Hellzero

The most important thing is that you like it and if it's a YOB bass, that's even better, especially in this close to excellent condition! These years weren't always the best as it was the total recession at Fender and they were close to bankruptcy, but there were some excellent (heavy) instruments made during that "Dan Smith" period. Some instruments of that peculiar period are really sought after as Dan Smith, who has been heavily criticised, was willing to raise the standards and innovations to what they used to be, but, hélas, totally failed. Congratulations!

It's a legit 1981 Fender Precision Bass. This is confirmed by the date code of the volume potentiometer (6th week of 1981) and the stamp at the back of the pickup. The sticker that should be at the back of pickguard has simply been moved in the neck pocket because of the full aluminium shielding. The grain of the wood as well as the typical sunburst is another evidence as well as all the body routings and the two routings at both ends of the neck pocket.

That's because we are so used to see a chrome plate on these Fenderish bodies... Try to put some chrome knobs first, it will surely improve the look.

Now, I understand your definition of clean @uk_lefty. 😉

Great little combo, I've used the original (non Fender), while playing as a semi-pro, for years and it has always sounded amazing with my fretless bass. I've always been complemented for my tone with this little beast. Great pick.

That said, there's a huge difference between the two takes, but where does it come from is a total mystery as it's a complete anti-scientific approach... 🤦🏻‍♂️🤔

@cetera Did you ask @Andyjr1515 ?

Amazing work of art, another true masterpiece @Andyjr1515 !

Translucent pickguards give a more transparent tone, it's a known fact.

Jah Wibble?

Ok, you gave the answer: DHL! When it comes to "exporting" parcels DHL is a real pain in the derrière as they seem to have no real service for that. I've had parcels stuck at their "customs" service for a week or two before they are cleared and I live in Belgium, the country just nearby, so imagine a real customs clearance... You'll have to wait at least another week.

Paying by card or bank transfer or PayPal gives you the same protection... Which courier did Thomann use? I found this website and/or App more accurate for checking in real time where is a parcel: https://parcelsapp.com/

Nice Le Fay on the right. 😉

Almost 3 years later, I sold my JP Basses Zia Hollowbody Piezo 5 fretless to Bernt and this time it arrived the day he started his holidays. Be careful and don't throw it in the water, Bernt. 😉 Cheers! 🥂

Again, the best answer, this is the only reason I use powerful amps, my favourite right now being the brand new GR Bass AeroTech Full Carbon Combo 800 Watts coupled to the GR Bass AeroTech Full Carbon 112+ cabinet. Lightweight, powerful and clean.

No hesitation, especially for the price: Tonerider, as good as any boutique pickup! https://tonerider.com/product/jazz-plus/

Go to any luthier, it's a 2 minutes job to change the nut and put some graphite grease on the thread. Reliable, fast and easy.

Back home for good this time, thanks Vincent aka @Rollo for letting me buy it back!

Where are you in Spain @Rayman ?