martthebass

[quote name='Sean' post='836091' date='May 13 2010, 12:49 PM']I've done this and A/B recordings on a Lakland DJ4 (lost the recs now) and the difference is negligible and as far as any difference to the sound once you are in the mix, forget it. Spend your energies on other stuff like EQ tweaks instead.[/quote] I'd tend to agree with this. If I've got a bass with a String-thru option I tend to string it that way but I can't say I miss it when it isn't there. For example I string my 30th Ray thru but don't miss the string thru on my Fretless Ray (where arguably it would be more beneficial). I certainly wouldn't spend money on a conversion.

Status owner and 47 years old... I've played in a functions trio for over 10 years. I've found the best alrounder to be, well a Status. The Streamline is nice and light for long gigs, balances well, never goes out of tune and can cover all the sounds my previous Fenders and current MM. The looks aren't to everyones taste but hey...

TBH I've never had much success other than with light 'swirlies'. I've tried T-Cut, Planet Waves Restore (followed by Shine) and Meguiars. If I feel a bass needs a freshen up I take it to a decent tech and ask for a 'buff up', normally only around £20.

€500 seems a lot for a new neck - even Status are cheaper than this lol! Have you thought about having a word with Mr Shuker to see what he would quote - fretted or fretless? Alternatively if you really don't need this bass when your new JS arrives, why not look at the prices 'good' condition Sandy 5's have been posted on the forum for sale recently and subtract 10% for the cosmetic/hassle factor a potential buyer might perceive. I would assume this 10% would be a helluva lot less than €500!

Ant's a great guy to deal with, just took delivery of a very nice Ray fretless from the man, as already stated above - ultra reliable!

I don't believe any bass is too nice to gig, but it's best to select sensibly. If I'm playing a fairly big venue where I can easily swing a cat then I'm happy to use my pristine MM - not much chance of damage or a punter knocking it flying. For small venues then a nice compact bass. The only time I get cautious is for Jamnights, I've seen too many accidents with drunks and expensive basses - a nice Epi EB0 is fine there!

[quote name='BigBeatNut' post='818770' date='Apr 26 2010, 01:24 AM']Funnily enough, I was in Electromusic on Saturday and was very impressed with the PM4 they had ... guess it was the Supreme you're talking about. Andy[/quote] I had a go on this very same bass yesterday....must be one of the most played shop bound Sandbergs in the uk! Have to say I'm a bit disappointed with the new shop layout (i.e. moving the basses downstairs) in Electro - there isn't room to swing a cat now and it's near impossible to have a quick noodle thru an amp with everyone trying to squeeze past you.

Yup Nick, that's a question I try and avoid from the better half. When she sees a bass leaving she rolls her eyes and says 'how long till the replacement arrives and how much!'

[quote name='Shockwave' post='815032' date='Apr 22 2010, 02:53 PM']Ahh but now its the question, do i get a purple mirror scratchplate for it? (Or anodised gold)[/quote] Very Prince.....

Very very very pretty CDD. I would love to be posting a picture of the nice black piezo fretless Ray I DIDNT win from ebay lastnight

I had one of these back in the day. Bought new (from a small shop in Brum) for £270 IIRC. Build quality was exquisite - just as good as a Aria SB1000 that I would have really liked to have. I also bought it on the basis of Henry and Rockschool....sad but true. I never really got on with it unfortunately, pre-amp was a bit excessive (and hissy), ate batterys like a mutha and was a bit neck heavy (small body syndrome I guess), however it didn't deserve its fate of being px'd against an Ibanez Guitar in 1988. We live and learn....

I always seem to be changing my Basses MM20, don't know why as my Amp rule is normally 'one rig and it lasts 5 years' (unless demands change significantly of course . I stick to the 3 bass rule agreed with (imposed by) 'er indoors and at the mo I seem to have stuck to that. The current 2 are spot on, in fact as Ive had my Status for more than a year it's testimony to how good it is. I always like to have an MM in the collection and that's nicely filled with the 30th Ray that I've had for a couple of months and looks like it's staying for the long haul (the only problem I have wit it is it's so damn pretty that I'm scared of dinging it!). The 3rd bass spot is currently unoccupied and is usually a fiver or a Fretless. I guess this 3rd spot is kept in flux so that I can try a few basses out from time to time.....hence the want ad on the forum for a nice fretless at the mo.

Does this mean your brief 'fraternisation' with Musicman is over Rich? Might be interested in this one when you come to sell it Rich ;-)

All the ones Ive had have been LOUD (2 and 3 eq). None have worked without a bettery - but they give you fair warning (distorted output) before they die. I think Rich (OTPJ) my have hit the nail on the head with the PUP height - check that first, if its hight drop it to 3-4mm. If no joy have the bass checked over for electrics.

So nice these 2 Steve. Playing Rio on my Status just doesn't sound the same! I really wanted an SB900 when I was a lad studying in Brum at a time when the bass of the moment was THE Aria SB. I had to contend myself with my relatively cheap Fender JV........