Messages

Voltages have been added to all the build docs.

The Build Guide has been added to the Tutorials page. Here is a direct link (1.8MB): http://www.madbeanpedals.com/tutorials/downloads/1590G_BuildGuide.pdf

Whoops sorry about that! I've corrected the Ping doc.

[- I'll have to get the remaining voltage readings in the docs tomorrow. I've already put in 12 hours today...that's enough for me!- I only found out after I ordered the boards just how scarce the VTL5C4/2 has become. This is needed for the Sawse project. I have linked a couple of sources in the doc where they can still be found but who knows how long that will last. Accordingly, I knocked a couple bucks off the price and changed the Bundle price so if you are ordering all the boards, you basically get the Sawse for free. So, I hope that is a good compromise for everyone.]

So happy to finally say the 1590G projects are available for order! Check it out: http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/index.html

All the project docs are up and the component buying guide is linked on the Projects Page.

Some notes-

- I'll have to get the remaining voltage readings in the docs tomorrow. I've already put in 12 hours today...that's enough for me!

- I only found out after I ordered the boards just how scarce the VTL5C4/2 has become. This is needed for the Sawse project. I have linked a couple of sources in the doc where they can still be found but who knows how long that will last. Accordingly, I knocked a couple bucks off the price and changed the Bundle price so if you are ordering all the boards, you basically get the Sawse for free. So, I hope that is a good compromise for everyone.

I will be putting up a guide on how to build one (using the Moar as an example). Again, that probably won't happen until tomorrow. The video demo will happen on Monday.

Lastly, the Mudbunny and Smoothie are also back in stock.

Sorry, no. There's only room for two BBDs on it. No definite ETA but I will be working on it this month after these 1590G boards get out.

As far as play-ability, it's a lot like playing a baritone except the strings are much thicker, of course. It does take getting used to because the frets are in a position you are not used to and strings are a lot closer together than on bass. I do have a short scale 4-string but the Bass VI feels different even though the scale length is about the same.

Chords are like a meatloaf on this thing. Lower register chords are a bit hit or miss (like an open E chord is a little mushy) but that is not a surprise. On a Baritone, the open G, D and A chords are just phenomenally cool. The D and A chords on this are also good as well as most barre chords. I don't think I will be doing much string bending but single lines are easy enough to play. Fat strings and stank licks can be lots of fun!

Here's the story so far - The were going for $349 up until about Jan at which point Fender raised the price to $449. Well, ain't no way I'm paying that for something I just wanna use for some song demo ideas. So, I found a used/re-furbished one in mint condition locally for $319. Pretty sweet deal.

The Good: Fit and finish is great. Frets could use a little rounding off but they are very playable. It's well-made as a lot of imports are these days and the seller did a decent set-up on it. So far I have only plugged into the Champ but I at least like the sound of the B6 and the pickups are good single coil quality. Obviously it isn't as full and round as an actual bass but that's fine because I don't want it to sound that way. I think my favorite pickup combo is the bridge and middle, or all three. I don't get the tone switch...just not something I will use.

Less Good: Biggest problem with this guitar is the bridge. The D and G strings have a rattle that is unpleasant. It's not fret buzz....it comes from the bridge. I found that if I pressed hard enough between the saddle and back lip of the bridge the buzz stopped. Looking further into it, it seems the strings are in constant contact with the bridge lip. So, the obvious answer is to raise the saddles a bit and lower the entire bridge slightly to keep the setup while moving the strings off the lip. But, there is another issue - the posts and post holes are completely different sizes so the bridge pulls forward under string tension. I think this must be on purpose because why do that? After looking some more I found this:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fender-Squier-Bass-VI-Fixing-tone-tuning-and-inton/step3/Fix-the-Bridge/

It seems inserting some brass sleeves will do the trick to keep the bridge upright. I don't really plan to use the vibrato anyway so I might just lock everything down. Assuming this simple fix does the trick I'll be happy.

I know it uses two small transformers...probably something similar to the 42TM022. My guess is each side has some small transistor gain stage into the transformer and a volume control at the end.

You could get something similar by putting two Green Ringer builds in a row, I think.

So, I sold two guitars and bought one. That's a good trend right?

Been wanting a Bass VI for a while and found a really good deal on Reverb. Perfect compliment to my baritone I think. Comes tomorrow! Here's the seller's pic.

As long as it fits in the enclosure, sure!

[03.01.16]

03.01.16

Double Flush
- Based on the Bajaman Trembulator
Snarkdoodle
- Based on the Way Huge Red Llama

[02.29.16]

02.29.16

Boneyard
- Based on the Carl Martin Plexitone
Pipsqweek
- Based on the Dan Armstrong Green Ringer

Increasing R10 should help with the Dimension pot.

Just cause I'm curious, where's the thread about jhs using Brian's boards? I've got a friend who loves jhs, I wouldn't mind showing him.

A few of the very first JHS pedals used some MBP boards. It's old news...nothing I care about after this many years.

[02.27.16]

02.27.16

Time for some classics

Cosmopolitan
- Based on the Skreddy Screwdriver
Zombii
- Based on the ZVex Fuzz Factory
Sunking
- Based on the Klon Siberia
Zygote
- Based on the Fulltone '69