ezbass

You are right there, Sir. I guess I just want musicians to be creative types and not be involved with the grubby, money side. Of course, they're all involved in that to a greater or lesser degree and I'm just kidding myself if I think otherwise. However, there is something about JS that rubs me the wrong way. I shall learn to live it.

I've had the SS 'Ray a few days now and have put it through its paces, playing along to songs from my old '80s band set list, plus a bunch of other favourite play alongs (Jamiroquai, Steely Dan, Robert Palmer). Conclusion - it's great. Between the 'Ray and the Mustang I have a short scale bass that covers all the tonal variations that I require, with the exception of a fretless. I'm now looking at my long scales and thinking do I really need those? Dilemma aside, it's all good news on the new bass front and I'm another step further down the road to becoming a full on SS convert. Hmm, EB3...

Innocent posting about a potentially new bass release from MM goes south really quickly. This seems to be what BC threads do now and makes me sad. Different strokes for different folks people, just because someone doesn't like what you like, doesn't invalidate the pleasure that you derive from it (or wish to name it). Take a breath, please. As to the potential for a new JD MM bass, I feel, perhaps somewhat cynically, that it's potentially just another Jack Stratton/Sterling Ball ploy to prise money from people's wallets, but I guess that it is show 'business' and EBMM are there to make money. I should just get over my dislike for Jack Stratton.

How do you feel about Pino's 'chicken' bob?

Bird of Paradise - Snowy White

The less than stellar finishing of the fretboard. A tad darker filler and it would hardly notice. Rookie error.

I think that’s reasonable and the frets on my new baby are fine. Could the ends be smoother? Possibly, but they’re not sharp by any measure. I replaced the strings yesterday with a spare set of EB cobalt flatwounds (my preferred string for all my basses, except the Rob Allen). This morning the action had settled down from all the adjustments I made and a small tweak on the truss Rod was required. It now has a nice lowish, unbuzzy action. Speaking of buzz, this bass is nice and quiet, which is more than I can say for JMJ Mustang when I first got it. No need for any extra shielding on this one.

Nice and comfy for me. It seems to work well with the meat/shape of the neck (not bulky, but not like a broom handle). It seems a well worked combination.

I tend to measure at the 15th fret, but only because it’s conveniently in my eyeline (not a lot of difference between this and the 12th fret measurement it seems). Providing you always use the same reference point, I don’t think it matters for your own, personal setups.

Unbelievable - EMF

It’s so small, it could be easily overlooked. However, the continual checking for the courier delivery might be a giveaway.

Bass Direct have a used one with some damaged finish at the moment, popped up just after I’d ordered mine from GG. https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Ray_34_Shorty_SH.html

NBD!

How did I end up with this bass? Wasn’t I looking at P basses (yes, I was)? Well, whatever occurred to alter the search this drastically, I’m pleased with the result. I acquired my first short scale about 12 months ago, a JMJ Mustang, which really opened my eyes to the delights of short scale basses. Having watched and listened carefully to some YT demos and reviews, I pulled the trigger on this Daphne Blue, all maple necked beast. It’s all passive, but with some interesting little wiring shenanigans, namely: a series/parallel/single coil selector and a volume boost built into the volume pot. The boost seems a bit of a misnomer as, in reality, it’s a volume cut, the ‘normal’ setting being fairly quiet compared to my Mustang. So I’ll be keeping on boost permanently. The coil splitting is very good, without any really noticeable volume changes between the 3 settings and, unusually for me, I’ll be leaving that set to parallel (I normally opt for series). It comes with a nut width of 38mm, which I normally find too narrow, but combined with the extra girth that all maple necks from MM seem to have, it’s very comfortable and suits the diminished size well. The nut slots were cut a bit high, so I’ve taken them down about 1mm and the fret tang finishing on the sides is a bit untidy with inconsistent filler (some small pin holes and a lighter colour filler used). The tuners aren’t the best, with a little slop in them, they do the job though, they’re just not premium (some lightweight, Hipshot lollipops would be a great upgrade). It could possibly do with a bit more foam under the pickup to achieve more height as there is more adjustment available in the screws. However, those are the only shortcomings, the rest of the bass is pukka. It’s really nice to play and is super comfortable to wear, weighing in at a mere 3.4kg - happy days. Tonally, it does the ‘Ray thing really well for a passive bass, but adding my Sadowsky SBP2 into the chain and it’s a proper ‘Ray and really sounds great when slapped, which is weird as I don’t slap that often, but I couldn’t resist a bit of Higher Ground, Lessons in Love and School Days. At £599 it seems well priced, although no gigbag or adjustment tools seems a bit mean. Next to my Mustang it adds a really good tonal contrast, whilst still maintaining the short scale vibe and feel. OK, it’s early days, but I think I may have this one a good while (I daren’t tempt fate and call it a keeper just yet). Oh yeah…

That’s me definitely out, the Sterling ‘Ray short scale arrived today and I like it. Good luck to all those still abstaining.

@Jonners Trying to stuff basses into your gas meter won't do the coin slot any good at all and certainly won't get the evening meal cooked. Oh, hang on, I see, 'GAS' not 'gas'. Is that my coat? It's alright, I'll get it myself.

Your mum sounds like a wise woman.

Looks like job done. 👏👏👏

Another one for the pyre, 🔥😆

Burn the witch! 🔥

Wilcock Mullarkey (other finishes are available).

It was hearing a Serek that sent me down the short scale rabbit hole. Just pressed 'add to basket' on a Sterling 'Ray SS. It may not be a keeper because I normally like a wider nut width, but I'll give it a go as the YT demos sound just what I want to compliment my JMJ Mustang. Sorry, Lord of the Dead, this is about you, not my insatiable GAS

Didn't even manage a month . However, if I send it back, am I still in?

Yeah! A waiting list I think, but... YEAH! There is always ACG too, if you're willing to stretch your budget.

There is also the Chowny Scott Whitley when they are available again. https://chownybass.com/product/swb-1-scott-whitley-signature/ Or, for something a little out there, a headless Ibanez https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/201102363660025--ibanez-ehb1000s-sea-foam-green-matte-short-scale-bass