Chiliwailer

Hi Folks, Please don't mistake this a sympathy thread, more so one where people can either get this matter off their chest or share similar experiences with others who are going through, or have been through the same. It might even turn out to be a friendly support outlet for those who are starting to cope with this scenario. I feel like I've come through the worst and that I'm relatively at ease with my reality, but of course it still frustrates sometimes, I'm only human! Up until around 2007 I was a dedicated player, I kept busy and had some amazing experiences. Though from 2000 I had serious issues with my back, neck and shoulder and mostly played in agony and on tons of prescribed drugs. Very long story short, I was finally diagnosed in 2008 with a severe nerve damage condition that causes much pain. My body was in a real bad state due to all those years of the Doctors not knowing what was wrong, I was on Incapacity Benefit and hadn't worked full time for 3 years. I was only 30 and needed a years worth of physical rehab just to get back to a decent starting point to build from. Bass took a back seat, I collected vintage guitars still, but playing was now at a minimum. Fast forward to 2010. I began full time work again and tried playing in a band for fun with old band mates. Due to my ongoing condition, I was unable to do both, the band had to go. I use strict pain management techniques and have made some incredible improvements to my life, but the band was one reality too far away, I couldn't guarantee that I could be in a good state to play each week and it became a hard task to be a committed member. It ended up being a detrimental force in my life and increased my pain and interfered with my work. Up until recently, I've played bass at home to MP3's using headphones and I play acoustic guitar. Given that some people are never able to play again, I consider myself so lucky at least to still be able to do this. From time to time old friends and I go to a studio and jam out for a few hours, it's always bliss. Problem is, one of my long standing issues is now stopping me playing at all. Hopefully a scan will show what I think it is, subscapular bursitis. I've most likely had it since 2000 but it may have got caught up in my nerve damage diagnosis which affects other areas of my body. If it is a 14 year old injury, there will be load of scar tissue and further problems / treatment ahead so I'm being real careful now. Since 2010 it has stopped me playing from time to time, but now it is so bad that I can't swim or play without awful side effects, and swimming is a major part of my pain management. So I'm currently not playing at all again, though this could well change over the next few months, but it made me think of others who are going through this and whether they need to vent? Cheers, Daniel

mistake!

Another high price: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=321475924915&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Could be worth sending it to decent pickup maker for a custom rewind, meaning you can chose the level and tone character you're seeking whilst not having to replace the pickup or do any mods to the guard or body - Bare Knuckle do the job well for rewinds.

You're spot on, just go about it as you would a regular truss rod. I use the 1&2 and then 3&4 strings fretted on the 1st and last fret to check out what adjustment is needed on each rod. People have various methods of checking out the neck relief via the strings, it's a great way to do it as the string in tension gives you a perfect straight line. I do it by sight and experience, others by business cards or measurements. Double the fun!

Lurvely! 2 eq -

[quote name='jassbass' timestamp='1406546214' post='2512246'] The pots number is r1378226 So is that 78? Thanx [/quote] 26th week of 1982. 137 = CTS code

Play as many as you can mate, we all have such wildly differing opinions on taste, expectations and choices, and these can sound quite foreign to others opinions. Obviously the more you spend, the better the wood and components. Some people notice the difference, some don't. But the 'level' you need to reach for is down to you and your bass needs. Play a load and you'll see where you fit into the market. Good luck finding that Jazz, they are sweet basses!

These are hard switches to replace, tons of unsoldering is needed to get the board out and jack sockets out, absolute headache. It's a weird switch too, but is worth taking it apart as much as you can...there is a washer type thing that has a grip to keep the switch in place, sounds like that has come loose.

I see you have a Ricky too, which is a lovely top quality bass. If you're used to the good stuff then a new pickup may not be the answer. Each bass has it's own natural tone, and if that tone isn't a good one, a better pickup will only highlight that more. Sorry for the negative post, but it can be like putting a Ferrari engine into a Ford Focus - yes it'd make a difference but you wouldn't get the full potential of the pickup and it may highlight weaknesses in the bass.

Yeah, very hard to tell considering that dealers price anything old high regardless of the true value. I won't harp on about 70's prices as there's probably a ton of threads on here already doing that. An early 80's one could go for as little as £700 as a private sale (worst case scenario) or as much as £1400 depending on where it's being sold and who's buying it. If you're selling it, then priced to sell helps so pick a price you're comfortable with in that region and give it a pop. For insurance purposes always go high, in my opinion. In reality, we'll probably all have different ideas of value on a bass like this.

[quote name='tom skool' timestamp='1405114440' post='2499032'] I love the look of the 51 precision but Im not sure I'd be happy with that tiny single coil pup. [/quote] Just a note on the original pickup if it helps....I have a Custom Shop '55 Precision with a stacked version of the pickup, sounds absolutely huge, especially with heavy flats. It knocked the stuffing out of my old 1966 Precision Bass so that went to the market...

Stunning bass and definitely fuelling my GAS for another Ric

[quote name='jazzyvee' timestamp='1405710088' post='2504666'] Maybe there is some truth in the idea that a lot of the sound is in the fingers as other people I hear playing jazz basses live sound really good. [/quote] That's true, seen it happen many a time. I love Jazz Basses, but they are all so different and can have different specs so it's a case of finding one that suits those fingers of yours. They are true killers live, clarity and warmth with a great balance. [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1405710812' post='2504674'] At last! A paint job that actually suits a pearl guard!! [/quote] Absolutely, I never thought I'd EVER own a bass with a pearl guard, but then this happened....... [attachment=167036:P1060148.JPG]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1404764313' post='2495557'] Fret buzz up at the higher frets indicates too much relief which is what you've induced by loosening the truss rod too much. I tend to set the action at the 17th fret and I go for about 5/64" on the E and 4/64" on the G. [/quote] +1 Summer heat will often loosen your rod (in guitar speak, that is...... )

[quote name='jassbass' timestamp='1404664675' post='2494533'] Mine might be 80's then [/quote] Given that it has white plastic parts I reckon it's safe to say it is.That's ok though, it's still a very cool bass. The only 3 ways to really date it - 1) take off the neck and check if there is a stamp. 2) take out the pickups to see if they are dated 3) the final and easiest way to get an idea is to look at the pots. This is super easy to do, just remove the 3 screws on the control plate and look at the pots for a code, I've attached a picture for you to see. You're looking for the code starting 137 or 304 depending on the type of pot they used (because of the Strat knobs it could be either but is probably 137 as they are better for those knobs). Though this isn't a definitive way to date the bass it may give you a pretty good clue. .[attachment=166221:CTS-1978-1meg-Pot2.jpg]

[quote name='tonyclaret' timestamp='1404663370' post='2494510'] Yeah, sorry mine dates to 1980. Haven't checked the pots and pick ups. Need to do a bit more research perhaps. [/quote] Researching Fender can sometimes be like a dog chasing its tail....