1. Your instrument has been made with the greatest care, and of the finest materials. By
the finest hands. With attention to details of sound and feel. With proper care you
Pedulla will last a lifetime.
3. Owner’s Manual
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PICKUPS AND ELECTRONICS
Standard Active Electronics (MVP/BUZZ)
The control panel consists of a volume, pickup pan, and tone. The pan control acts as
a pickup blend selector. Turn the pan fully clockwise for fingerboard p/u only, to the
center position (where you feel the "notch" or detent) for both on equally, and fully
counterclockwise for bridge p/u only. the space between these positions is used to
blend the p/u's in any combination. The volume knob will adjust the overall output of
the blend. The tone control (also having a center detent) acts as a standard passive
high end cut as you turn it in a counterclockwise direction from the center detent (i.e.
from 5 to 0) and, additionally, will act as an active "presence" boost as you turn it in a
clockwise direction from the center detent (i.e. from 5 to 10). the system offers
maximum versatility with minimum clutter.
We use a dual preamp (Bartolini TC-4), which improves the overall performance and
tonal quality of your instrument by increasing output level and decreasing the output
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impedance for lower noise and better frequency response. The pickups are fed directly
to the TC-4 which buffers the signal before it reaches the controls, again resulting in a
lower noise/output ratio and a more evenly responding volume and pan.
Standard Active Electronics (Thunderbass/ Thunderbolt)
The control panel consists of volume, p/u blend and master tone, which governs a
preamp (TC4) plus two proprietary "Thundersound" modules. The "Thunderguts"
circuit is controlled by a mini-toggle and accesses a thicker character with a tight,
articulate low end and midrange.
Optional Electronics, Treble & Bass Control
The panel consists of Volume, pan, treble +/-15 dB, and bass +/-15 dB. The TBIBT
features two low noise buffers and independent bass and treble controls. Clockwise
from center will boost treble or bass up to 15 dB and counterclockwise will cut up to
15 dB. The center position is flat. Note: setting the treble and bass controls at
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maximum boost could result in excessive noise or distortion from overdriving the
amplifier.
Battery
Both active systems are powered by one 9V battery which is turned on when the plug
is inserted into the output jack. When the bass is not in use, disconnect the plug for
longer battery life. A 9V alkaline battery will last for 2 months of continuous use
(more like 8 months to a year in real-life use) on the TC-4. The TBIBT is rated at one
month continuous use. A weak or dying battery will result in a distorted output.
To change the battery, remove the four screws holding the backplate, and replace.
When reinstalling the backplate do not overtighten screws.
ADJUSTMENTS
Your "action", or the way your bass plays and sounds, is dependent upon the strings,
neck "bow", bridge height, pickup height, and intonation. Understanding their
interaction is important in maintaining the performance of you Pedulla instrument.
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Once your instrument is properly set up, the only adjustments needed will be the truss
rod and intonation. Always start the tune-up by checking and adjusting the neck first.
STRINGS
Your fretted bass comes equipped with stainless round wound strings. Our fretless
basses come with round wound nickel gauges. Do not attempt to use steel strings on
the fretless models, as they are too harsh on the fingerboard and will sound terrible.
Gauges are as follows:
B E A D G C
.128 .100 .080 .065 .045 .028
Different gauges and types of string vary in the amount of tension they exert on the
neck. Changing gauges or brands may require neck adjustment.
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NECK ADJUSTMENT
Although the fingerboard is sealed with oils and wax, it is still subject to changes in
temperature and humidity. As humidity increases, the fingerboard absorbs moisture
and expands, forcing the neck to bow away from the pull of the strings. This is most
common going from winter to summer. When humidity decreases, the fingerboard
releases moisture and contracts, forcing the neck towards the pull of the strings.
These changes in moisture content affect only the surface cells of the fingerboard.
They are small and easily adjustable either by you or a qualified repairman.
Your bass is equipped with a special dual action truss rod, which differs from
conventional systems in that it engages in either direction, and will adjust the neck in
both directions, independent of string tension. We have enclosed a special truss
wrench with your instrument. Be sure to keep it with your instrument as you or your
repairman will need it to make adjustments.
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Ideally, your neck should be adjusted perfectly straight with only the slightest relief. If
you hold down an outer string at both the first and 22nd fret, the distance from the
top of the 7th fret to the bottom of the string you are holding should be no more than
the thickness of a thin pick. Too much relief in the neck will make for very mushy
action in the intermediate region of the neck. A backbow in the neck will cause the
lower frets (toward the head) to buzz. Besides affecting playability, neck adjustment
has a profound effect on the tone, especially with the BUZZ basses. Note: all neck
adjustments should be done with the strings tuned to pitch.
If the neck is bowed backward (away from the pull of the strings), turn the truss rod
clockwise and this will force the neck forward.
If the neck is bowed forward (with the pull of the strings), turn the truss rod
counterclockwise and it will pull the neck back.
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After the neck is adjusted to the desired line, the action should be adjusted at the
bridge.
BRIDGE ADJUSTMENT AND INTONATION
After your neck has been adjusted, set the action (bridge saddle height) at the bridge
using the allen wrench provided with the instrument. This will vary according to your
playing style and personal preference. An average action will have the treble strings
about 3/16" to 1/4" from the 21st fret and the bass side 3/32" from the 21st fret
(measured from top of fret to bottom of string), and should generally follow the radius
of the fingerboard.
Once the neck and bridge adjustments are set, intonation should be checked. This is
best done with a tuner. Tune the harmonic on the 12th fret. Then fret the string at the
12th fret (just behind the fret with normal playing pressure). If the fretted note is sharp
to the harmonic, adjust the bridge saddle towards the back of the bridge. If it is flat,
the saddle will need to move towards the pickups.
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Fretless intonation is set in the same fashion. After harmonic is tuned, use a thin, stiff
edge (such as a credit card) and push the string to the fingerboard with card edge,
directly over the 12th fret marker. The lines in your fingerboard are exactly where the
frets would be.
PICKUP ADJUSTMENT
PJ and JJ
Push the outer strings down on the 24th fret and adjust the pickups as close to the
string as possible, without contacting the string (about 1/16"). If they are too close, the
string will clunk when you play, if they are too far away the resulting sound will be
weak and thin.
SB
The soapbar pickups needs to be a bit further from the string and should be adjusted
about 1/8" from the string.
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These measurements are approximate and should be measured from the top of the
pickup to the bottom of the string.
FRETBOARDS
Maple Fingerboard Care
If you bass has a maple fingerboard, it is coated with a hard polyester finish. There is
no need to apply oils or wax. To clean, simply wipe it down after each playing with a
clean, soft cloth or use a ScotchBrite pad to gently remove build-up of grime.
FRETLESS FINGERBOARDS
The coating on your fretless neck is polyester. It is 80% hard as glass. We suggest
using a nickel wound string as it is less abrasive on the finish. You will find that within
a short period of time the finish will scratch or mark. Never fear, this is normal and
will not affect the playability of the bass. With normal wear ad tear, this finish will last
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2 to 6 years, at which time it will simply need recoating. It is time to re-coat when the
finish actually wears through to the fingerboard. If you have another uncoated
fingerboard, it is helpful to clean and re-oil the fingerboard with each change of
strings.
GENERAL TIPS
Keep you bass in adjustment! You'll play better, sound better, and maintain the
performance edge we've built into your bass.
To realize the full potential of your Pedulla bass, use the best bass amp and cabinet
that you can afford. The Bartolini pickups and electronics are amongst the finest in the
world and are made to respond in frequencies that are not reproduced by many middle
and lower end amps and cabs. Our research and testing is done on an SWR SM-400,
SM-900 and Goliath II and Triad cabinet.
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To obtain the best growl from BUZZ basses, the neck should be adjusted very straight
(no forward bow) and the pickups should be adjusted as close to the strings as
possible without getting hit when played. Also cutting too much midrange from the
tone at the amplifier may reduce growl.
On BUZZ basses, the most accurate intonation is achieved by fingering the note
directly over the fret marker.
Cleaning and polishing can be done with a fine liquid compound such DuPont #7
Auto polish or equivalent. This will remove all grime and glaze any small scratches.
Do not use any "guitar polishes" that contain wax or polymers. These only build up on
top of the finish and are not as durable or lustrous as the polyester itself.
Each time you change your strings you should clean the fingerboard (fine Scotch Brite
pad or a cloth, no steel wool or Brillo) and apply a fine coat of oil (tung oil mixtures
are best). Let dry a few minutes, then wipe all excess oil from the fingerboard. This
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helps maintain the stability of the neck by slowing moisture travel to and from the
surface of the fingerboard.
You can substantially increase the life of your strings by wiping them down after each
playing.
When changing string gauge, you may need to readjust the truss rod for lost or gained
tension.
When changing the low B string on five- and six-string basses, you will find it much
easier getting the string in and out of the bridge if you temporarily move the low B
saddle forward, towards the pickups, then move it back when you are finished.
It is best to replace your battery every six months. Always keep a spare battery and
screwdriver in your case for emergency battery replacement.
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When not in use, your Pedulla bass should be kept in the case, and stored away from
heat supplies, air conditioners or humid basements. Any extreme changes in
temperature and humidity can adversely affect the instrument. These changes can be
made more gradual by leaving the bass in the case.
If you have any questions or need any help, just give us a call at (781) 871-0073. We
are more than happy to talk with you.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM PROBLEM
Open strings have fret buzz Neck back-bowed / Nut slot worn
Notes fretted below 7th fret have fret
buzz
Neck back bowed
Playing action has changed Possible change in humidity
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Playing action feels mushy Neck has forward bow
Fret buzz between 5th and 15th frets Neck has forward bow
Clicking sound when note is pulled,
thumped or slapped
Pickups adjusted too high
**Solution ADJUST NECK
(See Neck Adjustment)
Bass doesn't play in tune in upper
registers
Old strings will not intonate correctly
**Solution REPLACE STRINGS
Bass doesn't play in tune in upper
registers
Neck has too much forward bow - raising
strings, causing notes to intonate sharp
**Solution ADJUST NECK
Bass doesn't play in tune in upper
registers
Intonation needs adjustment at bridge
**Solution REINTONATE INSTRUMENT
Notes lack attack Pickups adjusted too low
**Solution ADJUST PICKUPS TO
PROPER HEIGHT
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Notes lack attack Strings may be too old
**Solution REPLACE STRINGS
Distortion when played through amp Low battery voltage
**Solution REPLACE BATTERY
Distortion when played through amp TBIBT bass or treble controls adjusted
too height overdriving preamp or
amplifier
**Solution LOWER BOOST
Distortion when played through amp Bass preamp overdriving preamp or
amplifier
**Solution LOWER INPUT GAIN OF
AMPLIFIER
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Excessive buzz through amplifier When boosting treble frequencies, other
high frequencies from bad wiring,
fluorescent lights, etc. will also be
boosted
**Solution CHECK GROUND ON
AMPLIFIER OR LOWER BOOST
On BUZZ basses, notes don't growl or
sustain like they used to
Check for old strings
**Solution REPLACE STRINGS
On BUZZ basses, notes don't growl or
sustain like they used to
Neck has too much forward bow
**Solution ADJUST NECK
Notes played above the 12th fret have
hollow or out of phase sound
Pickups, most likely the neck pickup, are
adjusted too high, causing magnetic pull
on the string producing a "wolf tone"
**Solution LOWER PICKUPS SLIGHTLY
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On BUZZ basses, areas of the fretboard
rattle or have excessive buzz
Finish on fretboard worn through or
finish has raised above fretmarker
**Solution FRETBOARD REQUIRES
REFINISHING OR SANDING /
BUFFING
