redstriper

I bought the red one that Geoff tried from the Leeds shop and I must agree with everything that's been said so far. It's not just a good bass for the money, it's a great bass at any price! The finish is flawless, intonation bang on, neck straight as, thin vintage style frets, pick ups very powerful and articulate with no background noise, great tone, smooth controls, low action - it looks nice too, having a style of it's own instead of just another Fender clone. The only downside for me is the 10 pound weight, but I would be perfectly happy if this was my only bass, thanks for the heads up Scott.

Metric 5mm if it's like the CV Jazz.

150 watts IIRC.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Happy Jack is a very nice chap

My local music shop has the same model in the same colour, the serial number dates it to 1976, but its other bits make it 1974-75. It's in almost new condition with the original case also like new - yours for £700. One thing to watch with these is the weight - the early 70s are usually light (7.5 lbs), whereas the later ones can be over 10 lbs. It depends when it was built and which wood pile was used. I nearly bought one around 1973 hardly used from a shop for £36.00 - couldn't quite afford it though.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1330888528' post='1564445'] Unfortunately, by the time the kids are old enough to look after themselves, petrol will be non-existent, and the few live music venues that have survived so far will have closed. [/quote] I remember people saying that in the '70s - think positive man, we'll all be dead soon

Great pair of basses and all you need - good choice.

I'll have them please.

[quote name='BRANCINI' timestamp='1330869524' post='1564044'] You know what I mean though. So if I practice enough I will be as good as.............Just about anybody ? Some people have a natural feel for it though ? How about natural inability ? Some people will never get it, no matter how much they practice.[i] can think of one or two famous people that would fit in that category, but that would be way outside the thread.[/i] [/quote] I do know what you mean - some people seem more naturally inclined to be musical and they are usually the ones who play more and get better faster. If you practise enough, you can be as good as anybody and you can overcome any perceived lack of natural ability. I don't believe in natural inability either (unless caused by physical or mental disability) - which famous players that will 'never get it' do you mean?

[quote name='BRANCINI' timestamp='1330866389' post='1563942'] Natural ability, or feel has a lot to do with it, or had when I started. You had nobody to teach you, except mybe a guitarist, who had probably taught himself anyway. Some people took to Bass, for whatever reason, and some didnt. Its a bit like the difference between hearing a guitarist play a walking bass line, and hearing a self taught blues Bass player do it. Same notes, samr time, differnt result. [/quote] I don't believe in natural ability - nobody is born able to play bass. It's like anything else, the more you do it, the better you get - simple as that.

I'm old and I know even older self taught bassists who also started in the 60s/70s and they were brilliant then despite the lack of lessons/youtube etc. They practised to records for hours on end until they sounded like Jaco/Familyman/Jamerson or whoever. They are still great players and always will be, while I'm not because I'm lazy and always have been. Being a great player has nothing to do with age or access to lessons - it's simply hours and hours of dedicated practise. Sometimes I wish I was a better player, but as long as I got the groove to make you move, I'm happy.

[quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1330854223' post='1563674'] I can't answer this question. There isn't a category for "I'm just in it for the chicks!" [/quote] Same here.

Oh man, this site is deadly - I've managed 30 plus years without a plectrum and now I've got crazy gas for one. You swine.

Thanks for another great review - just a couple of questions.... What does it weigh? Also, how would you compare the output of the pick ups to a Fender Jazz? I had a 2010 MIM model, which had a much quieter output than my old '63s pick ups. Finally, can you re-string it with flatwounds and play over the neck with the tone off using just the neck pick up? Just kidding, but I want a new bass for reggae, hip hop and old skool soul - I don't slap or have any treble in my tone so it's hard to tell from your vid if this bass would be up to providing a very deep, smooth tone. Thanks again - great playing btw. Steve.

I use GHS precision flats on my Jazz basses and the E is too long and winds round the peg almost a full turn. It has caused no problem in the 15 years I've been using them. You could put a thick washer between the ball end and bridge if you're still concerned.

[quote name='Jigster' timestamp='1330595075' post='1559828'] I wonder though how much we'd chop and change the way some of us seem to do on here if the Internet had never come along - I think forums such as BC and a million others in different walks of life ( ie EBay et al) just enable that immediacy of change and trade etc ??????? [/quote] This is true. I had just one bass for 30 years until I found this forum and I've gone through at least a dozen in the past couple of years. It's so easy to buy here and sell on again at no great loss and I'm on a constant quest for 'the one'. The funny thing is - I think I've already got 'the one' but just can't quite accept it. I now own 6 basses but I still use the old one at every gig and recording sesh.

I knew that It prompted me to dig out an old photo album showing me playing the PB in '78 at the Band On The Wall. Which was nice.

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RITTER-RCG7006-HB-NBS-HEADLESS-BASS-GUITAR-BAG-B-STOCK-/330397020173?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item4ced32700d#ht_4748wt_907"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RITTER-RCG7006-HB-NBS-HEADLESS-BASS-GUITAR-BAG-B-STOCK-/330397020173?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item4ced32700d#ht_4748wt_907[/url] or- [url="http://www.soundunlimited.co.uk/product_3144_Madarozzo_Headless_-_Steinberger_Bass_Gig_Bag_MA-G0050-HBG/BK.html"]http://www.soundunlimited.co.uk/product_3144_Madarozzo_Headless_-_Steinberger_Bass_Gig_Bag_MA-G0050-HBG/BK.html[/url] Or, forget the case and sell me the bass

I bought one of these new when they came out - the fretted version and haven't seen one since. It was a very good Precision copy and compared well with my friend's genuine '60s Fender. I didn't have it long - traded it for a new Wal, but that's another story...

[quote name='Jerry_B' timestamp='1329764236' post='1546978'] It's just people expressing their personal preference and advice, remember - no need to take it the wrong way [/quote] Sorry man, I didn't mean to be rude - it's just my warped SOH. I'll delete the post and shut up now.

I still don't see how the lines can be misleading or a distraction and I personally don't find unlined boards easier or more rewarding. I also use [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]muscle memory, my ear and the characteristics of the fretboard - but I like to use my eyes too and the fret lines are an invaluable guide.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]If they are so off putting and you don't need them, you don't have to use them - but if they're not there, you don't have the option.[/font][/color]

Fret lines make a big difference to me as someone who looks at what their playing - check out Jaco on youtube and you will see he spends most of his time peering at his lined fingerboard. If you don't look, or if you are blind it makes no difference, but if you use your eyes, why not have the lines? I disagree with the stabiliser analogy and I don't see how fret lines can be misleading or distracting, particularly if you are used to a fretted bass. I've never heard of anyone selling a lined fretless bass in favour of an unlined one because they found it distracting. I have the Tanglewood Rebel mentioned above and it's a lovely feeling and sounding instrument with TI flats, but the lack of lines is a problem for me. I drew pencil lines because the side dots are between the frets, which is not much help. Sometimes at gigs, it's hard to hear the notes clearly and fret lines are reassuring - you don't have to use them if you don't want or need to, but they don't get in the way. The Squier is by far the nicest fretless bass I have played and compares very favourably with my friend's '64 de-fretted Fender Jazz. I didn't like the Vintage one as much, but a lot of people prefer them, so it's a matter of personal taste - try before you buy.

I have both lined and plain and I much prefer the ones with lines. It's handy to see what you're doing and reassuring to know you're in the right place without having to listen carefully to every note. My recommendation is the Squier VM.