Lfalex v1.1

If the year's applicable; My vote(s) go to Burns Bison or Fender V (EADGC- the15 fret one)

And to make matters worse, I have a sneaking feeling that Status necks are supplied as fretted (or fretless if specified) blanks. You'd have to bore the holes for the tuning posts to go through and then drill out holes for the screw/s to secure the backplates. I'd only do it if I had a drill press or similar [i]proper[/i] machinery. One slip, and ... you get the idea. Status'll do it for you. But that'll cost even more. Sorry to rain on your graphite parade, but it's not a "cheap" solution. It is, however a quality one. Does it have to be a Status neck? I like a lot of the suggestions everyone else has made (Includung the ATK one) Alternatively, track down a s/h OLP Tony Levin sig or buy a good condition OLP and go from there as funds permit, buying an EQ, better hardware etc. Whatever you elect to do, be aware that if you sell on, you won't recoup your original outlay. So you'd better like it!!

And now I find myself wanting an 8x10 line array. That'd be about 8' tall. (Or 8" if you're in Spinal Tap) I suppose you could wedge it between the stage and the ceiling to stop it falling over and annihilating the drum kit..

Good point! I'll have to roll it back to about 1977 and have BAS515T instead...

Who's got BA55IST then?

[quote name='Johnston' timestamp='1319896926' post='1419861'] Get some Fostner (SP?) bits to hog out as much wood as possible before you hit it with the router. [/quote] I think it's Forstner.. But I'm not so sure myself. Good idea, though.

[i]"Refitting is the reverse procedure to removal"[/i] Yeah. Right.

[quote name='lanark' timestamp='1320059126' post='1421604'] Good for you, I never quite understand this yearning to pay £2000 for a guitar.[/quote] So now isn't a good time to mention the Status, Vigier or Warwicks, is it? Or which Yamaha I own..

Sorry. I lied. It [i]was[/i] the EDB 550 (4 string) and EDB 555 (5 string). They've stopped making them now by the looks. It's down to; GSR SR (and prestiges using that body shape) ATK BTB Jetking Grooveline I didn't even see the ICB (Iceman) in there, though I did quickly gloss over the site... There's no direct EDB replacement, and the Groovelines (though "interesting") are much more expensive. Best bet's something on th S/H market. Sorry.

EDB 550. It's the same shape, hardware and neck, but it's wooden-bodied. Last time I was in PMT Southend, they had a good condition EDB600 in. None of the current Ibanez range are made in luthite. I [i]think[/i] some Cort Curbows are, though. Hope that's of some use to you.

And in the longer term... Tried re-stringing with single ball-ended strings. That was a mission! The string clamp screws work really well in the headpiece and secure the strings well. The black finish came off of the leading edge of the threads as I screwed them in, though. Cutting the strings to the correct length is a bit difficult, as you won't want to damage the headpiece finish with whatever cutters you're using. The monorail bridge saddles are designed/ set-up for taper-cored E and A strings. I struggled to get the action low enough with "regular" strings. This time out, I was using Overwater Steel Rounds (.038/ .058/ .078/ .098) It's of most consequence on the E string, where the variance is greatest, and ultimately, I got close enough. Those who want ultra-low actions on mid to heavier gauges might need to get the files out (or ensure that you get taper-cored E and A strings) Otherwise, A couple of surface cracks have appeared in the gel coat in the recess beneath the tuners. Not structural, and they may have been caused by a knock I'm unaware of whilst in the gig bag. Still, a bit annoying, as I take good care of my gear. Finally, the phenolic fretboard has taken a serious dislike to my sweaty hands. It's reacted to my sweat, leaving a weird stain/deposit that starts in a point at about the 12th fret and widens out until it reaches the 24th. It doesn't affect the playability, but it does look strange. [i]When[/i] I get time, I must nip up to Status HQ and get Rob to have a look. A pity. The (overwater) strings and Streamline sound superb together and the compliant nature of the strings make it even more of a doddle to play.

Like everyone else has said, Squier, Yamaha and Ibanez are all solid buys, particularly if you can get a nice second hand one. Otherwise, the previously mentioned SGC Nanyo "Bass Collection" basses are superb. If you get [i]really[/i] lucky, a G&L "Tribute" series might just pop up on the cheap, but expect it to have had a couple of owners. To put some of this into a bit of perspective for you; My first bass was a Westone. I still have it. I've had two Ibanez, and sold one on. The other was irreparably damaged, and I wish I still had it. I also own a Squier and a Yamaha. (So not much bias, then!)

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1319795870' post='1418619'] Never ever Bloody anything ever! [/quote] Unless I'm misunderstanding, this needs another verb? Otherwise, I reckon most of us can see the de-merits of getting blood in/on instruments/equipment/audiences (especiallyif it's your own)

I liked the dinky Ibanez Promethean I tried. Korg Pandora / Tascam Trainer and headphones are good, too...

And there's Vangelis, both Jarres and Andreas Vollenweider....

[quote name='algmusic' timestamp='1319630921' post='1416595'] Really Sadowsky should have made up there own name.. Funny stingrays, sterlings and Rickenbackers don't seem to have this problem [/quote] They have their own issues. Or rather Mssrs Ball and Hall seem to, which can only really detract from the brand.

I suppose that there are only so many body shapes that are comfortable / well-balanced / good-looking / immediately recognisable / familiar etc. And the rough "Jazz" shape fits the bill for a lot of the people a lot of the time. For that reason it's a logical starting point for a lot of bass manufacturers when deciding on or developing a body shape. A good Fender is still a super instrument, and the current American standards are good examples of the breed.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1319537100' post='1415245'] So, that's probably typical of Fender.[/quote] No, that would be a strap lock on the top horn and a regular button below the bridge. At least no one had a bass like that from new! Edit for dodgy predictive text on "smart" phone.

Sjonnie's responses reflect my experience with wiring up a QSC to run in bridged mono... Seems that most manufacturers follow the same basic pattern. As for 1kW (or however much) being too much power, I beg to differ. The extra poke (tech term ) offers other benefits beyond perceived loudness gains. More current, headroom and (often) larger damping factors all combine to improve the way in which the power amp controls the behaviour and performance of the cabinet. My QSC power amp hammers my poor old Trace, even with only a Korg Pandora or a cheap mixer used as a pre-amp.

Keep the Bison!

They'll be doing roadworns and relics next...

[quote name='JDH' timestamp='1319286735' post='1412260'] Maybe it's time to go back to Alnico or ceramic... [url="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/26/rare-earth-metals-technology-boom"]http://www.guardian....technology-boom[/url] [/quote] Some of us never left! The only Neodymium in my house is in itsy-bitsy headphones and hard drives. None in pick-ups, and my cabinets are soooo old they probably use moving magnet drivers...

Ask your luthier? Have a look around the web? Could a lighter (coloured) Wood be stained to your preference? What does Mr Wish recommend?

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1318950581' post='1408136'] The problem is when they start to fray and look messy - nothing a lighter can't fix in a few seconds though . [/quote] *Please do not attempt this when the strings are ON the bass*

I thought you were going down the same route as Tony Levin's infamous (and cremated) Stingray "3"... I have a Hohner B2Av that's only running 3. It's strung on alternate saddles (Huuuuge spacing) and the centre 3 slots at the head. If it plays hell with the intonation, I've not noticed particularly. It's tuned EAD and my 8 year-old daughter loves it (although recently she's taken to stealing my Ovation) Meanwhile, back on topic...