Marc S

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1481134468' post='3189974'] I'm not sure but maybe a lot of the popularity of this format is to do with how tactile it is? I know I'm a huge fan of being able to look at the inserts (see who played what, see photos taken during recording or the artwork someone has put their talent to in real detail) and have something physical to take home for my money. Being able to take music home without knowing what to expect and the anticipation that brings. Those things come with all music formats except digital downloads. They're too immediate and aloof for me. [/quote] Yes indeed. I always used to love flicking through vinyl at record shops and record fairs too. I have done the same thing with CD's of course - but it never quite feels the same, even when you find something you've been looking for, for some time..... These days, I rarely play my vinyl. I really should, I know it. I've got some rare and collectible vinyl and I never play it. Yes, they're even selling vinyl in Sainsburys now I have also noticed mind you, that when you see vinyl players for sale, the pickup arms tend to be made of plastic, and they don't look that good. It's what I would've called a "groove grinder" back in my days of hi-fi snobbery! lol So at £25 a pop, I'm not sure that many of todays' decks will do the vinyl justice, or ensure longevity of the vinyl

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1481112973' post='3189759'] Cheers Marc, yeah I agree they are awesome...... ....the Flea was on my radar too as a possible alternative if the deal didn't work out, how does it compare with the regular Roadworn Jazz? Much the same? [/quote] Hi again Lewis. Both the regular RW Jazz and the Flea sig Jazz are built in Mexico. They are sort of similar - but also quite different. They both look, sound and feel vintage and worn-in (as opposed to worn out lol). But the finish on the neck is quite different on the Flea sig. It feels more matt than both my other roadworns. Also, the neck is slightly thinner front-to-back than the regular RW Jazz. Actually, though I've not weighed either on a proper scale, the Flea sig does seem rather lighter in weight than the RW Jazz. It feels like the lightest Jazz I've played. Some time back, I fitted an old set of DiMarzio pickups to my roadworn, and they are absolutely brilliant! It still has a vintage sound, but it has a beefier output, and a bit more bite. With the Flea sig, I'm still getting used to the controls, as the stacked knobs are unfamiliar territory for me. The range of tones available, and the added control of sound is great, but I find I'm still fiddling with the controls too much. I've yet to plug it into a big amp, or gig or rehearse with a full band - but I'm loving it already. My trouble is, I really do have too many basses, and I really should sell one now - but which one? Oh the pain, the pain! EDIT: I wish I could get hold of another set of 70's / 80's DiMarzios for the Flea - though the stock pickups are good, those old DiMarzios are brilliant (I got mine cheap, 2nd hand locally too - I was lucky)

Great stuff Lewis. I knew you'd been thinking about getting one of these for a while. Glad you went for it. The Fender Roadworn Jazz is the bass that got me back into old-school style basses again, and made me fall back in love with Fenders too - I'd been "off" them for quite some time. The roadworn series are absolutely awesome. They're stunning basses, that sound, look & feel beautiful and easy to play. I've got the same 2 RW's as you -same colours too, though my P is now a P/J and is even better than it was before Happy NBD to you. I bought a Fender Flea sig Jazz from our local BC'er FuNkShUi too. I didn't "need" it - what with my RW Jazz already being so awesome, but I'm loving the new Flea Sig. Played it, and just had to have it

I usually go for a chat with the bass player after a gig, not always - just depends on whether I have opportunity, or whether he/she seems to be free. I don't usually ask whether they are BC members. I have asked a couple, but none of them turned out to be - one said he was, but he "never went on there anymore". I've been at gigs where I know another BC member was there, and they came to speak to me, which I thought was great. I think it's good to chat to other bass players, and of course, other musicians too

Thanks for posting your thoughts & findings. A pal of mine had an 801, and I was surprised at how loud it was for such a small unit. I too like Markbass gear. I had a CMD102P combo and that was great. I now use a couple of different heads (not at the same time) with a Markbass 102 traveller cab. It's really lightweight and very powerful, with a nice warm sound. I also play DB, and I've heard other DB players rate the 802 very highly.

I too was about to suggest Innovation Silver (or Gold) Recently, I had a set of Weedwackers on a bass, they were great for slapping, but, just as in your case The E string just had no sustain, and was a bit "weedy". When my new set of Silver Slaps arrived I initially just tried putting the E on, but again, like yourself - I found it was a sound totally incompatible with the Weedwackers.... So I know where you're coming from... How about a Spirocore Weich E, or an Innovation Honey E ? Good luck with your search, and let us know how you get on.... I'm intrigued now

If you tried lots of basses, you may well be amazed at how different they can feel; Weight, balance, neck width, neck depth, body shape / contour, whether there is any neck-dive (and indeed, whether that matters!) The most important factors for you will be how easy it is for you to make a start on bass, and whether it can create that sound that you're after... Try a few more, but if the Epi Thunderbird is the most comfortable and best sound for you, then that's your bass, but defo try a couple more, and don't rush into just buying the 2nd or 3rd one you've tried. EDIT: I've got quite a few basses (about 2 more than Mrs S thinks I need!) but several of them are very different to each other, and even the ones that are supposed to be similar (P basses) are quite different from one another

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1480421164' post='3184190'] That looks good Scalpels are better than Stanley knives for this type of thing but it can be a right PITA all the same. The end result is very effective, though [/quote] Yes, a scalpel should give you a much neater cut. Mind yer fingers tho!

As others have said, second-hand might be the way to go. For that budget, you should get something pretty decent. Buying from a well established BC member is a good way to pick up a used bargain. If you were asking my advice on a great bass, as others have said, a Precision would be great. Preferably a Classic Vibe Squier, or a VIntage modified (VM) series bass. The Matt Freeman Squier P is superb. Someone on here has a Tokai Hardpuncher for around £300. If you like semi-acoustic basses and short scale, maybe try a Chowny bass. Also the Squier Jaguar is a great bass, and available in short scale too. So much choice Good luck in your search - remember to try as many as you can, to find the one that suits your needs.

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1480348218' post='3183571'] It can sound great in the right context. Just don't try to crowbar it in everywhere When learning, start slow. Accuracy is what will make a slap line sound good [/quote] Spot on - It can sound great, in the right song, in the right band. When watching / listening to a really good slap player, I'm usually impressed if they are very quick but if they play every song that way, I usually end up getting bored of their playing The "groove" of a song isn't necessarily the fastest bass playing or the one containing most notes - so often, it's about muted notes, and/or the notes that are "left out" of a bassline that give it feeling, mood & groove I'm not the best at slapping either, I try sometimes, if the song requires it. yes, you can learn but it can take a lot of practice. Youtube can be your friend But most of all - persist with it, don't beat yourself up if you find it difficult.... and good luck

Another welcome from the UK side of the pond. Join in as much as you can

My own thoughts are generally, that I don't like glossy necks. That said, I've one or two with glossy necks, and they are fine. I'm not sure whether they are different materials, but that must make a difference? One of my basses is a Squier CV P bass. That's the glossiest neck I have, yet it doesn't seem to get "sticky" to touch, no matter how hot & sweaty my hands get. It somehow feels "vintage". Is this me imagining it? I don't know, but I've previously owned a bass with a glossy neck, and that was terrible to play in hot weather... My 2 Fender Roadworns have a bit of a satin-y sort of "sheen" to them, and feel lovely I've played 1 or 2 basses with sanded necks, and they felt a bit too "matt" to me - they seemed to have a bit of a drag feel to them Perhaps you could lightly sand the glossy neck? Lots of people do this sort of thing

Made me chuckle this morning Hmmm, Mrs S may well be getting one of these!