OutToPlayJazz

Hi Chris, By all accounts, an early 60's pre-CBS Precision is a very special instrument to a lot of people & only a seriously anally retentive collector is going to be bothered about a little bit of soldering. At the end of the day, if you want to try the pre, it sounds as if it'll be pretty easy to put it back to standard again if you don't like it. What no one else seems to have asked you so far is what the other Precision with the P-retro sounds like. What're the main changes (over and above it being thicker and more powerful than before!) and how does the response of the instrument improve compared to it's previously passive self? Kinda makes me glad my AV-Series Precision is only a 'mere' copy! Rich.

That's interesting - Does Howard build these from scratch, or are they builds from bought in bodies/necks? Lovely looking bass, btw. Very striking sunburst scheme as well

[quote name='Bassassin' post='826326' date='May 3 2010, 11:45 AM']It's a good point. I'd take it a little further, where you find a lot of bassists are very resistant to the idea that the huge majority of your tone comes from your pickups/electronics and your strings. Oh, and your fingers. Do all those fancy expensive endangered timbers that have been preserved in a peat-bog for 50,000 years[i] really[/i] sound demonstrably better than plywood? Sacrilege, I know, but go on & prove it... J.[/quote] You're quite right, Jon - So much of the bass' sound is really down to the electronics, pickups and strings. Tone woods do make a difference, but at the end of the day if a piece of cheap basswood has been seasoned properly and has the required density it'll sound just fine. I tend to think that the wood quality has about a 20% bearing on the sound, personally. Yes, a sturdier bridge does make a difference, but I don't think it's particularly in terms of sustain. I changed the bridge on a 75RI Japanese Jazz to a Gotoh 201 & the biggest difference was that the sound became broader, almost as if it was breaking into new frequencies. But whatever the sound differences, it was a very sturdy and well made bridge for very little money. Some say that the stock Fender bridge is best for the original Fender sound & I'd go with that. I have stock bridges on my two (the better ones with the ribbed saddles) and I have no complaints over the sound & don't plan to change them anytime soon. Rich.

[quote]Ever set out to buy strings...and come home with a guitar?[/quote] Nope, I'm a bass player! But yes, I know what you mean. I don't think I've ever been swayed that far, but have ended up leaving Electro with something new too many times, LOL! Luckily, last time I went to the Gallery in Camden I was strong (had the missus with me) and came out empty handed. *PHEW*

[quote name='BassBus' post='825560' date='May 2 2010, 03:08 PM']Don't even think about a fretless S2, Rich. Just order one, they are fantastic. I scoop all the mids out of mine and it has a lovely "loose" sound to it when played over the end of the neck. I use flats which I don't like on a wooden board but they work really well on the phenolic.[/quote] Don't tempt me, Graham... Two lovely Fenders, anyone? (Sure I've been here before!)

[quote name='Fat Rich' post='826245' date='May 3 2010, 10:25 AM']That's a standard Status Energy from the early '90s, they changed the shape in the mid 90's but yours is the original classic Status shape. It's not exactly rare and it's from Status' budget line of instruments, but it's still a good bass and you shouldn't have too much trouble selling a graphite necked bass. I would say stick with the price you've got in on for, I'd be surprised if you could get more than that but I might be wrong! Heres a link to a brochure (with original UK price): [url="http://www.statii.com/status_cats/adverts/energy_nov_1991/energy_advert_nov_1991.jpg"]http://www.statii.com/status_cats/adverts/...rt_nov_1991.jpg[/url] There are other brochures on www.statii.com also a discussion forum full of Status players who may be able to give you more detailed info. Good luck with the sale[/quote] Rich is quite correct, it's a 90's graphite necked Energy. The graphite neck makes it worth a bit more than the wooden ones, so I'd say you're looking at around £5-600 or EUR 570-690. Looks like a nice bass. Could be the Energy Artist model, as it has a very nice piece of top wood. Again, best of luck with the sale.

[quote name='pantherairsoft' post='825522' date='May 2 2010, 02:18 PM']Lovely. I ironically a chap bought one of these into me yesterday at Nottingham Drum & Guitar centre (but it was a natural finish), which had a number of electronic issues. Thankfully I was able to fix all of the issues with switch cleaner! :-) Was very impressed with how well they play. I guess I have become jade with what I know of Weststone from the last 10 years or so[/quote] Nottingham Drum Centre? Say hi to Dave from Rich (from OutToPlayJazz.)

The only slight problem you may have with a Gotoh is that the base plate is a lot thicker than the Fender bridges, so sometimes a neck shim (or adjustment on the micro tilt if you have one) is required, otherwise the action will be too high.

Is someone digging up old threads? Bored today, are we?

As far as I know, the graphite replacement necks come with the tuners attached. It's just the neck bolts you have to drill.

Quite true, Clarky. Obviously a lot of them do it for the money. If I was endorsed, I'd go for the instrument I like the sound of and like to play the best. I'm a musical prostitute by profession, but not that much of a whore!

He used to play a Lieber Spellbinder in the previous days of "Return to Forever." These two were made specially for the reunion tour. He also used the Spellbinders (as well as the Alembics) on the SMV tour last year.

Yes, the satin finish is really nice on these. You'll find where you rest your forearm & thumb that it wears slightly to a shine & looks even better. Really glad I got a bolt on as well. Still thinking about that fretless 5 version...

Yes, I love the look and sound of the Spellbinders, but have you seen the price of the standard model? $15400 USD makes an Alembic Series II seem a bit of a bargain!

[quote name='M-Bass-M' post='825223' date='May 1 2010, 11:00 PM']I'd like to seek membership to the Status-Graphite club with the following offering: [/quote] With a lovely looking S2 like that one, you are most welcome, Sir! What's the top wood?

I'd be looking at either a Wizard Thumper or a Nordstrand split coil, personally.

Can anyone record the stream? I'm in Harrogate until the early hours

If it was me, I'd sell the Sandberg and keep the Alembic on your signature list. Well repaired cracks are nothing to worry about (think of all of the patchwork repairs on the average old double bass!) and don't usually detract from the instrument.

Just spotted this on TB this evening... Press Release, For Immediate Release April 30, 2010 CHICAGO, IL-USA. Pickup and electric guitar manufacturer Hanson Musical Instruments,LTD, announces that a group, led by itself, has purchased the globally respected bass guitar brand Lakland Basses of Chicago. Former Lakland executive John Pirruccello has been named President of the newly formed Lakland Guitars, LLC, and will be responsible for managing the company's daily operations and future development effective immediately. John assumes these duties in addition to his position as head of the Hanson Musical Instruments guitar division. Pirruccello's background includes 11 years at Lakland as Global Sales Director as well as the company's Chief Operations Officer. He contributed greatly to the development of current Lakland products, including the "Skyline Series" line of bass guitars; and was responsible for expanding Lakland's dealer and distribution network around the world. “JP” is also a prominent Chicago musician that has performed, recorded and or collaborated with the likes of Keith Richards, Staind, Alejandro Escovedo, Wilco, and others. John will oversee the seamless transition at Lakland's present facilities in Chicago. Lakland Guitars, LLC is retaining current luthiers and support staff. Hanson Musical Instruments wants to thank Lakland founder Dan Lakin for his vision and stewardship of the Lakland brand, which he founded in 1994 with Hugh McFarland. Hanson Musical Instruments has been Lakland's primary supplier of bass pickups and preamp products since 2005. The principals of Hanson Musical Instruments, LTD were previously shareholders of Lakland from 2000 until 2009. Lakland is a manufacturer of high quality bass guitars and accessories. Website: www.lakland.com Hanson Musical Instruments is a manufacturer of professional electric guitars and of electric guitar and bass pickups and electronics. Websites: www.hansonguitars.com and www.hansonpickups.com Bo Pirruccello, President Hanson Musical Instruments, LTD 2044 N Dominick St. Chicago, IL 60614 [email protected] (847) 207-7680 John Pirruccello President, Lakland Guitars, LLC 2044 N Dominick St. Chicago, IL 60614 [email protected] (773) 251-9684

Again, it's all subjective and down to the individual player. I know pro players that only have the one bass and one sound, but others like myself have a bass for every occasion. If you're just pumping out the bass in pubs and clubs, then anything you're personally happy with is great, whether it costs pennies or the earth. When people are paying you serious money on a recording or on a tour, you want the best sound you can get & the most apt sound for your employers. When I do the mini big band stuff for the Strictly Tour I use a Status S2 5-string. Not only for the sound I want to hear, but because those basses cut through the mix like a scythe. The brass section usually pitch off the bass, so they need to be able to hear the whole spectrum of the bass frequencies clearly. It makes them happy, anyway So yes, you can cope forever on cheap basses, but if you're doing it for a living, it becomes a different kettle of fish. There's also personal preferences. I like my gear as it gives me the sound I want to hear. It's constantly evolving as well, so maybe there'll be an Aguilar rig appearing in the next year or so. We'll see. At the moment, I'm very happy with what I've got.

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro with either the vintage sunburst or trans.black finish. I\'m picking up one for a pupil this weekend, so I\'ll do a full review over the next couple of days. Either that or an Ibanez SR500/505. Great sounding bass

I think the Classic Vibes have mainly sparked this debate over and over again. The answer to the original question is that some of the latest Squiers are of a more consistent quality than some of the lower range Fenders. Of course, we as buyers are going to be swayed even more by the price when the rrp for a Mexican Jazz these days is topping £600. If a Squier at around half the price feels and plays even better than the Mexican instrument & the quality control is amazing, then the answer in that particular case is going to be a resounding yes.

I guess the Japanese Fenders are seen as inferior to the local Corona product out there. Sure is a lot of bass for your money, though! Rich.

Hey Andy - Long time no see! How's things over there? Still got the two Sadowskys?

The Precision with flats/rounds is down to personal preference & how you want to sit in the mix, really. I downloaded the live John Mayer Trio album the other day (with Pino on bass) & his Precision on flats sounds great on the busier tracks, but on the slow blues numbers, it's too flat and dead sounding for my tastes. I have my AV 62 on DR FatBeams. Lovely sound.