Back to basics: what is a Toaster?

bassman2k · Post by **bassman2k** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:24 am

Well, I realize this is standard info for most members here, but being relatively new and inexperienced, I'm not informed. I've done a search of previous posts and haven't really found anything descriptive enough, otherwise I wouldn't waste everyone's time. So...how do they sound compared to high gains?

I'm in three different bands with three totally different requirements. They are a worship band, a jazz band, and a hard rock band. I only use my Rick for these bands, but it would be great to have more versatility. Would the toaster be a worthy investment for this?

Some of the sounds I shoot for are:
-Growling rock tones (that's easy)
-Warm funk sounds
-Midrange Jaco sound
-Flat and clean articulation

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:24 am

-high gains 8k to 11k ohms single coil
-toasters 7.4k ohms scatter wound single coil

The toaster is smoother and has the mids scooped out.

The high gain is louder and has more growl.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:43 am

The high gain has a ceramic magnet attached to the back of slug pole pieces, and (I believe) concentrically wound coils. The toaster uses alnico pole pieces. and is scatter wound.

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:53 am

Growling rock tones, warm funk sounds, mid-range Jaco sound, flat and clean articulation...

A 4001 with high-gains on it will give you all of those, believe me.

bassman2k · Post by **bassman2k** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 3:32 pm

I'm definitely not denying the versatility of the bass, because it does all of this just fine. I'm quite happy with the sound. It just seems like a lot of people put in toasters, so I was just wondering if I can expand my palette even more.

I read somewhere that the toasters actually add low mids. Is this not true? Jeff stated the mids are scooped. I think I would do better with more low mids, not less.

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:27 pm

That is just my opinion/taste: The vintage toasters (from '73 and may be until '80ies) had a very high gain (about 11kOhms) and a very crisp sound with a bit more mids. The "older" vintage toasters (before '72)as well as the latest ones have about 6 to 7kOhms, but do not sound so crisp any more and to combine with a modern high gain bridge PU they are a bit weak, but have tremendous deep bass and growl.
But what ever you want, ask Sègio Silva, he can bring it to reality!