Paul S

I think the only cosmetic issue with fitting the P-Retro unit would be drilling a small hole for the LED which, although they say you don't have to, seems an extremely handy thing to have showing. Plus, although the Scavenger is in nice original condition it isn't a high value instrument and a small hole isn't likely to devalue it a great deal- not like I am doing it to a '59 P-Bass or anything. If it is worth adding the preamp I can live with the hole for the LED. But I wonder - would that MXR thing do anything different to my existing pedal? And is it the same as having stuff at your fingertips? This is where my lack of knowledge re setting amp eq comes in. Is it possible to use my effect pedal and amp eq to get a similar sound to that on my active basses? If so I don't know how. But if that is the case, and you can get that sound by using one of these outboard devices, why would anyone use these onboard eqs anyway? Or use active guitars in the first place? That is kind of why I posted.

Here are a couple of pics. The cavity measures 140mm x 38mm x 38mm - plenty of room for the p-retro but not really for an additional battery: [attachment=61589:cavity1.jpg] And I reckon drilling a small hole for the LED wouldn't look too intrusive on the front [attachment=61590:front.jpg]

Saw this mentioned on another thread yesterday and hadn't even considered it before but it seems like it might be an attractive option. My Washburn Scavenger bass - eyes left - is an extremely fine instrument in many respects but I do find that I am increasingly preferring the active bass sound and tend to use my active basses more often. Instead of constantly searching for the perfect bass, I wonder if I might possibly already have it if I stuck a pre-amp into the Scavenger. Talking specifically about the Scavenger - it has a single split coil a la P-bass with one volume and one tone control, there is no scratchplate and only limited existing routing at the back. It is in genuinely superb condition - a true time warp 'loft find' - so I would be loathed to cut it about very much. All of which makes me think that the East P-Retro might be one to consider - the re-chargeable battery seems like an elegant solution. But there might be other alternatives that people can recommend, too, that wouldn't be too intrusive or damaging - does anyone have any experiences, advice or recommendations - pros/cons of the various types on offer? And, having fitted one, would might I reasonably expect by way of an improvement that couldn't be achieved using, say, my Zoon B2.1u pedal. Thanks in advance.

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='990478' date='Oct 16 2010, 06:43 PM']Hmmmm. Two of my P-basses have the John East P-retro fitted.[/quote] What are they like - does it do what it says on the tin? As easy to fit as they say?

That is an absolute steal - I bet you are still grinning. Another huge fan of the Westone guitars here - being basically a tightwad I love the fact you get such a well put together instrument for such a small outlay. I have 2 basses and a guitar - also their first cousins in the Washburns. I use my 1A bass more than any of the others - especially for the heavy rock covers band - it is a joy. Ok, maybe a bit heavy but it sounds immense. Last rehearsal I plugged my TE head through my new 18" cab, dialled the pre-amp to boost a little and I swear the rehearsal studio started to come apart. Not gigged that particular combination yet - can't wait!

From what I have read over the last couple of days you are spot on. So, widening the net a bit to JV, SQ, Q, E and silver series - or any of the Japanese built Squiers up to around '95. From reading it would seem they are all built in Fujigen factory - would that be right? If so that would presumably be why they are so good. How would they stack up to these latest crop of VM and CV series?

I am still finding my way with strings but for sure prefer flats to round. Fender Jag has TI Jazz Flats - love 'em. Westones both have D'Addario Chrome flats - these are both detuned and the extra tightness makes them easier to play when detuned, sort of back to normal. TIs flopped about too much. Hohner B2A has just been strung with Status double ball end flats and I am really impressed. Similar feel to the TI's but cheaper. Washburn Scavenger still has the same flats on it as when I bought it. They are probably the best of the lot but I have n idea what they are. When I had a Squier VMJ fretless I had Rotosound flat black nylons on it and they were nice.

You've kept it! Fantastic. As you say, no greater endorsement needed.

Made my ears hurt, reading that.

This might sound like a daft thing to say but would it be of value to anyone other than myself if someone were able to demonstrate how various amp settings - low gain/high gain, different EQ settings etc - affect the sound. Happy to volunteer my TE rig for the purpose. It is something I just never seem to get time to do it at rehearsal as everyone is always noodling as soon as they get set up, so I press the 'pre-shape' and get on with it.

Now THAT is a handsome bass guitar. Love the maple neck with all black body. Thanks for that - seems like those early-mid 80s Squires are worth a punt for sure.

Pretty sure that a [url="http://www.hiscoxcases.com/standardguitar_hiscox.htm#stdebp"]Hiscox STD-EBP[/url] case would fit. I bought one fro my Washburn Scavenger, see left, which has a similar fat arse to the Grabber.

Thanks all, appreciate the knowledge. Andy - sorry mate, good luck with the sale but I would only want a black one (I know, how shallow...) and without the extra pup, too. I will follow the black one on eBay one closely.

Been looking at these as they have been passing by on eBay relatively frequently at the moment - there is currently a nice looking black SQ series up for grabs that I am idly following. What is the lowdown on these? Are they comparable? The JV always seems to get a good write up. And how would they compare to, say, the Tokai hardpuncher. Or even a Fender of the same age?

Try [url="http://www.trace-elliot.co.uk/support_2.php?flag=GB&lan=UK&var=ser"]either of these service centres[/url]?

Well, to be totally sure I suppose I need to have played with all types on all instruments as they all sound different. But, having said that, they don't seem anywhere near as bright as the D'Addarios did when they were newer, which I like. More like the Thomastiks in they way they play and sound but, if anything, a bit slinkier. If you see what I mean. Acid test will be how they sound when played loud, which unfortunately won't be for a couple of weeks or more. They are certainly better than I had expected and I would probably try 'regular' Status flats next time I need to replace any.

Just a quick update - I ordered some and they are brilliant. Feel really slinky. Not played at rehearsal/gig level yet so look forward to that. Cheaper than D'Addario or TJ flats that I have bought previously, too, despite being double ball end.