Series II Near Atlanta

[stout71]

Does anyone out there own a Series II that's located anywhere near Atlanta?  I'd like to get my hands on one and do an A/B against my MK5 with Anniversary electronics.   I will bring beer.

[David Houck]

Why Series II instead of Series I?  I would think that comparing Anniversary to Series I would give you a good indication of the difference that Series electronics make.  Unless of course you're looking specifically to purchase a Series II and wanted to also get a feel for the difference between CVQ controls and Q switches.

[stout71]

Series I would give me an idea for sure, but I'm considering a Series II purchase and I'd like to get the feel of the variable-Q.  Otherwise it doesn't make much of a difference.  I will still bring beer even if it's a Series I!

[edwin]

Well, it's not quite the same and it's not close but if you make it to Colorado, you can play my Series II equipped Starfire! And you don't have to bring beer.

[musashi]

Rockin' good news, Edwin.  True brotherhood of the Bass.

[stout71]

Oddly enough, I will be in Denver on April 20th for a few days.  It's a business trip though, so I won't have much free time.  

[germansal]

HELLO IM VERY VERY VERY FAR AWAY FROM YOU,TALKING ABOUT SPAIN ,BUT I WOULD LIKE TO READ OPINIONS OF THE CVQ EXPERIENCE,PLEASE????BECAUSE I VE OWNED A SERIES 1 SINCE 1993????AND  I VE NEVER EVER PLAYED A SERIES 2

[edwin]

Jerry, if it does seem like you have a minute, let me know. I'm playing in Denver on the night of the 20th.
 
Hi German! No need to yell, despite your distance, we can hear you quite well. :-)  
 
The opinions about the CVQ are pretty varied. Some people think that they provide too much control, making it difficult to get repeatable tones, while others enjoy the additional control they provide. My personal feeling is that it depends on the kind of music you are playing, the type of strings you are using, and playing technique. If I am playing flat wounds with a pick, I love having the CVQ, but if I'm playing finger style with round wounds, then the switches are fine, since I can cover a lot of the tonal variation that the CVQ provides with how my finger hits the strings (including slapping).  It is one of those things that you need to experience yourself to understand, but it's probably not as big a difference as you might think.
 
I'm sure others have a different opinion, but that's where I'm at!

[jazzyvee]

I have both Series I and II basses and whilst I'm at home practicing or at rehearsals, using the series II, I can fine tune the sound with the  CVQ very precisely and clearly hear the changes I'm making from those pots.  
However my experience live is different since most gigs the on-stage sound either through back line and/or monitors is not clear enough or is too dense to hear the subtleties available from the bass. So in those instances, I have worked out 2 positions between off and full on that I can move either CVQ knob to and hear some change as there is not enough time mid song to make accurate subtle movements and hear what the effect is without affecting the music or concentration. Another technique I use is to open the Q to full so you can hear the effect of the filter while you make adjustments then pull back the Q to where you need it...... if there is time.  
 
With the series I adding the Q is much simple process. What I tend to do live is move the Q to position 2, adjust the filter then move it to position 1 if I don't need full Q. It might take a few notes to get where I need to be but its a method.
 
I think the crucial thing for using either electronics package is you have to learn to know what sound you are looking for and where to move the controls to get that sound instinctively, without auditioning the sound. If like me you are used to a signature bass with a pan pot, the series can seem backwards at first.  
 
My series basses sound different so my choice of which to play at a gig tends to be based on which one has the sound I want for that gig or even just because I want to play that bass. For live work the master volume is your friend because with a series I to turn up louder, unless you accurately move the volumes up precisely to maintain the same relationship between pickup output, you will change your tone. With the master volume you don't lose that tone you have worked so hard to get.
+2 pence. :-)
Jazzyvee

[Bradley Young]

Jerry,
 
I'm moving to Atlanta. You're welcome to try mine. Not sure on move date, depends on how quickly we can get house sold & new house purchased.
 
Bradley

[stout71]

I will be patiently awaiting your arrival!

[David Houck]

Bradley; that's a pretty significant change of address.

[Bradley Young]

Dave,
 
Significant literally, figuratively, emotionally, and spiritually. The net is positive, which is not to say that there aren't some rather negative aspects.
 
Bradley

[David Houck]

 
 
I hope all goes well with the move.

[Bradley Young]

Thanks, Dave. I'm moving for work; no hardship.