martthebass

[quote name='Kendo' post='649205' date='Nov 8 2009, 10:08 PM']I can really believe that it must seem very strange and where do you put the tuner! how is your streamline - they look pretty![/quote] To be honest once new strings are bedded in it doesn't need tuning so fortunately I haven't had to worry about where to put the tuner The Streamline....well how can I put it? If I could only own one bass it would be this one. The looks are an acquired taste tho, I like it but opinions differ.

[quote name='Kendo' post='649089' date='Nov 8 2009, 08:20 PM']much clearer but I'm none the wiser over which one I would want ! I guess I will have to find a big shop and play withs lots of different types.....[/quote] If it's any help K. When I was hunting for a Status I was dead against headless. Thought it would be fiddly, string type limiting etc. However I wanted a Streamline and these only come in headless. I've got to admit I'm a convert for the reasons I've given above. One thing I would advise tho, is if you manage to find one to try out, play it standing with a strap and give it at least 30 minutes. Why? - well it took me that amount of time to get used to the lack of head - it's weird how the headless throws your positioning off initially.

Some nice blues licks there mi friend.....was searching for some inspiration.

On the headed vs headless front. Pro's: Balance is excellent, less likely to hit cymbols/mike stands/guitarists on stage, tuning is quicker and easier (and more stable?), string changes are much quicker Cons: More hassle if you don't use double ball strings (?), that 80's look. OTPJ's suggestion of an S2 as a great all rounder is on the money, but if you are looking more Eagles/Jazz then I wouldn't rule out a good Sandberg/Lakland (Skyline)/Fender Jazz bass, you'll get a used one at the bottom end of your budget and a new one at the top end. Regarding Musicman - I love em, but I'd try before you buy, not everyone likes the sound of a single H Ray4 or Ray5.

My first MIA Jazz was one of these with the one piece white scratch plate - I bought it used in about 1986/7 so it was probably a 1983/4ish? It was in a nice sienna burst IIRC. It was nothing special but other than being cosmetically challenged (IMHO) vs a 2 piece MIA I'd say the quality was about the same. The tuners on mine were open backed like yours.

Think I'm better on lined and prefer it that way but currently have unlined with side dots because the deal was good.

[quote name='stingrayfan' post='647133' date='Nov 6 2009, 12:16 PM']In anticipation of this arriving, I found myself drawn to listen to old Level 42 tracks. But now it's here, I don't feel the need to be a slapper; it's got a great fingerstyle tone.[/quote] Yup, I always feel guilty because I own a Status but can't slap for toffee, having said that, slap impresses me for about 2 minutes then I get bored with it. Agree the fingerstyle tone is great tho on these 2 band Statii.

I'm nowhere near as big a bass whore as you Rich, but I daren't post someting similar to this in cse the Missus saw it..

[quote name='Toasted' post='644345' date='Nov 3 2009, 01:07 PM']Certainly have. I assume Dan Lakin has too. Like anywhere it depends where you choose to buy from. There are dodgy factories and great factories. Much like every other country.[/quote] Can't work out whether we agree or differ? My experience isn't musical instrument manufacture but my observations have noted that the best production units are those that are primarily non-Chinese management, working with US/European/Japanese equipment (and product designs) and non-Chinese QA systems. So, how much of the talent is Chinese? Getting back to the OP's point, considering the lower labour costs, incentives, lack of R&D and mass-production techniques, why would I pay >£1000 for a Far East produced copy of a copy (albeit a well built one) when I could have a non mass produced UK built bass of equivalent or better quality for not much more? I find it a bit sad that US (and some European) manufacturers haven't revisited cost reduction and innovation to compete with the Far East and have just taken the easy route to make their products accessible to the lower pricing point buyer. Just the opinion of someone who's industry has 'relocated' to the Far East and now spends his time making Far East production 'fit for purpose' .

[quote name='cheddatom' post='643488' date='Nov 2 2009, 03:40 PM']I often think the way people go on about quality and quality control in china and taiwan etc is pretty racist - as though "they" aren't capable of creating something that's just as good or better than a UK or US factory or something. I'm not saying that's happened in this thread, but I see it a lot on this board.[/quote] If you had spent any time out in China doing production quality audits you might have a different view on this.

Once had someone at a jam night criticise me for playing TL's 'Dancing in the Moonlight' with open strings. Just replied 'why not?'

+1 to not being either a borrower or a lender. Sad, but best to try and chalk it down to experience and not let it cut you up too much. I'm even careful about letting someone use one of my basses at Jam Nights these days because I know how I feel if it comes back with a new assortment of scratches/dings. If I go to a Jam Night (or a gig!) and intend to play, I take a bass, I don't expect one to be provided for me unless I'm told in advance that I don't need to take gear. It's bad enough if you damage a bass yourself but giving someone else the priviledge.....