Old Horse Murphy

I do like a good Westone! Aria Cat 2's also send me back to that era and make my heart beat just a little faster.

Not for the foreseeable future at least!

Its a bit crackly and the strings must be hundreds of years old, but it's certainly got some guts 😊

Such a good looking bass. Congratulations, I hope you're both very happy together 💐

I was on a business trip near Swansea today and as I sometimes do, decided to see if there was anything for sale in the local area. There was; a super condition Hohner Jack Bass from 1988 that was virtually on my way home. I of course had to go and see it as I'd lusted after one of these for the best part of 30 years. Where I was at school, just over the other side of a dual carriageway that backed on to to our sports fields was a guitar shop where I spent many a lunch break. They had a Jack Bass in a dark natural finish that I used to make a beeline for every time I went there. God it was lovely and I always dreamt of owning it one day but it was way out of my price range (which was approximately £0-£2). This would've been the early 90's I guess and I've held a candle for these Jacks ever since, so when I saw this one advertised for a very good price in remarkable condition with (unbelievably) a working preamp and (even more unbelievably) a battery cover I was caught hook line and sinker. It even came with a case. The only thing that could've made it better for me was if it were in the dark natural finish. It needs a set up and a new set of strings but it's fabulous. It's one of least expensive basses I've ever bought but definitely in my top three basses I've always wanted to own. In fact, I'd go as far to say it's my number one bass I always wanted, sentimental fool that I am.

I'm in two bands currently. One of them gigs probably once a month which is enough for me right now. Any more than that is a bit too much like a second job and just not that much fun. They're a lovely bunch of people as well as good musicians but I think if we tried something more regular it wouldn't work quite as well. The other band is a group of mates who I've played with for years and we're still signed to a small record label. We get together once in a while to write and record originals but also twice a year (max) we do a big corporate covers gig which is an absolute blast and a great laugh catching up with everyone. I must say, the anticipation of getting together is impetus enough and the adrenalin and buzz from it keeps me going. I guess what I'm saying is that there's always options in finding bands or musicians who don't flog the heck out of gigging and you may find that more rewarding as it doesn't become such a chore. Works for me anyway.

Well I took it to practice and it was fantastic. The pickups have been set just right and the balance between the neck and bridge is really close. I'm not really a bridge pickup type of guy but dialling it in more and taking the neck pickup down for some songs worked really well. The neck is sublime; it's not pencil thin like a Geddy Lee and it was just a revelation to play. I bought a set of EMG's to drop in to it as I thought I might find the stock pickups a little anaemic, but with the aid of my Laney Digbeth preamp the sounds I got where just what I wanted. Needless to say I won't be putting the EMG's in. Very happy 😊

Funnily enough, I struggled picking up a set of EMG J pickups in black and finally managed to buy a pair (inc. pots and connectors) a week ago. I've not installed them yet (well, they're still as new and wrapped) as I actually really like the sound of the Jazz bass as it is. I've got a rehearsal tonight and will decide whether to stay with the stock pickups or not. Judging by all the retailers' websites the EMG's still seem difficult to come by so I should make my money back if I decide to sell them, given the ongoing shortage.

Well I'm going to add another bass to my very short never sell list (along with my old P Bass). It's my 4003S, which I've not had too long but the circumstances in which I purchased it are very special to me and having spent the weekend playing it learning some new songs it's sublime. I changed the original white plastic for black and I've strung it with TI Roundwounds, so it's not quite stock. It plays beautifully and has that gorgeous "fizzy" Ric sound. I've got nine basses in total and this is one of only two I'll never part with, alongside my Martin D-18

I must admit, it's a bit too dark for me so i thought about Pearloid too or something similar. This is the only pic I can find where's someone's done it. Not entirely sure it works in a Strat but it should look better on a Jazz Bass IMO

Ian bought a Dave Hall Valve Drive pedal off me and all the rumours are true: he's a great guy and incredibly easy to deal with. Highly recommended

That Z3....😍

I tried a blue one on Monday and it was really nice. The neck was really comfortable and it seemed really well finished. They look stunning too

You and me both

This is mine. It's a Fender Japan Jazz factory u lined Fretless neck with a custom made ash P Bass body which I had properly finished and lacquered. I fitted EMG's to it and it's currently strung with roundwounds just go that added sustain and zing. I've not played it much recently so my chops are woeful.

How about Basses on or near a day bed? Does that count?

I like it 👍

Ah, I only got as far as 16 (b). and then had to take the dogs out.

So it's been denuded and deflowered. I like it. We'll see. It's lovely though

I don't know 😐