Lightwave Bass Technology Demonstration
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Information about the sale of this Bass can be found here:
• Video
This video is about a Lightwave 4-string Fretless Bass, serial number 100259, manufactured in March of 2003. In this video I discuss the technology and tone of this bass.
I acquired this bass shortly after Lightwave started shipping instruments. I was fascinated by the optical pickup technology, which happens to be very similar to the technology used in the laser scanners that we manufacture at Pangolin.
The optical pickup is indeed very interesting, imposing no "pulling" action on the strings in the way magnetic pickups do. For that reason, the sound is deep and the sustain is long.
In addition to the optical pickup, each string features its own piezo pickup as well, and you can vary the mix of the piezo and optical pickups. They call the piezo pickup portion "Ice Tone" and that's a good name for it. This really emphasizes the treble sound of the strings and helps to pronounce picking and slapping styles.
Lightwave basses feature three separate tone controls, and a switch that gives yet more tonal control and combinations. So many sound combinations are possible with this bass!
I have a collection of Bass instruments, and although this one has always fascinated me, it has had very little play over the years. I am hoping to find a new home for it -- someone who will be as fascinated by the technology as I am, and who will love the tonal flexibility of this great instrument!
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Here is some more information on this bass, from the Lightwave website in 2003:
SERIES: Classica
MODEL: C
BODY WOOD: Swamp Ash
NECK WOOD: Hard Rock Maple
FINGERBOARD: Maple with Ebony Inserts
TUNERS: Black Gotoh
FRETS: (none)
COLOR: Natural Gloss
PICKUPS: S2 Optical Pickup
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Solid Book Matched Swamp Ash Body; 4 String; Split Neck with Ebony Insert; 34 inch Scale Length
LightWave Logo Gig Bag in included with every Bass. This high quality double reinforced bag will keep your LightWave Bass well protected. With additional pockets for storing the charger (included), cables, strap and music.
BENEFITS
So you ask yourself, what are the true benefits to playing with a LightWave equipped guitar? Check it out.
FREEDOM
With no magnetic interference or dampening effect on the strings, the optical pickup liberates the true voice of the string. More resonance, clarity, dynamic range, and sustain are captured.
THE SWEET SPOT
The pickup is integrated into the guitar bridge assembly just forward of the string saddle. This is the most harmonically-rich point from which to sample the vibration of a tensioned string.
INDEPENDENCE
Each string is equipped with its own pickup and independent gain. Each note is articulated, individually and in concert, with unprecedented depth and clarity.
PEACE & QUIET
Ideal for both live performance and recording, the optical pickup system is immune to the hum and buzz common with magnetic technology.
MORE BASS TO BURN
Optical pickups can reproduce signals down to DC. Output from our system allows frequencies well below the staff at full strength to be reproduced. Since other pickups can't reach these lower frequencies, you probably have never really heard the true fundamental.
CHOICE
Metal compound strings are not required. The ability to use non-ferrous materials such as alloys, synthetics, and composites yields infinite tonal and visual possibilities.
WE HAVE PIEZO
Our iceTone is a bridge-mounted piezo-based pickup complement to our optical system, designed to allow the player to dial in the desired amount of added dimension. The overall mix of both the optical and piezo is then adjusted with the master volume and tone knobs.
NO BATTERY WORRIES
Several power options are offered. The standard NIMH battery packs will operate for about 15 hours playing time, with a 'two hours left' warning light on the bridge. - Наука та технологія
I have that same flash light :)
Hi William I been looking at these for years how did you like it?
It's interesting. I purchased this to check their implementation. In the patent, the implementation was really nice, and really similar to Cambridge laser scanners made in 1992. That's what attracted me to this. I wanted to see how well an optical scanner pickup would work for a Bass guitar. But what they actually executed really wasn't all that good. (Sorry to say, but that's how I feel.) So their optical pickup is not very good. The patent is expired now so maybe someone will execute on the idea better. However, what I found fascinating was the Piezo pickups. The sound was very interesting and I think *somebody* could do something interesting here. But again, the implementation from Lightwave wasn't that great. They changed the Piezo part recently so maybe it's better now. Frustratingly, it seems that there are no Elon Musks inventing guitar and Bass pickups, at least not what I've seen...
@@WilliamBennerJr Thanks for the feed back, I have been going back and forth for a couple of years about buying one. But I see most people who purchase them sell them. I even talked to the owner of the company once who was offering me a deal. I do think its an interesting concept. But also dont want to purchase a bass that's going to sit there. If I get one at the right prince maybe I will pick one up.
does it basically sound like an acoustic bass tone?
So many tones are available. I can't say it's purely like an acoustic because there are several switch position, several tone controls, etc. A lot to play with actually. Maybe too much. I must say, I just leave the tone control on my Fender "wide open". May as well only have a volume control, but that's just me ;-)
Did you list this for sale yet?
Yes I sold it quickly on Reverb. I wanted to make this demonstration both for me to remember it, and also for others interested in the technology.
Red and "blue"... LOL