Happy I took the plunge and bought this.
I really like it. The TB Plus pickups sound a bit brighter than those in my 08 Gibson TBird to my ear, but still with plenty of growl when played aggressively. Lovely mellow tone when played closer to the neck.
Well balanced and nicely put together. I find it very comfortable to play and the neck is very similar to the neck on my 74 Ripper, which is one of my all time favourite necks.
Could care less about the limited higher fret access. ;)
(http://i57.tinypic.com/15qf8ky.jpg)
Cool bass, congrats!
In fact those are not TB+ pickups but.... ...normal guitar humbuckers with six poles. The guy of Gibson me that they didn't had real bass humbuckers in memphis, they tried out the normal guitar pickups and it worked fine. I think the hollowbody LP Bass has those too.
As you might now the Rickenbacker and Höfner toasters, the Fender Musicmaker pickup, the Duesenberg bass humbucker, the Danelectro lipstick are all guitar pickups.
Quote from: Chris P. on October 26, 2015, 04:32:32 AM
Cool bass, congrats!
In fact those are not TB+ pickups but.... ...normal guitar humbuckers with six poles. The guy of Gibson me that they didn't had real bass humbuckers in memphis, they tried out the normal guitar pickups and it worked fine. I think the hollowbody LP Bass has those too.
As you might now the Rickenbacker and Höfner toasters, the Fender Musicmaker pickup, the Duesenberg bass humbucker, the Danelectro lipstick are all guitar pickups.
Thanks, interesting here are some pics of the underside of the pickups. They sound good anyway whatever they are.
(http://photos.imageevent.com/guitarchimp/2013gibsones335bass2/large/IMG_9959.jpg)
(http://photos.imageevent.com/guitarchimp/2013gibsones335bass2/large/IMG_9963.jpg)
This makes it confusing and interesting. Maybe they changed it?
And yes! The bass is pretty and if it sounds pretty it doesn't matter what kind of pickups it has. But hey, we're nerds here. We need to discuss it! ;)
Quote from: Chris P. on October 26, 2015, 04:32:32 AM
In fact those are not TB+ pickups but.... ...normal guitar humbuckers with six poles. The guy of Gibson me that they didn't had real bass humbuckers in memphis, they tried out the normal guitar pickups and it worked fine. I think the hollowbody LP Bass has those too.
As if anyone at Gibson knows diddly squat.
Really they have no idea. The guy that told you about the six poles probably doesn't even know Gibson has been using these humbuckers in the LP3 standard or EB 650 since the late eighties!
They did announce them as being specific to those models at the time - as they did with the Flying V reissue pups too -, but all I heard and saw was tried and trusted TB Plus guitar size humbuckers that have existed since the earlier 90ies. Nothing wrong with those, they are a little sharper than the classic soapbar TB+.
The ES 335 sounds great. Close to a Les Paul Signature but with more warmth. The black one must be the "Hetfield Signature Model" of course.
Quote from: Basvarken on October 26, 2015, 07:14:04 AM
As if anyone at Gibson knows diddly squat.
Really they have no idea. The guy that told you about the six poles probably doesn't even know Gibson has been using these humbuckers in the LP3 standard or EB 650 since the late eighties!
Normally you're right. This was one of the design guys, knowing an awful lot about the guitars, so I had/have reasons to believe this guy. It wasn't just a sales guy.
Quote from: uwe on October 26, 2015, 09:26:02 AM
They did announce them as being specific to those models at the time - as they did with the Flying V reissue pups too -, but all I heard and saw was tried and trusted TB Plus guitar size humbuckers that have existed since the earlier 90ies. Nothing wrong with those, they are a little sharper than the classic soapbar TB+.
The ES 335 sounds great. Close to a Les Paul Signature but with more warmth. The black one must be the "Hetfield Signature Model" of course.
That is how I would describe the sound of the pickups in my ES 335 Bass.
Here's the Gibson site info about the ES Les Paul Bass, if you scroll down there is info about the pickups, which they are claiming to be new.
http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2015/Memphis/ES-Les-Paul-Bass.aspx
I think I see 3 magnets (one wide on center and 2 narrower on sides) with blades between them on those pickups, typical config for tbird pickups (or X2Ns...)
These are obviously TB Plus with blades instead of poles, and magnets beneath. I'm not surprised. I questioned these from the beginning despite Chris' source b/c Gibson doesn't have any chrome buckers without visible polepieces (aside from the black chrome Tommy Iommi signature).
It's possible for a 6 pole guitar pickup to work if the magnetic field covers the area without dropouts. The only ones I can think of are the Rick toaster and the Fender Musicmaster, both of which have alnico polepieces rather than steel poles with the magnets beneath.
Thanks for that guys.
Today's TB Plus aren't your dad's TB Plus, they have tweaked them again and again, every now and then an ad would claim "new design TB Plus pick-ups", it has happened before and you can hear differences between the generations too, not in overall character but in output, sub-bass and high frequencies. For some reason, the guitar size versions always sounded best if you like a slightly abrasive and sharp, but still round sound. They also worked well with the Bartolini TCT circuit, especially the soapies, the sound of an active LP Special - actually an entry line bass - is no less than bludgeoning.
The newish Babicz (Jim DeCola, I'm such an idiot!) pups (not available as guitar size pups though I wonder why not)- yet? - are an excellent choice if the TB Plus sound is a bit overcowded in frequencies for you, along the lines of "too much of everything falling all over". They are definitely more transparent without being sterile. OTOH, what the Babicz (ditto!) pups do not provide is the raunch of a TB Plus in full flight. Horses for courses. If you dig the TB Plus general sound character - like I do, it's my preferred mass-produced rock bass pup - then look no further, but flexible it is not.
Does Babicz make pickups too? I thought they only do hardware.
The 2015 TB pickups are Gibson pickups designed by Jim DeCola. They were introduced at the same time as the Babicz bridge (on the EB Bass). Uwe knows that, I'm sure he just inadvertently associated them with the new bridge.
Quote from: Dave W on October 27, 2015, 10:37:12 AM
The 2015 TB pickups are Gibson pickups designed by Jim DeCola. They were introduced at the same time as the Babicz bridge (on the EB Bass). Uwe knows that, I'm sure he just inadvertently associated them with the new bridge.
(http://static1.fjcdn.com/comments/4239930+_317b9ef64b78a39ef56b9a564392bf2e.jpg)
Brain hemorrhoids, no doubt!
So the pickups in the ES 335 Bass are likely (?) the same as those in the 2013 Les Paul Standard Bass?
Yes, very likely.
Same as the earlier (first year) Les Paul Standard Oversize Bass?
Given Gibson's seeming lack of concern over anything bass-related, I tend to doubt that there's any difference between any humbucker-sized, no pole piece pickup they've been using on basses since the 90s. Any claims of "newly designed" or whatever are likely nothing but marketing catch phrases.
I had my first run with the bass with a band last night. Very impressed!
Quote from: gearHed289 on October 29, 2015, 08:01:00 AM
Given Gibson's seeming lack of concern over anything bass-related, I tend to doubt that there's any difference between any humbucker-sized, no pole piece pickup they've been using on basses since the 90s. Any claims of "newly designed" or whatever are likely nothing but marketing catch phrases.
Can we please have this engraved at the top of the Gibson Forum?
You guys are a bunch of moaners, mutterers and whiners! :mrgreen:
Dutifully, I have tested my Goldtop (horrible color, what was I thinking?) XL LP and my ES 335 side by side. Comparing a hollow-body and a sizeable solid chunk of wood such as the LP is tricky, but other than that the TB Plus pups sound a little louder on the LP (might be the controls or maybe pups just sound louder in a solidbody or maybe it's just standard production variation), the character of the two pairs on pups on both basses is identical: warm, blurry, but not muffled or distorted. An ideal sound for me. I don't know what's with all these people having issues with the TB Plus pup sound!!!
Nonsense! the gold ones are the prettiest. When I take it out I like to pretend I am Auric Goldfinger and contemplate elaborate plans to kill Mr. Bond. It also reminds me of Shirley Eaton covered in gold paint.
I dont doubt that the pickups are the same across the the chrome pickup models. But I'm sure that wouldn't stop Gibson from advertising them as "redesigned" periodically with no actual changes made.
Quote from: uwe on October 29, 2015, 06:16:39 PM
You guys are a bunch of moaners, mutterers and whiners! :mrgreen:
Dutifully, I have tested my Goldtop (horrible color, what was I thinking?) XL LP and my ES 335 side by side. Comparing a hollow-body and a sizeable solid chunk of wood such as the LP is tricky, but other than that the TB Plus pups sound a little louder on the LP (might be the controls or maybe pups just sound louder in a solidbody or maybe it's just standard production variation), the character of the two pairs on pups on both basses is identical: warm, blurry, but not muffled or distorted. An ideal sound for me. I don't know what's with all these people having issues with the TB Plus pup sound!!!
While having nothing to test it against except for a Gibson TBird, I would say my ES 335 is a loud bass.
I really like the sound of the ES 335 too. Tells me that the LPs you mentioned would also be to my liking.
I agree with the post by 66Atlas about the Gold Tops being the gol! Hmm...
Quote from: dadagoboi on October 29, 2015, 04:09:38 PM
Can we please have this engraved at the top of the Gibson Forum?
Done! :mrgreen: (at least temporarily). I hope Tom doesn't mind.
Haha! All good! And for the record, TB+ is probably my favorite passive pickup, with late model Rickenbackers a close second.
Gibson does not have the monopoly on stupid marketing. Today I saw these pictures:
(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12193702_10153897673998974_1566246249781954229_n.jpg?oh=e2a3288a9670d8bd42775be74ac0442a&oe=56C8ACAE)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11167809_10153897673868974_2172454315053332854_n.jpg?oh=0a685bd01dba97a4b2667d59489b331f&oe=56B6921C&__gda__=1456188281_1f9b89b37d3a178cc03c1fa61df468e2)
(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12187725_10153897673888974_8155531022866164754_n.jpg?oh=28f678ee993b7175fbef9e63c1d00ae2&oe=56C4A8F7)
Made in Mexico.
Now can anybody tell me what's so authentic about this?
Perhaps a light application of lighter fluid and a short cooking cycle would increase authenticity?
I'm sure the thrifty Hendrix Family will have an explanation.
I'm sure Janie Hendrix' money grabbing paws have something to do with it.
Quote from: Dave W on October 29, 2015, 09:09:25 PM
Done! :mrgreen: (at least temporarily). I hope Tom doesn't mind.
:mrgreen:
Just to add something more on the 335 bass. I love mine too. It sounds great. Strong ballsy bass tone, great output. The pups are fine in mine. Just wish it were short scale :mrgreen:.
Nice!
If I was not already involved in building, I could easily see buying a 335 bass.
I played a 335 guitar in my original band in the 90s, so it would have a sentimental appeal for me.
One day soon I will likely build a "339" bass with a 32" scale neck.
8)
the Hendrix line is old news? Two years ago? And already stopped because of massive critics?
Quote from: Chris P. on November 01, 2015, 01:15:48 PM
the Hendrix line is old news? Two years ago? And already stopped because of massive critics?
No, this is a brand new version.
:-\ Really? they never learn...
Shouldn't the body be reversed too? :rolleyes:
Quote from: gearHed289 on November 02, 2015, 09:06:39 AM
Shouldn't the body be reversed too? :rolleyes:
Hey, the neck plate says Authentic Hendrix, what more evidence do you need that it's correct as-is? :P
So Gibson announces a Hendrix Strat. The whole guitar world hates it, is against it, forums are full of rants against it, so they don't get it into production. And two years later they do exactly the same again?
That's stupid. A donkey never hits the same stone twice.
And btw: Hendrix was a keen Gibson user.
I hope those autographs on the headstock are done by hand by Hendrix himself.
Ow, wait! This is the new Fender. How stupid of me. I thought Gibson was doing it again. We are in a Gibson forum..
If Warwick copycats Jack Bruce's EB-3 and calls it their Jack Bruce Signature model then anything is allowed! Last I heard, Jack used Warwicks during his Cream days only intermittently. ???
Quote from: Chris P. on November 03, 2015, 01:42:18 AM
Ow, wait! This is the new Fender. How stupid of me. I thought Gibson was doing it again. We are in a Gibson forum..
Henry would never do anything stupid!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/davepix/humor/Henry_J_Capture_zpsofbovwkm.jpg)
Quote from: uwe on November 03, 2015, 04:16:04 AM
... Last I heard, Jack used Warwicks during his Cream days only intermittently. ???
:mrgreen:
I see a career remote from the pressures of everyday CEO life looming ...
(http://civilwartalk.com/attachments/38462/)
Warwick should make a violin bass and call it...
Quote from: Chris P. on November 03, 2015, 02:07:12 PM
Warwick should make a violin bass and call it...
The Felix Pappalardi signature?
Why not, he had a connection with Cream and he didn't play a Warwick either. :P
I have been using the ES 335 a fair bit and, while certainly impressed initially, I am liking it even more as I get to know it.
I bought it largely because of the aesthetic to use for some country rock style songs we do, but I have to say it is a really solid rock bass with a good tone.
Obviously too good a bass for Gibson to put into extended production- people might catch on that it is not all about tooth pick necks, mid scoop and access to the 20 th fret.
It's not as hypher-aggressive as the EB 650 (which had a maple neck, the ES 335 has a maho one), still anything but docile. In Les Paul Signature territory I'd say.
As regards knocking Gibson for not pushing it more: Any American-made true hollow-body is gonna price itself out of the market for most bassists. Add to that how hollow-bodies only have limited appeal among bassists right from the start though I grant you that the ES 335 might convert some heathens. Gibson has kept hollow-bodies in production where they found their niche - just look at the Epi Jack Casady Sig (together with the entry-level TBirds and EBs the longest-running Epi bass) which is the most expensive Epi bass model, but still affordable compared to an ES 335.
Yes it is true that the new price certainly put the ES 335 Bass, although not out of line with ES 335 Guitars, out of contention for me.
There's a slightly used black one at a store here...$1125 US it works out to. Nice price.
The black ones were cheaper right from the start - no binding. But as some Canadian always says: "Binding's only fin-deep."
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/Cherie-Currie-Beautys-Only-Skin.jpg)
Isn't she American?
:mrgreen: Yup, from that one nation under Canada.
Of course she is, all good things are, she's not Lee Aaron, you know. You're the Canadian in this play (as if you hadn't known!), her album title just alluded to your vocal views on bindings in the past. Besides, you don't really need a reason to post a Cherie Currie pic and I thought it was about time again.
Cherie has held up nicely, must have been expensive.
(http://media.washtimes.com.s3.amazonaws.com/media/image/2015/04/19/4_192015_cherie8201.jpg)