Dingus

When I was a youngster in the 1980's I had a very early Squier JV Series Jazz bass and it always bothered me that it said Squier on the headstock . Nowadays those very same basses are more sought - after than a lot of Fenders and sell for a lot of money . The lesson in that story ? I'm not sure . However , what I do know is that when most folks buy basses or aspire to certain models what they are seeking to attain is far more than just the instrument itself but also all the images and associations that go along with it , so yearning for the Fender decal and buying into everything that goes along with it is entirely understandable . Get a Fender logo transfer put on your Squier and make yourself happy . I used to have a fake Gucci outfit and I looked and felt great in it .

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1365352896' post='2038405'] I do. My Jazz Deluxe sounds great. It`s a very un-active sounding active, which is probably why I like it. I can get sooooo many sounds from it, including the nearest impression of a Precision that I`ve ever heard from a Jazz. It`s a 2006 model, and the only one I`ve ever played, so can`t compare it to anything else, I just know my ears like it. [/quote] I had one of those as my main back -up bass for quite a while , and I thought that was the best model of Deluxe they ever made , with Samarium Cobalt pickups ( which sounded just slightly too refined and polite for my taste , but some will like them ) super - light woods and a really nicley sculptures neck heel , if I remember correctly . It was certainly a lot better than the current model with the blocks that replaced it . I still thought the preamp let it down though .

American Standards post-2008 are particulaly good , and post 2012 ones have Custom Shop Vintage 60's pickups , which sound terriffic . The Deluxes have always suffered from having a second - rate preamp , bland pickups and overall uninspiring design , but some people seem to like them nevertheless .

One good thing about the amount of choice on the market when it comes to Precision - style basses is that you can fine - tune ( no pun intended ) your choice according to your own preferences . As I mentioned previously , neck shapes very greatly , as does hardware and things like fret size : a lot of people like Lakland basses because of the vintage - style narrow fretwire , whereas if you like jumbo frets you would be better off looking elsewhere . We all know there are great Fenders out there from every era if you can find them - that unpredictability and individual character from one instrument to another is part of what's so great about Fender basses but is also a big part of why they can leave you banging your head against the wall in frustration and disappointment .

[quote name='BurritoBass' timestamp='1365271227' post='2037525'] No offence taken but it just seems that the times people can comment on here about Fenders and 70s Fenders especially without someone piping up to say they aren't the best works out about 99% of the time. I play with Rotosound strings too so I effectively get 2 bites of that cherry! I think I got both your comment and your intent but saying people buy Fender "just for the logo" is bound to ruffle a few feathers which masks what was actually a pretty fair point. It's not a big deal and I don't intend to comment any further. [/quote] No worries , I take your point , and I like Rotosound Swingbass myself , its just that my frets didn't seem to enjoy them very much so I stopped using them a long time ago now .

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1365269515' post='2037494'] Just thought I'd quote you in case you edited that bit later... Are we all having an argument?? If so, it's too subtle for me to comprehend. [/quote] No , we're not having an argument ! I just reinforcing the fact that I am not rubbishing Fender basses by mentioning the virtues of other brands who have derived their designs from Fender . I am saving my argumentative streak for Mrs Dingus and the Saturday night t.v schedule . I want to watch the ballet on Sky Arts but she will want to watch Match of The Day when she gets home from the pub . She's never been the same since she got that job on a building site .

[quote name='Sean' timestamp='1365259910' post='2037345'] The MM in parallel mode is nicely balanced with the P and saves any messing with amp between songs. [/quote] That's handy , because I expect you have found like me that a lot of conventional PJs are almost impossible ae to get a workable balance between the two , with notable exceptions such as your Yamaha BBs .

One big thing I am sure everyone wiould agree on is the huge variation in neck shapes and sizes and width at the nut that you find on Fender Precisions . Some people don't feel like they are playing a P Bass unlkess they have got a tree trunk of a neck their hand , whereas some folks' ' dream bass is a P Bass with a Jazz Bass size neck . Myself personally , I like something halfway in between and that's partly why I favour the current American Standards with the 1.625 nut width and relatively shallow neck profile . The first thing to do with any prospective Precision is to see how the neck shape of that actual bass suits you , because particulaly with the older ones , it seems like no two are the same . .

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1365266652' post='2037448'] I don't think it's an antagonistic comment. The Bob Glaub 'P' is an excellent bass in every way, as reflected by the price, and is as good as anything Fender make, if not better. A lot of pro bass players use them. It's often been said on here 'if you want a good Fender P, buy a Lakland'. But... as has been said, there are lots of reasons people like Fender Ps! Some people [i]do[/i] just like having the 'F' word on their headstock and there's nothing wrong with that. If you [size=4]want a Fender P then so be it! I'm not going to argue.[/size] [size=4]In fact, over the years I've become a little weary of this forum's anti-Fender brigade and their control-freakery. Having said that, the usual suspects haven't turned up yet - but I'm sure they will! [/size] [/quote] As I have already stated , I love Fender basses , and have done for a very long time . I have had [i]a lot[/i] of them over the years , so I know a little bit about what I am talking about . I actually have a Fender bass positioned in my bedroom so its' silhouette is the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning to try and inspire me to get out of bed . Admittedly , it doesn't always work , and sometimes Mrs Dingus' fat arse is in the way ( may have to edit that bit later ) , but neverthless my reverence for the Fender bass is not in doubt . Or indeed my reverence for Mrs Dingus' arse . ( In case she ever reads this ) .

[quote name='BurritoBass' timestamp='1365265735' post='2037430'] I don't think people only buy Fenders for the logo & comments like this could be seen to be just a little antagonistic. Just as one point Fenders hold their market value much better and having sold on really nice instruments by makes like Hofner & Epiphone they just don't get so much back. Granted there are other makes out there every bit as good as a nice Fender but if people want to buy a Fender, let them. There are plenty of wonderful nice basses in all shapes and sizes to suit all tastes [/quote] You are getting me all wrong on this , my friend . I am being ( or trying to be ) conciliatory , not antagonistic . All I mean is that if you specifically want a Fender bass then you should buy a Fender , because that is what will make you happy . Ultimately , the fellow should buy what he wants , not what I want . I am as interested in gear as the next man , but ultimately one decent Precision Bass will do the same job as another one , regardless of what the name on the headstock is . I have outlined the reasons why I would look at other options and why I think most mid -to -late 1970's Fenders are way overpriced for the instruments they are , and I would stick by that . I am genuinely sorry and more than a bit surprised if anyone would take offence at that , because it seems perfectly reasonable to me .

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1365263851' post='2037410'] I knew it wouldn't be long before a comment like this came along. Point of order though. Lakland don't make a "Precision". They make what they call a "P" bass, which is a shameless copy of a Fender. They should be brave and only make models of their own design. But they don't. There is no substitute for a Fender Precision. [/quote] I take your point , but a great many manufacturers make a Fender style bass , and , on the whole , a lot of them make them a lot better than Fender . I love Fender basses , but there are plenty of basses in that style that either match Fender or outstrip them in terms of sound , construction and playability . In my experience the U.S.A Lakland basses are the equal of the very best Fender Custom Shop basses , and more consistant in terms of quality . Why wouldn't they be a substitute for any Fender Precision ? They are one of the nearest equivalents you can get in terms of sound and overall feel to a pre - CBS Fender , in my opinion . That is why I rate them so highly . But if you want something that says Fender on it then buy a Fender , by all means .

[quote name='lowlandtrees' timestamp='1365245856' post='2037128'] I did look at Lakland. I have a 78 Rick and a MM SUB but have always been a fan of Precisions but with several thousand out there I am at a loss. I suppose I have always had the (unjustified) rule of thumb that the older the wood, the better the sound. Will out in a bit more work into this [/quote] For the £1500 you have seen this 76 Fender for you could probably pick up a used excellent condition USA - made Lakland Precision , and that will be in a different dimension of quality to any 70's Fender .

I have had numerous Precision Basses , and I can honestly say that the current American Standards are excellent instruments . I really wouldn't bother paying a premium for a Seventies Precision if what you are after is a well - made , good - sounding bass that plays well . Unless you have got a yearning for a vintage bass , I can really see no sonic , ergonomic or aesthetic advantage to getting an old Precision when these new ones are so good . The post -2008 Fenders sound like a good Precision should ( and the post 2012 ones have Custom Shop pickups in them ) , the hardware is very good so you won't need to change or upgrade anything , you get a great case with them , the weight is fine , the B width neck feels great - they tick every box . I know loads of Vintage bass fans will probably say otherwise , but I have owned numerous 1970's Fenders myself and as a working instrument I wouldn't swap any of them for a good current American Standard . For the prices used American Standards are going for on Basschat , you could buy one and have the best part of a grand left in your pocket over what the 76 you have seen will cost . I am shocked when I see the vastly inflated prices mid to late 70's Fenders are going for nowadays - that may be their market value and good luck to people who are selling them , but no way are these basses the kind of build quality or sound quality to make them worth that kind of money in the abstract . It's not that long ago basses like the one you mention were going for about £ 300 . Unless you want an antique ( in which case I would recommend saving up some more money and buying something proper vintage i.e pre - 1973 ) , you can do much better for that kind of money .

I always liked this one : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5kisPBwZOM

Looks like a very useable bass . That fingerboard is beautiful . Have you managed to match the output of the MM pickup and the P pickup ? Probably easier than getting a P and J to match up , I would think .

No problems , my friend , I used to play Wal basses myself and I knew Pete and the crew at Electric Wood a little bit when they were at Wycombe and they[u] [i]always[/i] [/u]took care of their customers . I know that Pete had a stock of parts for the older instruments like the Pro Basses , but these were running out because it was just what they had left from years ago and some of the parts weren't in production any more . As I am sure you are already well aware , most of the hardware and electronics on Wal Basses is unique to them , and Wal must have it made for them by their own suppliers . How you would find out who that was if it isn't a standard part that is widely available I really have no idea , so I know it has been fruitless in the past , but maybe pleading with Paul via email might be worth one last try , especially if you quote the serial number of your bass and tell him that you are stuck without his help and that you are willing to pay for the part and shipping ect ( presuming that you are ) . Here is link to Roger Giffin : [url="http://www.giffinguitars.com/"]http://www.giffinguitars.com/[/url] You should be able to email him and he might be able to help in some way - I think maybe he knew Pete and Wal from back in the very early days in London and Paul Herman definitely worked for Roger before he worked for Wal - but whether he will know what to do about getting this particular spare part is anyones guess . Worth a try though , I hope . Good luck with getting what you need .

If it's any help at all , I seem to remember that the kind of unofficial Wal repairer in the USA was a renowned English luthier called Roger Giffin who moved to the States back in the 1980's . I think he is living up in Oregon now , and if all else fails it might be worth getting in touch with him .

[quote name='ModLad69' timestamp='1365137650' post='2035792'] Hi Wal heads, Can anyone tell me what pot "K" value Wal uses for their passive basses? Fender uses 250K, and Gibson uses 500K. I have a '92 Wal MK I Custom that is passive, and when I looked at the pots, no "K" value was shown. I did see "UK" on the pots which tells me they were made in the UK. I need to find 4 UK made pots (2 regular, and two push/pull pots) that have the appropriate "K" value for a Wal passive pups. Any thoughts or help would be much appreciated! Cheers! [/quote] Have you thought about contacting Electric Wood / Paul Herman and asking him about replacement parts , if they are indeed for your Wal bass ? He would be the best person to help , in all probability .

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1365113884' post='2035670'] Some sort of precision, I'd hold out for a second hand post 2010 fender or a Lakland Skyline. £900 would buy you a fair bit of P-bass [/quote] +1 on this . Some kind of a Precision Bass fits the bill . Post- 2008 Fender American Standards or Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub ( 44-64) or Duck Dunn model ( the latter has a skinnier neck profile , if that is what you prefer ) . There are usually good examples of all these in the For Sale section here on Basschat .

If I remember correctly , the original version of this is by double bass virtuoso Gary Karr . Check him out on YouTube . He's a deeply respected player and quite a voluble character to boot .

Try setting the bass and treble controls on you Ray half way , or on the centre detent if they have one i.e flat , and then work hard on moderating your touch , and thinking like a genius . There was nothing special about his equipment , although on some tracks he used effects such as the Boss OC2 and a harmonizer was used on Wherever I Lay My Hat , I believe .

[quote name='jamesbass116' timestamp='1365030368' post='2034491'] This is my bands latest video... We should've been shooting a proper narrative video for a new song last weekend but we were left high and dry by our videographer! Anyway.. Hope you enjoy this for the time being! [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOis2IfwGCg[/media] [/quote] This is bloody brilliant ! Seriously catchy and commercial stuff with teen appeal . The whole sound is incredibly professional and slick . You should be getting this seen by A&R people . You already sound like a signed band that had some help developing its' sound . I'm impressed .

Just to echo what everybody else has said , two basses is really only one bass and a back up , and any gigging musician needs a back up . You will probably end up regretting it and spending more money in the long run if you sell . At least wait and see . Whatever you spend the money on if you sell will almost certainly not keep its' value like your bass will . Keep your powder dry .

[quote name='dougal' timestamp='1365003654' post='2033996'] ...and that is why I'm having such an internal debate - there's a very real chance that I'll pay to have this done, and it still won't fit the bill because it [i]is[/i] a thunderbird and no amount of John East trickery is going to change the fundamental sound going into the circuit. I can tell already I'm going to end up with an 'effing super-J for a year, and that's just so... boring and predictable. [/quote] I used a super J exclusively out of choice for eight and a half years out of choice , and I must confess I was ready for a change by the end . That sound is getting a bit old and stale in my opinion anyway - it's just been so overused - that I very much stay away from it myself nowadays . Depending on what type of music you are playing , the straight ahead unadulterated sound of a Thunderbird might do you perfectly well . For any kind of straight ahead rock , old or new , a T Bird is one of the best sounding basses , and I think it would work fine for soull/r and b / funk music too . If you listen to a lot of contemporary music , the bass guitar has darker sound than it used to have , hence the new - found popularity of flatwound strings and vintage - style amps ect . You could use your Thunderbird passive to really exploit that sound and see how you like it , and if it doesn't [i]then [/i]think about changing something , in which case an external preamp is a [u]fantastic [/u]idea , and one which I am way too thick to have thought of myself .

[quote name='Stacker' timestamp='1365058069' post='2034581'] I'd start scouring the web as of now. Reason? That L2 I recently picked up, the guy who sold it to me said he'd been contacted by a guy in the 'States who has apparently made it his mission to buy up as many Steinys as he can. They very rarely come up and with a predator like the Yank buyer on the loose you'd need to be quick on the draw! EDIT: I may have to eat my words about them rarely coming up - there's 3 L series and an XL on USA ebay!! [/quote] [quote name='Stacker' timestamp='1365065353' post='2034657'] Hhmmm... look at the [url="http://www.headlessusa.com/steinberger-inventory.htm"]inventory on this site[/url]. Reckon this maybe the buyer I was alluding to. [/quote] This might well be where my friend in the States is sourcing them from , or alternatively where he is selling the ones he has offered to me . It would be interesting to know the kind of prices they are asking .