LukeFRC

[quote name='bassman344' timestamp='1397166819' post='2421514'] That's the thing though, always thinking you are buying better gear to find out too late that what you had was actually spot on and the new kit is the emperors new clothes. Then you try to change back and only then do you regret it and this is my point, if I stop it and stick to what I know will I be happier? Probably, and why I'm having a bass built to my own spec. Maybe I'm just an old git . . . . . . Or my eyes are bigger than my pockets are lined with cash and I'm weary with spending all I earn looking for the perfect bass. [/quote] I lived with a fella who had a mexican precision. I've played a fair few of precisons over the years and it was one of the best basses I've played. Not depended on cost. The bitsa jazz I'm selling this weekend likewise is an awesome sounding and playing bass - cost has nothing to do with it. A sadowsky jazz would be higher build quality, it would sound different (not better) and for me - might not be better. What should I do to it to make it sound as good as that Sadowsky Tal whatsherface plays? Practice (and jam with Jeff Beck) There's no such thing as a perfect bass. Pick something and play it till it is "your" bass. BigRedX may come in with the point that different projects may need different looks visually for instruments which I would concede.

Apart from the Puma 1000 trade which in hindsight would have been worth keeping

I don't sell stuff I'll regret selling.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1397161123' post='2421409'] Really? IME setup is all about fine tuning. It can't do anything about things that make an instrument fundamentally difficult to play like the wrong neck profile, string spacing, an uncomfortable body shape. [/quote] hmmm good point. Apart from body shape I think you can get used to other things/improve technique.

Tone. Playabilty can be found in a setup.

[quote name='Handwired' timestamp='1394551933' post='2392577'] Yuk, a Tribute (sorry, Snob factor kicking in). [/quote] having looked into it G&L are one of the few makes where the difference between the USA made stuff and else where seem to be negligible. Mind you the early L1000 mmmmm. Leo fender designed the P bass. Made it better in 1955, improved it again in 1957.... the next improvement was called a Stingray, the pinnacle was called the L1000 ....

Well basses with natural wood tops have been in fashion for at least the last 10 years. Painted finishes can be found in pretty much any colour if you look hard enough. I guess from the things the OP has said he/she likes so far that translucent tints on fancy wood might float your boat?

For me I blame warwickhunt. he had a bass up for sale that I always dreamed of having. I had a bass I didn't use anymore - well if I sold my unused bass I could afford Warwickhunt's bass.... and so it began. I then went through a period of trying lots and lots of stuff... eventually I settled. then this year sold one bass - and ended up buying 2 more.... and selling and it all changed again. I've got two basses now that aren't moving anywhere- and one that might as someone wants it and I've no problem with selling it to him... but what to do with the money from it? as I would normally sell to buy.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1396981582' post='2419469'] Isn't the EU a similarly sized market as the USA? [/quote] I guess we aren't integrated closely enough to feel the full benefits of that yet.

it does say "new lower price" maybe the price hasn't come down in EU yet?

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1396817371' post='2417711'] I was told the other day (by someone connected with Warwick so I've just assumed it's true) that there are no UK dealers selling German made Warwicks any more I've seen a full 2014 price list and I was genuinely surprised at just how high everything was. I always knew the Signature models had gone a bit crazy but thought they were effectively all custom builds so I could understand it. It's stuff like Streamers and Thumbs that amazed me [/quote] Esp if you compare the prices to some of the genuinely high end stuff in the shop you work in! For the record - i've a 1991 Streamer Stage one with added ACG EQ-01 preamp and barts, and a 1985 Thumb. Neither are going anywhere. Spectors have never appealed. I'ld try one mind. The newer Steinberger designs however.... that I would like to play!

also don't know how many of these they made are making - not much on the web - search "alex bass amplifier" then this thread is second. Alex at the bass gallery third and Alex Claber AKA barefaced forth....

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1396908857' post='2418750'] Doh! Thought it was an 'amp' as opposed to a pre! [/quote] they've got both - think a powersoft digimod power section - but not sure what they are using for a 400w output? (and into what ohmage) My guess based on the bright and deep switches that it's a Fender/alembic/etc type preamp but seeing the ICs on the circuit board with active eq stage - not sure what the "push" on the mid freq knob is about.

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1396907188' post='2418731'] Has it really only got a 1/4" output connection? [/quote] theres a balanced DI output there as well I spy. what more would you have on a preamp? I don't think the hellborg has more does it?

That could be the most amazing bit of gear ever... or it could be mediocre - not the greatest website but... but.... I kinda want to hear one, which is a feeling I don't get much with gear nowadays. If the illustration of the head is actually what's inside and i've recognised it right they are using a top quality class D power amp....

Musicman Sub bass go for about that, the older USA made ones.

didn't notice the blocks!

[quote name='Emanew' timestamp='1396552422' post='2415095'] I am responsible for it, i bump it up from 2010 I am sorry, addicted but i still don't have 6000 posts like you Master LukeFRC I voted for these cool japanese basses I am looking for infos, advices... [/quote] the pics are from the shop ikebe gakki. The model is prob a JB62-US then whatever colour code it is. There was a point a few years back when the yen was weak against the euro and pound when a lot of folk were importing new and secondhand japanese basses. I got one years back from a fella in Essex who imported secondhand japanese fenders and sold them on. Not seen as much of it since the pound and euro weakened. I like fender japan.

Four years later the thread got bumped again- it seemed Basschat was still talking in hushed tones about which FMIC copy of Leo Fender's designs was the best. Elsewhere on the site both then and now.... - what's best for metal, plectrum or fingers, why is my stingray's G string not as loud, Beatles- all that? and why do you need a Fodera when a Squier does the job. Probably still be what's talked about in 2018....

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1396540911' post='2414891'] Relevant because the communication was poor. Broken English , kept having to reiterate what was required. Plus , it was a very basic requirement. [/quote] I don't think that nationality (or ethnicity?) matters - just maplin's recruitment policies. Mind you if you came and asked me for a "9v connector lead" I wouldn't have a clue what you were asking for apart from some kind of low voltage power cable? cut cable?

[quote name='jimcroisdale' timestamp='1396358111' post='2412630'] [/quote] shame thats stacked pots so actually 6 knobs! (volume - balance / neck coil bass - treble / bridge coil bass - treble ) I would look at an ACG

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1396505751' post='2414331'] I think it is to combat the vast amount if sellers from China selling 99p items and the postage charge making up the total value for what's being sold. [/quote] It's all about wanting to get more people to switch to free postage, if you offer free P&P, and a paid for priority postage option you will find one the "best match" view your listings will be a lot higher up. TBH I'm not sure ebay is as interested in me and you as it is the companies selling via it.

If it's for playing lots - whichever feels and sounds the best. If you're a collector and want a museum piece... probably the 1975?