martthebass

[quote name='Old Horse Murphy' timestamp='1333304706' post='1599818'] Here's my latest toy, bought from Stealth on Basschat. It's a 2003 Fretless with the most wonderful figuring on the neck and a superb bass to play too [/quote] Nice one Nick. Must have made a batch of these figured fretless necks around 2002/3 - looks just like mine.

Big +1 from a fellow CAR FSR 75RI owner.....they are rather special aren't they? As a matter of interest how do the 3 Jazzes compare?

Useless to me because it has one too many strings, but that Bacchus is stunning...

[quote name='LawrenceH' timestamp='1332179867' post='1584418'] Fender's own '75 RI pickups from the US version are available as '75 Vintage'. They are excellent pickups IMO, easiest way to get them is via ebay from the States at about £80 a set all in. Nothing like the rubbish so-called 'US' pickups in my MIJ 75 by the way. Comparing them directly to a pair of Model Js they are significantly brighter and more 'open' sounding, a lot of grind with a good even bottom end that isn't as overwhelming in the lower mids - not quite so 'hot-rod' (I wouldn't describe the Model Js as 'classic jazz' however you wire them, they are a lot beefier without the upper end snap). [/quote] Ditto, my 2002 FSR US made 75RI has these pups and they are absolutely superb. If these are only £80 they are a rare bargain.

Picked up my Stingray 30th before XMas, even paid up a good month before he could pick it up....that's above and beyond.

Not a bad price that g I thought you might have been looking at £900. Mine wasn't a bad bass, I agree with you the pickguard looks cheap - I spent a few extra £ and put a standard metal plate and PG on mine. For info I traded mine in against a Stingray in 1990, I got £380 IIRC.

[sup]I had one of these, same colour and pickguard config. Was a 1984 IIRC. Looks kosher to me.[/sup]

Someone told me that the MIM necks weren't such a good fit in the Chinese Squier and USA P basses - maybe I'm dreaming it though. Had a similar problem when I put a Squier neck in my old Sue Ryder P copy. Needed to dowel the screw holes in the neck and redrill to get the optimal fit - would this work for you? Alternatively sell the MIM neck and get a Mighty Mite - these fit spot on.

[quote name='MB1' timestamp='1329249892' post='1539652'] MB1. NUFFINNK EFFER CELLS EN EAR TOETAL WAYST OV TYME! TIM. [/quote] Oh yea, I forgot about Tim......

Yup, Generally well pleased meself. 3 out of 4 of the current MTB stable is BC sourced and 100% of the amplification side.

Still haven't got around to taking pics of this B, but here's a link to Tonys original for sale thread which had a host of nice pics (hope you don't mind me using them T). http://basschat.co.uk/topic/160211-sold-pending-fender-jazz-usa-75-special-edition/page__p__1436188#entry1436188

Thanks for the advice guys. I guess it's coming down to 'love the bass you're with not the one you want'! Haven't gone with the 'has to be a US to be a proper Fender' for a long time, just evaluate it as a bass not whereit was made. The 75RI of mine is about 9lbs - I guess I'd struggle to find a real 75 Jazz that was as light. Now if it's staying should I fit the supplied chrome guards or will that devalue the bass lol.

[quote name='lozbass' timestamp='1328984115' post='1535727'] Having played countless 70s Fenders, owning some, and having had a brief spell with your '75 SE, I'd say you might seriously regret selling the CAR. It's a stunning instrument and might just be worth more than a 70's J eventually - it's really rare, beautifully made, a great player and with a classic tone. Also a sensible weight...my last mid '70s J was...err...substantial indeed. Unless you can find a really stunning 70's J at a great price, I'd hang on [/quote] Cheers Lawrence, Along with Bubinga's comment above I guess that's resoundingly down on the side of the 75SE. I have to admit I don't think I'd find a 70s that would play/sound better.......also I have to remember part exing a JV 57RI Precision against a US Jazz back in the late 80s because I didn't think Japanese Fenders held value well so maybe I have to learn my lesson!

[quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1328982547' post='1535690'] I'm not personally so into the specific models you mention, but this is my thought on any instrument.. If you've found one (whatever the brand, model etc) that blows your socks off DON'T LET IT GO! You'll regret it forever. Find something else to sell or else start saving if you want to seek out a specific model; you'll still have the real bonzer bass to play in the mean time. This is how collections begin [/quote] Haha.....I'd love a collection but to keep 'she that must be obeyed' sweet I stick to the 4 bass rule. A lightweight 4 fretted (for long gigs), a fretless 4, a beater 4 and a conventional looking 4 fretted (the Jazz).

So pretty much 2 - 0 in favour of keeping the FSR so far then. I read all the BC and TB threads on these before plumping so I gather they were considered a bit special. Luke, I also was of the understanding that these were alder but the finish on mine is very thin and the grain has absorbed the laquer showing the grain and it's clearly ash or the strangest bit of alder I've ever seen. I think I'd have to find at least £300 to make the 'upgrade' to a 70's so the jury is definitely still out.