Marc S

[quote name='throwoff' timestamp='1507199755' post='3383830'] It's a cheap bass, in my opinion the perfect platform to try things you wouldn't dare on your more expensive instruments! [/quote] That's a good philosophy IMO Quite like some of the upgrades people have done here

Crazy!

Yes, hope you get it sorted. If you can't find a luthier who is local to you - it may be a bit of a trek to South Wales But Dave Dearnaley is a very highly regarded luthier in this neck of the woods. Top bloke and a great craftsman, who also builds some really stunning acoustic instruments I'm sure he could sort it for you - I know he likes restoring vintage, classic guitars and would enjoy the challenge too Best of luck with it

Welcome to BC Amy, and as Lewis says - there's more than a few of us from South Wales on here.... So hello from Cardiff.... I know, I know - there's no "Love lost" between Cardiff and Swansea for some - not me, of course Keep your eye out for a local bass bash event (usually organised by our pal Gelfin) - I'm sure a few local BC members may even bring their short scales too, if you ask The Squier VM Jaguar is pretty well regarded by many players. I played a gig a while back, and the support bands bassist had one with upgraded pickups Don't ask me which pickups - he did tell me, but I've forgotten (well, it was a while back) The bass sounded superb though. So perhaps you might think of new pickups as an option? In your search for a new bass, keep your eye on the short scale thread on here to see what models other SS players own, and perhaps on the marketplace, as they do come up for sale second-hand here on BC. You may also want to consider medium scale (32") I took one in trade a few months back, and I love it! For now, be satisfied with the rather nice basses you have, and make sure you really like and are comfortable with any future purchases.. many of us on here own far too many! lol

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I'm frequently finding online examples of guitars and basses I know I'll probably never see in the UK - but would love to try out I've got two basses from the 80's from the Fender Japan factory, and have owned non Fender Japan made basses in the past (incl a Japan Ric copy I still own) I have to say the MIJ / CIJ instruments I've owned or played have all been superb instruments. My current examples just feel, look and sound lovely I really would like to pay this visit - but there are no future plans in my household to do so..... Sounds like you got a real bargain with that Jazz - but aren't you charged import duty when bringing it home in your luggage? There have been a few instruments recently, that I would have been highly tempted to go for, had it not been for the import duty and postage making them a bit too pricey Cheers

Sad news indeed RIP Tom

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1506278631' post='3377559'] Also, the SUB Ray4 not only has a Jazz-width neck but the one I had was very light also being made from basswood. [/quote] I played a (non US) Sub a little while back in a shop near me. I feel the same as you re MM's. I had a lovely one a while back. Loved the look (it was trans Red) liked the sound, after a bit of fiddling / getting used to EQ'ing it - but it was heavy, and the neck was too chunky... So I tried a Sub that I liked the look of, and it was lighter than a US MM, and the neck was more of a Jazz profile / width. Though I didn't measure it accurately, I looked at it alongside a MM in the shop, and it was definitely narrower. Looked rather nice too, in a sort of Surf Green colour, and the finish was nice - though it definitely wasn't as nice quality as the "real thing" I haven't tried one of those OLP MM basses, but I've heard people rave about them - and they seem to go for fairly reasonable cash second-hand..... Good luck with your search

I've got a Shaped Fender (red badge) case I picked up second-hand I've put a few Jazz basses in it, and there doesn't seem to be any movement. P basses on the other hand move.... a little bit Only thing with these cases, they're a very snug fit, and there isn't even room for a strap, without a bit of juggling about and careful arranging So there's not much room for leads / spare strings etc. Shame, because otherwise it's a nice case - fairly strong and light with it I was going to suggest a bit of padding, as others have done. As has been said though - that's not good, when you've paid quite a lot of money for a case Again, the Highway Jazz may be slightly different dimensions to a Standard US - so there may not be any "perfect fit" cases, other than those originally supplied with the Highway

PS. Are you anywhere near a regular bass bash, or other BC members? I ask, because you don't mention your location in your profile or this thread - you never know..... ...there may be an upcoming bass-bash event, or maybe a local friendly BC member may let you try out a bass or two? We bassists are generally a friendly bunch - just like drummers lol

Yes, I'd agree with Steve in his above post. In this case, it may be the 34" scale length that is a problem But with the nut of your bass that much further away, it's more of a stretch for your left arm, and stretching your fingers may be more difficult due to your wrist position. Definitely try an osteopath. I would also try a few more basses as well though. Often, in shops, they just hand you a bass and plug it onto an amp - but take your own strap along, or ask them if you can also try the bass with a strap, so you can see how it handles when you're stood up (if you ever intend playing live, this is important unless you intend to sit down for every gig). I've got a couple of different scale length basses, and I actually find medium scale a good option. Being used to DB and 34" scale - I'm conscious that I'm likely to over-shoot or overstretch on my 30" and 25" scale basses (especially the latter). It may be that 34" scale is fine for you - and you just need a bass with a different body shape. Go and try a few P and J basses to start. Also, if you can, try a Squier SS (short scale) Jaguar. They're very well made and good value for money. I've seen them go for £150 ish second-hand, which is a lot of bass for that sort of cash. Be aware that Squier Jag basses also come in 34" scale as well - so make sure it's the SS model you're trying.... Best of luck with the pain though - hope you find a solution Let us know how you get on EDIT: Try a few different models of P and J too - because neck radii and nut width seems to vary so much - even within the same make and model

Definitely try as many as you can, and yes, keep an eye on the marketplace here I'm really a 4 string player, and don't tend to play my 5'er much But I tried several, and found that it was tricky to find something that had good (wide-ish string spacing) yet didn't have an overly wide neck .... and also a bass that didn't weigh a tonne I had a perfectly good Squier 5 string P bass. I felt like an upgrade and got a Yamaha TRB 5 stringer, which is lovely Good luck with your search

Yes, I've seen a few that look like that too including one that looks a bit like someone has tried to achieve that effect.... and gone totally OTT It's genuine though - the guy who owns it has had it since new You'll have to look closely at other clues to find out whether it's genuine or not But heck, is it a great bass? That's the most important thing

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1504872950' post='3367920'] 3. this is just another GAS excuse [/quote] Lewis - you know this is just another GAS excuse! lol Sorry, I only just caught up with this thread, but my advice would have been "buy the Squier" anyway On the back of the headstock, does it say "Made in Indonesia"? - that's probably a Vintage Modified series They did a P/J in the VM series - I know because I once had one Enjoy your new Squier