Paul S

I do find this rather a strange topic. If my wife wants to go and see something I don't want to see, she happily goes on her own. She doesn't need accompaniment or chaperoning as she is quite capable of getting around by herself.

I seem to have asked variants around this question before, according to the search facility Pretty sure I am looking at a BB5000 as being right up my alley. Anyone got one can talk me out of/ further into my GAS?

Thanks for that. I had managed to get that far on my own, really, and was hoping for some hands on stuff about the older models, not the current range. Like - 'BB5000 is the one you should be looking for'. Or maybe it isn't? I don't even know which models had 5 string variants. Edit - yes, like that Luke but a 5er.

So, taking advantage of the current wave of affection for Yamaha BB basses... I recently bought a BB425 and am really impressed by it. Love the tone, especially the P pickup. I love the neck - the narrow string spacing at the nut suits me just perfectly. The one and only downside to it is the weight, even with lightweight tuners it is borderline for me at around 4.3kg. Nevertheless I can still manage a 3hr rehearsal with it. For the money it is amazing. Given how nice this 'budget' model is I have started to wonder what the models further up the range are like - I don't know much about them. My requirements would be a passive bass, the BB shape, not necessarily a P/J as just the split P would be fine. Preferably under 4.5kg - I am guessing the single pup might be lighter? Can anyone please do a quick overview of the various 5 string models, pluses and minuses. Current and back catalogue. Especially with regard to weight and string spacing. Muchas gracias!

I bought a BB425 recently and am really impressed that a 'budget' 5 string can sound and feel so good. It isn't as good as my Musicman Sterling 5er, but then it has cost me around £1000 less. Makes me wonder what the models further up the BB range are like - in fact I think I will start a thread on it.

[quote name='casapete' timestamp='1485045245' post='3220757'] Hi Paul - yes, hopefully anyway. We've just started a weekly residency every Thursday at The Duke of Cumberland in Cottingham,which is maybe not far from where you're going IIRC? ( I don't do it when out with the ELO band though, so give me a shout if you're coming up? ) I also play at the same pub every Tuesday in an acoustic duo, usually a good night too. Hope to see you mate. (Also if you want to borrow my Tanglewood Elfin you're welcome to take it!) [/quote] Thanks Pete - yes, in Cottingham! - not sure of exact dates and movements but will let you know if you are included!

[quote name='richh' timestamp='1485086413' post='3220962'] Thanks, the Vista Musicmaster looks good - is this a current production model though, or would I have to buy a used one? I don't mind either way, but I can't seem to find that model available as a stock item in the UK [/quote] The Squier 'Vista' series was a short run of models made in China during the late 90s for just a couple of years. They have since achieved something like cult status. I had a Vista Musicmaster and it was very nice - better, in fact, than a Fender Musicmaster I owned. But I still preferred the Squier VM Mustang - it was every bit as well built as the Vista Musicmaster but, I found, easier to play and with a slightly less aggressive pickup. Also lighter and with a narrower neck, which suited me. Of all the short string basses I have owned, which admittedly isn't that many - I think 6, it was my favourite.

I bought Shure SE215s - at the time they were getting the best reviews and I am very happy with them.

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1485017387' post='3220464'] (I think it is the next thing I will do...) [/quote] No, resolutely collection only.

Drummer in my band is a massive fan. Last year he hosted one of those house gigs that Francis does. And is off to see him tomorrow, too.

Don't encourage me, Pete! (I think it is the next thing I will do...) Incidentally, will your country band be gigging at all in early March? I may find myself near Hull again that week.

Another Elfin popped up on eBay, collection only from Llanelli in Waleshire. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TANGLEWOOD-ELFIN-BASS-SHORT-SCALE-ELECTRIC-RIGHT-HANDED-NO-RESERVE-/232212914663?hash=item3610f7e1e7:g:3uEAAOSwNnRYg0Ed"]http://www.ebay.co.u...uEAAOSwNnRYg0Ed[/url] Shame it is so far - I might have been tempted, just for the novelty factor!

It would make sense to buy before you try as not everyone likes them. It would also make sense to buy one that was either cheap or held its resale value, in case you don't get on with it or want to get a better one. Which one? Take your pick: [url="https://www.thomann.de/gb/short_scale_basses.html"]https://www.thomann.de/gb/short_scale_basses.html[/url] If you are comfortable with Fenders then Squier do some remarkably good SS basses. The Jag is good. I had a VM Mustang that was actually superb. If you like fun and funky it is hard to beat a Danelectro Longhorn.

[quote name='JellyKnees' timestamp='1484739801' post='3217912'] You dislike Zappa because he was [i]too smart???[/i] You must be loving the current geopolitical shenanigans in that case... [/quote] [quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1484741324' post='3217938'] If I was in your band, I'd do that to you too, if I knew it would get on your wick [/quote] That's another thing about Zappa fans, they are just sooo militant....

hah! I feel that old some mornings....

Why not PM a mod and ask?

I dislike Frank Zappa. Far too smart and tuneless for my taste. I happen to be in a 4 piece band with 3 Zappa fans who constantly quote lines from Zappa songs. Usually the same f%^&ing ones, every f*&^ing week. I believe there is a small possibility they do it on purpose

Another fave for me, but not best and favourite, is 'No One Came' - love that pulsing rhythm. Sums up some of my gigs. http://youtu.be/luVXf9UpCiM

[quote name='Bass Culture' timestamp='1484730227' post='3217778'] It's been said before but a lighter weight version of the SMX would have the potential to put a smile on a lot of us older players faces... [/quote] +100

I've had lots of Precision basses pass through my hands in the past 8 years - couple of MIA Fenders, couple of MIJ Fenders, a Silver Series Squier, a basic affinity Squier, a couple of non-export medium scale MIJ Fenders and a couple of JV Squiers. The two I have kept are JV series Squiers - one an early Fender logo, one a bit later. Both are absolutely fabulous bass guitars. The later one I find is a better bass - as close to my perfect 4 string bass as is possible, I think.

I think it must be because I came into bass playing late in life so feel I need to catch up with all these different basses I didn't see first time around. However, I have decided I feel strong enough to resist!

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1484586793' post='3216543'] Thanks. That particular one was made to order especially for me. At the time Simon did have some demo models that he would take to the various trade shows and would be a bit cheaper than a full custom order, but I haven't seen him at any since about 2005, so I don't know if he still has "stock". When I last enquired, about 5 years ago, that particular bass, made new to order would have cost just under £5000. I have no idea what the current prices are, but I doubt they have got any less expensive. [/quote] Thanks for that - I feared so - too much for me to spend, even on something as nice as those.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484585032' post='3216521'] Hehe. It's me, Jack. [/quote] No, you are an impostor. I've seen 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'....

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1484573630' post='3216396'] [/quote] That is an astonshingly beautiful bass. I just had a look at the website and could see no prices - how much do they cost? Are they made to order?