Chiliwailer

Definitely a hard choice when you're not sure, so many Fender P's out there. Do try as many as you can, and see what ticks your boxes for sound, feel and looks. You could try one bass from a range, and it'd be totally different to another in the same range, so again try as many as you can. I've had too many Fenders over the years (not complaining though!) from Pre CBS, Custom Shop, USA, Mex and Jap. My current P is a Mike Lull as I need a high quality light weight one, but I also now have a recent USA Std Jazz Bass which is excellent, especially in comparison to other models of that range. I'm super happy with that one, and don't feel any need to upgrade. So my personal advice is to find one that you get on with in the shop, because that one will scream at you to take it home. My Jazz Bass did and I wasn't even going to the shop to buy it. Good luck.

[quote name='stega' timestamp='1483391351' post='3206832'] Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. Heard good things about the Tonehammer. Do you have any experience of the amp? Wondering whether the head would offer the same tone shaping/colouring that the pedal offers, or whether the pedal goes a bit further. [/quote] The TH amp is great too, but for you're needs I'd strongly suggest pedal + amp, so that the amp gets a fuller and more personally EQ'd tone to enhance.

[quote name='stega' timestamp='1483368910' post='3206560'] Hm.. hadn't thought of that. Definitely a simpler solution to swapping out the pups. What preamp pedal were you using? [/quote] At the time it was a Sans Amp Bass Driver as not much else was available years ago. I still use one of those when I want that particular sound, but only occasionally as they can be tone suckers. These days I mostly use an Aguilar Tonehammer when I need one, great pedal. I'd recommend trying a few, you may need one that colours the sound, rather than one like the MXR which keeps the natural tone mostly the same. Buying second hand on here is always good as you can flip it for the same money if it doesn't work for you.

I had a similar issue when I needed to use short scales for a few years. I used preamp pedals to sort it out and although the tone never came close to my P Bass, it got me a better tone I was happy with.

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1482471478' post='3200816'] I don't think anyone has addressed the OP's question. Instead you're arguing over whether one luthier's bass is better than Fenders. OP asked how easy FCS is to deal with and what options are available. Unfortunately I'm down under and FCS is not even remotely doable for me, so I haven't even looked. [/quote] It's easy, I'd recommend talking to Crispin at Regent Sounds. He's a top bloke, as is the UK Custom Shop rep. I've had well over 20 CS basses pass through my hands the last few years. They are indeed great basses, but as is the nature of woods they all differ so much. This includes versions of the same model. Some have more top and bottom, some more mids, some sound stronger than others etc. Therefore, the one you order may not be the best suited to you. That said, all bar one have been great basses.

Paul bought a pedal from me, nice easy deal and a friendly guy to meet. Cheers pal.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1482433529' post='3200606'] Just how old is the ageing guy at Sandberg? Maybe his sight is going [/quote] He's only young but he reliced himself, including his eyes, to look like a wise old guru luthier.

[quote name='ped' timestamp='1482426014' post='3200520'] I like a worn looking bass, but I like it to be wear that I've caused. Everyone likes their favourite old jumper, but would you wear someone else's? No thanks. [/quote] Love it... the analogy I've been looking for, for years! I always felt that way about the original 50's and 60's Fenders I owned in the past. I love that my 79 MM Sabre is very clean, though 15 years ago I was totally the other way around. I can easily stomach that Fender do Relics, I get that and appreciate that they are there. But Fodera, really? Fair enough I suppose, something for everyone.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1482004437' post='3196964'] Seen the clip now, it's the pink one he's not used since it came out, lol. [/quote] I saw them recently and he had the newer Fender Jazz MM bass but it has purple LA Lakers graphics, looked great. I'd guess it was the pink one resprayed.

Damn, enjoyed drifted off whilst listening to that and thought I was listening to Bowie. Excellent matey

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[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1480572353' post='3185459'] Yes, it arrived on Tuesday. drT has summed it up accurately. Lovely bass. I'll bring mine over at some point Daniel. [/quote] Excellent, great to hear pal, can't wait to see it

I presume it ain't cheap? As a friend of mine in the trade once said about refins "so, you're paying £3000 for a neck". I'd argue that if the pickup is original then he's not quite right, but without the original pickup or finish he's closer to right than wrong. And as Clive Brown once said to me "it's not like the old wood was made by pixies and faries, wood is wood". I'm not saying he's right or wrong, but I did find it quite funny. As a flip side, of the many pre CBS Fenders I've played, I always prefered the late 50's to 61 ones, could all be in my head but I've played a lot and I always prefered those. Even with a refin some guys are left feeling like they haven't got the complete package and they aim for an original. Without the pickup that may double. Personally I went from refins, to original and then back to modern basses and I'm glad I did it, so the vintage thing is worth a punt as you may well stick with it, or end up at least having fun expericeing it. But that bass you described may be just a 'nearly' bass. Good luck deciding

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1480368535' post='3183851'] The colour is even cooler in the flesh - dark chocolate round the edges with milk chocolate on the top and bottom horns (to represent faded paint on the real one its modelled on). Changes colour with bright light also. I could only describe the sound as fabulous - mine has done half a dozen gigs now and there are one or two videos with it on - the sound is very old school Stingray - very bassy but defined - nice slap sound but not in your face. I'm using it all the time currently. The pick up is quite different - elongated pole pieces and non curved edges - EQ is different and epoxied - knobs are as pre EB - lots of period detail including the logo - no logo on bridge. Altogether very nice indeed. I'd be surprised if Warren doesn't have his if Bass Direct are claiming to have one in stock ...... [/quote] Sounds perfect, just can't justify it unfortunately

Bass Direct have one in, and they even made it look chocolatey on the top horn! Very cool bass IMO. Warren, has yours landed yet?

I'm struggling to work that out. They don't seem to market a 60's, but having owned a fair few basses with the the 62 CS P pickup in I can vouch for it being very nice. If it's the only one you can order, which I suspect it is, then I'd take the risk myself.

Avoid the quaterpounder, huge pole pieces and output make it a lovely pickup but nothing like the Custom Shop 60's P pickup in your bass - yes they are sold separately. Edit - as a 62 P Bass pickup, can't imagine them being too different tbh. If that's what you like, go for it. I like them too, but chose a Lindy Fralin as they always knock me senseless

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1480156419' post='3182039'] Isn't the way that a musician can spontaneously reminisce about an instrument with which they have long since parted very strange? [/quote] I hear that, strange but sometimes quite true. As I've said already about 100 times this month... I sold my 78 Sabre 10 years ago and always fancied getting another one, it's the only bass I've ever wanted back and I've had tons of good'ns. It recorded amazingly and I had the tunes to haunt me all that time. Live, it kicked it out too. I got a 79 Sabre last month and it's just as good. Fact is, the 78 was a special instrument and this 79 must be too. Is that a Sabre thing or late 70's thing? Dunno. The other many I've played over the years from various periods have been great or good, with no consistent grade IMO.