Marc S

[quote name='teddyt' timestamp='1420679752' post='2652195'] thanks guys. to be honest I am really pleased with it,for a budget make it appears to be pretty solid, and today I picked up a BC Rich Warlock in fantastic Condition for £75 though my son has now claimed it!! and has'nt stopped playing it Well I suppose it's my fault as the first thing I said to him was"check this out for me, to make sure it works ok". [/quote] Ha, you've lost that bass then Actually, I have my son to partly thank, for getting me back into bass After an absence of around 25 years from playing One Christmas, his Mum bought him a bass (which I didn't know she was going to do) this made me dig my old Ibanez Roadstar out..... (with 20 odd years of dust, and rusty strings!) After just a few months of playing he became really good..... One good thing is - if you're both learning together, you can help inspire each other

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1421333554' post='2660011'] Hello, and welcome! Im sure your gear will change much more frequently now you're here [/quote] Yes, that's definitely happened to me too! However - it is now definitely better gear ..... I'm just much poorer Welcome

[quote name='SpikeBass' timestamp='1421173039' post='2658049'] I never had any intention of 'passing it off as a Fender', don't know where this has come from.. ..... ......Great basses for the price, Im delighted with mine, along with my other basses . [/quote] I wasn't trying to suggest you were... I merely pointed out that it was important, not to attempt to do so.... (I've noted some people spotting fakes on ebay) Yes, they are great basses - you get a lot of bass for less cash these days

The quality of Squiers lately seems to be very high Don't think I've played a bad one, I must say The VM series were brilliant The CV series seems even better again I'd leave it alone - but as others have said it's your bass The Squier logo wouldn't bother me, but I also understand the argument of the Fender logo completing "the look" At the moment, I see you have opted to keep the Squier logo I've got a project with a Matsumoko P body and a Squier neck (One day, I might even get around to finishing it!) and my thoughts are, to put a Fender logo on it - for that "look" Others have said don't do it, and if you want a Fender then buy a Fender but the final choice is yours.... The most important thing, I'd say, is not to try & pass it off as a Fender.... eg. if, and I mean "if" I opt to apply one to my project, I'll keep the Squier details on the back of the headstock.... But given the quality of Squiers lately - just keep the existing logo.... EDIT: I was also going to say, I'm amazed at how cheaply I've seen some Squiers go for 2nd hand

My main / favourite bass, is my roadworn Jazz Which I cannot praise enough - it's the best bass guitar I've ever played These are made in Mexico, but finished in the US Now I've owned several US Fenders, including other Fender Jazz basses (Still own one) But the Roadworn is the best of all - Having played many basses over the years, Nothing else comes close to it, of course that's just my opinion but honestly, I wouldn't swap it for a US Jazz - it's better than any I've owned or played I've also got a Squier CV 60's P bass, and it really is amazing! The build quality, playability, weight & balance are excellent considering its' price I'd say maybe the pickups are a tad lightweight - only a tad mind you.... I can fully understand your thoughts on how good the latest Squiers are And I could fully understand anyone gigging with one, rather than taking a US Fender to some gigs But if you're happy with your Fender(s) - you don't have to sell them ..... or maybe keep your favourite I also own an Indonesian Squier, and that's fantastic The newer China-made CV's are even better again EDIT: Although Roadworn's have their critics, it's amazing to play a gig with a bass that you don't mind if it gets another scratch

[quote name='DarkHeart' timestamp='1419960690' post='2644370'] Entwistle PBXN/JBXN are an amazing combo for not a lot of cash. [/quote] Nice thread this I've now got 2 basses with PJ arrangement of pickups One being a Squier P (Indonesian) which I put a fretless neck on Love the sound - its's so flexible But I did wonder about putting some Entwistle pickups on, as they're cheap to buy, but I've heard a lot of good comments about them.... Just the other day, I bought a P bass, with Mex body, Mighty Mite Neck and a PJ pickup arrangement. The Pickup in the Bridge position, is a Bartolini - and the bass sounds absolutely awesome! really happy with it - I only got it cos I was going to do exactly that PJ mod, to my Squire CV 60's P To my mind, the PJ pickup arrangement is ideal - and I wonder why most people aren't wanting to do this Nice to hear all your thoughts & experiences folks Hmmm, should I put Entwistles on my fretless??

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1421144973' post='2657531'] Ha I'm a bass man don't worry [/quote] I was hoping you'd say that! lol

Oddly enough, after years of not liking fenders, I have come full circle, and now am a big fan This is my 2nd spell of playing - the first being back in the early 80's I had 2 Fenders during this time, and they were definitely not "dogs" - but they weren't great, by modern standards of playability etc.... The last one, a 70's P had put me off Fenders, as it was so heavy, and the neck really chunky But since my recent spell of playing, I've owned and played lots of basses I kept searching for the ideal - I tried Musicman, Rick, Lakland, etc etc I owned a couple of Ibanez basses But only on playing a few Fender Jazzes, have I found what really suits me.... I love the string spacing at the bridge end - so I can really "dig" my fingers in there, I love the neck taper, and slim profile at the bottom end I love the weight & balance (particularly my Roadworn J) and I love the sounds and range of tones I can get, from the 2 pickups... Having played several P basses over the years (following my chunky-necked 70's P) I find I really like the slimmer necked P basses around today In fact, my Squier CV 60's P is fabulous - at 300n quid, is a better player than many basses over twice its' price Of course, these are all factors which are personal to me..... But it's taken me years to find that I now love Fenders again I've played some good ones, some bad, and some indifferent But if I play one and don't quite like it - I don't buy it..... simple! My Roadworn Jazz is just the best bass ever, to me..... I played a 2 grand bass recently, and thought to myself "If that's worth 2 grand - my J is worth at least 6) I love it Because it suits me and my playing, and the sounds I'm after (bear in mind I play punk/new wave, Rock, an Elvis tribute and acoustic / folk - all with the Jazz..... and I get what I want from it for all styles) I see so many ads for basses, which say "Better than any Fender" Which alone says to me that fender are THE benchmark I understand that you have gone off them, but as others say, play the bass you want and like It doesn't matter whether that's a 200 quid copy, or a 3 grand custom made bass Just play one that you enjoy.... Good luck in your search for a "perfect" bass - I didn't think one existed .... but I'm glad to say I was wrong... and I'm glad I found my Fender

Glad you went for it in the end From your posts, you sounded like you had some real GAS for one Re jim_bass's comments of Mex vs CV Of course, it's all down to personal preference in the end But I played a couple of Mex & US Jazzes in a shop, just a short while back (just before getting my '72 re-issue Jazz) I've got to say, the Mex ones were OK, but the one with the edge binding wasn't that good.... To me, the CV necks felt better - I have a CV P bass, and it's absolutely awesome! Same thoughts as you tele though.... Great build quality - but pickups could maybe do with a bit more puch As you say though - this newer CV range is superb build quality, and great value for money Enjoy your new Tele ..... but remember, you are a bass player - don't go over totally to the dark side! ....What? Us bass players are the ones on the dark side?? Oh well.....

Welcome to BC Don't worry about Ashtons being frowned upon I'm sure it's good enough, and for that money, you can't go wrong In my first spell of bass playing (back in the early 80's) Cheap basses could be really awful! My first, a Kay (the catalogue company) Rick copy was just the most awful piece of firewood imaginable! You would tune it, fine But some positions on the neck were quite a way out of tune I suspect the cheapo neck was well twisted But the rest of the bass was no better.... Get an experienced player to give your bass the once over and if it's OK, then you've got a bargain.... Good luck, and just keep playing

Hi there Mike / Bertie, Welcome to BC firstly Don't worry about the quality of your cheapie bass, for now It's bound to be better than my 1st bass, which was almost unplayable If other, experienced players think it's OK then that's a good start.... I had no idea just how terrible my 1st bass was, so it was something of a stumbling block, not knowing whether something didn't sound right due to my playing, or due to the terrible bass (you'd tune it up, but some points on the neck it was out!) Keep practicing, and try playing along with CD's / MP3's I keep a bass next to the sofa, so if something comes on the TV or radio, and I like the sound of it - I can jam along & work it out This seems difficult at first, but the more you do it, the more it will click I play by ear, as I can't read music. But there are plenty of Tabs available online Tab is easy to learn. Even if you find it difficult to play while reading (as I usually do) the Tab will at least get you in the right area - if it's correct, of course..... Anyhow - good luck, and just keep practicing

Good of you to post this dave Might be of real use to someone I attended a Fender evening, at a local guitar shop a few months back There were a couple of guys from Fender and a guy from Gretsch It was a great evening, even though it was mainly for guitarists The guys from Fender were great to talk to One of them was a great guitarist, and thoroughly nice bloke Of course, the free beer, pizzas and snacks organised by the shop also promoted a nice atmosphere

You could opt for a Fender Licensed neck, like a Mighty Mite Or, if you want to spend a bit less, you could place a wanted ad on here I did just that, for a lined fretless Jazz neck and got one in good condition, for a reasonable price Good luck with your search EDIT: There were a couple of responses to my ad too - there are probably more spare bits & bobs lying around, unused than you'd think... Probably because a lot of people start self-builds and other projects, and then run out of time or interest.... I also joined a local Guitar,Amp & Gear exchange / swap / sell group on facebook Worth checking if there's one in your area.......

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1419351438' post='2639058'] You know what? I don't think English is his first language. Or second. Or third. [/quote] On reading the description, I thought I was reading some bizarre abstract poem!

[quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1419335071' post='2638813'] .....Any way you can check the gauge is actually what it is supposed to be? Sorry can't find thread - try a search (on way to office party ) [/quote] Ah, I'd just enjoy your office party if I were you Or maybe, play your bass after the office party, and you won't notice any string problems lol

I never really had this problem, or thought about it too much.... I recently bought a bass which already had Ernie Ball "Hybrids" on Never having played these before, and initially finding them a bit on the light side... .... I find I quite like playing them now Mind you, maybe I am too easily pleased as well? lol

[quote name='sprocketflup' timestamp='1419325925' post='2638685'] Previous incarnations of the band Ben Folds Five have included Charlie Washes Six, Mary Dries Three and Harriet Airs Four. [/quote] You forgot about the trouser-press two

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1419260139' post='2638089'] Mouse mat backing ..,. [/quote] Great tip! Cheers for sharing

Using it some of the time will help you develop strength, stamina & accuracy though.... I could use it all the time I choose not to - but it's there when I want / need it......

I've played 4 strings, and whenever I tried a 5 or 6, I've really struggled I recently bought a 5'er - just to have a play about on I have to say, that I really struggle with hitting the right string with my right hand Still can't get used to it, but whenever I play the 5'er I don't really use those extra notes I'm not keen on the open B anyway - doesn't sound quite right to me I will continue to dabble, but it's 4 strings for me all the way.....

I'd say stick with it, practice and the fingers' strength will build up over time..... When most players start on bass, on the left hand it can be difficult to use the 3rd & 4th fingers But persistence pays off here I use the 3rd finger of my right hand - not all the time, I just tend to use it on a whim, or on basslines which are very quick It definitely comes in handy (pardon pun!) Like icastle, I think I tilt my hand slightly, to make it easier to reach the strings....

I don't think the foam will add or detract from the value of the bass I've not seen one advertised, where they specifically mentioned "original foam" lol In fact, foam is the very sort of material that degenerates over time (just look at the back of an old carpet) I wouldn't worry - but replace it, and keep the old foam if you feel you need to.....

Wow, this bass looks great I first thought a transparent pickguard would look good too .... but I do like the look of the white one too.... Great logo too