Paul S

Yup. I have a USA built Fury and it is really nice. Like an angry Precision with a 'slimmer-than-Jazz' neck. Cost next to nothing, too - secondhand these are Squier prices.

Lozz - do you recall what that weighed? The beauty of this Squier is that it is so light by Jazz bass standards.

Active vs passive - same as it does in all cases, really - more control over tone at your finger tips and an ability to 'add' bass/treble/mid at source as well as subtract. All of which I prefer. Yes, neck pickup with bass rolled up and the mids/lows cut gives a really good deep bass. There is no active/passive option other than keep everything at the centre indented position but I guess that isn't what you mean. Played it all day today as well!

I've been on the lookout for a lightweight active Jazz bass for a while, or at least a lightweight Jazz I can put a J retro in. I bought a Silver Series Squier a while back which started off at under 9lbs - changed the neck to a Mighty Mite Jazz neck, installed a J retro and Hipshot Bridge. After all those mods it weighed nearly 10lbs! A few days ago I bought a Squier Deluxe IV on eBay from a guy who, it transpires, is a Basschatter thebassman75. In as new condition for £205. But even new they aren't that dear, £255 or so. I've had it a few days now and can't believe how good it is for the money! It ticks all my boxes. It looks great - this one is all black, rear routed so no scratchplate (not everyone's cup of tea but I like it) black headstock, black ebanol fretboard increases the stealth look. It is lightweight at around 8.5lbs - I was practising for around 4hrs yesterday (lots to learn atm) and have *NO* backache today. The neck is lovely - I had to raise the action when I got it home as it was too low for my heavy-handed playing. The active 3 band eq. is surprisingly good - not as good as the J-retro but I can get the sounds I want out of it. The tone from the pickups is not quite as rounded as the Silver Series but, well, good enough for my purposes. It sounds like a Jazz bass should, anyway. And even the bridge is more Gotoh-looking than the usual BBOT. Tuners are a little uneven but work just fine. Probably the first cheap bass I have bought that I am not tempted to tinker with. I don't recall seeing these flagged up very often - but as a lightweight active Jazz they are worth considering.

Good to hear. I don't know why but I haven't ever ordered from them before. Anyway, 2 x stacked knobs ordered

Perfecto!! Thanks a squillion, Geoff.

Not sure if my posting this is against forum rules... I don't know if it is the kind of thing you are interested in but I will very soon be selling a MIJ early 90s Squier Silver Series Jazz bass that is extremely 'roadworn' with worn patches, chunks and dinks out of the finish. Yet with very little playing wear - good frets. These are good quality basses - Silver Series were excellent, under 9lbs, great necks, great pickups. Wide-ish neck at 40mm. I bought it on here from a Basschatter who had known of the bass since it was new. I was using it as the starting point for a lightweight modded Jazz but it ended up being too heavy once I had done all the mods! I had a J retro in it and it sounded massive. I just need to get the electrics put back. Once I have I will stick it in the classifieds here.

No-one?

I've had Mighty Mite necks on two basses and like them a lot. Nicely proportioned and good value.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1386352293' post='2299230'] No, I couldn't make it? Did you go? If you find yourself having to learn it, the playalong by "mattivenn" on You Tube is quite helpful. [/quote] Thanks for the tuition tip - I can use some help with that one I think No, we didn't see them at the Cliff's as we were at the O2 to see Simple Minds, but we managed to catch them at Dartford the week before. Must be about the 10th time we've seen Go West - ever since they first appeared. Python Lee Jackson - a blast from the past. Just about the only Rod Stewart tune I don't mind.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1386343586' post='2299066'] Good call. Might have to suggest that one for ours :-) [/quote] I think we might be having a crack at 'We Close Our Eyes', as it goes, as most of the band have seen Go West in the last fortnight or so. Did you catch then at the Cliff's, Warren?

Different songs for different bands. Nothing too complicated. In my old heavy rock band I used to enjoy playing 'The Outsider' by Black Country Communion as it really rocks along nicely. In my current 80s band I like playing 'Maneater' Hall and Oates just because it is a great groove.

I need 2 x stacked knobs in black for an Ibanez. I looked on eBay which lists some from sellers in USA and Hong Kong - anyone know of any in UK? Ta!

I had DR Black Beauties and Green neon for a while. I quite liked the feel - not as harsh under the fingers as round wounds, nor quite as zingy when you first put them on. But I am a pick user with a heavy hand and the finish wears off in no time at all where the pick hits the string, which spoils the look (and which is kind of the point). Black ones can be patched in with permanent marker but that doesn't last long either. I have ditched idea now, gone back to flats.

On the rebound from the Vulture. It will end in tears, mark my word.

The bass I feel most comfortable with is a bitsa Precision I have gradually put together to make the best bass for my own purposes. Black MIJ Fender Precision body, natural maple Mighty Mite Jazz neck, Wizard trad pickup, P-Retro, Hipshot A style bridge, La Bella Deep Talkin' flats, Hipshot detuner. All bought on here, I might add! Weighs in at 8.5lbs, the neck is just right, it sounds exactly like the P-Bass tone I carry in my head and I can use it in any situation for any band. A close second is the JV0 Squier Precision I bought recently - with no tinkering it is simply superb.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1385930446' post='2293817'] Alex was 100% professional and communicative when I bought my '69er. It wasn't the quickest turnaround I've had on a cab order, but then I don't expect McDonalds-esque speed when I'm ordering at a Michelin restaurant. I also don't expect a craftsman to be on email all day, I expect him to be crafting. I've had far worse problems than that described by the OP with far better known amp and cab manufacturers. [/quote] This, really. I bought a Compact and then a Midget, both took longer than originally predicted. Now I have them I really couldn't be happier and any minor irritation I might have felt at the time over delays are long gone. As someone said, Alex doesn't have a bad bone in his body, his company is just a victim of its own success. If the orders are late is isn't because he isn't on the case, it would be for a genuine reason. For me they represent the very best value cabs out there.

What you should do is ignore the Youtube vids (unless they are by The Bass Whisperer - I still can't believe you joined, Ed!) and simply ask on here what a particular bass is like. The first response will be from someone who thinks it is the best bass he ever bought, the second from someone who believes it is the worst. The third will be from someone who hasn't ever tried one but can heartily recommend something completely different. Then I will probably recommend buying a Westone.