Steve Browning

For €80 it could be fun. I'd go for it.

In fairness, it carefully doesn't state that it's a Warwick, just a W.

Yes and I'm in Portsmouth and have just bought exactly that kind of shelf!!! 😞

Absolutely true but I would say that's more about the playing style than the presence of upper mids! I will also add that I did somewhat used to resent some of the parts as they were obvioiusly not written by a bass player and were not what I would have chosen to play myself!!

Enjoy the Sammy Nestico arrangements! I am going to somewhat fly in the face of most of what is said here, on the basis of an assumption (well, two). Firstly, it's a conventional big band (Count Basie for example) and that there's no pa. When I was first playing, I used to play in a youth jazz orchestra and also played in a rehearsal band (it was guys getting together to play the tunes, without ever trying to gig). The experience of being among the instruments and experiencing the whole thing in such an immersive way is quite an experience. Now, I may well shouted down a bit here but I'll press on. What is your role here? In my view, your role is, essentially, to replicate an upright bass. The parts you are playing were written for that instrument and the sound it makes. It's not about definition, it's not about sustain. You are surrounded by instruments that are occupying a whole load of the frequencies in the mid range. The job of the bass in such a band is to provide little else but bottom end (and the right notes!!). Personally, I would think the last thing you want is some hyper rig that is all bells and whistles. An acoustic bass has none of that. You have a Precision. Ok, Precision, flatwound strings and a simple combo should do you fine. If you sound about right when you're playing with the band then you probably are about right. The conductor/leader will tell you if you're loud. They are not going to suggest you take your wireless out into the audience any more than Walter Page would have.l Big bands tuned up and then started. There is no need to over-complicate a simple job. Turn up, stick your combo on the floor next to the drummer, plug in, tune up and enjoy the gig.

It's fascinating isn't it? Many moons ago I had an Altec loudspeaker that needed reconing. It was an insurance job and so I took it to the chap for the work. He asked if I wanted a generic cone or the proper Altec one. I made the schoolboy error of suggesting there would be no difference and then spent the next 90 minutes listening to him tell me why that wasn't so!!

Agreed. A wonderful player. Unhappily not before my time.

Carry on, chaps. It's all new knowledge to me.

Disappointing. I tend to judge a business more on how it performs when things go wrong than when they go as planned. Hope you get the outcome you want.

That's so you can gaze at the cover.

That is wonderful news.

Sold an amp to Ben. Excellent communication, instant payment and a thoroughly delightful and easy transaction. All in all, a guy I would highly recommend. Steve

So .. To some - yes To others - no

As I am moving on my trusty Bass 400, I have no need for the odds bits I have accumulated over the years. I never felt I had to change power valves but occasionally did so because other people did. I have a sextet of the above that I had changed in my amp but believe them to be fine. I do notice that there are two (slightly) different sizes in the group. I presume they would all be ok together? I was going to flog for not very much but won't do so if there's any issue (although I could sell 2 trios). Any thoughts, o far more knowledgeable ones?

Someone correct me but I seem to recall reading that the pickups are Japanese made but to US spec.

I don't think I'd ever want to lose the backline. Although I am not a player who is rooted to the spot, I do like to find that place where you feel the notes through you. I could use a board for that experience but then you're carting stuff around anyway. I'll stick to amps but have no problem with other guys doing differently.

Just remember VAT and Duty on the cost. I have bought from them twice and communication was excellent.

Ishibashi is a good source and they are good to deal with.

I have had numerous Japanese Precisions and the build quality (CIJ or MIJ) has been consistently exemplary. Frankly, I see spending the extra on one from the American continent as pure waste. That said, I have tended to go for the US variants as they have alder or ash bodies (for example PB-75US).