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shuteyko's Reviews
5 reviews Back to shuteyko's Equipboard
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169
A metal beast in need of better pickups :p
It is a killer-looking, all-black metal machine that plays far above its price point - fast neck, comfortable body, and solid tuning stability. However, I do agree the stock Infinity R pickups sound muddy and lack clarity, especially under high gain. The electronics (pots, switch) feel cheap and are often the first to fail. In short: it’s an excellent modding platform or a great starter for budget-minded metalheads, but don’t expect premium tone out of the box.
169
Vintage warmth, modern clarity
Bartolini BH2s are a solid, musical upgrade-warm lows, clear highs, no hum, and great dynamic response. They won't grind or scream, but for fingerstyle, vintage thump, or smooth fusion, they're fantastic. Just don't expect a hot output; these are all about feel and finesse.
169
The VOX Pathfinder 10B is a small, ten-watt bass amp for practice at home.
I'll be straight: for the money, it's a solid little machine. It sounds warm and clear, the lows hold up better than you'd expect, and it's built tough enough to last. The classic VOX look is a nice bonus, but that's not why you buy it. You buy it because it works well for bedroom playing or small jams without emptying your wallet. That said, I won't pretend it's perfect. Turn it up too loud, and it starts to break up in an ugly way - not the good kind of distortion. You have to be careful with the volume and gain knobs to keep it clean. Also, don't expect an aux input or reverb. It doesn't have those. So if you need bells and whistles, look elsewhere. But if you want an honest, affordable practice amp that does its main job well, the Pathfinder 10B is a fair choice. No hype, no regrets. Just a decent tool for a reasonable price.
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169
1969 Moscow Bass: A Rugged Soviet Workhorse
After playing this Soviet-era instrument for several months, I can say it's a functional workhorse rather than an artisanal masterpiece. The laminated spruce and maple construction prioritises durability over tonal complexity – and in that regard, it excels. The heavy amber varnish, solid neck joint, and reliable original tuners have aged remarkably well over five decades. Tonally, the bass delivers a dark, punchy, focused sound with excellent projection. Arco playing is even if somewhat lacking in overtones, while pizzicato yields a satisfying percussive thump ideal for jazz or rockabilly. It lacks the warmth of a carved instrument but compensates with consistency and raw cut-through. Playability is decent after a proper setup, though the bass is notably heavy – long rehearsals will test your stamina. However, its resilience against temperature and humidity changes makes it an ideal touring or practice instrument. Verdict: Not for tone purists, but an exceptional value for students, crossover players, or anyone needing a tough, characterful bass with historical grit.
169
It’s a good bass for the money, though it does require some refinement and fine-tuning to reach its full potential.
Initially, in most cases-especially if you live in a region with a fairly cold or humid climate-the bass isn’t in the best condition. The wood tends to shift, which can cause, for instance, the frets to start protruding. Essentially, wherever the wood might be susceptible to any kind of change, it’s likely to happen. This is probably one of the main drawbacks, but it’s certainly something that can be fixed. When it comes to the clear advantages, the most notable is the instrument’s exceptional versatility and sound-shaping capability. Thanks to the extensive array of potentiometers and switches, you can tailor the bass to suit almost any musical genre. I find this incredibly useful, as I love experimenting with tone. One thing you might not like is the Bartolini BH2 pickups. I’ve heard from friends that they’re not the best in terms of sound, and they suggested swapping them for Bartolini P4s, though I didn’t go through with it - that’s ultimately up to you. Another upside I should mention is that it holds tuning remarkably well, even in the lowest registers.