three

12 hours ago, BassAgent said:

So I'm going on tour to Vienna, Prague and Nürnberg this Thursday and I had a choice with the airline: either buy an extra seat (which would be kinda expensive) or check it in as "special baggage" for a smaller fee. I did the second thing and now I'm doubting: I have Mono M80 gig bag (the classic one) and I think the bass will survive, especially with the string tension off. I have to do the other gigs by train so carrying a big flightcase might be a bit of a hassle... Are there people here that have experience with flying a bass in a Mono gigbag or something similar?

I've had an M80 - a great gig bag for urban use but in no way a case that is designed for flying (as anything other than a passenger on the next seat).  Depending on where you are, you're very welcome to borrow my Hiscox (I'm in Manchester).  Again, not ideal and I'd prefer to use a full flight case but the Hiscox is very strong and light and far more protective than a M80

49 minutes ago, big rob said:

Any trades? 

 

Thanks very much but I'm not really looking for trades - I really need to pay for a very good fretless - and the Overwater is going in order to facilitate that 

Short-scales are often fairly light (obviously really).  I had a Danelectro Longhorn (one of the cheapish re-issues) and it was incredibly light - maybe 5.5lbs.  Very easy on the back and a dream to play.  I have no idea why I sold it

An Overwater PJ Custom with possibly the highest spec available and some extraordinary bespoke appointments.  Completed in June 2018.  Poplar Burl top on a two-piece centre-jointed alder body with black pinstripe (the second instrument I've owned with the Burl and from the same log as the facing on John Entwhistle's bass).  The burl is also used for the facing of the headstock.  Exquisite Birdseye maple board on a flame and Birdseye neck - the timbers used throughout this bass are some of the most beautifully figured that I've seen.  Black hardware including the Overwater bridge and string retainer unit.  The bass is passive (sort of) but has the Overwater/East buffer circuit.  This works extremely well to deliver with extreme clarity (and boost) the core tone of the bass/pickups.  The bass is supplied with two sets of pickups - the PJ set that it's currently wearing (in rectangular covers) and a humbucking set in similar covers.  The bass is also supplied with its certificate and spotless/as new Overwater branded Hiscox case.  

There's a story to this for those interested.  The bass was originally spec'd by an extraordinary aesthete of this parish - this man has an eye for detail beyond even mine (and I'm really picky).  It was supplied originally with a personalised logo at the 12th fret and the whole build was extended as the purchaser pondered multiple detailed additions and enhancements throughout the build process.  The result of the attention lavished on the bass by both the purchaser and Chris and his team was quite something to behold - the bass was also a seriously expensive investment (really expensive - somewhere around £3400 I believe).  This is where I entered the scene in late 2018.  The original purchaser had a change of heart and I picked up the bass at a good price.  I'd decided that I was in need of a 34" scale that could be a racing machine... (yes, I know).  I'm really a short-scale player but wanted a 34" that could play as easily and as fast as a shorty.  

The bass was everything that I'd hoped for, but in the search for absolute perfection (we're talking real margins here), I sent the bass back to Chris to have the logo replaced, have the frets dressed to facilitate a stupidly low-action, have the nut replaced with something really bespoke in connection with the latter, and have a set-up with super light strings (35-95) and an action down to the limits.  Chris did all of this to a superb standard and charged me accordingly.  I hate to think what the bass has had spent on it but probably somewhere around £3750 in total.  Now, after a change of heart myself and the need to pay for a fretless, the bass is up for sale.  I'm not particularly sentimental about basses but this is one that I really don't want to sell.  It's been a major investment of time and cash and does exactly what I want, and the body has the most beautiful contouring that I've seen on a P (something that is really important to me - take a look at the images - there's an organic quality to the carving, the body is like a pebble washed over tens of thousands of years).

So, that was quite a long way to go about it, but here are the basics:

Precision body with PJ or double humbucker configuration (both sets of pickups supplied)

Burl poplar top and headstock facing (with Birdseye scratch plate with a black laminate)

Alder body - two-piece, highly figured timber

Birdseye and flame maple neck with Birdseye maple fretboard - 22 fret 34" neck

Black hardware including Overwater bridge unit and hipshot ultralite tuners

Nut width approx 41mm (1.62")

19mm string spacing (adjustable)

Passive but with Overwater/East buffer circuit (1 x 9v battery)

Through body stringing

Weight is around 8.8lbs (I think, I have no easy way of weighing accurately) - superb balance

Supplied with Overwater branded Hiscox case, and original Overwater CoA

As above, the bass is set-up with an extremely low action and d'Addario nickel rounds 35-95 - I find these to have a fairly low tension (a particular favourite).  It is around 16 months old and in absolutely mint/as new condition... apart from one tiny, extremely shallow impression on the neck behind the 11th fret.  This is a short line and is impossible to photograph, though it can be felt by rubbing a finger over it - it has no impact on playability and is barely there, I just want to mention it for full disclosure.  I didn't do it and it seems to have been something that occurred when the bass was back in the Overwater workshop.  It doesn't bother me at all and is truly tiny/insignificant.

In sum, a beautiful, bespoke and custom bass with many really high-end and very well thought-through appointments.  The instrument has had a lot of money spent on it.  We all know about Overwater quality and this bass would grace any stage or studio (Overwaters record beautifully and thus are the choice of many pit players and studio professionals!)  I'm not a massive fan of hyperbole in adverts, though I think this bass probably merits it.  It looks stunning - it's my partner's favourite in terms of looks (and she's picky).  It's one that she doesn't mind seeing on a stand around the house (and I happily oblige).  The neighbour's cat also loves it (mine evidently couldn't care less).  I think that £1650 is probably a very reasonable price and I'm taking quite a hit at this, thus I'm pretty firm on it.  I'd prefer collection from Manchester, though I can ship at the buyer's expense and risk (I can check out insurance if necessary).  I can ship to the UK, most of Continental Europe and the US.  Any questions please just ask.  Apologies for the fairly poor quality of the images - Manchester is devoid of light this morning (indeed, most mornings).  If you need any further images, please just let me know.

30 minutes ago, MB1 said:

PMD.........Colour me interested!

Responded

Price reduced to £330

Avalon u5 for sale - the anniversary model in black.  I suspect that if you're looking, you'll know what this is and what it does.  Superb, clean and versatile DI/Preamp with extremely useful presets (that work wonderfully on bass or acoustic guitar or pretty much anything else).  The studio standard for recording bass and present in pretty much every higher-end studio.  Also used widely by very posh bassists as a stage DI/pre - these really are at the highest-end for bass input/processing.

This unit has probably seen less than 20 hours of use - I have a few pres and tend to use this one with a Status Series II.  A move to short scale implied that the Avalon then fell out of use pretty much entirely.  A shame as it's excellent.  The unit is thus almost new and unmarked - indeed, it looks new apart from a tiny white mark (not easy to see) above the power light.  I thought it was dust or a bit of fluff but it didn't dust off.  Unless you look for the mark, it's not easy to see.  I'm including this for full disclosure but it really is tiny.

I have the manual and the original box.  I can ship in the UK and most of continental Europe.  Shipping in the UK will be around £10, Europe a little more.  The cheapest I can find these is just over £700 at Thomann.  Others are charging between £720 and £800.  At £330, this is probably quite a bargain.  This is a black one too - it sounds much better than the more common silver ones (well, of course it doesn't but I think it looks very cool).

Collection in central Manchester is good and cash on collection or Bank Transfer is fine (Paypal too but friends and family please).  Any questions, please just ask. 

The bass is now sold subject to payment - however, if you have an interest, please let me know 

Alembic Brown Bass from 2002 but almost unplayed - perhaps 10-20 hours use in studio and at home only.  In perfect, as new condition.  

30.75" scale

Anniversary Electronics (stereo - stereo cable provided)

In original case - again in perfect, as new condition

Pro set-up with d'Addario 45-105 rounds 

Walnut facings with myrtle core - beautiful figuring and flame in both.  The neck is 5 piece and constructed from mahogany, birch and maple - the neck is reasonably slender and a dream to play.  The bass has a rubbed oil finish throughout

Brass and ebony string retainer - unusual and lovely feature found on the BB and only a few other early models

Sounds pretty biblical, plays beautifully with a low action.  No paperwork (this wasn't supplied though the bass is entirely legitimate and registered with Alembic).  Comes with adjustment tools, guarantee card and manual.

The cheapest that I have seen one of these new is around £8.5k - common pricing is around £9k (if you can find one).  Price is £3400 and I'm pretty firm on this (to be honest, it's probably a bit of a bargain, especially for anybody buying in Euros or Dollars).  The bass for sale is in outstanding condition and I really can't see any marks whatsoever.  Collection in NW England is highly preferable and I may be able to travel to mainline stations for expenses.  I can ship to UK, Europe and most of Continental Europe at the buyer's expense - insurance also at the buyer's expense.  Bank Transfer or cash on collection.

Images here are rather poor and just a small selection - I have many tens if not hundreds - please let me know if you need something specific and I'll try to upload better pics later.

Apologies for the poor image quality but an opportunity to re-unite twins for a quick shoot (non-identical and parted at 15 months)

Had the chance to play this on Thursday - the twin to my own. Outrageous in every respect. Some staggering custom appointments. I’m firmly on the positive side re: bics

12 hours ago, karlfer said:

9lb 3oz, same as it says in the first post Loz ya muppet 🤣

I would have thought it would be 2 piece Ash, but I'm buggered if I can see the join 🤔

Hahaha, I was sure that I’d looked carefully - muppet is probably a very polite descriptor! I’ve had a look on a large monitor and still can’t see a join - really could be a one piece. The body of my ‘76 was made of three - and three pieces of the heaviest timber known to humanity

On 19/09/2019 at 08:22, glassmoon said:

Ah, at MPH Guitars?  Nice!  Thank you

 

What sayeth this group about the Bass Gallery?  I would be most interested to hear any thoughts

I tend to use the Gallery for anything difficult or important and travel from Manchester for the privilege. First rate - Martin is by far my favourite of the UK builders - his work and John’s are superb

Wow! Utterly trustworthy and extremely knowledgeable seller with superb taste. I know this from experience. 

Looks like a fab price for such a quality instrument! I’ve always held Pedulla’s to be right at the top of quality tree and the tone in the vid only reinforces that

Absolutely lovely - very similar to my original ‘76 (now long gone) but a luxury version! And from one of BC’s most trusted sellers. I’m on my phone - is this a one piece body? Also, what’s the weight (the ‘76 was very heavy)? 

Possibly slightly off-topic but I use passive ATC monitors at home (for programme not bass guitar) and they always sound better when they’ve been running for half an hour. I don’t experience the same with bass through a Berg 210. Back to topic, I always treat new drivers/cabs fairly gently for the first few days (just impulse rather than any understanding of the science) - I blew speakers fairly frequently in the ‘79s and ‘80s. I suspect that contemporary designs - especially at the higher end - are much more robust

The Alembic configurator is fun and one can pay more than twenty times the price for something just as custom and nearly as ugly. Though Alembic struggle to meet these lead-times

12 hours ago, juliusmonk said:

It indeed is... maybe your chance to try 5-strings 😊 it’s also a 34” which is not that usual so it feels more compact than most other 5ers

I've been down that route many times only to come back to 4s - I'd be delighted if 5s worked for me and the Luthman would be my first call... and bump - a gorgeous instrument!

I keep coming back to this - really lovely (but I don’t play fives). An exquisite instrument at a great price IMO

Very cool and unique!  I had a Shuker and the quality of work was outstanding

Looks lovely - great antidote to the rubbish that Fender (especially CS) puts out

The finest pre I’ve ever used (and I’ve tried, tested and used a lot - it’s a bit of an obsession). These are beautifully designed, heavily over-engineered and sound amazing. Super clean and accurate but with an impressive warmth. There’s a kind of subtle but immensely musical compression - a liquidity in which each note is held perfectly and abutted to the next without any degradation of attack. Almost impossible to find now - the Thomann stock sold fast! If I was to choose just one pre, it would be this (by a very large margin)

Thanks all for the very kind words re: my post above - the WA is extraordinarily impressive - it can certainly do everything that the Noble can and much more besides.  It's been a bit of a revelation.  The form factor isn't as convenient as the Noble but the review accolades appear to be richly deserved.  I think that the WA could make pretty much everything sound good/better

On 29/08/2019 at 13:42, Jus Lukin said:

Very cool! I was thinking of have an 1176 type in a live rig, and perhaps even a Pultec EQ, too!

Are you running the Klark Teknik in the loop?

I can strongly recommend the Warm Audio - a superb Pultec clone - it’s displaced the Noble for now

3 hours ago, StuartB said:

How are you defining 'collector grade'?

I'm sure that Si will reply more fully but for me, in very simple terms, it's (a) originality of all parts, (b) unmolested condition of those parts, and (c) condition of the finish.  Thus for me, the bass in the question meets the basic criteria 

I've always liked the look of this one - pity Wals don't suit me at all (and I've spent a long time trying)