Rikkers

Sorry. Dutch expression.

One of my biggest wish was to owe a Gibson Thunderbird. When I read that Gibson was going to release runs of lefties throughout almost the whole range I decided to order one. Had to wait for four months and finally I got a mail of Thomann that the bass was on my way. I decided to share my impressions to you all. First impression: When I took the bass out of the case it fell light weighted. With the included strap I tried the balance of the bass. There's said a lot that these basses are neck heavy. But this is exaggerated. I have experience with Rics and these suffered much more of this phenomenon. Frets are leveled well. Finish is okay. It's a little wavy around where the body meets the neck. The bridge (Babicz) is massive and easily adjustable. Playability: This bass plays easily. The neck profile is comparable to a 60's Jazz Bass. Because the front strap button is placed at the heel of the neck the bass has the tendency to tilt forward. Not good for people who want to see the front of the fretboard while playing. For me it's fine. Sound: If you're into the organic sound of a P or a Ric you'll love this sound. While the sound is a little boomy, this is easily balanced out by tweaking the volume pots. The Babicz bridge adds lots of sustain. Finish: Like I said before the finish is okay. A little wavy on the body around the end of the fretboard. That's all. Conclusion: I love this bass. It's very attractive, very playable and has balls. While the finish isn't pristine, this bass is a keeper. Pictures pending.................

Thanx!

Hi, bassplayers. I'ts been a while when I posted my last post (about 7½ years). I'm back!

Found out that the /ex means Export on CIJ and ExTrad on MIJ models.

I was lucky that the guy who sold me this bass thought it's a basswood bodied bass. But that isn't the case.

[quote name='Musky' post='652300' date='Nov 12 2009, 10:19 AM']That site seems pretty categorical about the extrads, so it seems you might have one on your hands. [/quote] I can't imagine it isn't, due to the quality of the instrument. I can't check the electronics because they were probably changed (with Fender Vintage Noiseless stack coils(great powerful pups!)) by the 1st owner. He did a very poor shielding job. [quote name='Musky' post='652300' date='Nov 12 2009, 10:19 AM']Just one note of caution though. I'm a little wary of the info, due to his assertion that JVs, SQs and some E serial instruments had US parts - in fact only some of the domestic MIJ JV models had US parts, and only the export strats had US pickups. It might be that domestic SQs and E serials were fitted with some US parts, but the exports certainly weren't.[/quote] It's not one of those series. It has a T serial.

[quote name='Rikkers' post='651740' date='Nov 11 2009, 05:20 PM']I'll search...................[/quote] [url="http://www.xhefriguitars.com/page9.html"]Found it![/url] [quote]You can tell if you have an EXTRAD a couple of ways. Often they wil have EXTRAD written on the back of the headstock or by the serial number. Some will only have EX on the part numbers located on the neck socket of the body or the heal of the neck. (See above) Many of the mid-1980s models will also have FENDER stamped on the neck plate.[/quote]

I'll search...................

[quote name='Mickeyboro' post='651683' date='Nov 11 2009, 04:08 PM']Help - a naked foot! [/quote] Why help? Afraid itś going to kick? [quote name='Musky' post='651475' date='Nov 11 2009, 12:55 PM']The Extrads had a decal on the back of the headstock, so my guess would be that the EX stands for export if yours doesn't have the decal.[/quote] The site where it's written........or typed......or whatever....... that absence of the sticker doesn't mean it isn't an Ex-Trad. I sent the guy of this site a mail but he didn't reply jet.

My MIJ Fender has a stamp in the neck pocket reading "JBD62/L-EX". Serial T 00****. Okay. The things I know for sure: L = left-handed, JB = 62 reissue jazz bass, D = Vintage (not sure about the D, I must say). Serial means built in '94-'95. But the rest (the EX suffix) is clouded in mystery. The one told me it means Export Edition, the other says it means Ex-Trad. Anyone here know what the EX means?

[quote name='JTUK' post='647904' date='Nov 7 2009, 11:16 AM']Another thing... is the basic combination of woods and how they interact on your bass is very important for getting a good basic tone. If you haven't got this... then you will be chasing and compensating with electronics...which is a bad position to start from, IMV..[/quote] I would say: Another thing... is the basic combination of woods and how they interact on your bass is very important for getting a good basic tone. If you have got this... then build in an active circuit to get the tone to a higher level...which is a good position to start from, IMV.. I'll explain. I got an Ibanez JB from '76. Great bass! When I did put in a J-Retro this bass became my main bass. The mid sweep control let me get the control over the organic tone. Being said that I must say that there is a big difference between the good sh*t (Audere, Noll, J-Retro etc.........) and the rest.

[quote name='noelk27' post='497445' date='May 25 2009, 07:43 PM']MIJ can be found on the very old and the very new - now that Fujigen Gakki are again manufacturing for Fender Japan.[/quote] I've noticed that. Never knew that production was back at Fujigen. What's the story?

I live in Groningen, Holland. The best city in Holland. Peer Dellen is a skilled craftman. A capable luthier. Never came across a lefty Dellen, though.

Hello. I'm new here. So.................................. My nick is Rikkers because I think that he's one of the best luthiers. And I own a six string from his hands. Isn't she beautiful?