LeftyBassist.com

Saw Sponge last night. The bassist, Tim Patalan, plays this old P-bass. No idea what year it is.
Clay dots, no skunk stripe, strap peg on headstock. But I just love how it's aged.

Also notice there are no pots.

pete

Sponge! Didn't realize they were still around. I saw them back in the 90's opening for...???? Damn, can't remember. I saw a LOT of bands back then.

I've heard about players doing this and bypassing the pot's resistors straight to the jack, claiming it improves the tone, but I've never experienced it myself. Personally, the P is simple enough, IMO, and I think I'd find the inability to adjust the volume and tone onboard annoying. If I wanted more power, crispness, etc. I'd rather just install a more powerful PUP. it looks like he's replaced the stock PUPs anyway, as those look like EMGs of some sort.

How was his tone?

<<<How was his tone?>>>

Fabulous. I happened to be seated right in the sweet spot. The bass was bright and clear.
Played through an old Ampeg SVT.

pete

Truth is, even with both pots wide open, they're still in the circuit, just at their max value. So removing them altogether does have merit.

If I could afford a custom shop Fender bass or guitar, I'd ask only for one volume knob on each. No tone controls, just wide open.

I like simplicity--I like to think I do; my gear says different.