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This version of the Pedulla Owners Manual was updated in 2002 and refers to electronics and other materials used at this time.
Trussrod adjustments explained herein apply to all basses made with serial number 2256 and higher (made in 1989 and after).
Basic care and much of the other information contained herein applies to all Pedulla
bass guitars, regardless of when they were made.
We take great care in the making of our instruments and have pride in our work. If, after reviewing the information contained herein, you have any questions,
comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Click this link to download a PDF version of this Pedulla Bass Owner’s Manual.
PICKUPS AND ELECTRONICS
Standard Active Electronics - MVP and Buzz: NTMB
The control panel consists of a volume, pickup pan, treble +/-15 db,
and bass +/-15db, plus midrange control. The system offers maximum versatility with minimum clutter.
The midrange is controlled by a
boost/cut mini-toggle switch with a variable output, adjustable from within the electronics cavity. With the NTMB engaged, the bass responds with a fuller and deeper low end, focused and grinding mids, and a
sizzling high-end.
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.
Clockwise from
center will boost treble or bass up to 15 db and counterclockwise will cut up to 15db. The center position is flat.
Note: setting treble and bass controls at maximum boost could result in excessive noise or
distortion from overdriving the amplifier.
Also: cutting too much midrange from the tone at the amplifier may reduce growl.
Standard Active Electronics - Thunderbass, Thunderbolt, Rapture Basses: TBT
The control panel consists of volume, p/u blend, treble +/-15 db, and bass +/-15db. The TBT also features two low noise buffers. Clockwise from center will boost treble or bass up to 15db and counterclockwise
will cut up to 15db. The center position is flat.
Note: setting treble and bass controls at maximum boost could result in excessive noise or distortion from overdriving the amplifier.
The single-pickup Rapture Bass also includes a mid-cut mini-toggle.
The Thunderbass and Thunderbolt include 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.
Battery
All our 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 1 month of continuous use (more like 6 months to a year in real-life use) on the TC-4. A weak or
dying battery will result in a distorted output.
The Rapture Basses have a quick-access battery compartment. To change the battery in any of the other models, 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 your Pedulla
instrument. 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 won’t sound so great. Gauges are as follows:
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B
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E
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A
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D
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G
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C
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.128
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.100
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.080
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.065
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.045
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.028
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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. Your bass was made with, and for, Pedulla Bass Strings.
NECK ADJUSTMENT
Although the fingerboard is sealed with oils and wax, it is still subject to changes in temperature and humidity. As humidity increase, 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 repair tech.
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 trussrod wrench with your instrument.
Be sure to keep it with your instrument as you or your repair tech will need it to make adjustments.
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.
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 on BUZZ basses: the most accurate
intonation is achieved by fingering the note so that the fleshy part (or leading edge) of the finger is directly on the fretline; the “bulk” of your finger will be behind the line.
The fretless growl comes primarily from the bridge pickup.
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. See diagram below.
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If the neck is bowed forward (with the pull of the strings), turn the truss-rod
counterclockwise and it will pull the neck back. See diagram below.
After the neck is adjusted to the desired line, the action should be adjusted at the bridge.
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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 1/16” 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.
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 the 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.
These measurements are approximate and should be measured from the top of the pickup to the bottom of the string.
FINGERBOARD CARE
The coating on a Buzz fretless ebony fingerboard is polyester. We suggest using a nickel wound string as it is less abrasive on the finish. After playing, clean it by wiping
it down with a soft, clean, dry, cloth. You will find that the finish will scratch or mark. Never fear, this is normal and will not affect the playability of the bass. With normal
wear and tear, this finish will usually last 2 to 6 yrs, 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 a Rapture or Thunderbolt with a maple fingerboard, it is coated with a hard polyester finish. There is no need to apply oils or wax. To clean, simply wipe
down with a soft, clean, dry cloth after each playing.
Use a fine Scotch Brite pad to remove build-up of grime.
For all other models, with uncoated fingerboards: Each time you change your strings
you should clean the fingerboard (with a 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 helps maintain the stability of the neck by slowing moisture travel to and from the surface of the fingerboard.
GENERAL CARE & TIPS
Keep your 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.
For basses with polyester finish
(excludes ET Thunderbass & ETB Thunderbolt):
Cleaning and polishing can be done with a fine liquid compound such as 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.
For basses without polyester finish
(such as the ET Thunderbass & ETB Thunderbolt):
Wipe the bass clean with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Apply a small amount of high-grade dark furniture paste wax. Let dry 10 minutes and buff out using a clean, dry, soft
cloth. This can be done every eight weeks or so, and the process will help keep your ET/ETB free of stains and perspiration damage.
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.
It is best to replace your battery every six months. Always keep a spare battery and screwdriver in your case for emergency battery replacement.
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, please feel free to contact us!
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
- SYMPTOM: Open Strings have fret buzz
- SYMPTOM: Notes fretted below 7th fret have fret buzz
- SYMPTOM: Playing action has changed
- PROBLEM: Neck may need to be adjusted due to change in
humidity
- SYMPTOM: Playing action feels mushy
- PROBLEM: Neck has forward bow
- SYMPTOM: Fret buzz between 5th and 15th frets
- PROBLEM: Neck has forward bow
- SYMPTOM: Clicking sound when note is pulled, thumped,
or slapped
- PROBLEM: Pick-ups adjusted too high
- SOLUTION: SEE SECTION ON NECK ADJUSTMENT
- SYMPTOM: Bass does not play in tune in upper registers
- PROBLEM: Check strings, old strings will not intonate correctly
- SOLUTION: CHANGE STRINGS
- PROBLEM: Neck has forward bowraising strings causing notes
to intonate sharp
- SOLUTION: SEE SECTION ON NECK ADJUSTMENT
- PROBLEM: Intonation needs adjustment at bridge
- SOLUTION: SEE SECTION ON INTONATION
- SYMPTOM: Notes lack attack
- PROBLEM: Pick-ups adjusted too low
- SOLUTION: SEE SECTION ON PICK-UP ADJUSTMENT
- PROBLEM: Strings may be too old
- SOLUTION: CHANGE STRINGS
- SYMPTOM: Distortion when played through amp
- PROBLEM: Low battery voltage
- SOLUTION: CHANGE BATTERY
- PROBLEM: TBIBT bass or treble controls adjusted too high overdriving preamp of amplifier
- SOLUTION: LOWER BOOST
- PROBLEM: Bass preamp overdriving preamp of amplifier
- SOLUTION: LOWER INPUT GAIN OF AMPLIFIER
- SYMPTOM: Excessive buzz through amplifier
- PROBLEM: When boosting treble frequencies, other high frequencies from bad wiring, florescent lights, etc., will also be boosted.
- SOLUTION: CHECK GROUND ON AMPLIFIER OR LOWER
BOOSTS
- SYMPTOM: On Buzz basses, notes don’t growl, or sustain like they used to.
- PROBLEM: Check for old strings
- SOLUTION: CHANGE STRINGS
- PROBLEM: Neck has forward bow
- SOLUTION: SEE SECTION ON NECK ADJUSTMENT
- SYMPTOM: Notes played above the 12th fret have hollow or out of phase sound.
- PROBLEM: Pick-ups, most likley the neck Pick-up, are adjusted too high causing magnetic pull on the string producing a “Wolf tone”.
- SOLUTION: LOWER PICK-UPS
- SYMPTOM: On Buzz bass, areas of the fretboard rattle or have excessive buzz.
- PROBLEM: Finish on fretboard worn through or finish has raised above fretmarker.
- SOLUTION: FRETBOARD REQUIRES REFINISHING OR SANDING/
BUFFING
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