Marc S

Innovation Silvers take a little while to settle in. They aren't terribly loud, but I've only got much higher tension strings to compare them with. I've a feeling they have got a bit louder as they've aged - but that's only a "feeling" could easily be my imagination lol

I get a sound I'm happy with, using Innovation Silver Slaps (Think mine are Gold - but I've been told Gold & Silver Slaps are the same) I really like them, but haven't compared them with too many other of the more "slappable" strings. They definitely sound better slapped than the Honeys... incidentally, I've not tried the Rockabilly Blacks - what do you reckon to those? Let us know how you get on, and what you decide on....

Maybe the 5 string is made of a different material? But I wouldn't have thought so.... anyhow, it's definitely light It's actually around the same scale as the Elfin. But the Elfin is 1 whole kg lighter. I'm also 6 feet tall - so yes, it does look small - but no one ever said anything "unkind" - some even thought it looked great But it was a very pale (+ rather nice IMO) blue, which may add to it looking a bit toy-like to some.... If you don't want very short scale, and you don't want something like a Uke bass, it's definitely going to be a struggle for you to find something I had a Hoffner Violin bass at one time. I really liked the sound from it, and it was lightweight and compact - but I struggled with the shape of the body. It tended to move about a lot. And I found it rather awkward to play, which I think was partly down to the sharp, bound edges. Also tried a Hofner "shorty" and I didn't get on with that at all, either standing or seated. Sounds like you need an acoustic / semi-acoustic bass then? A chambered body bass like a Maruszczyk would set you back a lot more than your budget. Good luck in your search - I'm interested to see what you opt for. I fully understand weight becoming an issue, due to my own advancing years You spend years, saving for your ideal bass, few basses - only to find you can no longer play them!

I'm not 100% sure that's correct @hooky_lowdown I weighed mine at 3Kg on my new digital scales.... and that's the 5 string version (the scales seem very accurate, and were recommended by someone on BC) If you are looking at super short scale my old Tanglewood Elfin weighed in at 2kg

Good suggestion @miles'tone - that does look a nice bass (I have no affiliation with the seller either) @hooky_lowdown - Are you considering short scale, or even super short scale? I recently picked up an Ibanez Mikro, to keep at the side of the sofa for noodling, and for travelling, acoustic pub jams (with battery amps) It's very lightweight, and sounds absolutely amazing (you wouldn't know from the sound that it's such a short scale bass) Other than that, anything acoustic. Like an Ibanez electro-acoustic. I had one a few years back. Sounded great (though you still need an amp for most live situations) I only parted with it cos my son liked it so much That was full scale, yet very lightweight

I mostly us my TC BH550 head for the larger gigs. No complaints from me. It's a great head - though I'm using it with Markbass and / or Epifani speakers (depending on band / venue / configuration I need etc). I also have a TC BG208 combo, which is such a small, portable amp - for those smaller or acoustic gigs. If I'm completely honest, I do sometimes find them just a tad lacking in "colour" (perhaps some might call it a little "flat") - but I usually use a Dunlop Bass DI / EQ pedal, which just gives me a bit more tweakability and "bite" to my sound....

@yorks5stringer - do you know the weight of this bass? I can't find it online anywhere. Doesn't seem to be on Fender's website, sadly.... I'd really like to know (though, as ever, I really shouldn't be tempted into buying any more basses! lol)

Thanks for your thoughts on these great looking basses folks. Great to hear of your thoughts after gigging with one @Lozz196 As others have said - if these have improved the standards of P & J basses, it becomes harder to justify spending the extra cash on a USA model That said, I've felt the same way about my MIM Roadworn basses too. These however, are even more reasonably priced I have to say, I like the look of that buttercream colour one especially @yorks5stringer Nice EDIT: I meant to add - it looks even better with the replacement scratchplate on.....

I'm sure this will be up to your usual high standard Jabba Looking great so far

I was off P basses for a long time. But this was because I once had a 1970's Fender P, and it was heavy as hell, and the neck felt huge. Not just wide, but deep too... Much to chunky for my liking - yet I liked the sound of it, and the general "feel" of the quality, construction etc Nowadays, as the years roll on, weight has become more of an issue, and whether I wanted one or not, that old 70's P would do my shoulder, and possibly my back in. I've also found that I really like the modern C profile / shape P bass neck, and that it's not so much the width of a P bass that I don't like. I can cope with that. I don't mind a narrower, deeper neck either But I just don't like necks to be wide AND deep (fussy old git eh? lol) What I have noticed, from playing Fender Japan Precisions, is that they tend to be P bass width, but shallower - and for some reason, all the Fender Japan necks I've tried have just felt lovely and comfortable. What amazes me, is that even after quite a few years, Fender necks can feel so different from one another - even those from similar eras Yes, everyone needs a P bass in their armoury. Personally, I really like a P/J too. I find that often works for me, no matter what I'm playing - I'll get a sound I like, and one that cuts through, or sits just right in the mix Have fun, and good luck with your search for your "ultimate P bass"