tom.android

1024x has a thicker neck profile front to back. Slightly classier finish but it’s quite marginal. Fantastic alnico pickups. Like Andy, the 414 is the one I still own.

Sounds like you want to loosen the truss rod, no? If it’s maxed it’s tightened fully, usually. Loosen it to allow the strings to pull it forward slightly more.

Just bought Lee’s Octamizer. All was smooth and speedy. Cheers!

You say you switched strings from flats to rounds - but which ones? There’s a huge variance in tone from different string types and brands. Loads of punch and growl? Give good old Roto 66s a go.

True and wise. Something else to consider might be a preamp feeding some IEMs so you can get some clarity in your ears without changing sound to FOH.

Strings, strings, strings. Still want flats but less boomy-y with loads more mids and upper mids? - TI jazz flats. Then there’s rounds but heaps of difference here. My favourite ‘dark’ sounding ones are GHS Blanced Nickles. Or go all the way up to steels and discover that your tone knob actually does something. Steel wounds on a P works for Lee Sklar, right? I’m really into the idea of matching the right bass / pickups combination with the right strings. Getting your low end under control onstage is another part of the equation, mind.

As others have said, Sadowsky Metroline sounds like what you’re after. Possibly a Will Lee if you like skinnier necks. Also Maruszczyk are probably worth a look. Excellent value used. Bacchus, too.

Absolutely superb. Bit lighter than the ‘posher’ models and the ceramic pickups sound great. Can’t go wrong.

Catching up on some Glastonbury sets on iPlayer and spotted Fat White Family’s bass player on a black BB414

Sold the body of a BBG5 to Mick. Great communication, swift payment. A breeze. Deal with confidence.

Also possibly a worthwhile question: Are you playing sat down or standing? If standing how long is your strap set? Try shortening it to bring the bass a little higher up. Was just trying an exercise like the one you mentioned with a slightly longer strap length and my thumb was having to come around with the rest of my hand when trying to use my little finger on 4th string 15th fret and above. Physics has its limits! Also don’t those Nordstrand Acinonyx basses have narrow string spacing and skinny necks / shorter scale?

Tried these myself. Too heavy on the rest of the strings! I’d do 42 60 80 110 for drop C#/Dflat. Or just try adding a single 105/110 to what you’ve already got. I really like the D’Addario EXL170BT for a ready made set

Ah, I’m familiar with similar technical exercises. The point of doing them is just that, technique. Your bass has a very ‘medium’ neck on it and shouldn’t pose an issue. Focus on wrist position, hand placement etc. I actually wouldn’t really recommend these types of exercises for beginners. One octave scale pattern are probably sufficient for the time being. Very rarely when playing will you actually need to play 4th string above 12th. Occasionally but rarely.

Such a bargain.

Yes and no. There are still bargains to be had if you keep an eye out. I’d say the newer 3 series are very keenly priced as there’s a lot of them about - with the exception of the 434 which often seems a bit overpriced to me, used. 424/5 prices are definitely creeping up. Getting close to 1024/5 prices so you may as well get one of those if you’re in the market. Same but better everything. I do hope some BB hyperinflation happens because I have stock in BBs that I’m looking to cash out.

Chunkier neck profile but overall classier with very special pickups. Also the BB414 which I personally prefer over the BB734 as a passive p/j. Similar slim neck profile. They’re all great, though.

BB404/405/604/605: Access to the upper frets (20-24ish) is significantly improved. The body is more sculpted and more comfortable to play sat down. Bridge has grooves to keep saddles in place which not all of the BBG or BBN range do. 5 string is 18mm at bridge rather than 19mm. They’re all good but different in small ways.

They did a medium scale BB in the past. Bassbros have one for sale at the moment

Perhaps it’s a failure of imagination on my part and lack of experience playing anything properly high end but I honestly can’t imagine how a bass could be better constructed than my BB2004. It’s basically flawless on every conceivable level. But I too struggle to get it to sound how I want on gigs. Lots of tops, lots of boomy bottom but can’t get the low mid punch that I want. Mines even got a (reverse) P pickup. I might swap out the pickups at some point.

I’ve had similar thoughts about wanting to have the switch be active/passive. I’d go for a 2 band active bass/treble then have the existing mid knob be a passive tone control instead. I’ve got a BB2004 but the electronics and layout is the same. I’m allergic to push-pull knobs. Any ideas?

If PJ is in the mix, there are many many fans of Yamaha BBs on here, myself included. There’s no bad ones, just choose according to budged and desired features.

If you’re willing to look second hand Yamaha BBN5 and BB405 can be had for absolute peanuts. Alder/maple/rosewood construction and top quality in general. Recommended. Sire if you’re after something more trad looking.