redstriper

They are the ones Will, you can get them a bit cheaper from the States sometimes on ebay or from the Lakland site - they are the same as their flats: [url="http://www.lakland.com/direct/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LD&Product_Code=JOSF4&Category_Code=4STRS"]http://www.lakland.com/direct/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LD&Product_Code=JOSF4&Category_Code=4STRS[/url] £30 may seem expensive for strings, but they last for years and if you don't like them someone on here (like me) will buy them from you. Let us know how you get on.

I've never tried Pyramid Golds or La Bellas, but I may try some used ones if they come up on the cheap. I like a very smooth tone, so even the TIs are a bit rich for me until they bed in - GHS Precisions are nice from new and just get better with age.

Excellent review - thanks. It's interesting how every Jazz bass sounds different depending on the pick ups and electrics, yet they all still sound like a Jazz bass somehow.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1326661142' post='1500209'] You're correct, I was exaggerating, and I should know because I've tried most types of flats at great expense. [/quote] Which ones are your favourites Dave? Mine are GHS Precisions, also partial to DR High Beams and TIs for fretless, but if I could only have one it would be GHS. Still a lot I haven't tried, but I've stopped looking now (thankfully) Steve.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE5R3rUoU58[/media]

I would be wary of buying a new Ashbory on ebay because there have been reports of B stock models with dodgy tuners and electrics being sold on there in the past. I would stick with Largesound (link above) when buying new from the states.

I thought you wanted to buy in the UK? The Lakland JOs are made by GHS and are exactly the same as their Precisions afaik. I usually buy the Precisions off ebay from the states for about £18 including delivery and never had to pay any tax.

Ashborys often come up on ebay and sometimes on here too. Otherwise I would recommend these people: [url="http://www.largesound.com/"]http://www.largesound.com/[/url] They have sold lots to the UK and have a very good reputation. I would also recommend changing the strings to the pahoehoes used on the Kala basses because they are stronger and more stable. This is the Kala UK distributor, they might know of any plans to import the solid body Sub U-Bass: [url="http://www.sutherlandtrading.com/category/brand/kala/"]http://www.sutherlandtrading.com/category/brand/kala/[/url]

DR Hi-Beam flats are very nice and similar to GHS Precision flats in both feel and tone, but they are a bit more pricey: [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/7614-dr_handmade_legend_flatwound_bass_guitar_strings_45_105_medium"]http://www.stringsdi...s_45_105_medium[/url] I also keep trying rounds, but they just don't suit me, while the GHSs feel and sound perfect.

The Ashbory may surprise you and I would recommend you try one before deciding. It is the ultimate travel bass imo after trying the Aria and the Kala among others - it's easy to play, sounds great and it's tiny. It is fretless and intonation can be tricky at first, but nowhere near as hard as you might think - I gigged one exclusively for a year and recorded an album with it. It's no good if you want to play slap style, but brilliant for old school jazz, reggae, soul, blues etc. I would like to try one of the new Kala Sub U-Basses like this: [url="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/kala-s-u-b-u-bass-solid-body-ukulele-bass-guitar"]http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/kala-s-u-b-u-bass-solid-body-ukulele-bass-guitar[/url] Don't know if they are available in the UK, or what price they will be, but they have the longer scale and frets, so might suit you better than the Ashbory.

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/6572-ghs_stainless_steel_precision_flatwound_electric_bass_strings_45_105

The Ashbory is ideal, very small with a huge sound and lots of fun to play.

I also like TIs and have them on a fretless, they do get better with age - as do the GHSs. I'm intrigued about your new shortie bass and my wild guess is a Squier...

I hope you like the GHSs, here's a video demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE5R3rUoU58 Good idea to order the bass - you can send it back free if you don't like it (which one did you go for)?

GHS Precision flats are my favourite strings, though I haven't tried the short scale version. They are less bright than Chromes, very smooth with a deep, warm tone, not as rich or middy as TIs. I get mine from the states via ebay where they are much cheaper than in the UK. There is a mint '75 Musicmaster in my local shop with Rotosound tru bass nylon covered strings. It's priced at £700 including original case, I am quite tempted but think I might prefer a Mustang tone wise.

Nip out now and buy this: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/164373-fs-only-fender-road-worn-fiesta-red-jazz/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url] It's only round the corner and you can leave it lying around while the work is done - more damage just adds to the mojo. Hope it all goes well man - if you need a break from the madness, jump on a train and come up here Steve.

84 neck now sold.

I bought Dave's fretless Squier VMJ, it arrived well packed in record time and it looks and plays like new. A most excellent transaction made easy by Dave's total fairness and honesty - buy with confidence. Thanks Dave, you made my Xmas

I got a Tanglewood Warrior for nowt on freegle and it's an excellent bass - I'll do a straight swap for your custom shop Jazz if you pay the postage.

I have a single Wizard 84 neck pup, hardly used and available for £20 posted - PM me if interested.

great band - love the sound

I also bought the cheapest I could find and it's been working fine for the past 6 years.

What a thread - here's my advice for what it's worth... Do whatever you want, if it feels right and it doesn't hurt anyone else. You've got one life to live so forget about money and careers and all that 'real world' crap - join the really real world and set yourself free.