Trueno

My view... hang on to the US Fenders you already have and buy new Squiers. ... other basses are available if you're not an F head.

I spent this morning listening to you tube vids for a replacement PJ for my Squier Jaguar SS (think that's VM too). Just fitted a gotoh bridge and fender jazz knobs, so spent the afternoon setting up and playing... and playing... and playing. Decided to keep the original pups too and quite gratified that some posts on here bear this out. This is just through a practice amp, haven't even tried through my gigging rig yet. ... but I think it's the Fender knobs that make a real difference to the tone...

^^ Good to know. I've been thinking about using tcut on a tiny scratch on a bass. It'll be very softly softly if I do.

I've still got my US Jazz, but I wouldn't buy another US bass... I think they've got a bit silly pricey, despite the obvious quality (obvious in mine, at least). I would absolutely consider buying a MIM... and I think PJs are the future. PS... Karfler... love your crap mex.

When the strings need changing it's time to sell it and buy another one.

Hazza... great stuff you're doing there. I think I was still playing with my action man when I was your age ??? if you get the chance, let us know how you get on with the Geezer pickups... they seem like a great addition to the short scale Squier Jag I've just bought. Of course I don't need them, but you've given me GAS... or should that be PAS.

Black pickguard on black bass looks great. I think I'll be having a quick look in this shop every time I go to the dentist now... just for a look around, not to buy, of course.

Deleted... stoopid answer because I didn't read the post properly

I tried out a bass (and bought it) yesterday. I just feel around the neck for evil fret ends, then I play every note both plugged and unplugged for any buzzes and things, then I noodle around a bit and play some scales just for general feel and playability and try every variation of pickup and tone settings. Didn't take long to establish it was a goer. Job done.

Thanks, chaps

For the first time ever I went to the dentist with a skip and a jump this morning (so to speak). I discovered an independent music shop about 100 yards from the dentist, so after I'd had me teeth riddled by the hygienist I went there for a look and bought a Squier Jaguar SS bass. Had my eyes on these for a while... I love CAR with a black scratchplate and "rosewood-type" fingerboard. I wanted a short scale as I only plan to play at home now (as much as you can ever be sure about these things. I was also glad to get my hands on one at a proper shop... no sharp fret ends, no buzzes and farts. In fact, I was quite impressed by the overall playability and quality... crazy for £186. I will probably put a more chunky bridge on (gotoh) if it drops in without surgery, but that's just me having a thing about chunky bridges. Thought I might change the pups and loom, but frankly don't see the point... I'd happily gig this as is TBH. Now, I was planning on selling my US Jazz after buying this... but I might just keep it as a spare (heh! heh!) Now I'm off to play my spanky new bass.

Absolutely this.

I'm tempted by the Precision... the woodiness is very appealing.

Bugger! Now I've been looking at this... looks even better than the cd version... birthday coming up...

I always understood it was good if you play both fingerstyle and slap... but I've never slapped, so I don't know. I quite like having a bit of dynamic range "in the fingers" so to speak, but I doubt if the audience would ever notice... in my case.

I used to use a Tascam bass trainer... CD version. You can speed up or slow down the track and change key (although it sounds a bit wibbly when you do).Why the hell did I sell it?

My view... what problem do you currently experience that would be solved by using a compressor? If you've been playing for 30 years without one I suspect you don't need one.

My thoughts exactly. I'd even try it long scale/short scale for a few days each.

I've probably given up gigging... but if I saw an ad like that advertised locally I'd reply to it. Sounds perfect for me.

Accordion... got to be the devil's own instrument.

I know there's nothing on the telly and I really shouldn't be spending my time looking for "post of the week"... but I'm just putting a marker on this one...

I always had my pedals on set and forget... so it was fine behind me... I had to turn to use the tuner, but that was very rare during a gig. No reason why you couldn't have it in front like a monitor (depending on stage space). If it was an issue, I reckon set at 2 o' clock would work... if you're right-footed.

I have one of these... highly recommended. Small, lightweight and powerful. I partner mine with an EBS Microbass pedal rather than a Sansamp, but either way it sounds great. I put mine on an angled stand and a modest pedal board sits underneath.

All of the above... If you want to read to improve your bass playing, it's probably not necessary unless you want to advance it as a career. If you want to do it as a project and maybe increase your self-esteem, then go for it. There is a simple answer... just start learning. If it's not for you you'll soon bin it.

Try a sax forum... you may even get a reply that's a little more helpful than the one above.