sblueplanet

I take it a step further by having the strings in reverse order to the norm.

I moved on to fretless early on and played it exclusively for about 8 years then the fretless lived under the bed for a couple of years before I decided to sell it. I've never really gone back to it as my playing style and influences changed. Love the feel of flats on my fretted jazz though.

With so many sources for hearing and learning techniques it makes learning bass a lot easier but in terms of creating a new sound or style, pretty impossible as all the trail-blazing on the instrument has probably been done.

I like to use a plectrum with a bit of flexibility, about 0.7mm If just starting to use one, a bit of flex is easier.

Anyone recommend UK-based people offering reasonable priced paint refin and relic services? Can't trust myself with a piece of sandpaper and a spray can.

Definitely a unique bass voice and a big part of my listening in the early 80's.

Thanks for the responses. A lot to consider. That black jazz above with matching headstock belonging to deanovw looks killer btw.

John at Bravewood just got back to me to say he's started building a lefty strat for a customer so here's hoping he's pleased with his efforts. It may change his thoughts on the issue. I have considered finding someone to refin and nicely relic my jazz body the way I imagine it. Any hoo....anyone else got a review, opinion on a Bravewood bass they have played?

John at Bravewood just got back to me to say he's currently building his first lefty, a strat, so hoping he gets good results.

It is sound advice. I would expect a custom-made instrument to have an edge over any factory one. I know Fenders are pretty basic but they are still the benchmark for how a basic instrument should play, sound etc and many top players don't feel the need to go high-end to get a usuable sound for their music. I've owned expensive basses but always found myself going back to basics and that usually has meant a reliable Fender. My problem is vintage lefty Fenders don't come around as often so having a good quality aged replica was appealing.

Been reading elsewhere that Bravewood don't make lefties. Don't know much about Nash basses either. Just seen a couple in a bass mag.

It clearly states on the website that Fender decals are not fitted yet no photos are ever shown of the front of headstock. I guess most people will want one on it to complete the look.

Im sure if Paul McCartney contacted him about a bass he'd learn to make a lefty pretty fast. Very disappointing :-(

I think that's pretty lame actually. Im a lefty and most of my playing has been done on right-hand instruments by flipping them round and playing them upside down. This doesn't stop me from setting them up to make sure they play well. His excuse makes no sense to me. Never heard of a Luthier who can't make an instrument because of its orientation.

Been checking out Bravewood Guitars website as I'm interested in having a relic Fender bass replica built. Mine would be a lefty but if anyone on here has one I'd be interested in your comments on build quality, sound, finish and value for money etc.

Any lefties on here own a Bravewood Fender replica? They look fantastic. Just wondering if anyone has had a lefty model made and how it turned out?

The Bass Doc on here makes pickguards. He made me a faux gold anodised one for my Jazz. Send him a PM. Brass would be heavy. Why not have a brass, copper or gold lookalike guard made? Cheaper too.

I've been trying to find a small cab with enough gigging power that I can lift up 6 flights of stairs after a gig. My budget has landed me with a 4ohm 1x12 Eden, but in the shared rehearsal room is a Barefaced Midget. I lifted it and it felt around half the weight of my own. Unfortunately I can't get permission to have a play through it. Would be curious to know if they come in 4 + 8 ohm versions

I'm often not involved with a band so I also enjoy recording at home to drum tracks, sometimes building up tracks with a keyboard-playing friend. I also write songs and record them, singing and playing all the instruments. Every time I go for a jam with some players somewhere, it's when I'm carrying my bass rig up 6 flights of stairs that I remember why I'm not fussy about being in a band so much these days.

Ive used some expensive basses at gigs but never got the good comments I got when I used a cheap violin bass copy. Also had stress-free nights not worrying about good gear getting damaged or nicked.