three

I'd have a look at the SKB iSeries 5014-OP - superb cases and some of the best that I've seen - not light but not as heavy as a full flight case.  The body width of some Alembics might be a problem (they won't take a small-bodied standard for example).  Other very good options are Calton (though very expensive) and Enki

I played some of these back in the day and found them to be superb instruments - a real premium feel and finish - great necks and great J tones too.  The finish on this one looks spectacular

I received a Fusion bag that was carefully wrapped in bin liner type material and tape just last week - I think it was a Parcelforce Express 48 service.  The bag and packaging arrived entirely undamaged, though that may be a fluke.  The entire package was very light and the shipping cost very reasonable.  I'd probably do the same if I was sending, though use premium bin-liners or plastic rubble sacks (the latter are much stronger).

Fabulous gig bags - I've been using an F1 bass bag for years.  Very comfortable handles, easily stowable straps, and surprisingly light for the level of protection on offer.  I've just picked-up the guitar version for a couple of shorties and a headless Status SII.  I'm very tempted by this but have no real use for it... though I can think of a way to manufacture one...  

Great price too IMO! 

3 hours ago, Downunderwonder said:

It's plain old 'regular' scale!

A matter of standpoint and opinion really (and I tend to concur with Thomastik here), though an opportunity to lift an outrageously lovely bass to the top

A lovely, easy deal with Russ for an excellent gig bag - perfectly packed and in superb condition - thanks very much - an outstanding member of the BC community!

Very surprised indeed this is still around - stunning looking, excellently spec’d bass at a bargain price (IMO), and from one of BC’s absolute gentlemen. It wouldn’t be here if I could cope with long-scale.

15 hours ago, itsmedunc said:

Mmmm. I’ll have to have a look what I’ve got. I’m trying to move my long scale basses on in favour of shorties!

 

Cheers

 

Dunc

It seems like a few of us are heading in the same direction!  Shorties and lightweight (though I've made more progress with the former)

13 hours ago, itsmedunc said:

Any interest in trades?

Thanks - I hadn't really thought of this and would prefer a sale, though it depends what's on offer!  I have a few preamps, and only play short scale if that helps - I don't tend to use effects either (though I'm not sure if any of this helps!)

1 hour ago, Old Horse Murphy said:

Thanks  it's figured walnut apparently. I must admit though, I prefer the grain on your one. 

That's incredibly kind but I'm rather smitten by yours - mine was one of the early Padauk facings rather than walnut - it's quite a deep purple red tone and has aged very nicely - it's probably become a little darker with time

33 minutes ago, Captain Bassman said:

Gorgeous.

 

My 30th Anniversary re-boot for comparison.

Wow!  I really, really, really wanted one of these at the time of release, then was offered the chance to buy one a year or two later.  It didn't work out and I've sort of kicked myself sometimes since.  Such a lovely combination of features from across the arc of production, plus the most premium timbers!    

7 minutes ago, Old Horse Murphy said:

I think ours must've come from near enough the same batch. Mine's a November 2021. 
 

 

Wow, absolutely stunning!  Is that a flamed Walnut top?  The green wrap-around LEDs look fantastic too against the phenolic.  Obviously, fretboard LED's weren't an option when I spec'd my SII!

On 26/07/2022 at 05:08, Musicman666 said:

my walnut S2...one of the final batch.

 

 

Inspired by Musicman666's beautiful Image and stunning bass above, I went and dragged my old Status out of storage last week.  I hadn't seen it for around a year, though still in tune of course.  Not exactly bookends, but an example from what now sadly appears to be the closing days of full-scale production, and one from the early days (well, around 1986).  Some important evolution/innovation, of course, but clear consistency in the lineage.  Whilst I'm a massive fan of pretty much everything Status (and I've had a good number of Status basses over the years), it's the SII that I think of when the brand is mentioned - sort of quintessential for me. 

Beautiful facings on a really very rare bass - the chrome hardware works very well against the cocobolo

My favourite colour scheme/appointments and my favourite period for a J.  Absolutely lovely!

Lovely, I've always lusted after a Glockenklang but never owned one.  The temptation is strong but I have absolutely no justification (lust apart). 

Off topic, of course, but is that a 5 Star Status case - 9th from the left in the row?

5 hours ago, Bigwan said:

 

So much awesome in one photo...

That is very kind - thank you.  I should add that I do not own a car, do not drive (better for everybody), and I've lived in a delapidated bus shelter for 35 years - these factors have facilitated the rig: one has to prioritise.

1 hour ago, mar_to_the_t said:

Funny, I have the same gear except for the cab😯

I salute your selections sir!  In my extensive sifting through pres (and according to personal taste), some of the finest of the valve and SS varieties

Very sad news, though I look forward to hearing of future plans and offer my best wishes to Rob, Dawn and all the Status team for the future - all my interactions with the company have been excellent down the years.  At least this has inspired me to go and get my Status out of storage, hopefully this afternoon (if it stops raining in the North).  The only posh bass that I've ever spec'd and bought new - what a blast that was and the day I collected the SII remains a vivid memory - back in '86 I think.

A recent, small but very nicely formed addition to the practice rig - the Monique performs beautifully with a passive Wilcock, though I still prefer the Hellborg with actives 

First, I'm really sorry to hear of the health issues that force the sale and hope that these are quickly resolved or eased - I've moved to much lighter basses myself in the past few years.  Second, I've had the pleasure of owning a Cazpar fretless and it was a superb instrument in every respect - I've no doubt that this one is every bit as impressive!

Having used both Schaller and Dunlop systems for years - both a bit fiddly to fit properly and to maintain (though not a massive deal!) - I moved away from using the strap-end part of the system.  I noticed that with age, I was starting to feel more aches and pains, and some fairly unpleasant discomfort in my back when wearing a bass, even for a fairly short period of time.  So began an extended period of experimentation with straps, positioning, bass ergonomics etc.  As part of this, I realised that the strap locks (both S and D) imply that the bass sits slightly differently than it might if just connected strap to pin (without the lock).  Indeed, I found that when wearing a bass fairly high, which is my preference, the upper bout of the instrument tends to swivel forward a little.  This led to me removing the strap-end component and just fitting the strap to the pin in the conventional way, and then securing with the rubber/silicone grommets noted in several posts above.  Whilst is wasn't a complete cure for the pain, it contributed positively to alleviation of the latter as it aided in holding the bass more more consistently and closely to my body, i.e., the swivel/tipping effect was eliminated.  I went on to fit Dunlop pins to most of my basses as these are wider and taller than the Schallers and the basses feel more secure with the grommets in place.  In short, I go for a hybrid form - Dunlop pins with silicone doughnuts.  Picture attached for the avoidance of confusion re: pin style (I imagine Dunlop offer several). 

5 hours ago, Reggaebass said:

Has anyone compared or had both the noble and the jule Monique 

I have (which is weird as I'm more of a fan of SS pres) and find quite a difference.  The main advantage of the Noble for me is the form factor.  Easy fit on a board, smaller and readily portable.  Without going into great detail, the Noble is simple and straightforward - it adds a sort of polished, produced sheen to Fender type/passive basses.  I find the Monique (much) more versatile.   A very powerful tone stack, though the real magic for me is in the sensitivity pot and the interaction between that and the line level.  If you're a fan, the Monique seems to do the valve compression and sag effects brilliantly well.  I don't find any fur or break-up with mine but that's not what I'm looking for.  I find that the Monique can do what the Noble can, though not vice versa (though the latter is a real great valve pre and DI).  I don't use effects much at all, so the effects power function of the Noble isn't much use.  For context, I really only use valve pres for my one passive bass - I much prefer SS for the actives.      

20 hours ago, BigJHW said:

love the look of these.. shame your 4 hours away bit too much of a trek for my old fatass

out of interest how well these Aluminium cabs handle a low B on a 5'er?

Thanks, it's a lovely cab but I'd agree, 4 hours is a bit of a trek.  Apologies, I can't really comment on the low B question, I only play fours, and that's enough of a struggle.  I'll check around to see if I can find any comments from other users

Lovely drive tone and captures the Scheff vibe throughout - respect! 

Superb bags and very protective - certainly amongst my favourites.  I note this has the ProPac designation.  I'm not sure what that means but probably some improvements from the original (brilliant) version