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martthebass
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Everything posted by martthebass
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Another belated recognition of good service. Middle of last year I bought a new Sandberg Lionel from BD. On first inspection it looked fine but later I checked the hang tag and noticed it stated there was some lacquer peel on the edge of the ebony fretboard. I contacted BD and it was collected and I said I’d be happy with a pro refin on the affected areas. Job was done but I requested pics before returning back to me. I wasn’t happy with the refin but BD were happy to send me an alternative Lionel around the same price point. I wouldn’t expect that from one of the big dealers. This made me happy to part with cash on a new DarkRay with them a couple of months after that - good after sales service does pay off.
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Was that with an ebony fretboard Ed? I've had a few Sandys with Rosewood boards and they've all been fine finish wise but the one I had with ebony had peeling on the edges in a few spots.
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If you’re ever in my neck of the woods (Rotherham) you’re welcome to have a go on mine.
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I've heard a few people recommend changing the standard VS4 Pups and I fully expected to go down that route, However I decided to try the bass out on a few gigs first and to be honest I found I prefer the more modern tone to a vintage P type. I agree though, if you're expecting a standard Lionel to sound like a vintage P type then you'll be disappointed. All 3 alder bodied Lionels that have been through my hands have been 7.5lbs, I gather the Ash bodied ones (usually have a matt/satin finish with visible grain lines) are about a pound heavier.
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I did get a pink Lionel VS4 from Bass Direct last year that was active/passive and I did love the punch that the active circuit gave on some stuff. Unfortunately it had a finish problem (lacquer peel on the neck/ebony fingerboard) so it went back. The gold soft aged one was taken in exchange but it's a standard passive. I use my (new to me) EBMM shorty Ray for the more modern tones now.
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I've had a few Sandbergs; the first was a Ken Taylor 5, I found it a bit dead and the Delano pups on the dull side. Second up was a Cali2 TT, this was a nice bass, lightweight and resonant but it was a matt natural finish that just felt a bit cheap in my hands. Third up was a white Lionel VS4 (passive), this little shortscale was a revelation, loved it, sounded great in the mix, light as a feather,really well built, couldn't fault it. I bought a second Lionel in soft aged gold, just as good as the white one and now my main gigging bass. It's seen off shortscale competition in the form of a JMJ Mustang, G&L US Fallout and Sterling Stingray.
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I keep thinking about getting a shortscale 5er as our vox keeps throwing differnt keys at me for some of the new additions to our sets. Now I've reduced the line up to 4, and promised SWMBO that i'd stick to that, I think I'd start WW3 if I did.....
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Just bought Ash’s EBMM Stingray shortie after a loooong search. Despite difficult logistics Ash was great and managed to find a solution. Great communication throughout and totally trouble free, thanks Ash.
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Been a while since I posted on this, done a bit of downsizing and now down to 2 standards and 2 shorties. I’m satisfied….for the moment 🤣
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Exactly the same with me with our Glam Band Dave. The number of times I've been asked if I'm with the band or part of the 'shifting and lifting crew' is significant.
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Nail. Head. Hit. Some basses are Jack of all trades (masters of none), some are close on one trick ponies. Select the bass for the gig/song and all that.
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Not sure if this counts…..
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I know where you’re coming from Dave. We’ve scaled back this year and will probably aim more at 30-35 gigs; we’re not getting any younger and I’ve had some health issues……my bladder and prostate hate me. Good luck in whatever comes next my friend.
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Additional pics of this awesome example……- 1 reply
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After much deliberation I’m having a swap around with my Shortie basses which frees up this awesome Sterling Shortscale Ray. This is in the white finish with white pg; and is in great cosmetic condition with no chips, scratches that I can see. I was less than impressed with the pots when I got this and have had them replaced with CTS with the required rewiring by a pro tech. I set up with EBMM Hybrid slinkies was done at the same time - December 24. The pots are now smooth and closer to EBMM, however I decided to do away with the push-pull volume boost which was a pain, so this is now just a straight volume pot. It’s equipped with Schaller strap pins. I only have a basic gig bag for this so would prefer pickup or meet up locally but could pack and post at buyers risk and cost using PF. I’ll get some additional pics up when I’ve got some daylight.
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Sadowsky Metro Express Fretless 4 - *SOLD*
martthebass replied to martthebass's topic in Basses For Sale
A few more Pics. -
This is a lovely fretless, in many ways I prefer it to the Stingray fretless I once had. Unfortunately after a side project collapsed it’s just not getting any use - not much call for a fretless in Glam Rock. It’s one of the later gen 1 models; I’m aware the early ones could suffer from preamp amp and fret issues. However as it’s a fretless the latter is sorted and the pre has been replaced by an East J retro 01 deluxe so it sounds massive. The fretless board is a lovely piece of ebony. Very light weight at about 7.5lb but well balanced. It’s in mint condition and comes with black and tortoise shell pickguards; also gets the great Sadowsky semi rigid case and strap locks/candy. I’m aware these can be picked up cheaper but the East pre is £200 on its own; I don’t have the original pre. Currently strung with Thomastik flats. I’ll post some additional pics when there’s some light and I get the chance. I’d prefer collect but will post at cost if necessary.
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Same this side of the border mate. Had quite a few cancellations for this year, even at our very friendly £ ask venues are struggling. Think we’re all hoping it improves in the next few months. Down to about 25 gigs booked for this year after about 10 cancellations due to closing and whatnot.
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Firstly sorry for the stupidity of this question. I'm in the process of running some improvements on my SBMM Shortscale Ray - Righthanded, I've had the pots replaced which has made a big improvement and now need to look at the tuners as the stock tuners seem to be made out of cheese. I had arranged to have this done at the same shop that did the pots but they seem to be failing to sort the tuners. I'm looking at the Schaller BM but need to know the number needed left and right handed; also does anyone have a link to a decent stockist? I'm happy to swap them over myself assuming there's no 'reboring' required so if anyone has done this swap and could let me know the ease of the job that would be appreciated. Cheer
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I think if it's a Stingray to be had then I'd be looking for a 2EQ standard used or a Stingray Classic 2EQ. You can get close with the 3EQ but not exactly (IMHO).
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I ended up going for a EBMM DarkRay in the sparkly Starry Night finish to satisfy my longings for some glam. 8lb 5oz and manageable.
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That's a brilliant price for a well crafted bass. Don't think this will hang around for long. -
Now that's a bit special. I had a Fender Mikey Way Jazz in this finish last year but it was a bit weighty so sadly it was sold.
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The Short Scale Bass Appreciation Society!
martthebass replied to Baloney Balderdash's topic in Bass Guitars
Thought I’d give the mini Stingray a more retro look… -
I had the money for one of these set aside for a long period of time and searched without any success. I eventually gave up and bought a DarkRay in the same starry night finish so sadly my cash is tied up in that one.....
