Burns-bass

Took it to tonight’s gig and there was an intermittent fault on the jack socket, so that needs sorting.

After the Thunderbird opened the floodgates I found a 1990 Jap Squier Precision for £100. I mean, I couldn’t turn that down…

It’s a slippery slope. You could find yourself covered in that weird foil from scratchcards, unable to play bass as your hand is permanently grasping an imaginary coin ready to scrape your way to untold riches.

Star connection does crazy things. I assume there’s an in-person component to this auction as well? I once saw a men dressed head to toe as a cowboy punch the air after securing a BB King signed 335 for £5000 (before fees). Made the auction memorable!

I reckon £25,000

Tasty looking 64 jazz ready to land at ATB Guitars as well…

It’s a used instrument. Fender can’t be responsible for what happens when a bass is in the wild. It’s disappointing that you took this to a professional who wasn’t able to do this to your satisfaction. Setting up and instrument is pretty easy, they’ve been designed in a way that makes this possible using some standard tools. I set the action, intonation, and pickup height while my wife cooked some pasta. Pickups can become stuck sometimes and difficult to move, so worth getting the screwdriver, loosening them off, and then they’re having a wiggle.

This. I read a few posts about your experiences with this pedal and subsequently bought one and it’s been fantastic. Its a line selected, DI, HPF and superb EQ.

I’m out and possibly shouldn’t be contributing, but I’ve had two deals I couldn’t refuse. It’s weird but there seem to be so many bargains about at the moment, it’s mad.

These competitions are legit and are regulated too. They’re also hugely profitable for the companies who operate them. It’s gambling so I’m instantly out but it’s a small enough amount that it wouldn’t destroy your life.

Hate is too strong an emotion. I’m indifferent which is the worst thing.

I guess my issue is with authenticity (or the lack of it). Everything is played for laughs. It's the same reason why I don't get on with Frank Zappa, Steely Dan, or any of those "zany" US bands and artists. The whole is so inauthentic and the whole aesthetic they have grates on me. Instrumentally, they're absolutely on point, but what are they trying to say or achieve with any of it? It all seems as hollow and empty as the kind of lift muzak you used to here while shopping. But, it's their journey, and they're selling out stadiums to audiences who adore it, so good for them.

Non sequiturs does not a poem make. I’ve never got the whole Vulf thing. Its irony turned up to 1000 and then compressed to hell. The result is jazz funk with a raised eyebrow played by music college kids.

Reckon it looks cool. I would have wanted a case though for that price…

More factors than that involved. Speculation for one. People are investing in vintage guitars with the hope that they’ll increase in value. No guarantee they will, of course. Dealers have a vested interest in pumping prices and people get influenced by it. You can see the crazy prices people are asking for stuff that was quite rightly considered inferior quality (when it was made). The whole thing comes from a generation that considers the 60s and 70s to be the peak of culture.

I think we’re at an interesting juncture with all this. Personally, it seems mad money to me, especially without the case or chromes. The only way is up, until it isn’t. On the other hand, it’s in great shape and won’t have that god awful inch thick poly finish they used in the later 70s. I hope whoever buys it get on and uses it. It’s very much in the “everyday classic” category, isn’t it?

Lovely bass! It’s definitely worth saving from a bass point of view. From a financial one, that’s harder to answer. Used you could get up to £1000 for a decent 60s one, more if it’s a desirable colour and original. If it’s to sell on again, a refin means it’ll be worth much less (possibly half) If the electronics are replaced possibly even less. Worst case scenario is that it’s too far gone and can be used for parts.

Been offered a Epiphone Thunderbird for £100. I'm out.

My US Pro jazz bass bridge. Not bottomed out, but very low.

We do 4 at a time (and assume the drummer never listens to them)

It’s a fair point. Maybe people are cashing out as the market is at an all time high? Or maybe money is tight? Or both!

I reckon Andy has the best stock I’ve ever seen in a vintage bass shop. Some of it has stayed around for longer than I would have expected… Guess we’re having a slow few months.