Marc S

Welcome to basschat bopeuph. Hello from South Wales in the UK

The first two had more of a typical P bass sound. The last one did sound a bit like a P bass - just not quite as obvious as the other two. I think I preferred the first one, as it just seemed to have a bit more presence in the mids...... That said, I only listened on my PC, on small-ish headphones, which are OK, but not great quality And as you have pointed out, to truly be a comparative test, all 3 basses should be wearing the same strings I'm looking forward to the answers though Incidentally, somewhere on youtube, there are blindfold tests, in which the blindfolded players are each given 3 different basses: I think a Fender CS, a standard US, and a Squier Classic Vibe. The same tests have been repeated with 6 string guitars too.... and in each case the Squier CV's come out really favourably. My own Squier CV sounds very P bass-like to me, just as much as my Fender P's

Yes, I agree. (although I only have mine on a 4 string, not on a 5'er). I had tried several types of flatwound before, and I'd read a lot of posts on here, from BC'ers who swear by them - plus one or two players who don't like the low tension nature of these strings... I picked mine up, used, from the marketplace on here. The seller said they hadn't had much use, and the silks looked in good condition, so I believe that to be true. I thought immediately that they were quite bright and zingy, compared to the Steve Harris Roto flats that were previously on my fretless bass. Love the low tension, though as others have mentioned in other threads, the tension of these strings is markedly lower than many other flats. It's an odd thing, but every other brand of flatwound I've ever tried has been really high tension, and I say this being a Double Bass player, who is used to playing more types of flatwound on DB. But the very low tension of these TI's seem to lend themselves to that lovely "mwah" sound / vibe you can get with fretless - perhaps it's just because they're easier to bend? I've not tried them on a fretted bass yet - I've stuck to roundwounds on my fretted basses.... must try it one day though, but I just don't want to take the TI's off my fretless. To anyone struggling with the higher tension of flats, I'd recommend these strings. They are pricey, but I couldn't go back now....

[quote name='Stu-khag' timestamp='1481834849' post='3195625'] thanks for all replies. much appreciated and now fixed! [/quote] Glad you got it sorted Stu

Just a couple of pics of my Shaftesbury. I had one back in my 1st spell of playing, back in the 80's In my 2nd spell of playing, it took me a long time to get my hands on another Wish it still had the original TRC. Though the replaced tuning keys are an improvement on the originals...

Just keep looking / trying, and if you're not a member of one of those Facebook groups - join one, plus, check out that Double Basses for sale group on Facebook too. A lot on there may be the other side of the country - but you never know, one closer to home may also turn up.... just get a teacher or luthier to look over it.

[quote name='Burns-bass' timestamp='1482399710' post='3200147'] Best advice I had was to get a DB teacher and get them to advise you. They should understand your technique and your requirement. They can also spot potentially expensive issues..... [/quote] Also, DB teachers may know students who are looking to sell or upgrade their basses too......

Quite a few BD players on here recommend Gedo. Personally, I've not played one, but they do look great, and I've heard nothing but glowing reports about Gedo's sales, packaging / delivery, quality of basses and after-sales service. Ebony is a better wood for a fingerboard as it is a very hard wood. In comparison, a softer wood that has been painted black will not be as durable. (It may also have different acoustic qualities too). Some fretless bass guitars have a fingerboard made of "Ebanol" - which is quite different. It's a man-made material, which is hard and durable and some players seem to like. They use it as a more "green" material, in that it helps to save trees.... I don't know whether some DB makers use Ebanol? Maybe someone on here will know.... My top tip for getting a DB would be to get a used, set-up one from the marketplace on this forum The drawback is that you are just playing the waiting game. I know how that feels - they never seemed to come up anywhere near me when I was first looking! They always seemed to be the other side of the UK. Another place I've seen them come up for sale, is on a local Facebook group. There are 3 or 4 of these based in my neck of the woods (South Wales) one specifically for bass (more so bass guitar than DB) the other groups being for guitars, amps, keys etc. I would never have expected to see that many DB's come up for sale on these Facebook groups - but I have to say, surprisingly more have come up for sale on these groups locally, than have come up for sale in my neck of the woods on this forum.... On a positive note - although you are still a relative newbie to DB - as you have been playing one with a band, you will at least have some experience of how a bass should feel and sound, and hopefully will be able to spot whether a bass needs setting up etc. Is there a DB player on this forum who lives near you, and would be willing (for the price of a pint) to come along & take a look at a DB if you spot one for sale? Good luck with your search PS. When I was looking for a DB, someone also suggested that I may be able to hire one.... is this something that maybe your council, or a school / college could help you with? Worth a few phonecalls or emails anyway?

Back to the OP. If I was looking for a decent Precision - I'd be wanting to try something like this Although I haven't played this one, there's a lot of love for these 62 RI's and I have dealt with the seller before - he's a decent BC'er Great colour, and good condition for its' age too [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/295907-fender-precision-mij-19931994-62-ri-with-case/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1482233345' post='3198618'] PMT don't. Cranes never did either. Only place I know of that sets up their guitars before selling is Gamlins. They get quite a few people buying stuff in PMT & then taking it to them to pay for a set up because PMT don't have anyone that does it. [/quote] PMT certainly set up 2 guitars for different pals of mine (or possibly sent them elsewhere for setting up) And I've played a few basses in there, all of which were definitely set up well. I discussed the possibility of tweaking the action of one bass (if I had bought it) and was told "no problem - we'll set it up to your requirements" Oddly enough, I've played some badly or not set up guitars and basses, in Gamlins! A friend of mine bought a rather nice Gibson SG from them, and it was set up awfully. The guitar was taken back, they charged again for a set up and nothing had changed! So I directed them to Dave Dearnaley, who did a cracking job.... Another pal has also bought a mandolin from PMT, and though that wasn't set up when he first tried it (it was straight out of the box at the time) - they tweaked the bridge with some fettling, and it played beautifully when he picked it up....

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1482220135' post='3198482'] When it comes to poor set up that really is the shop's responsibility. It amazes me that the one thing a bricks and mortar shop has over the likes of Thomann is that they can ensure every instrument from a beginner's cheapie, through to a custom shop Fender are absolutely perfect ( and still they don't)!! [/quote] Yes, definitely. It would be like a car showroom not bothering to wash the cars they are selling when putting them on the forecourt. All the shops I visit in Cardiff / South Wales area set their guitars up before selling. Sometimes they get them in straight from the supplier and they are set up fine - but they still check them over. Only one shop I know of locally who aren't consistent with this - but I wouldn't buy from them.... I'm surprised at the frets being unfinished though, I really am. I've played several of the newer Fenders and I'd say they are definitely better than they used to be (I was off Fenders for a long time, because of such issues). Try another, or as others have suggested - try a Squier Classic Vibe P bass, or a Squier Matt Freeman - you may well be blown away at the high standard of these basses. Or try a Roadworn P bass. EDIT: I've got a Roadworn P, a Roadworn J and the Flea Raodworn J and they are all incredible basses. Also, go the 2nd hand route - there are regularly great basses for sale on here Good luck with your search. Everyone should have a nice P bass

[quote name='MarkJB' timestamp='1481881336' post='3195867'] Love the Smiths too... Mind you I think many of the greatest bands split listeners! Personally I love bands that are creative, quirky and actually say something - I tend to like bands that push the envelope a bit, even if it means it's not perfect. As has been said before, thank goodness we have different tastes, otherwise life would be very boring... We might not have Metal music though, which would be a plus! ;-) [/quote] +1 to this post Re the OP - I can't believe it has been 37 years! Great album, great band - although it took me a while to like the Clash, even though I was into punk music at the time Interestingly enough, I feel the Clash, and this album have stood the test of time better than some of their contemporaries back in the day

[quote name='bcbass' timestamp='1482018309' post='3197067'] [url="https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/0303010566/solid-body-electric-guitars/fender-squier-classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s-in-burgundy-mist"] Fender Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s in Burgundy Mist Was £440! Save now while stocks last! [/url] Brand new Strat for 249£,colour is maybe not at your taste,but,at this price [/quote] That's a great price for a brand new Classic Vibe. A guitarist pal of mine had a CV strat, then sold it to buy a Mex one because it had "Fender" on the headstock. The Mex Strat is really very good - but he wishes he hadn't sold the Classic Vibe, as he afterward thought it was the better guitar..... Re the colour - maybe it's just me, being a bit odd - but I quite like it. It's a bit different to the norm too. It's also one of those colours that seems to suit having a matching headstock colour IMO. Again, maybe that's just me

Hello from a rather damp (for a change ) South Wales Plenty of love and GAS for older Fenders on here I had a liking for Fenders in my 1st spell of playing - and having taken up the bass again, and tried almost every other make / brand of bass .... I'm back on the Fenders again, and this time - I love them even more Welcome to BC, please join in whenever you can, and post some pictures of those old Fenders

Looks a nice bass - I like simple design and controls too Having a now grown up son, I also agree with the finance and family / work / music / gigging life balance thing It's tricky, packing all those things in to life, but you've gone about things the best way, I feel, and got yourself a good quality, good value bass there ...... your offspring can always buy you a brand new MM 5er when they are rich

As the others above have said - try a few and see what feels most comfortable. A lot of guitar players seem to prefer short scale and slim necks, but I know a few guitarists who play full (long scale) bass too. It all depends on how the individual bass feels to you, to your hands and fingers and how it fits in with your playing style.... Sometimes a smaller and / or narrower neck can feel uncomfortable in its' own way - or perhaps you can't get your fingers in between strings (if you're playing finger style, as opposed to pick) - or maybe you prefer space between notes at the nut end of the neck? Personally, I prefer slightly wider spacing at the bridge end of the strings (so I can really "dig-in" when I feel like it) and not too wide + deep a neck at the nut end. My hands and fingers are not huge, by any means. That said, I once owned a fab US Jazz 70's RI bass, but felt the neck on that was too slim. A word of warning here - we tend to talk about P necks being chunkier and J necks being slimmer. That is generally true, but there are slimmer P necks and chunkier J necks, just to add to the confusion... Which is why it's just best to try as many as possible and choose what feels most comfortable to you Good luck with your search

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1482064786' post='3197284'] Well, the pickup covers have the wider 'ears' than Fender/DiMarzio etc types, so you either file the pickguard a bit or get a set of pickup covers with smaller ears. I just got new pickup covers, which I preferred also as I don't like the big lettering (model number) written on the original pickup covers. It's only about £4...... [/quote] Yes, I picked up a set of pickup covers on ebay too, when I did the upgrade on my Roadworn P bass. The covers were about £4 inc P&P, and fitted exactly - just dropped in, no modding / routing. You still need to rout a slightly deeper channel in the middle of the cavity though. This was really simple to do - it's just to make way for the very deep, larger magnets of the Entswistle pickups.... Mister RLP asks whether the Entwistles are even better than the stock pickups in a Matt Freeman as mcnach says, it is indeed subjective - but I really really like the Entwistles in my CV P and my RW P. I had luthier Dave Dearnaley fit JBXN and PBXN into my Squier CV P, and I was so blown away with the pickups that I had to have the same in my RW P bass. The Entwistles have a huge output for passive pups, and they still seem to produce a vintage Fender sort of sound. I'd say, at the relatively low price they sell for, they're definitely worth a try - as long as you're prepared to rout out that little channel in the centre of your pickup cavity.... I'm surprised that not more BC'ers have cottoned on to Entwistles, especially as they are so cheap, compared with other brands of pickup.....

Great - thanks for the heads up on these. I might well pick up a pack or two myself - give them a whirl Let us know how they last over time Cheers

Are you on Facebook? There's usually a group buying, selling & trading somewhere near you. Keep a look out for the Squier Classic Vibe range. They tend to go for a bit more than that 2nd hand in good condition - but you may just get lucky, there may be people selling gear to raise cash atm.

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1481531621' post='3192885'] .......It's really hard to get a accurate representation of what this looks like. In looks different depending on how the light is hitting it..... [/quote] The answer is obvious FuNkShUi - you need to get a disco ball installed in your garage! Looking really good matey. Am looking forward to seeing this and Gelfin's new bass at the next bass bash