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Post subject: Fender Big Block P Bass Questions
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:39 pm
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Hey guys, I've looked over the internet and haven't really found what it was i'm looking for, so I thought I'd ask here. Basically, in a few months i hope to buy a Fender Bass. I am leaning heavily towards the Fender Big Block P bass, but i was wondering, has anyone on here played one and what are their general opinions on the instrument?

Also, is this perticular bass active or passive? And what is it that the toggle switch between the pots do?

Thanks, Hope someone can answer my questions!

Chris


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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:41 pm
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Paging King of Pain, King of Pain...Lol, he has one I think, and he cruises through here quite a bit. I'm not sure what it has, it is a PBass line though IINM.

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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:49 pm
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Awesome, thanks for that, i'll PM King of Pain.

Thanks!

Chris


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Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:33 am
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Hello,

I used to have the Big Block P, actually I still have the neck, it was that amazing. I found that I didn't care for the active 'bucker, I prefer the passive P tone, but I'm kind of old fashioned. Here's my review for ya...

The Big Block is an amazing bass, if you dig actives. Actually, I've tried a newer MM and the Big Block smoked it hands down. Think of it as an affordable high quality alternative to the old two band MM Stingray, but with ALOT more under the hood. It has a 18V pre-amp and the coil tap. (that's right, 2 9V's.) The best way I can describe what the active circuitry does is that the 18V pre-amp allows you to get tube style break up out of a solid state head. The bass can really push an amp, but not in the bad way. When you dig in you'll know it.


Due to the dual band boost/cut you can get really glassy delicate highs and also very thick dark growly lows. It's a very versatile bass. As far as the coil tap goes, i'm unsure what it's design and function are, but I can tell you what it sounded like to me. To my ears, it almost acted as an S-1 switch, but on this P model it's a BIG plus. Image being able to go from the super punchy split coil P-esque sound, but with twice the amount of pole pieces to pick it up and 18V's pushing it, and then to what I can best describe as a SCPB if it were modded by Satan, lol.

It takes some getting used to, but once you get how to work it the BB is a really incredible bass, and one that they could probably get away with charging more for as the only bass that you can even sort of compare it to runs almost twice as much. ALOT of bang for your buck, which is where Fender's MIM basses really shine.


I had only one comlaint about the bass, and that was the stock bridge. I had one of the original year models, and it had the "New Convertible Bridge's". The Bridge worked fine, but it was kinda clunky when it came to adjustments and wasn't very impressive, or good looking. A BAII would have been a much better stock choice. Wether that has been changed I am unsure.


If you like aggressive yet versatile active basses, then I would definitely recommend this bass. If you are looking for good old school P tone, then I'd pass. BTW...and I know this may sound wierd given the sound that the bass was designed for, but a set of Fender Flatwound 9050ML's played with a pick sound sooooo tasty on a BB it's unreal. Very dark, tons of vibe.



D

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