BEBOP

Controls

Volume, Volume, Dual Tone and Fatboost. Dual tone means that you can pull to switch capacitors.

Fatboost is an active but subtle bass boost. It is designed to keep the sound as close as possible to the original passive sound. The boost is activated by a switch and gives you a maximum of 12dB boost of low frequencies. (We set it at about 4dB standard). It is ultra low noise. The result is as if your passive sound grew up intstantly. In the off position it is true bypass for a 100% passive sound. The Fatboost can be preset to your desired dB’s via a trimmer pot at the back.

Hidden fretslots

I use a fairly unique method for creating fretslots. You can learn more in this video. In short: I found a way to make use of the inner strenght of the wood instead of cutting it away. That enhances stability, it also prevents fretends from sticking out over time. It’s also quite elegant.

Tuners & Headstock

Light weight tuners help to eliminate the neck dive caused by heavy tuners. However, the mass of heavy tuners does add to tone, but a thicker headstock does a similar thing. So on Bebop you have both goodies: light weight, balanced, and enhanced tone.

Neck stability

Nobody likes a neck that’s constantly on the move. I implement a steel dual action trussrod and carbon fibre reinforcements into each neck. This creates stability and allows for comfortable neck adjustments, as well as easy future servicing. This neck is designed to last.

Fingerboard radius

The curvature of a vintage fingerboard is often a 7.25” radius. While it plays great, the disadvantage is that the strings are in the same radius while pickup poles are flat. So outer strings are often louder than inner strings because they are closer to the pickup. That’s why I have chosen a compound radius of 7.25” to 12”. A compound radius also allows for a lower action. And if you don’t prefer a low action, no problem… I’ll be happy to set it up higher for you.

Small frets

Many vintage basses have small frets. They play so easy, it’s almost as if you play better. But if they wear down, you can’t level them anymore, you need a refret. On Bebop I use small vintage frets, but made from a harder nickel silver alloy. They last.

Noise

The pickups are single coils and therefore a bit noisy. In order to eliminate this as much as possible we shield the pickup routing cavities with nickel paint.  The control cavity is shielded with thick copperfoil. The pickguard is grounded as well, to eliminate electrostatic noise. 

Bridge

The bridge is solid brass with quick change string insert holes. Solid brass has a different sound than a vintage steel bridge. It’s hard to express in words, but I’d say that it’s a bit more evenly balanced and wider in tonal range. Perfectly suited for a more modern bass.

Balance

The strap button is located above the center of the body. This helps to give the bass a better balance when used with a strap.