BassBod

Considering its been around the blues clubs of Germany (and to Bosnia) a few times, its amazing - that wax does a really good job of repairing small scuffs etc. I got it "new" around 5 years ago from a not very good shop in Bristol - but it must have been knocking around for a few years. I expect it had been round a few dealers etc etc before they got it. It was in good shape, but hadn't been waxed for a long time. I loved the woodwork and design - great neck, good balance, not heavy - but whenver I used it on a jazzy gig I just couldn't get the warmth I wanted. Luke's Bravewood P bass was just right, warm as a warm thing on a warm day.....but if I could afford a Thumb...it doesn't stop does it?? Based on my experiences with the SS1 I'll hopefuly one day end up with a SS2 or Spector. BB

I think I was the one who put the EMG's and Aguilar into that SS1....so here's my interpretation. The EMG vs MEC isn't a biggie. EMGs (to me) sound just a bit cleaner, with more extended highs and lows but essentially not very different in character to the original MECs. I already had a P p/up doing nothing, so it seemed like a good idea (I've always liked the clarity of EMGs) The stock 3 band preamp started to play up, and rather than spend time and money fixing it, I decided to change it. Never liked the mid control, and felt it was pretty "hissy". The Aguilar 2 band was chosen because it has a frightening bass boost, and also the ability to cut treble (very useful with EMGs if you want a more traditional sound). I also prefer vol/vol to balance controls, unless they are really well designed and don't do odd "phase things". Despite all that, I couldn't get the warmth out of I wanted....so off it went.... BB

As for p/ups, I always liked the old style DiMarzio humbuckers - darker and stronger than trad jazzes, but with a good honk (and no single coil hum). I reckon an Aguilar 2band pre with those would be quite the thing. Trouble is, there isn't much room in a standard jazz bass cavity, so other than a JRetro you're probably going to need at least an extra battery space? Sounds like fun....forget the vintage tone snobs...go for the filth! BB

Can't speak for the Sadowsky, but I've used the Aguilar DB924 (very similar) in this way - to give me an "active tone" option for passive basses. Works well, especially the bass boost. Takes an old style jazz bass from "jamerson/jaco" to "marcus" or "will" . Doesn't seem so useful on a P style bass but I do sometimes use it if I am looking for a heavier tone.

I've got the older DiMarzio (with Allen key poles) in my Pbass - its very good. Does the P thing fine, but has more oomph and is a bit "darker" than standard. My bass originally had a SD Quarterpounder which (whilst impressive and aggressive) didn't sound like a Pbass to me. The SD vintage version is also a great sounding pickup. BB

Yep, I'll be there.....

That should be a fantastic bass - congratulations, and I admire your courage. I bought some short scale strings from Rob last year and he was a pleasure to do business with. Maybe one day I can order a bass as well........ BB

I haven't used them for at least ten years, but I picked up a set of their "cheap" nickel rounds a few days ago, and I was pleasantly surprised. Good sound, even between strings and not particularly rough feeling. Much better than I remember the stainless strings of years ago... My favourite is still the DR Sunbeams...followed by Thomastik Superalloys, or Overwaters. Manson's strings seem good too. Just don't buy DR's in the UK (Germany or America for sensible prices..)

Years ago I used two combos, not really worth the hassle. A more powerful combo with an extension cab option works much better - or just a DI into the PA. The only problem as such is the possible earth loop/hum you often get when linking two mains powered items. BB

British Audio Services in the States look like you're best bet for spares, but there is probably a minimum order. Maybe worth getting new rubber feet/corners to make it worth while. I got some bits from a Gavin at GM Audio (?) in Essex - I think he was working from part of the old factory, but I read that he's stopped trading now (someone correct me if I'm wrong about that..) BB

Yes, I'm sure the only time I tried Warwick strings was the first time ....and later a set of Rotos

I knew I'd offend someone......hope you're looking after that old Pbass, and not putting it too close to the Magnum..... BB

+1 - I've only had this once or twice, and I think its the magnetic pull from the pickups? Lower them a touch and it usually goes away. I've also had a similar "rattle" sometimes, but this is duff strings (normally the E) where the windings are coming apart from the core, inside the string.

Thomastik flats - feel wimpy but sound big and old. Bass wise, anything with a humbucker near the end of the neck, or a Pbass pickup (DiMarzios are good and warm). The old Ovation Magnums are a good bet...but really ugly. Somebody will correct me, I know.... BB

They are very similar to the Overwaters, maybe even the same strings!? I've only used one set of the nickels, but I like them. No "spherical ball end technology" bollo on the current ones, just regular brass bits.

I got there for an hour or so Sunday - great to see an event like this in the South West. Tried a few things out (the Custom Shop Pino Pbass, nice Pbass but very pricey and no better than my bravewood...) and chatted to a few people. I missed some of the luthiers...although everyone could hear Bernie! I did see one of Hugh Manson's current basses there and Andy's wonderful guitars, but there were no Overwaters, Jaydees, Seis, Shukers or my favourite Cliftons. Shame that. I'm impressed with Manson's "own brand" strings - very good for the price. BB

The one I had also had two extra resistors, to stop the stacks reacting to each other - I think it also dropped the output a bit, and made my jazz sound a bit dull and lifeless. Back to the three knobs for me....... BB

The only place I've been searched for drugs, and had the van almost taken apart. Very curteous and professional, but I couldn't help feeling they were protecting their own local suppliers......as much as law enforcement. Probably best bringing your own stuff (PA etc) as the (very few) locals can set their own rates..and get them? BB

So, can anyone tell me how the sound compares to the DB924 preamp?

Yes, they all got tossed in the end......

Years ago an uncle gave me a pile of old mags (Beat and International Musician, before you start...) and in one from the late 70s there was a review of a Pangborn fretless, with alu fingerboard. I'm sure it looked more like a two pickup Pbass than this one....

That sound was something special - Alembics and whatever was giving the fuzzzzz. I never could understand what happened to his sound later, the stuff I've heard with Warwick and Status basses just sounds thin and over effected to me...but I'm sure this is more to do with his choice of effects/signal chain than the basses themselves?

Well, I've got half of it, in the form of an old Alembic F2B preamp - run into the power amp of the Euphonic Audio 500, that's almost it for me. I would say the F2B together with the SWR Stereo800 power amp, but its a bit heavy and I hate the fan noise on smaller gigs. I love the EA stuff, its light and sounds wonderful in all situations, but I have to agree with people here who say that "older" designs just sound good in a way that newer stuff doesn't. I've got a TrySellin'it GP11 here, as well as the F2B and they are both great preamps. BB