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57basstra
Intermediate Member
Username: 57basstra

Post Number: 121
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 7:37 pm:   Edit Post

What is the difference between these two models? (new and pre-owned) I know there are different aspects to consider for each individual instrument; but generally, what's the difference (and what is approximately the same).....Price, sound, etc...I hope I'm not redundant because I'm sure this topic has come up previously and probably on a regular basis. ...thanks guys....
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1406
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 5:51 am:   Edit Post

My understanding is they are the same except for the Q switch. Series I instruments have a 3 position toggle Q switch, while Series II instruments have a continuously variable rotary Q switch. I also believe that Series II adds a master volume to the mix as standard while this would be an option on Series I. If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone around here will put me straight.

Bill, tgo
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 939
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 6:36 am:   Edit Post

Bill is absolutely correct about the electronics bits - one small detail: the continuously variable Q is not a switch but a pot (hence 'continuous').

Series II also has additional body laminates - at least in recent years. And if I'm not mistaken also an inlaid logo on the peghead.

(Message edited by adriaan on June 20, 2006)
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 482
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 7:23 am:   Edit Post

For new list pricing differences between the models you can go to the Custom Quote generator. It will show the basic model and it's price. You can then mix and match from there.

Keith
dfung60
Intermediate Member
Username: dfung60

Post Number: 181
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 10:19 am:   Edit Post

There's a lot of differences between the Series I and Series II, but you won't hear that much difference in sound. I had my newest Series built in the early 90's so there's defintiely differences now, but I think it's fairly close.

Series I and Series II have the same core electronics (same pickups, same EQ board). In addition to the Series I stuff, Series II adds a master volume knob and has CVQ knobs instead of the Q switches. Internally, the Q switch selects three different resistors to set up the EQ curve; the CVQ replaces those three resistor choices with a continuously and infinitely variable pot. You may like one or the other better (CVQ has more choices, but is not very repeatable compared to Q).

The woodwork on Series II is fancier with more laminates everywhere. The neck usually has more structural pieces and usually has additional "pinstripe" laminates as well. Same thing goes for the body, where there are at least pinstripe laminations between the top, core, and back and often multiple pinstripes. Certain configurations and body styles may have different setups at from the factory (wide neck basses often have more structural laminates, and I think the often make a call on the pinstripe veneers based on how the pieces of wood look together). Of course, all this stuff is customizable when you're ordering a new bass.

One very noticeable difference is that Series II normally comes with LED side markers which power up when you use the external power supply.

I'm not sure that they still do this, but back in the 90's, all the hardware on the Series II was 18K gold plated - the back plates, bridge, sustain block, even the little screws that hold the back plate on. Series I was normally done in brushed brass.

I don't know about some of the newer stuff like the inlayed logo.

David Fung
57basstra
Intermediate Member
Username: 57basstra

Post Number: 122
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 7:55 am:   Edit Post

Thanks, guys. The info is very helpful. Just what I was looking for.

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