Chiliwailer

[quote name='bartelby' timestamp='1477497213' post='3162612'] I'm kind of glad I wasn't in the shop for very long mind. The sycamore faced Wal was bloody gorgeous and this sparkly Roscoe was calling me, despite my not really needing, or even wanting, a 5 string: The photo really does not do it justice. [/quote] I couldn't agree more, that's far from my kind of bass yet in the shop it really is breathtaking, looks stunning. And whilst I'm here, I've had two visits there in the past 3 weeks and have enjoyed both of them very much. First visit, I was there for nearly 2 hours I think, but ended up not buying the bass. Their response was very understanding, professional and welcoming. Yesterday I went to check out a different bass, which I bought (that makes 3 happy purchases from them now). I was mostly helped out by Marcus both times, who it was a pleasure to deal with. Ashley and Mark were also great to chat too. I like straight talking no nonsense shops, if I wanted people crawling up my backside and faking pleasantries I'd go to my local car dealership No complaints and I'd go back again without hesitation.

I've sold a silly amount of basses over the years and only regretted one, a 1978 Music Man Sabre that I sold in 2006 when I got my first pre CBS Jazz, felt right at the time but in the long run the Sabre would have gone the distance. I still have recordings of it that taunt me! So now that I've decided that I must let my Modulus go I'm also downsizing and will be letting go of my Ray 5HH to make way for a Sabre when I find one. I've been putting this off too long. There's an advert in the items wanted section, fingers crossed.

[quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1477163146' post='3160320'] But for nearly a grand it shouldn't. [/quote] Too right. Such is life.

[quote name='krispn' timestamp='1477084798' post='3159850'] I'm 5'5" To be fair the JA is a sweet looking bass but it'd look daft on me [/quote] The M4V is a slightly smaller Jazz shape, unlike the regular V4

[quote name='Muppet' timestamp='1477149884' post='3160178'] That's just greedy, buying two at a time - no wonder they're out of stock! Out of interest, what was wrong with the neck? [/quote] He gigs a lot so that justifies the GAS, I mean spare Hopefully just very uneven frets causing various choking. As he only got it today I wasn't going to go full on investigating, but it's very clearly beyond being fixed by a set up and truss rod adjustments. It's Fender, it happens

Flea, meet Flea... [URL=http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/chiliwailer/media/Flea%20Jazz/IMG_1637_zpswgcqqgwi.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah227/chiliwailer/Flea%20Jazz/IMG_1637_zpswgcqqgwi.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

My mate just popped over with 2 of these, though one is going back to the shop right now as the neck has major QC issues so will need to go back to Fender. Hopefully he'll be coming back here later with a replacement. Other than the sadly too common QC issue it's a lovely bass, feels great, sounds solid and loves it when you dig in. I'm not tempted to get one over my 2015 USA Std, but if I didn't have that bass I'd be tempted to have one of these for fun. Posting pics of 2 side by side for the relic spotting geeks out there (we know who we are ) [URL=http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/chiliwailer/media/Flea%20Jazz/IMG_1628_zpszduo98sh.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah227/chiliwailer/Flea%20Jazz/IMG_1628_zpszduo98sh.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/chiliwailer/media/Flea%20Jazz/IMG_1630_zpskweggcp7.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah227/chiliwailer/Flea%20Jazz/IMG_1630_zpskweggcp7.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I quite like Wayne too, had some very friendly dealings with him and it's always a pleasure to chat to him.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1476209605' post='3152392'] On a recommendation from our good friend Chiliwailer, I bought a set of Panasonic RP-HTX7's and have used them for home practice ever since. They are relatively inexpensive and have had a lot of use with no issues. [/quote] Only just seen this, glad you're still liking them mate. I found them on a What Hi Fi review which gave them top marks. http://www.whathifi.com/panasonic/rp-htx7/review They are so cheap at around £30, yet make the bass itself sound awesome. I went to a local specialist Hi Fi shop 2 years ago to buy some 'better' ones for up to £250. All those did was show up the flaws in my MP3 player more and compress my bass tones too much. I'm sure there are better ones out there, but for £30 I was shocked how they stood the test. That said, I have been spookily thinking of going back there next week to try headphones once more as I need to check out some other gear there anyway. Will report back if things have changed.

Doubt they'll go down any further, great price though considering. When you get a good one they are GREAT. I paid £1200 for a new 2015 USA STD Jazz Bass and recently went to buy a Mike Lull M4V but came back home with my Fender. The Lull was of course exceptional, but it's just that my Fender is so good it made the whole Lull purchase seem silly and sideways so I didn't. Weird, Fender prices have gone up since I got mine and GuitarGuitar sell them at less than I paid beforehand!

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1476109490' post='3151371'] , I always enjoy a bit of banter, but sitting down! its just not rock & roll is it? [/quote] How about a Jah Wobble armchair?

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1476047205' post='3150867'] I feel lucky to have had a good life, and although I came into music late, I'm trying to make the most of it and if I do have to pack it in, I will try and get my music fix by making and recording music at home. [/quote] Hope it all goes well mate, with both music and your friends fundraising. All the best. [quote name='blue' timestamp='1476049538' post='3150895'] For those that don't know, I'm 63 and plan on staying in the game for another 10 years. What else would I do? Blue [/quote] I hear you, (mmm, but I'm not 63 so maybe not that part...). What I mean is that so many of us think 'What else would I do?' and that question really did haunt me in the few years leading up to me quitting as I knew it was coming. But for one thing, how about working with those less fortunate than yourself, perhaps even in music and the arts given your experience. It's so rewarding, and can become a new outlet for those who stop. Of course I'm not saying you must or should go out and do that, it's just a reflection on one of many ways to handle change. I didn't really know until i knew. [quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1476049783' post='3150900'] I have a feeling that the day I'm no longer able to get out and play will be the day I start selling off my collection, so I'm hoping to learn something here. [/quote] That would be awful brother, you have way too many cool basses to do that and I just can't see you doing that anyway! You'll adjust if the time comes, which i sincerely hope it won't. Anyway, you might own my Purple Flea one day and I'm hoping that'd be a keeper for you

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1476039489' post='3150741'] Thanks for your kind thoughts, but it must have been far worse for you having to give it up at only 30, but its great you've found something you can do at home so you can still enjoy your music. My last gig was a couple of weeks ago, I felt so guilty because my wife had to carry my gear into the venue, and I had to play the whole gig sitting on a stool because standing is too painful, and having to take a cocktail of drugs just before the gig started meant I was in my own little world most of the time. [/quote] Memories of pain killer fuelled jams and gigs just came flooding back then, I can only remember that working for one of the bands I was in But seriously, you just know when it becomes self defeating and time to stop, until then I hope you find a way to keep on enjoying it. If that means having a Roadie then that's cool, stools are ok too! Bands and playing were my complete life at the time and I had invested so much into it, and had some incredible times along the way. I never thought I'd cope having to stop, but I eventually found a new career that is much more rewarding in the grand scheme of things as it's in the third sector. My life has a much wider purpose now and though it's still physically challenging just being there it is worth the additional pain that full time work brings. I wouldn't have found this new path had my health had stayed good as I was too focussed in music. Funny old world eh? Honestly, it all feels equally unfortunate for all of us that must stop through health, I was young but you're on far more serious drugs than I need and I feel for you massively. Still, no one will ever truly understand chronic life changing pain unless they live with it, or amongst it, so I guess that's why we can empathise here together.

So sorry to hear about your health. I had to stop gigging about 8-9 years ago due to health issues. Being only 30 then and gigging regularly it was quite a kick in the teeth. I did the odd recording session for a while after but could never guarantee if I'd be in a fit state to play on the day, so I faded it out as I had a tendency to push myself too far. But on the bright side, I still play as often as I can on a set up which I have at home. I have some fx and preamps that go into a Mini Mackie mixer, also into that goes a drum machine and a MP3 player and a set of headphones. This way I can jam to drum tracks or tunes and still enjoy playing and appreciating fine basses. I just feel blessed that I can still do that, there's too many stories of people who had to stop completely due to health which is a great shame. Best of luck to you.

[quote name='Painy' timestamp='1474912926' post='3141487'] Where do you think all this compressor GAS is coming from ? [/quote] I went from the MXR to this, haven't looked back. And they are amazing on guitar too if you have one. http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/empress.shtmle