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Jonathan Wong 458 Music
Приєднався 23 бер 2013
Jonathan Wong is a physician and multi-instrumentalist based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Undeterred by an underlying autoimmune connective tissue disease that has severely impacted his life, Jonathan channels residual energy into producing music to raise money for various causes.
To learn more, please visit: jonathanwong.bandcamp.com
To learn more, please visit: jonathanwong.bandcamp.com
Warmoth short scale bass build Ep.2: Prep & Saman Turquoise stain (water based)!
In this unsponsored video series, I will be building a Warmoth short scale bass with a double reverse P config and a reverse headstock!
Please see episode 1 for details about the build:
ua-cam.com/video/KM5cIwaKdfM/v-deo.html
In episode 2, I will be prepping the alder body for stain. This involves sanding away all the rougher spots in the cavities and a light overall sand. We will also be discussing the role of pre-stain conditioners. Let's go!
00:00 Intro
00:26 Leland Sklar
00:57 Rough spots
02:33 Hand sanding
06:12 Disclaimer
07:01 More sanding
10:18 Clean rag wipe down
10:49 Darker areas...
11:21 Saman water based stains
14:05 Let's stain it turquoise!
jonathanwong.bandcamp.com
Please see episode 1 for details about the build:
ua-cam.com/video/KM5cIwaKdfM/v-deo.html
In episode 2, I will be prepping the alder body for stain. This involves sanding away all the rougher spots in the cavities and a light overall sand. We will also be discussing the role of pre-stain conditioners. Let's go!
00:00 Intro
00:26 Leland Sklar
00:57 Rough spots
02:33 Hand sanding
06:12 Disclaimer
07:01 More sanding
10:18 Clean rag wipe down
10:49 Darker areas...
11:21 Saman water based stains
14:05 Let's stain it turquoise!
jonathanwong.bandcamp.com
Переглядів: 750
Відео
Warmoth Short Scale Bass Build Ep.1: Specs & Parts, double P & reverse headstock!
Переглядів 1,5 тис.19 годин тому
In this unsponsored video series, we will go step by step in a custom Warmoth short scale bass build! In episode 1, we will discuss the specs of the bass and the unique features including the double reverse P pickup configuration, the reverse headstock that will allow the use of full scale strings as well as the other parts that will be going into the build. In the following episodes, we will s...
Ibanez Mikro 5 string short scale bass GSRM25 review
Переглядів 2,6 тис.21 день тому
In this unsponsored video, we will explore the sounds from an Ibanez Mikro 5 string bass. Model GSRM25 in black. Featuring a poplar body, maple bolt-on neck with a jatoba fingerboard. Passive J-J single coil pickups with V-V-T controls. 28.6" scale. Made in Indonesia. The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go with my usual GK800RB model settings. No EQ or compression was added in post...
Markbass Yellow Little short scale bass review - Is this a yellow Squier Bronco? I look underneath!
Переглядів 3,5 тис.Місяць тому
In this unsponsored video, I will demonstrate the sounds from the new Markbass Yellow series 'Little' short scale bass. Is this Markbass a yellow painted Squier Bronco bass (sonic series) in disguise? *To investigate, I will unscrew and look underneath the pickguard! Stay tuned to the latter half of this video to find out! The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go with my usual GK800R...
Ibanez Mikro bass mods Ep.4: Dimarzio Sixties DP306 PJ pickups Review - short scale bass
Переглядів 9012 місяці тому
In this unsponsored video series, we have been modding an Ibanez Mikro short scale bass with different pickups to explore the sonic potential within. In episode 4, we will explore the sounds available from the Dimarzio Sixties PJ set DP306. We will be discussing the installation of this Dimarzio set as well as comparing the sounds with those from the stock pickups. In previous episodes, I had f...
Ibanez Mikro bass mods Ep.3: Wilkinson pickups (M series) review - short scale bass
Переглядів 8802 місяці тому
In this unsponsored video series, we are experimenting with different pickups to see what sort of sonic potential lies within the Ibanez Mikro short scale bass. In episode 1, we listened to the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounds. In episode 2, we listened to the EMG Geezer Butlers. Both of those PJ sets are retailing for approx, $250 CDN, which is almost as much as the bass itself! From viewer reque...
Ibanez Mikro bass mods Ep.2: EMG Geezer Butler GZR PJ pickups review - short scale bass
Переглядів 1,8 тис.2 місяці тому
In episode 2 of this unsponsored series, I have installed a set of EMG Geezer Butler GZR PJ pickups into this short scale bass. We will discuss the installation of these pickups and then sonically compare them to the stock Mikro pickups in a few different genres of music and pickup settings. Link to episode 1: ua-cam.com/video/f0jvWw75Tl0/v-deo.html The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 ...
Ibanez Mikro bass mods Ep.1: Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound PJ pickups review - short scale bass
Переглядів 1,9 тис.3 місяці тому
In this unsponsored video series, we will be modding a Ibanez Mikro GSRM20 short scale bass with a variety of differently voiced pickups. What is the sonic potential of this short scale bass? Link to my initial Mikro bass review: ua-cam.com/video/oMlnFMKhxWo/v-deo.html In episode 1, we will be installing and listening to the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound PJ pickup set and comparing it to the sto...
Hofner Club Bass vs. Epiphone Rumblekat bass: Can the Rumblekat be an affordable alternative?
Переглядів 2,6 тис.3 місяці тому
In this unsponsored video, we will compare the Hofner Club Bass (Contemporary series) to a more affordable Epiphone Rumblekat short scale bass bass. The Rumblekat was inspired by the Club bass. But does it sound like a Hofner? Let's find out together! Both basses were strung with GHS flatwounds. Both are old sets, taken off other basses. Both sets were installed for ~2 weeks prior to filming. L...
Babicz FCH-3 bass bridge installation, comparison & review - Epiphone Rumblekat short scale bass
Переглядів 1,7 тис.4 місяці тому
In this unsponsored video, I will be installing and reviewing the Babicz FCH-3 bass bridge in an Epiphone Rumblekat short scale bass. Will it sound different than the stock 3 point bridge? Will it be easier to adjust? Let's find out together! After showing the full installation and things to consider during installation, we will conduct a sonic A-B comparison with the stock 3 point bridge. The ...
Epiphone Viola bass vs. Epiphone Rumblekat bass - Sonic comparison!
Переглядів 1,9 тис.4 місяці тому
In this unsponsored video, I will be comparing the Epiphone Rumblekat Allen Woody signature short scale bass with the Epiphone Viola Beatle style short scale bass. Will they sound different or be the same? Spoiler alert: pick up placement really makes a difference! Links to previous reviews: Rumblekat: ua-cam.com/video/E8kcb5JAlJ4/v-deo.html Viola: ua-cam.com/video/Ve3lGQnd0DM/v-deo.html Both b...
Epiphone short scale Rumblekat Allen Woody signature semi-hollow bass - Review
Переглядів 4,9 тис.5 місяців тому
In this unsponsored video, we will explore the sounds from the Epiphone Rumblekat Allen Woody signature short scale semi-hollow bass. This bass features a chambered/semi-hollow mahogany body, maple top, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, 2 mini humbuckers and passive vol-vol-tone controls. We will discuss the pros and cons of this bass in this review. The bass was recorded direct through ...
Flight Mini Bass Solid Body TBL - Is it versatile? Demo and Review
Переглядів 2,5 тис.5 місяців тому
In this unsponsored video, I will feature and review the Flight Mini Bass. Features an attractive transparent blue fade finish over a quilted maple top, over a solid mahogany body and roasted maple neck. 23" scale length. Electronics are a single Precision bass style pickup, with passive volume and tone controls. Features metal electric bass style roundwound strings, unlike other Uke-style bass...
Luna Guitars Tattoo short scale bass TAT30 review
Переглядів 1,9 тис.5 місяців тому
In this unsponsored video, I will demonstrate and review the Luna Guitars TAT 30 Tattoo short scale bass. How does it sound and feel? Let's find out. Features a 30" scale length, mahogany body, maple neck with walnut fingerboard, P-style pickup and passive electronics. The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go with my usual GK800RB model settings. No EQ or compression was added in pos...
Harley Benton short scale bass MV-4MSB review - New for 2024. Is version 2 an improvement??
Переглядів 8 тис.6 місяців тому
In this unsponsored video, I will feature the new for 2024 Harley Benton MV-4MSB short scale bass. This Harley Benton is an affordable copy/alternative of a Fender PJ/Player series Mustang Bass. This new version aims to correct and improve on some of the issues from the original version (addition of a pickup selector!!). Unfortunately, some other changes have perhaps made it worse. Will version...
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.5) Curtis Novak Fat vs. Nordstrand - Fender CIJ Mustang with roundwounds
Переглядів 1,3 тис.6 місяців тому
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.5) Curtis Novak Fat vs. Nordstrand - Fender CIJ Mustang with roundwounds
Fender short scale Jazz Bass Junior collection vs. Fender 1968 vintage Jazz Bass - Sonic comparison
Переглядів 2 тис.6 місяців тому
Fender short scale Jazz Bass Junior collection vs. Fender 1968 vintage Jazz Bass - Sonic comparison
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.4) Curtis Novak Fat - Review and comparison with flatwounds.
Переглядів 1,3 тис.6 місяців тому
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.4) Curtis Novak Fat - Review and comparison with flatwounds.
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.3) Lollar - Review and comparison with flatwounds
Переглядів 1,1 тис.7 місяців тому
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.3) Lollar - Review and comparison with flatwounds
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.2) Nordstrand NM4 - Review and comparison with flatwounds
Переглядів 1,3 тис.7 місяців тому
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.2) Nordstrand NM4 - Review and comparison with flatwounds
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.1) True Custom Shop - Review and comparison with flatwounds
Переглядів 1,2 тис.7 місяців тому
Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.1) True Custom Shop - Review and comparison with flatwounds
Ibanez Mezzo SRMD200 medium scale 4 string bass - Demo & review
Переглядів 4,1 тис.7 місяців тому
Ibanez Mezzo SRMD200 medium scale 4 string bass - Demo & review
Fender short scale Jazz Bass Junior Collection Demo & Review
Переглядів 4,9 тис.8 місяців тому
Fender short scale Jazz Bass Junior Collection Demo & Review
Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.6: Aguilar AG 4P-60 pickup + Labella flatwounds
Переглядів 2,2 тис.8 місяців тому
Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.6: Aguilar AG 4P-60 pickup Labella flatwounds
G&L Fallout short scale bass with flatwound strings by GHS - Will it give us vintage inspired tones?
Переглядів 1,7 тис.8 місяців тому
G&L Fallout short scale bass with flatwound strings by GHS - Will it give us vintage inspired tones?
Best value short scale bass? In-depth review Groove TM Mustang bass (vs. Squier Bronco bass)
Переглядів 6 тис.9 місяців тому
Best value short scale bass? In-depth review Groove TM Mustang bass (vs. Squier Bronco bass)
Squier Bronco bass mods Ep.18: Installing Mustang bass pickups! Nordstrand NM4
Переглядів 2,7 тис.9 місяців тому
Squier Bronco bass mods Ep.18: Installing Mustang bass pickups! Nordstrand NM4
Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.5: Labella Flatwounds Deep Talkin' 760FM-P
Переглядів 5 тис.9 місяців тому
Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.5: Labella Flatwounds Deep Talkin' 760FM-P
D'Addario Nexxus 360 USB rechargeable clip-on tuner - Demo & Review on electric basses.
Переглядів 1,3 тис.9 місяців тому
D'Addario Nexxus 360 USB rechargeable clip-on tuner - Demo & Review on electric basses.
Squier Bronco bass mods Ep.17: FLEOR hot rail humbucker review - 250k vs. 500k volume pots
Переглядів 2,7 тис.9 місяців тому
Squier Bronco bass mods Ep.17: FLEOR hot rail humbucker review - 250k vs. 500k volume pots
I do feel the full scale has a more traditional jazz bass tone, but short-scale jazz basses are my favorite short-scale tone on the planet. And actually it was one of your videos that showcased it, so it's thanks to you that I"ll have to acquire a shorty jazz lol. Great video as always!
Right on! Was it the Fender Junior Jazz video(s)? That’s a great sounding shorty J bass. The Atelier Z is more modern sounding and depending on the strings, can get zingy-er. Thanks for watching!
I ordered one, but I really hope the strings sliding around won't be a problem for me
I hope you get a good one! Might be worthwhile to get a luthier to put a slot in the saddle to keep the strings from slipping. Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music thanks
The tone on the other strings was very good. What a shame...
Totally! The magnet just needs to be a few mm wider. But it was never designed for usage in a bass! Thanks for watching!
Nice video and explanations ! The string spacing is too tight for my liking. My perfect bass would be : - GSR body (compact and lightweight) - GSR neck with 47mm width like a Fender - lightweight tuning pegs like the Garry Willis signature - humbucker like the TMB300 has but not so close to the bridge and not as closed to the neck like the GSR105EX (Closer to a music man, I suppose) - a roasted maple neck like the TMB505 had or a 3 piece maple neck design - 2+3 headstock design to get a tighter B and E string and a softer G - through body bridge to accomodate normal scale strings - interesting color and matched headstock with contrasty hardware (like snow white pearl/sparkling silver body and black hardware, or black with gold hardware) - passive ! Keep on with that great work ! ✌️
Thanks for watching! Those are some very cool specs for your dream bass! I also find the string spacing to be tight, even though i have small hands. It's funny, I played a 5 string Cort with 16.5mm spacing (E-C) for a long time, but now I've developed an affinity to Fender spacing.
The Ibanez Rocks it's sound it just so right!! I own both of them for over 8 years.
Right on! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
The Squire sounds very funky to me. It was not the best of the bunch but it was a great sound. All 3 were good sounds.
Right on! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
The Precision is brighter. I prefer the Mustang tone, love that full bass tone.
Yes! The full scale precision has more harmonic content in the higher freqs. The D’addario chromes also contribute to that. Like my mustang too! Thanks for watching!
Turn down the ringing ride.
Appreciate the feedback. Thank you!
Jonathan, to my ears I preferred the beefy tone of the Novak Fat pick ups. They would be my choice.
Nice! Thanks for sharing your preferences and for watching!
Very fine sounding pair of basses. Great series.
Thanks so much for watching!
Wow. That all sounds sooo good. I really appreciate the way you carefully change just one variable at a time.
Appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching!
I like the look and sound of the big soap Bar pick up. Curious whether a different tone pot would refine the clarity. Excited about string options too. Eager to hear some flatwounds. I appreciate your investigations!
It does look cool, doesn’t it? Different than other commercial short scale offerings. A 500k volume might open it up a bit tonally. Thanks for watching the series! Lots of options. I’ve only scratched the surface. Thanks for watching!
Another great video. Budget wise I really like the Wilkinson pick up and it looks great with the new pick guard. Very resourceful. Also a nice comparison with the mini P.
Thanks for watching! For the low asking price, the Wilkinson M series is pretty hard to beat.
Thanks so much for noting the weight of the bass. Great review as always.
Thanks so much for watching! Appreciate it!
I appreciate your review of it. I bought one of these from Guitar Center on line for $229 USD. The one I received was a floor model from a MN location. It was in good shape when I received it. I emailed Markbass for details but they flunked on response. Can you note what gauge strings are installed and the neck radius? I ask as I want to file the nut slots for better playability and to upgrade the strings. Thank you!
Thanks for watching and writing! The strings were nickel roundwounds. I didn't get out the calipers, but they felt like a stiffer 105-45. But that's speculation. Unfortunately, I no longer have the bass to the measure the neck radius. Sorry I am not more helpful.
Love your videos. I too am into short scale basses so to watch you making this double reverse P is a total gift. Can’t wait to see how it sounds but also really enjoying the way you’ve filmed the process. The first video was excellent too - especially the detail you went into about the parts and the build costs. Excellent work. Thank you 🙏
Thanks so much for your kind words! Much appreciated. More build videos coming soon! Thanks for watching!
I used to own an M-2000 (similar to the L-2000) and loved the sound of its MFD pickups. In recent times, I've been drawn back to G&L as I'm looking at an L-1000. However, they are expensive so I'm checking out the Fallout also - since G&L don't make a Tribute L-1000. I'm still concerned by the weight issue so many thanks for mentioning this in regard to the Fallout. May I also compliment you on your demonstration play-through approach. Other reviewers don't tend to go into as much detail so, many thanks.
I appreciate your messsage! Thank you for watching! The Tribute series represents a good value if you are into the G&L sound. Consistent quality from what I've had my hands on. But it's a distinctive G&L sound!
Wow looks great
Thanks! So far, so good! Fingers crossed! Thanks for watching!
Do you prefer the Ibanez Mikro or the Groove short scale you reviewed during 2024
I would personally take the Groove! (I still have it, loaned it to a friend’s son). A lot has to do with the scale length, as I prefer a 30”. I’m not sure if it’s just the one I got that’s special, but it’s a TON of bass for the very low asking price of 289 cdn! Punches well above that price point. Mikro’s great too, but I find 28.6” to be a bit cramped. Thanks for watching!
Jonathan, I'm from Vancouver. I'm very keen on guitar. I've never had a bass and I fell upon your channel while searching for short scale bass reviews. I must say you're a super cool and incredibly accomplished fellow. I've enjoyed watching your videos for the simple fun and entertainment but also on account of the spirit, intelligence and passion you bring to everything you do! That's aside from mentioning the charity aspect of your music. My hat's off to you I must say. BTW I rarely, almost never, write a note of this type! All the best to you! Don Rempel, Vancouver, B.C.
You are so kind! Your encouragement means a lot to me! Much appreciated, Don! Thank you for watching!
Awwww yessssss! Second epi in the books. I appreciate the attention to detail. My humble collection is all low to mid range import guitars, but I go through them with a fine toothed comb and clean up things like those drill burrs in the electronics cavity just the same. Love the explanation and reasoning behind your choices too! Also, are you just using camera mics here?
Thanks for watching and for your encouragement! Unfortunately, yes....the shop footage was using only the iphone 15 mic. I don't have a lot of space down here, and my other renovation stuff is taking up the remainder of the limited space! Hope it still sounds clear enough.
@@jonathanwong458music Oh, I was asking becuase it seemed good to me! Was wondering in case I wanted to record videos myself.
Awesome! Do it! My usual setup is an Audio Technica 4040 condenser, which in the past year or so, you can see in the frame/shot. Previously, I tried to hide the mic (was a Warm 47jr at first) out of the shot, but I ended up with too much room sound, so now I have it off to a side, but visible. Compromise. In my own trials, I found lapel mics to make too much rumbling and movement noise, especially with instruments hitting the cable while playing. It seems to be a trend to use broadcast-style mics (eg Shure SM7B for that 'radio' sound. But I found that it gets in the way of the shot, the insturments and I would constantly bump into the boom arm because I'm clumsy. The iphone mics are alright, but they record in stereo, so depending on where you are relative to the phone, you might get an undesirable stereo image. So what I have done for the shop footage, is sum it down to mono in Logic, compress it and level it. It's surprisingly quiet in terms of hiss and noise. But you will get room sound, for sure. If you are in an untreated or echoey room, there's no hiding from it!
Amazing. Thanks so much for the detailed explanation!
Happy to be helpful!
Thnx Johnny for your videos. Excellent.
Appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
Lookin' good so far. I appreciate the fact that you're not going to use any tools that aren't already found in almost anyone's workshop. The detail of your explanations is also very good. Interesting build. It's winter so furnace sounds are the background music of most any Canadians life.
Thanks for that! It's been pretty cold this week, unfortunately. Furnace is working hard! Thanks for watching!
Wow, great video as always Jon! just made me want to build a bass!
Do it Ted! Thanks for watching and for the encouragement!
Nice Blue. Can't wait for the next one. Leland Sklar is one of my favorite Bassets. Glad your interest is in his original Frankenstein. Also glad your not puting in the producers switch.
Thanks for watching! I think Leland's more forward neck P pickup is a big contributor to that warm hit record-after-hit record sound. Hahaha, re producer switch.....I inadvertently ended up with one in my PJ Mustang. I disconnected the bridge J and I'm only running the P - took all the wiring out, but didn't want the hole where the switch was, so the 'producer' switch had to stay in!
Awesome, that's a really nice shade of blue! I'm excited to see the progress of your build, looking forward to the next episodes!
Thanks for that! The colour will darken and hopefully deepen and warm up a bit with the Osmo top coat finish. I hope it won't show some of the blotchy spots! Thanks for watching!
Just caught your first video yesterday - very excited to follow along and see how this turns out! It's very nearly the spec I've been planning for my next build!. Since you're building custom, one of my favorite modifications is adding a series parallel switch to the split-coil pickup using a push/pull or push/push pot. While the parallel split-coil is a little lower output, I've found it to have a very nice timbre. It's great when accompanying acoustic guitars, but I actually use it 90% of the time over series operation! Using the push pull pots retains the expected appearance, and they're easy to ignore if it's something you don't end up finding useful.
That's an awesome tonal option! I featured series vs parallel in one of my Seymour Duncan Hot Rail videos. Awesome that you dig the tone! Thanks for watching!
And here's when I've started questioning myself: why I've never seen any boutique level basses shielded with copper tape? 🤔
My custom F Bass, which is from one of the most premier hand-made bass builders on the planet, uses copper shielding tape! I personally prefer working with it over shielding paint. It's less messy and stinky to apply and it's modifiable. Also less risk of accidentally dripping some on the finish!! Nightmare! Thanks for watching!
Have you ever seen the inside of a Fodera? Copper tape is all they use.
Looking forward to see the end result, color wise. Looks a bit ocean turquoise hanging there. Think the black hardware will look good on it. Lots of sanding with projects like this. It’s well worth doing it. See you next time ✌️
Thanks for watching! The colour is a little darker (on the alder) in comparison to the sample, but with printer and screen variances, it's often hard to really tell. I think the Osmo finish will further darken it and warm it up more. But I like darker/deeper colours, so fingers crossed it'll be ok. Might be too dark for those wanting a brighter more poppy colour though! Re sanding! Totally. Surface prep is everything!
Doing a great job!! 👍🇨🇱🇨🇦
Appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
Dont like the black or the fret inlays, give it a miss
The look/esthetic is not for everyone! Thanks for watching!
Hey Jonathan...Thank You, thank You. thank you!! The information you've provided on finding the proper strings for your Bass is outstanding. I'm a guitarist, and keyboard player. For home recording I also play bass. About 25 years ago I used a Precision Bass and put La Bella Flats on it. I love flats. Because I have Arthritis in my thumb joints, I decided to give a Short Scale a try. Being the Bass isn't my main instrument I picked up an Ibanez TMB30. I put a set of La Bella Short Scale flats on it, through the body and totally ignorant of proper string sizing. In spite of that, It's worked out fine, since I don't play bass that often. A week ago I decided to get a better Short Scale, and picked up a Sire U5. Very nice indeed! It has Round Wound which I will replace. While researching strings on La Bella's site I actually read the description on this strings. They stated many times that they should not be used for through body, and found their guide. Seeing your mock-up really clarifies it. Again, thank you!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Indeed, many flatwound bass strings do not tolerate an acute angle bend such as going through the body. I find the higher tension ones such as Labella Deep Talkin’ flats don’t like to be bent at all! Those outer wraps around very tightly and once you can see the core, the string is almost a goner. Then you’re living dangerously! It also becomes an issue if you are experimenting and taking strings on and off. If bent, some don’t survive repeated re-stringing. I’ve broken more strings than I care to admit in the name of experimentation. Best of luck finding strings you like and that suit your sire and your tonal goals!
@@jonathanwong458music Hey Jonathan...I contacted D'Addario and inquired on their Bass strings, Ball to taper. I got this response. Hope it helps all. Bass All string lengths are wound & trimmed at 48”. Scale Lengths: Short = Taper happens at the 32” mark. Medium = Taper happens at the 34” mark. Long = Taper happens at the 36 7/8” mark Super Long = Taper happens at the 38” mark. Extra Super Long singles: NYXLB100MS NYXLB130MS (The tapers are at the 39.5” mark) Those distances are from where the wire material meets the ball end up to the taper. Top Mount: Please always determine the distance from where the ball end (please do not include the ball end as part of that measurement) sits on the bass, to the top of the nut, on the headstock side. Then reference the specifications listed above since you always want the taper north of the nut but south of the closest tuning post (if it is the lowest-pitched post). Bridge pin scenario: Mark the lowest pitched string on your bass (while installed) at the nut (on the headstock side) with a marker. Take the string off the bass and measure from the inner edge of the ball end to the mark you just made. Record this length and compare to the chart above to find the proper string length for your bass. Thru -body : Same process as the bridge pin scenario.
@ awesome info! Thanks for sharing with the community!
Is there any particular reason you prefer the "plain jane" bridge over a hi-mass version? For me, that's typically the first thing I switch out on any new bass, for added sustain and weight distribution.
Thanks for watching and for asking! I started dabbling on bass in the 90s and then, everybody had heavy brass hardware, and of course, Leo Quan Badass bridges on everything. So naturally, that's what I did too. With time, I came to realize that the combination of my fingers, my sound, the way I pluck etc etc, I was missing some midrange content, but I never figured out why at the time. Sustain, or lack thereof, was never my issue, it was the missing midrange frequencies. Fast forward to this UA-cam adventure of mine and I have now filmed a couple of videos comparing a high mass bridge vs the stock bent metal bridge (one on a bronco and another on a mini P) and I consistently preferred the more open sounding (less mid dipped) plain metal bridges over the heavier bridge. It's certainly not a night and day difference, but everything adds up. Further to that, I also discovered that I like the vintage-style threaded saddles over the more normal looking saddles too - it does something pleasant to the high end. Not to say higher mass bridges are bad, not at all. It is purely a tonal preference for me and the combination of factors that result in how I play. Every player strikes the string differently and tonal preference is such a personal thing. I do, however, like the fact that most heavier bridges have more comfortable curved edges!
Fender needs to make a Mini Jazz bass like the Mini P bass (which I have one), I would get one straight away
That would be a great addition to their line. I'm not sure why they haven't done one....lack of market demand, I guess. Thanks for watching!
"In my country, short-scale basses are not a thing, so I'm going to import one. I'm trying to choose between the Bronco and Ibanez TMB 30 (I know they are very different). Which one do you think would be the best value for the money?"
Thanks for watching! Where do you live? I am a bit biased here - but I found the Ibanez Talman to be a bit chunky in shape and comfort. I filmed a video on it vs the Ibanez Mikro. The tone knob issue is easy to fix, but I found it uncomfortable on my lap. The Bronco neck and body is very similar to my Fender PJ Mustang (which I adore) so it was familiar feeling for me. It also makes for a nice modding platform if you like to do such things. My main thing is playing comfort. If it is not comfortable to hold and if the contact points are wrong for your body, it doesn’t matter how good it sounds! Too bad you can’t try them beforehand. Good luck in your hunt!
@ Thanks for answering my question! I live in Brazil and I can’t find short scale basses around here and when I do they’re too expensive (usually a used fender mustang)… I guess it’s just a cultural thing. A member of my family is in the US for a few days so I will try to buy one of these basses.
Hope you find an instrument that inspires you!
@ Thanks! I’ll get the bronco
Another great review mate. Cheers from Australia. Hope your doing well one year in the future from this video 🙂
Thanks for watching from across the ocean!
@jonathanwong458music Always a pleasure 👍🏼Thanks for uploading the excellent content.
So kind! Thanks!
Another excellent demo and review video Jonathon. I totally agree with your suggestion that Fender use a more meaningful model designation. I sure appreciate your thoughtful reviews of short scale basses. Hope you are staying warm in Winnipeg. Plenty cold in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and for watching! I really appreciate it! It’s been very cool these past few days in Winnipeg. -28C today. Yikes!
I bought a Fender Jaguar PJ bass which came with 500K Log pots all round... sounded terrible, i play bass not piccalo bass.... i put 250K CTS (8% tolerance) Linear pots on both volumes & tone ...i use the Fender Greasebucket tone set up rebuilt with 5% polypropylene caps & a 1% 4K7 resistor...also a True Tone jacksocket, 4 contacts, still mono, 200% more contact & more solid connection...now it sounds like a bass...we play bass, if in a band/group we have to lock in with the drummer & keep it low & keep it real...good vid bud...
Thanks for watching! I prefer 250k vol pots too. I’m not after a super bright cutting sound/tone.
I'm excited about this. I've had my first short scale bass for about 6 months and it's my favorite. Good thumpy sound and not painful to play. But the lack of choice, both of basses and of strings, is a downer. So I'm looking forward to your build, and enjoyed hearing how you chose certain options. You may have to build a few basses, and make different choices. Purely in the name of science.
Thanks for watching! Well, I am a scientist by training, so i might just have to build a few provided this one turns out alright! Finding funding for them is an entirely different problem!
I’ve had this bass for a few years. I just use it to practice on road trips. I’ve strung it E-C and used Ernie Ball 20-90 bass vi set with the 90 as the E. The ball ends are too small for the bridge so I used my old string ball ends as a washer. I bought those strings over 4 years ago so they’ve been on a while.
That's a clever way of using bass VI strings! Another strategy one could try if you like E-C is to string it with a short scale set E-A-D-G and then add a high C gauge 32 or 30. At such a small gauge, the string wound length matters less. Just the thicker/lower strings where you need to pay more attention to where the taper or silk ends up. I've been using E-C D'Addario XLs for many years before relenting to being a 4 string player (and short scale) due to arthritis and joint issues. Thanks for watching!
Have you tried the Musicmaster / Bronco Single Coil Bass by McKnelly? I didn’t realize they are made in Peterborough Ontario.
The McNelly looks like a really cool design with the different pile piece layout. I haven’t tried one though.… Glad to hear there are Canadian winders. Thanks for watching!
@jonathanwong458music in Hamilton. I bought a used Beonco white 199.00 L&M Toronto. I ordered a DiMarzio Fast Teack 2. Will start with that. Have you upgraded the Pots? Anything or run it stock?
I did an episode on comparing 250 vs 500k CTS pots. The stock volume pot died by episode 3, so it was a CTS volume pot for subsequent episodes and it’s been fine. The stock pots are not great, unfortunately.
Wow that just might work. I must try that I like short scale bass guitars.
I am hoping it works out the way I want it too. You never know with instruments! Thanks for watching!
@jonathanwong458music your right but I'll be watching you and your project hope it goes well . Love your videos
Appreciate that! Thank you!
Fender looks and sounds great
It is a great colour combination! Everything is getting more expensive but I still think the Player series has good performance! Thanks for watching!
Another amazing video Jonathan! 👏 I can’t wait to see how this turns out. You once suggested that I build one of these myself and I may go down that road one day. Peace ✌️
Thanks for your continued viewership! I'm excited for this one. Hoping I don't mess it up!
I've never played a Rumble Cat, but I have played the Hofner. And I like the neck pickup tones with flats. I also agree that the bridge pickup should be moved to the middle position. As is, the bridge position doesn't offer much. I do prefer the smaller string spacing on the Hofner. I have an Ibanez AGB-200 with Labella flats and, while I love the sounds I can get from it, I find the 19mm string string spacing to be more than I am really comfortable with. By the way; The volume on both the basses that you demo'd was so low I could barely hear them. Yes, I could have turned the volume up on my computer, but then your voice would have been too loud.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching! And thanks for the feedback. Are you listening with headphones? The voice to bass mix is optimized for headphone usage (at least they are on mine and my version of hearing loss!)
I want a reverse headstock too!
Right on! I’m really hoping it works and not just for looks. Thanks for watching!
I appreciate these. I play bass, and does my son who’s short for his age. I just released a video of him playing Peg on a full scale. He saved up for a bass in his fav color, but I wanna try a proper 30” some time
Thanks for watching and for sharing a part of your story! Short scales are fun and can be a new tonal palatte!
A person with a cane can look cool if they have the right cane and attitude. Looking forward to following the building of this bass. I think Lee Skylar uses the reverse Precision pickups. Interested to hear the difference.
Indeed, Lee Sklar's franken P bass was a double reverse P. Sklar was my original inspiration and I really can't believe I forgot to mention that in Ep.1! Thanks for watching! PS. Unfortunately, my multiple canes are not particularly cool looking either... But they do have BMX bike grips on them for comfort! Pure function over form.
As we say in New Zealand, “good onya mate”. I have really been appreciating your work and your approach over the past couple of years as I navigated my chronic fatigue and need for a shorty highly customised for comfort. Keep up the great work - and I hope you make progress with your illness. Andy
Thanks so much for the encouragement and for watching from the other half of the world! Unfortunately, I've been through most of the possible immunosuppressant treatments, oral and IV. Now on a combination and bloodwork results still trending in the wrong direction. But one forges on. I hope you find progress on your journey too!
Love the turquoise color. Been thinking about doing a short scale bass. I do prefer a reverse ‘P’ as well. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching! I'm really hoping the colour will turn out nicely!