OutToPlayJazz

The really good copy is the Tokai "Rockinsbetter" model. They are excellent basses if you can track one down.

I'm certainly loving my ACG - The tone production and quality of construction is not unlike a Status. To say Alan's only been building for a couple of years, the perfectionism in his work is astounding. There's also something Status-like about the piano-like tone of the ACG as well. Huge and clear sound with so many tones to choose from through the filter preamp. Perhaps we need a group ACG porn thread? It's about time...

Here's an example or two of the longevity of these things... My original SII (1987) is now owned by a guy in the USA. I gigged this almost exclusively for 16 years... I'm still trying to get this one back for a refinish at the factory, as it's an amazing instrument. Here's one I had more recently... This is a 1990 model which was gigged literally every weekend for 18 years before I had it.

[quote]I think a man with that many basses has a serious problem. I mean where do you store them, and how do you decide which to play[/quote] That's a bit rude, young man! I'd say he has a bullet proof pension plan that even the man from the 'pru can't match... Most of Nick's collection will appreciate over time... And as a pro player, he needs a bass for every occasion, even though a lot of the time he plays his Vigier, but I'd imagine they all get a dusting off from time to time. Over to the man himself...

Heh! Yes, I know what you mean, Steve. There's just that extra dimension to the sound that'll cut through any mix like a freshly sharpened scythe & the growl is unmistakable for anything else. I also love the reliability of them & the sheer strength of them as well. You can hammer these to death on a daily basis for twenty years and they still stay in tune every day! Both the gloss and satin finishes are very hard wearing, too. You're right about the "any genre" thing as well. I've used SII/S2's since 1990 & have played rock, pop, funk, reggae, country, jazz, musical theatre, pantomimes, etc on them. It really is the ultimate all-rounder.

Steve, are you sure that wasn't a second or something? They made it back to front! Seriously though, that's a lovely looking bass. I remember you getting it & I'm glad you're still liking it a lot.

[quote]Can't blame me for trying though, right? May I ask when you purchased yours? Is it still the same as the one they produce now? Did you go with a Through-Neck and Headless? Is Walnut a "standard" option?[/quote] No, they won't charge you any more for a nice piece of walnut. Mine was made in 2007 - I bought it late 2007 as it was completed as a stock bass. It's a through neck completely standard S2-Classic and as I said, it's the most amazing sounding Status I've played & as you can imagine, I've played (and owned) one or two! And yes, it's the same as one you'll get from Status now. The design hasn't changed on these in a while. Here you go... Latest pics of it... This is the one that makes Rob Green go "Wow!" when he plugs it in and plays the open strings at the factory to check the setup

[quote name='TheBlueFalcon' post='624388' date='Oct 12 2009, 08:43 PM']I'd be more than happy with a Standard or an Artist, but for now I'll give you £500 for your Walnut S2 and then you'll be on the way to your MkII!! [/quote] Hmmm... Triple it and we may be able to start discussions, LOL! - The 4-string walnut one is the best S2 of any generation I've ever played/heard. The sound/playability of that one even blows the two KingBasses I had out of the water!

[quote name='tischbein' post='624365' date='Oct 12 2009, 08:23 PM']I´d love a T-Rex, but the neck pu is too damn close for decent slapping and Rob won´t change it... pity.[/quote] By "T-Rex", do you mean "T-Bass"?

Yes, there have been a few price rises recently, but Rob did keep his prices practically the same for about ten years. Unfortunately, they had to raise the bar a bit in the last few months, due to increased costs from their suppliers. The lower end of the range is still fairly accessible, but when you start to look at the KingBass Mk-II, it starts to get a bit scary! But the bottom line is that their prices are still ultra-competitive when compared to the other boutique/custom competition. I'd still like a Mk-II, though. Maybe I'll have to sell some stuff to get there...

Music shops are indeed dangerous places, Brother!

It's been said before on this thread & I'll say it again. Squier Classic Vibe Jazz. Nuff said!

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='623419' date='Oct 11 2009, 08:11 PM']Oh no it won't! Sorry - couldn't resist [/quote] LOL! Very good, JLP! Btw... [font="Comic Sans MS"][i][b]He's behind you![/b][/i][/font]

I agree entirely, Funkle... I A/B'd the Vibe against a new MIM Jazz (the Lake Placid blue/maple one) & the MIM couldn't get close to the quality feel and sound of the Chinese bass. And they were both new out of the box a day earlier. I've now set mine up on some recently oven baked (don't ask!) DR Fatbeams & the sound is exactly what I want from a Jazz bass. The Vibe will be my pit bass for the pantomime in Sheffield, as it'll be left daily at the theatre. Not a fate I'd leave my more expensive instruments to!

Yes, I think it's literally twice the price it should be. The Gallery had a nice '64 Jazz in last time I was there a few weeks ago & that was only £4500.

[quote name='arabassist' post='622925' date='Oct 11 2009, 10:30 AM']you might as well just buy a squier CV[/quote] I was just about to say the same thing. It looks like my CV with covers on and a lot of use. Will I be able to flog my CV for ten grand when I'm 87, then? Seriously though, you could buy nearly all the basses in my signature for that kind of money. Ridiculous!

I had the 60's P for a short while last year. I couldn't stand the colour. It reminded me of 1970's panda cars and those little invalid carriages (Invacars) you used to see around...

Played one of these in Electro today. It was the natural one with the skunk stripes. Sounded lovely, but the neck felt half finished and rough as a badger's arse. Nasty.

In addition to my previous post on this thread, I picked up on of these today. Actually, it was the fifth one I'd tried and it was the same as all the others. Excellent flawless finish, great playability and great sound. I also pitched it up against one of the new MIM standards in Lake Placid blue with a maple board. The MIM was a nice enough thing, but it couldn't get near the CV in terms of playability, finish or sound. The MIM bass was resoundingly dull and not a patch on the Chinese instrument. Review of the CV vs my American Standard in the reviews section.