BlueMoon

Nice summary about a great musician and top bloke. Thanks!

Great find. Well done! The more recent 4003’s with the new bridge/tail-piece and single truss rod seem like a sensible evolution (about time!) whilst keeping with the classic look.

Difficult to say based on the photo just how large it is. Annoying though! I’d be tempted to Dremel the clear coat back to a small border of solid colour and then drop fill and level.

Totally agree………unless it’s one of the very early ones, which only run down to 4 Ohms.

While I haven’t tried all of the various versions I do have a Jazz Elite 4 string. It has the “wheel” type truss rod adjuster and through-body bridge. These were two features that went when the Ultra came out; don’t know why. My personal take on the preamps is that they are not as smooth as a Sadowsky, but still useable. My favourite Fender Jazz Deluxe is a mid 1990’s version with Suhr-designed pups and preamp. Really sweet sounding.

All the best, Paolo! When you have finally made a decision to quit it gets easier to live with the decision. Still, keep music close-by.

Difficult to say for sure why anybody would choose to do such a thing. To me it doesn’t look like natural wear, but I could be wrong. The headstock, in particular, looks like a relic attempt……….and not a good one at that. I’ve never had a Ric wear thin in those places. Shame.

Graphite powder works well on an oiled neck. It requires some care to apply, as a little goes a long way.

Godspell - in the local theatre pit. I like to scare myself - I don’t think!

One of my favourite melodic basslines is “Something” on Abbey Road. Macca at his best!

https://www.rickysounds.co.uk/product/rickenbacker-case-repair-kit-black-plastic/

That’s a common failing of the ABS plastic case from Rickenbacker. It’s a poor design. Rickysounds sells a repair kit that will do the job. If you are halfway competent at DIY I suggest you study the Rickysound kit and direct source the components. Probably cheaper.

Only two? 😊

My early 70’s Fender basses: ‘71 Jazz and ‘73 Fretless P

Thanks for this. I really enjoyed the podcast. Gail comes across as a “feet on the ground” musician, despite having a really impressive CV.

I was thinking about doing the same thing but with a polyester coating (as I believe was standard on Pedulla Buzz fretless basses). In the end I didn’t go for it and quite like the stock bass sound with Ground-wound strings.

He was one of the better DJ’s from my younger years. He went up in my estimation when he declared on air that the Bay City Rollers were rubbish. https://jive95.com/johnnie_walker_interview_07.htm

I’ve bought plenty of instruments from Japan. Never had a problem. Shipping to Europe can pricey, but EMS is OK as a slightly cheaper and slower option.

Great choice……..well done! When you change the control knobs please take special care with those that have a centre detent. To retain the centre detent “feel” of the Musicman potentiometers you need always to remove and replace the control knobs when the pot is at centre detent. If you don’t, you won’t have a centre detent anymore. Ask me how I know.

I'm curious and interested in your opinions and set up when you get it. Congrats! I am exploring a variable pedal preamp set up with a small power amp for a few of the small gigs we do. The Baby Sumo is a contender. Others include a Quilter or HB Bass Block in a similar - but not pedal-based - approach. I've been down the HX Stomp rabbit hole and what was on offer was just too much for my needs. At least I now know that!

Love it!!!

My first thought was a ESP Bottom Bump………but the upper horn contour isn’t quite correct. i’m also thinking it might be from Ibanez, but can’t for the life of me give a model suggestion.

Best bang-for-buck in my opinion is a USA Stingray Sub from the early/mid 2000’s. If you want the original 2 band preamp, don't mind the slab body, and a bass that will survive the knocks and dings of pub gigs, then this would be my choice.

Four bolt neck plate?