Rayman

Yeah... Zenta, my mistake, it was a long time ago! Lol. My mate had Jedson guitar, I had the Columbus, they were both pretty poor from what I remember.

Avon yeah... Kay.... Zentor.... there were loads of them.... and we thought they were all crap, well, a lot of them were. I remember playing on some horrific driftwood, and I'm not sure the Columbus was any better.

Around 1980/81, I was 15, and my first bass was a Columbus Jazz from Rhythm House in Stockport. Even back then, if it didn't say Fender on it, I knew it wasn't the real thing, but amongst the Cimars, Westones and Mayas coming in from Japan, (in those days, we didn't rate the MIJ stuff at all, we thought it was a cheap copy of the real thing, funny how they're sought after now) the Columbus seemed like my best option and the most affordable Fender copy. It saw me through my first years and gigs, but got so battered in the end, I remember it being pretty unplayable. I honestly can't remember what happened to it ultimately, it probably went on the tip.

There's a blue Jetstar on the bay now. I love them. The Korean made basses are really awesome. I had Korean Dearmond Starfire guitar... sold it to Gordon Giltrap. Fabulous thing it was.

THIS THREAD IS 10 YEARS OLD !!! (Edit: not this thread.... zombie threads... y'know)

Anyone mentioned action? Sorry if yes..... I used to love a super low action, and had an issue with the output on the B... a Stingray and an ESP Horizon spring to mind. I've since raised my action to about 3mm at the 12th on my Aria 5er, and the B, via some EB Super Slinkys (pink, light gauge) rings like a piano.

Righty tighty, Lefty loosely, always. TI flats are fabulous. The king of strings for me. Absolutely awesome on a P bass.

Told her 😆

My Hohner B Bass is awesome. Very surprised as it was just a passing purchase, but honestly I don't know why they aren't more highly regarded.

Yep. Kinal MK5. It was perfect. I actually owned it twice, but both times because I needed the money I had to sell it. I regret it bitterly every day. I'm still on Mikes' endorsees page, and unfortunately it didn't go with me to my grave.... unless I'm a ghost. This picture was about 10 years ago, before I sold it to David Eubassix. If anyone knows where it is I'd love to know..... the inside of the control plate was signed by Nathan East.

Every bass, regardless of age, origin and price is different. This sounds like a big deal to you mate so it's really a case of trying before you buy, and stay open minded about brands. I've had/played some very ordinary "vintage" Fenders. I had '78 P that was nice, but not as good as Japanese Squier I picked up for £150 quid. Same with new models.... they're not guaranteed to be right for you. When I turn 60 in a few years I want a vintage Fender too.... but I'll be doing a LOT of trying them out first.

Been there.... I had to sell my favourite bass, a Kinal MK5, twice! Sold it, bought it back, sold it again, because I was skint. I miss it every day. No idea where it is now, but I'd give anything to get it back. Good luck with your search

I’ve been playing a long time, always had big heavy 2x12 cabs… but I can’t lift them anymore. I recently bought a second hand TC BG250 1x15 combo. Lightweight, inexpensive, plenty of clout unless you’re in a death metal band, and very light. New found love for 15 inch speakers I’d recommend it

Yep, the Dean version was the same pickup spacing. Jeff likes a kind of nasal tone, so I'm guessing it's for that reason.

Green Manalishi - Judas Priest

Is it better? No. Is it a great bass, as well as the jazz? I'm sure. Jeff described it as the only bass you'll ever need, for all genres, but.... of course he wants to sell them, so he would say that. I fancied the 5er, but I've never been able to get the opportunity to try one.

I've used 12" speakers for 40yrs... this my first 15.... and I love the grunt. Ok it's no Markbass (had one, didn't like it), but 40 quid... I love it.

Favourite purchase of the year, is by far this Hohner B Bass.... absolute steal, and a joy to play. Bargain of the year is the TC BG250 behind it..... £40.... and it sounds fabulous.

Aria IGB68 joins the family. It's a beast ! Beautiful clear tone, massive amounts of power, I'm surprised actually, it's up there with a Spector Euro 5 I had in terms of the output from the mid/bass/treble cut and boost. Active/passive, Single/double coil, lovely dark and smooth fretboard. It's quite heavy.... it was a struggle to get the Dunlop strap buttons in, solid peice of timber. No "upgrades" required here, despite what I've read about the electrics, it sounds fabulous to me. Beautiful thing, very happy.

Nobody is more guilty than me, for unnecessary upgrades.... Nordstrand pickup and new EQ into an OLP Tony Levin..... EMG pickup and new EQ into a Fleabass.... Etc.... many many more pointless expense on other basses... and ALL sold on anyway. I learnt the hard way that in most cases, for me, I still didn't like the basses and lost money big time on the resale. Now.... I spend time with the bass, get to know it, get to know it's pros and cons, and take it from there. I REALLY have to love the bass and KNOW I'm going to KEEP it, before any more money is spent on it. There's very few basses, these days, in my opinion, that need any work doing at all. Just my thoughts, after 40yrs of wasting massive amounts of cash.

Sorry….. didn’t mean to sound like your dad 🙂

If you don’t already KNOW what you would change on the bass, my advice is don’t change it at all. Save your money for when you think of something you really want. They’re good basses as they are. A lot of money is wasted on unnecessary “upgrades”. A lot.