spongebob

I recorded and watched the Nile Rodgers one - missed the series up until then - doh! Hope they repeat the first few soon. EW&F should be good. Only thing I wasn't too big on with Nile was the missing of about 30 years from his career - from Let's Dance, Bernard sadly passes away, and it's 2013 - following about 45 minutes on the 'early' period. Thought they could have covered a bit more. Then again, I suppose all his big production jobs were back in the 80's, so maybe there was genuinely less to cover since then?

There was a MIA P in the classifieds recently for about £650 - seen a few around that mark. I'd personally save a bit of extra and go for one of those - going on your description, it would fit the bill perfectly, and if that's what you're after, doesn't get much better. Otherwise you run the risk of not getting it quite right, and having to sell what you just bought.....I think everyone's been there! [size=4] [/size]

Lovely bass, congrats! Love the look of a Jazz bass, just wish I could play one - I've tried with a few, but we just don't fit together. Shame as they look and sound fabulous.

Even as a Ric-fan, it's a bass which I always suggest proceeding with caution, as the feel is totally unlike anything else. I had a few months away from them this year, and when I got another, it was odd at first, and I've been playing them for a good while! Like Mart said above, it's a Marmite bass, in the truest sense of the word. If the OP struggles with Ric ergonomics, then I would avoid - they haven't changed them (I personally like the shape and feel). I haven't got an idea on the other options, as the only basses I stay with are Rics and P's! [size=4] [/size]

I know a Luthier who told me that out of the box, the 'budget' basses are often better set up than the more 'boutique' (ie more expensive) ones. A case of maybe as well detailed above - if it plays well, people are more likely to buy it off the peg. Whereas a more expensive item you maybe have to be in the market for to start with?

I've had a couple of basses and straps from Mark. In fact my tasty USA P came used from him. Always brilliant service, and a nice chat to boot - last time, about how I shouldn't have sold the previous bass I purchased! [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='waynepunkdude' timestamp='1385991282' post='2294350'] I'd drop one, from a great height [/quote] I dropped mine last week, albeit from a small height whilst sticking on my straplocks..... [size=4] [/size] Luckily the floor was carpeted, but still caused a mark on the headstock. Please don't all cheer at once! [size=4] [/size]

I squeeze all my leads and stuff in my bass case along with the bass itself - less trips!

I don't think I've ever met anyone who doesn't know who MK is or plays bass - normally followed by an air-bass impression!

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1385913054' post='2293516'] When did the mainstream 'collectively wow' over any bass player? [/quote] I think a lot of people know Mark King - ie numerous 'non' bass players know him and that he's a bassist. The Jam were regulars on TOTP - I was a bit young, but I think he was pretty high profile - and played on very successful chart singles that featured prominent bass. Probably lots of other examples I can't think of now....!

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1385899027' post='2293257'] ... cos I don't understand how this works. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Midnight-Rider-The-Essential-Collection/dp/B00BQEHUUW/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&sr=1-1&keywords=midnight+rider"]http://www.amazon.co...=midnight+rider[/url] Buy the MP3 download for £5.49. Or buy the actual CD for £3.00 and they give you the MP3 download. [/quote] As a digital-only user, I always check for this first. If it's there, I buy, rip (to iTunes), and then sell the CD either on Ebay, or on here for a reduced price so we all benefit! [size=4] [/size]

The place or the 70's rockers with Sammy Hagar? [size=4] [/size]

I can +1 on much of the above here. I share the opinion that current records really lack prominent bass parts and mixing, even bands I like seem to have lost the art of recording their own bass players! Also agree that 'the scene' also lacks a bassist/s that people collectively 'wow' at in the mainstream. I can't remember the last time I saw, for example, 'Later', and was taken aback by a player who inspired me.

Rickresouce..... [size=4] [/size]

I agree that it's the demise of the bass tone and prominence that has affected things. Even bands I love with great basswork that have released records in the last 12 months - Rush, Dinosaur Jr., Motorhead - the bass recording just isn't what it used to be. I love Lemmy - but in recent years, his bass sound is just a low-end throb missing any dynamics that used to flourish. Same with Dino - Lou Barlow's bass on record has been sidelined to a large extent. Geddy's tone on record I like, but for me the mix is the issue - not enough space for it to breathe. Maybe it's age, but if I want to hear a good bass tone, it'll be on an older (ie before the 00's) record.

Trying to set up a Ric 4003..... The action wasn't too bad down the neck, but progressively higher and bad (for me) at the 12th. I did a small 'righty tighty' on the truss rods to straighten things out. However, now the lower frets buzz like bad, the strings are way too close. But at the 12th, it's still a little higher than I'd like! Any thoughts? Or is it off to my local luthier?

Definitely worth the money IMHO. Quality instrument, quality hard case.....look after it and it'll play for a lifetime.

[quote name='Roger2611' timestamp='1384983555' post='2283228'] Ok I am preparing to be shot down in flames here but cheaper range basses have always tended to disappoint me with the possible exception of the Japanese Fenders, The Rockbass range is a very pale imitation of the real thing, the Rockbass $$ I owned briefly was probably the worst bass I ever owned, the Warwick $$ I currently own is probably the best bass I have owned. Mexican Fenders just lack something the real deal has, I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, maybe it's just a bit better all round. The lower end Musicman stuff again lacks something the proper ones have. Don't get me started on what Overwater have done going into partnership with Tanglewood, I have played a few of them and quite frankly couldn't wait to put them back down. I have really changed my opinion on Rickenbacker basses since I picked up a copy and played it alongside the real deal, I couldn't believe just how much better the real thing was and I guess that is what Rickenbacker are trying to protect, whether Mr Hall goes about it in the best way, I can't comment, but I probably wouldn't sanction building a pale imitation just to make a few more bucks Ok backs away....dons protective gear and waits to be shot down in flames....and now my smiley faces are broken :-( [/quote] +1 on all of the above! I agree with JH about not producing a budget line. A Ric is a Ric - if you want a cheaper one, find a used one. There's been a good few on Ebay this year going between £8-900, which compared to a new one, is effectively, a budget one!

Thanks Steve - I'll try to make it if not working. Looks like a great night in the making, for a great cause as well! [size=4] [/size]

I've ordered mine so should have it any day now. CD was actually cheaper than the download.....! As a digital user, mine will be on sale here once I iTunes'd it...so bargain alert! I bought the remixed 'Vapor Trails' at the same time (also cheaper on CD) so that'll be up at the same time. Looking forward to both, especially the live one as I was at the o2, and loved it! [size=4] [/size]

I used to gig it all the time a few years back, can't remember it at all now. Not much help, am I?

I think the OP is John Hall digging for info - I rightfully claim my £10. [size=4] [/size]

Rics are a drug I can't kick! I've had a good few, and only sold the last one for recession reasons. Pulled the trigger on one last week - I'm back in the studio in January, and have never recorded without one. I suppose it's my sound, and whatever I try to do to change, always come back. The looks and feel are not for all - dodgy QC, ergonomically difficult....but if you bond, nothing compares. If you don't, you'll run away screaming! TBH I'd go for a 4003 over a 4001. Newer ones have the tone selector which gives you a 4001 sound if you wish.....bass-less! If you're use to modern basses, an old 4001 will certainly be a bit of a shock! Don't forget the 4001 has the tricky truss rod system, whereas a 4003 (early 80's onward I think) all have a conventional set-up, albeit 2.