Opinions? Moses graphite fretless neck w/Series I?

[jigme]

Hi,
I bought a Moses graphite fretless neck to put on my '72 Precision w/old Series I electronics. I now have the cash to install it but I have second thoughts about the tone I may get.
 
I am not pleased with the nasal tone I already get, and think the graphite neck will just make it worse.  Would a tube pre solve this potential problem?
 
Opinions?
 
cheers,
 
Jeffrey

[bsee]

It may sound like a silly question, but what strings are you using?  I think there's a characteristic difference between the round core and hex core strings where hex cores seem more nasal to me for lack of a better word.

[jigme]

Hi bsee,
 
I thot this thread was dead and just saw your reply, thanks.
 
Currently I have very old Dean Markley Blue Steels. Kungfusheriff recommends DR Hi Beams with Alembics. I just checked and the Markleys are hex core and the Hi-Beams are round core. You may be right here!
 
So, I wonder if the Moses neck would be clear and even but too cold and 'ceramic' sounding?

[kungfusheriff]

I don't know if cold and ceramic are the correct adjectives, a graphite neck is just different in many ways. Buy and try is all the advice I have to give you, but before dropping three or four bills on a Moses neck try every cheaper path to Nirvana you can find.
Or so says I.

[811952]

Jeffrey,
 
If you've already procured the neck, why not go ahead and install it?  It's a relatively simple process, and truly better a diagnostic than our speculations over the 'net.  My inclination would be to record a bit with your current setup, then install the graphite neck using the same strings and record that, noting the differences.  Keep in mind that raising or lowering the action will also affect the tone, as will compression (which you probably won't ever be needing with a graphite neck).  Obviously, you'll need to report all of your findings here...
 
My family is planning a down east vacation to our ancestral home of Mira Bay this August.  Perhaps if we make it down to Halifax I'll buy you a beer and we can chat all things Alembic...
 
John

[811952]

As for the tube preamp, if it's got the right EQ points and curves, then it might.  Hard to say though.  Equally important is what you use for power.  I alternate between a big Peavey DECA 1200 digital power amp and a couple of ancient all-tube 200 watt Bogen power amps, and the Bogens are definitely darker and warmer sounding.  Less accurate, if you will.  They also have a nice soft-compression which absolutely rules.  The only fretless I play anymore is upright, but the Carvin fretless I used to own sounded great through an old Lab Series (designed by Bob Moog and marketed by Norlin) bass amp, which sounded a lot like the Bogens, come to think of it.  So the short answer to your original question *might* be yes, in my opinion...  
John
 
(Message edited by 811952 on February 08, 2005)

[jigme]

Guys-- You're absolutely right, I should just install the dang neck and see if I like it...simple!!  If'n I don't like it, try it on my old Fender Jazz. I believe the neck screws are the same between the P and J bass.
 
811952-- Your comment about not needing compression is intriguing, I'll check it out. The tube amp world is beyond my pocket book and patience. I'm gonna learn how to be content with my Walter Woods. I mean, there is something to be said for taking a gig bag, WWoods and a single cab to a gig.
 
Also, it would be GREAT to meet another bass player interested in this stuff here in Halifax. I'm isolated down here.
 
If I can get digital photos I'll post some of the project.
 
Thanks everyone!

[bigredbass]

Yes, I'd just go ahead and screw the thing on there and see what it sounds like.
 
On the other hand, why would somebody run old dead strings thru Series electronics and a Walter Woods and then wonder why their tone went South?  Am I missing something?  CHANGE your strings!
 
J o e y

[811952]

My suggestion was to level the field, as it were, between the two setups by removing as many variables as possible.  Yes, new strings make a world of difference on both the sound and the wallet!  
 
John

[jigme]

hey bigred,
 
No, you're not missing anything. I have played intermittently ovevr the last few years. Before that, I was so frustrated with the sound that I left the bass in its case for a long time and used my other basses.  Now that I'm gigging more and have all the info of the net available I want to resurrect this bass.  
 
Thanks to this forum and all the good advice here I'm doing just that! I had faith in this bass, lost it, and maybe found it again! :0)
 
I bought some DR HiBeams today, now for the neck installation and getting the electronics fixed (they have a coupla bugs).
 
Cheers,
 
Jeffrey