The Bass Doc

OK....ok..... It was a while back and you'll be pleased to know I've now adopted a more 'freestyle' approach to my playing - more abandon as opposed to the clinical, regimented and classically based stuff you see when this was recorded.

OK I'll fix it. £65.00 and guaranteed until it's put on a body

[quote name='MB1' timestamp='1334607985' post='1618566']Spares or Repair? [/quote] Neither - skip.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1332832514' post='1593578'] What on earth does that sound like? [/quote] Thunder if you want it.....but the Jazz circuit is still intact

Hopefully both sides reside in the UK and, if the other party shows signs of messing you around, your 'safety net' is that the combined weight of Basschat members* will descend upon him. *some of us are quite fat.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1332686818' post='1591605'] Cheers Michael. Looking forward to seeing Howard's "Funk Machine" first though! [/quote] Check out on the beast on the right! Kinda scarey eh? [attachment=103366:003.JPG]

You're welcome to come and give it a try.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1332666470' post='1591232'] BIG strings? [/quote] As in Jamersons.

I may be able to lend you an unlined version but it only works well with BIG strings.

Would you prefer lined or unlined?

When I'm sixty-four. (I'm 65 in June)

Stewmac in the States sell a dedicated 'knob and bushing puller' (insert smutty remarks here). I'm not suggesting you pay the high price they show but looking at the picture of the device may give you an idea of creating something similar?

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1332291623' post='1586333'] He's got well wonky tits. Truckstop [/quote] Offset contour body

Oops, and in colour this time:- [attachment=103078:IMG_0002.jpg]

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1332282199' post='1586211'] Go on, show us the picture again. [/quote] OK. here you go:- [attachment=103077:IMG_0001.jpg]

[quote name='Johnnysonic' timestamp='1332281389' post='1586195'] I am quoted in the Barry Matthews book (sorry Howard!) Cheers Johnny [/quote] No need to apologise John. I met Leo Fender and that trumps everyone here

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1332270630' post='1585920'] Thanks, this is the kinda reply i hoped for. How long have you had it, if you don't mind me asking?? [/quote] Cheers Rick, I'm afraid I don't own one now. My favourite presently resides with Barry Matthews. He's a nice guy who may let you visit to try it out. If you need a number on him I can put you in touch via PM. I note your point about twiddling to equalise the sound of a couple of Fenders but I meant to refer to the acoustic properties being different to begin with. I go along with the fact that the pickups/amp settings govern the final result but, on the other hand, if the bass rings differently before you plug in, the pickup/amp end can at first only amplify what's there to begin with (does that make any sense?). Anyway, I like the fact that different opinions exist on this splendid forum. Never forget what dear old Uncle Adolf said 'Opinions are like testicles - we've all got one'.

OK, here's my take:- Firstly the neck. Maple-on-maple with the fingerboard 'rolled' as opposed to slab cut. This was the only time Fender did that as far as I know. I have spoken to players of '66 Telecaster 6-strings with the same configuration and thay tell me their model sounds brighter than either rosewood boards or solid maple. Secondly the pickup was wound slightly higher than my other Precisions - not far off 12K I seem to remember. Body wood (and yes I know about the experiment with a piece of scrap wood). It was light for a slab and I discovered afterwards from the late Jim Cairnes that the peculiar colouration I described to him suggested tulipwood/magnolia had been used instead of ash or alder. So these three points combined to give the bass it's special flavour - all just in my opinion of course but I hope dear readers will accept that I speak as one who has experienced more Fender basses than notes I have played on them! I am Morethan Semen. Thank you for listening.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1332265749' post='1585824'] There is nothing in the build up of the bass to suggest it has any tonal differences. John Entwistle said once that it had more growl, and lots of folk have jumped on that band wagon. Its super rare, that's it. [/quote] No jumping on bandwagons here. As an owner I concur with Mr. Entwhistle - more aggressive, growly and ultra bright. Also a tad uncomfortable in the belly department but that's maybe my fault for being a funny shape.

I've owned two slab-bodied Precisions. One was bought from Cassmusic in Eastbourne for £165 - openly advertised in the Melody Maker as 'Ex John Entwhistle' Can't remember how I acquired the other one. The one presently with Barry Matthews used to be mine but I didn't get a mention in the book The other was sold to Adam Clayton via a guitar tech friend of mine while working for a support band on a U2 tour.

Mayones you say? Any news on selling your Cort Coleslaw 5-string?