak
      @NousSpeak 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yeah, way too bright.

    • @joymonger69420
      @joymonger69420 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      1. He didn't use EQ at all, we don't know how would it sound in other positions (some EQs have 0db at 0% and some at 50%).
      2. The more hardware you use, the more important pickup quality is. There is a lot less noises in DiMarzio
      3. DiMarzio is not the best choice for a bass guitar. For electric they are great. Fender, Aguilar, Seymour or MEC are main to go.

  • @jeffreywells6573
    @jeffreywells6573 ปีที่แล้ว +397

    I personally am not a huge fan of preamps, I prefer a more passive tone but I will say that it definitely helped the tone tremendously. Those DiMarzio pickups are gorgeous and really sound great!!

    • @ryananthony4840
      @ryananthony4840 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Dimarzio is the best! However, I really like the seymour duncan quarter pounders when it comes to bass

    • @buffkangaroodog
      @buffkangaroodog ปีที่แล้ว +13

      I think Ibanez does their preamp well. It enhances the sound rather than changing it (mostly it just allows for their EQ and mids selector)

    • @bassyey
      @bassyey ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How do you record? You're likely plugging to a preamp. There will be EQ somewhere there, whether you like it or not.

    • @jeffreywells6573
      @jeffreywells6573 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I was referring to the preamp on my bass, not preamps in general. My bass has a preamp but it also has a toggle switch where I can switch between active or passive tones. I prefer a more passive tone. If I want an EQ, I'll adjust my amp.

    • @aaronocelot
      @aaronocelot ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@buffkangaroodog but it's still a battery sucking flat-sounding onboard preamp. I have no love for them. I have no love for that half-charged battery sound either.

  • @larneyshah4563
    @larneyshah4563 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Now turn a $1000 bass and turn it into a $100 bass

  • @jockojohn3294
    @jockojohn3294 ปีที่แล้ว +434

    Only way I know to make both these bases sound the same is to drop them from a third story balcony to a concrete sidewalk below. My guess is the sound each makes is pretty darn close........

    • @Chilla81
      @Chilla81 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      😂😂😂

    • @MrClassicmetal
      @MrClassicmetal ปีที่แล้ว +30

      The one with an alder body would make a more balanced sound, with equal doses of lows, mids and highs when it hits the concrete.
      While the mahogany bodied bass sounds more musical, with a warm sounding crash that sustains more.

    • @tednugentlives
      @tednugentlives ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MrClassicmetal yep

    • @tednugentlives
      @tednugentlives ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Sometimes a "good" cheapie gets out of the factory..ive seen it. (My E7 squier) and a 50 DOLLAR "trinity river" Chinese knock off. But its easier to get a selfie with a unicorn.

    • @AtomizedSound
      @AtomizedSound ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That’s cute. You’re funny, so funny

  • @NMbass906
    @NMbass906 ปีที่แล้ว +146

    That's awesome I had no idea you guys were buds. I've been watching both of you for a few months now lol. This is the crossover episode I didn't know I needed!

    • @cliffpurcell6363
      @cliffpurcell6363 ปีที่แล้ว

      My daughter-in-law, Rachel Wammack, introduced me to both you guys. She pointed me your direction, Travis, years ago because of your collaborative work. After I built her a guitar, she told me I needed to familiarize myself with Justin’s work at NEO- she was right! Y’all do killer work, and this video was a fun study in the modding business. I wish you both well!

  • @bigjohnson7415
    @bigjohnson7415 ปีที่แล้ว +88

    To me, if the pickup didn't need a preamp, the pickup itself would have made a huge difference.

    • @Funkbass85
      @Funkbass85 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The bigger issue with $100 basses IMO is playability. Cheap necks with very bad fret work kills tone and playability.

    • @user-xf8is8qs2w
      @user-xf8is8qs2w 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@Funkbass85 A few simple procedures would expose any neck/fret defects. One of the first things I always check on a new bass, is the neck bow. On some cheaper basses, the truss rod doesn't extend far enough along the whole neck, which causes the neck to be completely flat from the 12th fret to the heel.

    • @ramencurry6672
      @ramencurry6672 หลายเดือนก่อน

      True. Get a good neck or fret level. Possible that the tuners a may not even need to be replaced. Even the nut may not need replacement

    • @user-xf8is8qs2w
      @user-xf8is8qs2w หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@Funkbass85 I bought a new Ibanez GSR200 for $185 from Guitar Center. I ALWAYS check the neck for bow, and flatness after the 12th fret. The one I bought HAD NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER. Not all basses are the same. The only thing I replaced, were the pickups, which I removed, and then installed a PJ pair of Dimarzio's, which I already had removed from an older Ibanez bass. The bass sounds awesome.

    • @karenzarate_bass
      @karenzarate_bass 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@user-xf8is8qs2wImma bout to do the exact same thing, just because i love the softness of my $400 ibanez, EMG 40 pups for me

  • @budizen3104
    @budizen3104 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    I have been modding basses for over 40 years. One thing I have learned is that if the basic platform doesn't sound all that good, throwing money at it is just a waste. My rule of thumb is that if the bass was originally passive, keep it passive. P basses are a known quantity in the studio. If you change the pickups AND add a preamp, you no longer have a standard P bass. I love Rotos but not on a P Bass because when you consider the classic P Bass sound in the hands of trad. players (Jamerson comes to mind immediately), bright Rotos are the antithesis of what that sound is. As one other person here said, I didn't learn how to make a $100 bass sound like a $1000 bass, but I did learn how to throw money at a cheap bass to make it sound like a more expensive cheap bass.

    • @RogerSanGabriel
      @RogerSanGabriel ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I agree but sometime one needs content.

    • @fonzworthbentley7455
      @fonzworthbentley7455 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I put Seymour Duncans into a cheap Squier Affinity and it sounded so much better

    • @brunoraffo6726
      @brunoraffo6726 ปีที่แล้ว

      To me a must do is put a real bone nut.

    • @budizen3104
      @budizen3104 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@brunoraffo6726 Why is that? Just curious. I don't think I have ever had to change a nut unless it broke.

    • @brunoraffo6726
      @brunoraffo6726 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@budizen3104 Bone is way harder than plastic. You don't need a soft material that dampens the vibration of the string. Great Spanish guitars use bone nuts even today.

  • @larrytaylor5222
    @larrytaylor5222 ปีที่แล้ว +101

    After you did the comparison of before and after, you should have done a comparison of the new bass vs one of your $1,000 5 string basses. That would of lead to a good price comparison for sure, none the less, great video 🔥

    • @larrytaylor5222
      @larrytaylor5222 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      @@davidwang1326 it’s literally the title of the video 😅 I’m saying that as a way of comparing the two.

    • @last808
      @last808 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would have liked to have heard the Donner properly set up without the added electronics.

  • @andyhamm6389
    @andyhamm6389 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    There is a real dip in the mid range after the mods, the low end is more prominent and the top end is too bright. I'd have to say that the before was a more workable tone. You should have moved the jack to make more space for the preamp if you wanted to go that way.

    • @damiandoherty8183
      @damiandoherty8183 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Yeah - I'm glad I'm not the only one - I actually preferred the tone of the bass pre-mod - much more balanced and spread across the range. Having said that, I'm sure a bit of time dialing in the pre-amp and the tone controls of your amp would help.

    • @RobVespa
      @RobVespa 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ...or routed? The pickguard will cover changes. Additional or a different style of pickups could've been added or placed in a different area. There are a lot of possibilities.

  • @danielhdz.643
    @danielhdz.643 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    You could have replaced the blend knob with a fixed value resistor and get more space inside the cavity.

    • @forkless
      @forkless ปีที่แล้ว +21

      ...and not run the risk of having a rogue pot making all sorts of noises when it gets dislodged.

    • @Steve-mp7by
      @Steve-mp7by ปีที่แล้ว +5

      remove the pot and use jumper wires. A resistor is not needed

    • @forkless
      @forkless ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Steve-mp7by He literally said in the video that he wanted it to be 100% blended with the other pot, ergo you do need the resistor. No resistor=No blend

    • @Steve-mp7by
      @Steve-mp7by ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@forkless Oh well I see you know nothing about electronics. I guess ignorance is bliss

    • @forkless
      @forkless ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Steve-mp7by Resistance of a piece of copper wire is effectively 0 Ohm, a potentiometer however depending on the type used (for guitars) while fully extended is somewhere between 250k and 500k Ohm. Like it is stated in the video he uses the pot at 100% for blending purposes, ergo 250k (or 500k) Ohm resistance.
      So you tell me, where is that 250k-500kOhm for the desired blend coming from?

  • @hunterhelfrich1270
    @hunterhelfrich1270 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Definitely a lot more articulate with the new electronics, not only that, those pickups look amazing!! Great video 🤘

    • @TeIegram_Pask_Makes
      @TeIegram_Pask_Makes ปีที่แล้ว

      👆👆👆,.
      Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, expect more videos.
      (Text me above to claim your prize).

  • @andrewblawson
    @andrewblawson ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I converted a 2003 Squier P Bass to a PJ with Seymore Duncan's and a maple neck, and a badass bridge, and it's become my main instrument. Modding is great!

  • @1funkyangel
    @1funkyangel ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your videos Brotha Travis ! Always fun and enlightening !! :)

  • @jdmafparts5585
    @jdmafparts5585 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Hey bro! Whatever you're doing with this video is working, as I haven't seen your channel before and got it in my recommended.
    That being said, super helpful video as I'm restringing/refreshing my Ibanez SR805 for the first time as someone who is normally a drummer. Keep it up man!

  • @vladimirkirillovskiy8056
    @vladimirkirillovskiy8056 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I'm surprised that you kept the bridge, that is the first thing I would change. As well, I would add shielding, as it is cheap and simple.

    • @hoth2112
      @hoth2112 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That was my first thought too. Replacing the stock bridge for a Badass II would be a must imo

    • @Sharpened_Spoon
      @Sharpened_Spoon ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I mean.. “guitar builder” and doesn’t just route the cavity for the electronics. My expectations weren’t too high.

  • @edsfkna
    @edsfkna ปีที่แล้ว +13

    You could put a switch in place of the blend and it would act as mute. And they make battery boxes that you could install on the back of the body and have access to the battery easily.

    • @cameronfrost3225
      @cameronfrost3225 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yep. Hiding the battery behind the pickguard is regrettable.

    • @markdavis4754
      @markdavis4754 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cameronfrost3225 I was thinking the same thing however I get the feeling that the video was to make the mods as easy as possible. Personally I would not have bothered with the active preamp and used the money to upgrade the bridge and machine heads.

  • @D0peSince85
    @D0peSince85 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cool to watch the process

  • @SirArturia
    @SirArturia 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I was surprised that Justin didn't consider routing in a battery box onto the rear of the right cut and then drill a 1/8" hole through the battery box cavity into the pickup cavity for the battery box wiring. It's a one time install but now you have a convenient way to change your batteries. Also it looks clean AF! I only say this because I learned how to do it and though it takes a bit of effort to do, the work is worth it overall. So much so that I installed a battery box into every active bass & guitar I own that did not have one already. Also I despise trying to fish a battery out from underneath the pickguard! XD

  • @lawrenceholmes55
    @lawrenceholmes55 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey man your base sounds great now it always pays the upgrade your base especially when you know you need to I have a few bases myself that need upgrading and looking at your video has expired me to get the job done thanks man

  • @kds58
    @kds58 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ha! I love how the upgrades also made your pocket deeper on it!

  • @mythcrab6047
    @mythcrab6047 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I grabbed a 70s Aria Japan lawsuit P bass for $125. Went through the same process to restore it with a nice wiring harness and some Fralin pickups. It's almost indistinguishable from my 70s Fender P.

    • @jamescharlesl7662
      @jamescharlesl7662 ปีที่แล้ว

      His trading income stream is mind blowing, I also trade with him . I've made $62,000 so far trading with his guidance/advice .

    • @possibly8180
      @possibly8180 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Wack ass bots lmao

    • @tednugentlives
      @tednugentlives ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yessir that is the best way..those appreciate in value also..70s Ibanez , matsumoku, vantage, electra, even some harmony and hondos were MIJ. Seek and ye shall find..

    • @tednugentlives
      @tednugentlives ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes a bot got in here 🤣 lmao. Stocks anyone?

    • @stephenhookings1985
      @stephenhookings1985 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I genuinely thought they were talking about the guitar ...

  • @brettolson8397
    @brettolson8397 ปีที่แล้ว

    The bright tone on the finished product sounds great

  • @MadJackF1
    @MadJackF1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I modded out my Donner DPB-510 with a complete rewire (CTS, SwitchCraft & Sprague) and an AlNiCo V pickup. I also did something similar for the frets and fretboard, I went just a tad further by radiusing the edges of the fretboard just a hair. I used an extra fine sanding sponge. Makes the edges just a little more comfortable, like a well work fretboard.
    I also have another bass that uses an active preamp. The blend knob was on it's own lead from the master board. I just removed the blend pot and wired directly to the lead. I'm not sure if you could do that with the Lusithand preamp, but it worked fine on my active bass.

  • @beatrocka5
    @beatrocka5 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Seems like a lot of work to put into an inexpensive bass to attempt to improve it, but I understand that if a person is into tinkering it can be a fun project. Me, I just gotta save for the one I really want. Nice, Travis.

    • @andrewlong7578
      @andrewlong7578 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cost isn't everything. If it's a really good player or happens to sound really good that would matter more but given what was changed it would seem to be neither in this case.

  • @LUISPEREZ-vd3cz
    @LUISPEREZ-vd3cz ปีที่แล้ว +5

    How about making vid of how frequencies work and how to blend them ?
    How hand technique in the mid range changes the whole sound of bass?

  • @dustinkeller8476
    @dustinkeller8476 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Amazing video! Thank you.

  • @user-xf8is8qs2w
    @user-xf8is8qs2w 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The problem with radiused pickups, is that they don't always match the radius of the neck at the heel (or 20th/21st fret), which leads to unbalanced volume between the strings. I put a Dimarzio Standard PJ set into my bass, and adjusted the individual pole screws (use an allen wrench) of each pickup to match the radius of the neck at the heel of my bass. Nice balanced volume over both pickups. I love DiMarzio pickups...they have a nice "growl" to them when the master volume(s)are turned all the way up. Also, don't forget to adjust the bridge saddles to match the radius of the neck heel.

  • @sending2ormore45
    @sending2ormore45 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice work. I have considered a project precision with a preamp. Things I have considered is replacing the tone control with a stacked pot for high/low on the preamp without having to drill another hole in the pick guard. Another though was possibly using a push/pull pot on the volume as a passive/active switch. Listening to the before and after sounds of your mod I think I would use a boost only preamp. The EMG BTC is interesting with the stacked knobs and preamp built into it.

  • @scotthamilton3163
    @scotthamilton3163 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was amazing. Love it

  • @terran3276
    @terran3276 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video. I had the same situation. I was given a FREE bass that retailed. for $100 or less. It is a Hamer Slammer P Bass. Since the bass was free I decided to do the same thing. Do a conversion to bring it up to par with my other higher ended basses. P Bass is a passive instrument so I wanted to keep it passive. I researched what I needed and brought an Emerson pre-wired electronic harness and replaced the pickups with SD quarter pounders. I brought an actual fender P Bass pick guard and gave it all the pieces to a Fender Certified luthier locally here. He installed all what I brought. After he was finished I took it home and plugged it in my amp and turned the amp up to 10. No buzz or hum noises at all. It Sounds and plays great and I spent $260.00 for everything. It is a fun bass to play. You dont have to spend $1000.00 and above to get a good bass if you take the time. Thanks T.

  • @carbonvibes
    @carbonvibes ปีที่แล้ว

    My ears are getting a much deeper and full sound after the upgrade. Sounds really nice. 👍🏻

  • @johnathanbrabham3241
    @johnathanbrabham3241 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You could gone with a middle of the road bass $400 - $500 double pickup bass and good set of strings( why Roto Sounds)?

  • @darrenokrain7058
    @darrenokrain7058 ปีที่แล้ว +147

    Travis is an amazing player that will make any bass sound fantastic. Unfortunately the only was to make $100 bass sound even better is to make it a $500 bass with upgrades.

    • @sortextheguy
      @sortextheguy ปีที่แล้ว

      Thats $500 less, but i get what you mean

    • @MrNeroDiablo
      @MrNeroDiablo ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@sortextheguy Without putting any value on Justin's time or knowledge, although to his credit he did say it was easier to just go buy a higher end instrument. Which would have less risk of will it work or not.

  • @robertbright2057
    @robertbright2057 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    After the upgrade there’s definitely more punch and output nice job.

  • @deandee8082
    @deandee8082 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    yea thats nice, I do this to the good squier strats, the NC's with 60's style necks.. they sound GREAT

  • @steveceo8447
    @steveceo8447 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've got the Lusithand Double NFP in my Jazz Bass paired with Dimarzio Area J pickups, love the options for tones it provides

  • @bobbyseelye92
    @bobbyseelye92 ปีที่แล้ว

    sounds way brighter! cool video.

  • @powerforward1955
    @powerforward1955 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The difference is unquestionable. My one concern is replacing the battery-looks like it could be a real chore. …wish I had a bud to help me with such a project.

  • @CL_Audio_Tuning
    @CL_Audio_Tuning 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Here's my take on this situation, you get the 100 bass, 300 worth of upgrades, and the difference to the 1000, put it towards a good multieffects unit or a good amp and you're done! Better spent budget if you ask me. The inexpensive instruments are getting better and better with each passing month, so its probably well wroth it!

  • @4EverLearning757
    @4EverLearning757 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video!
    I did a similar thing by putting a third pick up on my jazz bass up by the neck. I wanted the versatility of a Strat on my jazz bass.
    Thanks for doing this video.

  • @Daddy53751
    @Daddy53751 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    As a builder, I’ve discovered a couple of things.
    As long as the neck and the fretwork is good, and the body is also good,
    You have 80% of everything you need.
    Decent pots (wired well) and average tuners are also perfectly fine.
    Now about the never ending battle of pickups.
    I’ve made a study of taking the absolute cheapest PUs and potting and experimenting with changing out the magnets,
    (Neodymium are my favorite with different sizes which really changes the sound depending on the size)
    What I also found was you can make some of the cheapest PUs sound amazing!
    (Of course this only applies to passive PUs, and not active)
    Ive come to the conclusion that IMO the lions share of the sometimes ungodly prices of really “high end” PUs is mostly brand name hype.
    My favorite “secret” which is actually no secret at all, but everyone raves about is this,
    As a final step, tape off the fretboard
    (If you don’t you’ll spend forever getting the compound off)
    and take a dremmel with a polishing wheel, and mirror polish the frets.
    Seems like such small and insignificant thing but it feels fantastic!
    Aside from “name” price hikes (I’m talking to you Gibson)
    Most of the cost of high end, especially custom made guitars and basses comes down to the man hours put into the attention to detail.
    The quest for “as close to perfect as possible” is nit picking and time consuming, but really fun.

    • @stephenhookings1985
      @stephenhookings1985 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've not tried potting but it on my wish list. I tend to just use EMG active pickups - no noise. 100% agree with you.

    • @Daddy53751
      @Daddy53751 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@stephenhookings1985 try it out with some cheapie eBay pickups and paraffin wax, you’ll like the results. 👍🏻

    • @stephenhookings1985
      @stephenhookings1985 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Daddy53751 I have a plethora of pickups front my guitars and basses (taken apart on my channel). From what I see I need a stove, some wax, a lot of patience :-). I am quite happy with the EMGs - I guess potting these things reduced the microphonic but I still have to shield. And I find that OK except it takes me an age. Dropping in a quiet at rest pickup ... about the same time as a noisy pickup. But agree - it would likely be fun - even with today's energy prices. Do it after a BBQ cookout:-)

  • @judih.8754
    @judih.8754 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have that Relentless Pick Up ready to install in my Yamaha Bass. BTW: Love the red 911 in the shop!

  • @KeithCopeland778
    @KeithCopeland778 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    NICE!!!! The upgrades definitely added more presence and output!

  • @geoffkeeler5106
    @geoffkeeler5106 ปีที่แล้ว

    Big improvement, more of everything. Money well spent!

  • @samuelboucher1454
    @samuelboucher1454 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As soon as his dad started speaking with that thick Southern accent, I knew everything would work in the end.

  • @ericstrauch3215
    @ericstrauch3215 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The upgrades are great. Sounds ten times better. My question is...How did the playability/feeling of the bass change after the neck/fret upgrades?

  • @nozzlegoblin1
    @nozzlegoblin1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I love this kind of thing. How do you change the battery?

  • @madatlas3806
    @madatlas3806 ปีที่แล้ว

    DiMarzio pickups are the tops. I'm eyeballing a set of PJs for my Ibanez GSR190, just saving up for them.

  • @scottmatthews172
    @scottmatthews172 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    If you have a good enough platform then it's worth the upgrade.
    Awesome demo and nice playing.
    You make that bass sound great.

  • @londonsofttissuetherapy
    @londonsofttissuetherapy ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great work. Love the pre amp addition but boy is that battery going to be a nightmare to change.

  • @joewehner9837
    @joewehner9837 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was a really fun video!

  • @krishnajayaputra6566
    @krishnajayaputra6566 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the passive tone✌️😌

  • @Thepuffingyank
    @Thepuffingyank ปีที่แล้ว +1

    personally i don't like arrangements where your only recourse to change a dead battery is to remove every one of those screws, take off the strings, pull everything out, change the battery, then put everything back.
    in my 58 years i have done one remodel of a bass, trust me it needed it desperately cuz whoever had had before me had done some "improvements" a 4 string fender jazz bullet bass. emg pickups. i went to buy it. the guy said it would require some work which is why the price was what it was. so i bought it. and took it home with a pack of new strings and a battery. me an my musician friend carefully took it apart, only to discover the massive understatement 'some work' was. for a ground they had taken a bunch of insulated wireand had carefully wrapped as much around itself as possible, next, they soldered the battery in, no on off switch, and their choice of hot glue to hold the battery in place was commendable.
    so we cut the 2 miles of wire out de-soldered all the connections and completely redid the insides including adding an on of switch and putting a chromeed battery compartment thats accessed from the back
    almost all the holes for the faceplate, striped, so they got puttied and redrilled.
    Thanks whoever did all those things sure did a wonderful thing
    i bet it played like crap though
    unfortunately, the neck was warped and no amount of truss rod adjustments would satisfy its need. by that happy time came around i actually enjoyed playing it. but sadly i was going back to calif and i was not going to be able to play my bass for months so i sold it to my friend
    my message about this is; make changes to your bass, that make sense to you. then have fun playing it

  • @jonofrye2394
    @jonofrye2394 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Travis, Interesting video again thanks! Could a passive pickup have made the grade - a lot less hassle and how long does the battery last as it is a bit of a job changing it over as the pickguard will have to be removed? Cheers Jon (Australia).

  • @javadog6288
    @javadog6288 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So what was the total cost of the preamp, pickup, strings and knobs? What do you think the labor cost would be to have a technician install them and redo the setup? Also, anybody with a two pickup bass is going to have to cough up another 100-200 dollars for the second one. You may need a new tone capacitor and while you're at it , put in an upgraded output jack like the Pure Tone. All those costs add up fast.

  • @checkeredpast2720
    @checkeredpast2720 ปีที่แล้ว

    Definitely a lot brighter sound!

  • @bazerkly907
    @bazerkly907 ปีที่แล้ว

    I agree with Jeff regarding Pre-amps! Amps not only amplify the "Good stuff" but they also amplify the "Bad stuff"...

  • @Dmeekification
    @Dmeekification 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for this video it was cool! You said the preamp made a big difference… did it go from passive to active? I have a bass that has an active EQ (and passive pickups), and I keep reading conflicting information saying that if I don’t plan to use the tone knobs for boosting or cutting and leave them flat, that it’s not really going to benefit me to upgrade my preamp (some say a upgraded preamp will make a difference no matter what)… all I know is that I feel like my bass isn’t giving the sound I want, but when it’s unplugged, I can tell it sounds good naturally. Thanks!

  • @JBass_86
    @JBass_86 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Hey! I wonder why making a battery hole in the back wasn't an option and also moving the jack to the bottom and using the jack hole in the pickguard to put the tone knob, so you don't have to jam everything inside that tiny space. Anyway, I loved the video and love the sound of those new pickups!

    • @judih.8754
      @judih.8754 ปีที่แล้ว

      My thought as well. Move that Jack. Very simple to drill the hole.

  • @camcook262
    @camcook262 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love it, man!

    • @TravisDykes
      @TravisDykes  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much Cam! Means a lot coming from you.

  • @wallacebarnett9208
    @wallacebarnett9208 ปีที่แล้ว

    It def helped the tone and made it sound beefier....like it

  • @colomblanco
    @colomblanco ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I use steel wool directly on the frets and the wood too. The steel wool doesn't hurt the wood unless it's a polished maple.

    • @TeIegram_Pask_Makes
      @TeIegram_Pask_Makes ปีที่แล้ว

      👆👆👆,.
      Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, expect more videos.
      (Text me above to claim your prize).

  • @DervishNagval
    @DervishNagval ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think the success of the experiment can be seen after testing with a live band. Because in the pocket the bass can get lost and have less stability of the "operating frequencies"

  • @TKOMUSIC405
    @TKOMUSIC405 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That bass sounds so amazing

  • @b.ewoolcock7755
    @b.ewoolcock7755 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I did a similar move with a Rogue XL200B. at the time it was $99. the pickups were $200 but on sale for $125 sooo..why not?
    It was an interesting project and the bass sounded a lot better but not something I would do again. I would just opt for a better bass.
    Love your work sir!

  • @Raytown007
    @Raytown007 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The clarity and output is such better with the new pickups. But you can hear the low quality wood of the bass in how it resonates.

  • @johnnyscript9669
    @johnnyscript9669 ปีที่แล้ว

    awesome bro! I see you from Colombia

  • @YichenWang
    @YichenWang ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I just LOVE, like I really LOVE making a cheap guitar/bass into a prestige one by installing a bunch of super expansive parts. It's just my guilty pleasure. I've done this on my Squier and a cheap Gibson. And it feels goooood!

  • @aarsyl
    @aarsyl ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Looks awesome! Except for when that battery dies. That's gotta be a fun time

  • @johnclement7473
    @johnclement7473 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sounds awesome man I also have a cheap Dean bass which is in excellent condition but also needs to be set up and get a good pair strings on it to how good it could sound.

  • @freednighthawk
    @freednighthawk 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    For the blend control, what you want to do is jumper the signal in and signal out for the neck pickup, and singal in and ground for bridge. Then you can get rid of the blend pot kicking around inside the guitar.

  • @marc942
    @marc942 ปีที่แล้ว

    When the drummer/engineer decides to pick up his bass and get serious, the perfect vid pops up to motivate my desires. Now if I can just find the time to push away from the mountain of DAW work. 😊 Great information for us newbies. 🎉

  • @AtomizedSound
    @AtomizedSound ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The preamp beefed it up a little tone wise but that’s about the only thing I believe changed overall

  • @DavidMcbrady
    @DavidMcbrady ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Travis- I play a stand up 5 string BSX Bass Allegro model that uses individual transducers under each string inside the bridge as it's means of producing sound. The question I have to you is could you recommend a pedal, or if not a pedal, a combo amplifier that you think would work well to get that wirery fuzzy thump sound that magnetic pickup basses have and less roar in the back of the room sound. Is it a matter of a better EQ? Or is the sound just a thing that comes with transducers?. Thank you sir

  • @derekpierkowski7641
    @derekpierkowski7641 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thought I was gonna learn how to make a $100 bass sound like a $1000 dollar bass . Some kinda rewinding of the pick-ups or something.
    I did learn how to turn a $ 100 bass into a $400+ dollar bass!

    • @buffkangaroodog
      @buffkangaroodog ปีที่แล้ว +2

      For real, this doesn’t sound like a $1k bass. Honestly it doesn’t even sound all that good for what it costs. Definitely better, but I would take a $5-600 Ibanez or especially a Sire over this. And if you look used? Forget it

  • @righty-o3585
    @righty-o3585 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It sounds much brighter. Like you put new strings on, except from the inside. If that makes sense

  • @902MediaUK
    @902MediaUK ปีที่แล้ว

    dope project

  • @stevefiorito5379
    @stevefiorito5379 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Yeah, more clarity and definition post mod. I bought a used Chinese Made Fender Squire 50th anniversary P-Bass. I changed the pickups as you did, I left all of that passive, I installed a hipshot bridge system, and I insulated the electronics with copper foil. Sounds great ... not bad for a $100 guitar plus mods ($120). Most important: the neck is amazing! Very playable.

  • @ivan_osorio
    @ivan_osorio ปีที่แล้ว

    changing that battery is going to be wonderful... hopefully you never forget this plugged in.

  • @zapinguin01
    @zapinguin01 ปีที่แล้ว

    Actually that stock Donner kinda slaps!! Does it feel okay to hold?
    (I think the onboard pre and new strings gave it that sparkle)

  • @nativeprophet3915
    @nativeprophet3915 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Coolest dudes ever. Also I want a Travis Dykes Signature Bass from NEO Guitar Concepts 💎

  • @MrDucehands
    @MrDucehands ปีที่แล้ว

    Quite a difference. A bit more jazz bridge pickup only sounding to my ear. As well as a bit more treble than I’m accustomed to but really nice job. Add some overdrive and that a rock bad sleeper

  • @uncledrew2334
    @uncledrew2334 ปีที่แล้ว

    That thumbnail though🔥🔥

  • @kalebrodriguez2126
    @kalebrodriguez2126 ปีที่แล้ว

    GREAT content

  • @waltermorgenroth7872
    @waltermorgenroth7872 ปีที่แล้ว

    bro the mandolin in the background music goes so hard

  • @Slugg-O
    @Slugg-O 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm a DIY'r so I'll go with the underdog every time. This my seem weird but I like knowing that I MADE that sound. Plus, it's great to tweak it until it plays like butter

  • @TedCurran
    @TedCurran ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's worth the money to do these kinds of upgrades if you're sure you're going to play it for a long time. Nobody is going to buy a $100 Donner bass from you for much more than $100, so the money you added into it really doesn't increase its market value. That said, it makes it a nice donation or gift to a young player coming up, or as a decent backup bass. Also a fun learning experience to pop the hood on your player instrument to see what you can improve without worrying about ruining a truly nice instrument.

  • @JohnstownJohnny
    @JohnstownJohnny ปีที่แล้ว

    u da man! tks! 🤠

  • @oscarestrada72oe
    @oscarestrada72oe ปีที่แล้ว

    Sounds good ❤

  • @wusundowma
    @wusundowma ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I get compliments all the time for the tone of my Fender Bronco (less than $200, brand new) - and I’ve never changed the strings.
    If you play music with a 50’s - 70’s sound, you’ll find that “cheap” with the tone rolled down is actually a very good sound.

  • @matthewjohnson7984
    @matthewjohnson7984 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great vid!

  • @nicolasgibbons4683
    @nicolasgibbons4683 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I found this really awesome way to make all of your instruments sound a lot better and it doesn’t cost anything! Practice.

  • @donaldromero4999
    @donaldromero4999 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great vid. I bought cheap squire affinity bass p bass on eBay for 90 dollars. The neck was bowed and could not get it straight. So I replaced it with a mighty mite maple jazz neck and added EMG bass pick ups, I routed a battery case to the back with a dremmel so I don’t have to remove the pick guard to change the battery. It plays and sounds great. The weight is lighter than a traditional p bass. Other bass players can’t seem to put it down after playing it. I eventually replaced the stock tuners with fender highway and Wilkinson brass bridge. I put about $300 in up grades. I learned set up and parts replacement on you tube, If you have a cheap bass, upgrade it yourself. Save money and have some fun. Become your guitar tech. I enjoyed the video

  • @gerson7998
    @gerson7998 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have 2 Squier basses. One fretted(5) and one fretless(4). I installed DiMarzios on both, then I got custom passive electronics, better hardware and they sound very very nice 👌! All under $800 each including the basses!😉! Plus is just a lot of fun doing it!😃!

  • @holstorrsceadus1990
    @holstorrsceadus1990 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm about to redo an old Cort 4 string. I've modded a ton of guitars but I know nothing about who makes good gear for basses so I'm just going to do all the mods in this video. Thanks.

  • @ronniefarnsworth6465
    @ronniefarnsworth6465 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    First thing a Badass bridge, that is the name of the company for the "Youts" out there !!
    All Geddy Lee's Fenders have a Badass bridge or a Fender copy of it !!

  • @timothyramseybass2874
    @timothyramseybass2874 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would love a TDykes signature bass honestly.

  • @ooj316
    @ooj316 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Might I suggest an ohmmeter... The blend pot is a variable resistor which you could desolder and replace with a standard resistor after measuring the pot since you don't need the blend knob. You can go crazy and hollow out some more wood to make room with a drill press and chisel set but I understand why that would make a lot of people nervous.

    • @Gosuminer
      @Gosuminer 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Same what I wanted to write. A pot turned fully to one side is just a direct connection on one side and a resistor on the other. This takes no space at all.

  • @johnpitts8637
    @johnpitts8637 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good work

  • @reyesrodriguez2779
    @reyesrodriguez2779 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, I’ve upgraded my bass from 1 volume and 1 tone to a four knobs system. Volume, High, Mid, Bass, and it’s active. So I added a EX3 (3 position switch) to this system and the sound improve a lot more, and I want to add something else but I’m not sure what else to add. My question is, What potentiometers, blender, kill-switch or volume is suitable for this system? I’ll be great full for any advice, thanks