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Beedster

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  1. Beedster
    Bump for pics of the Wal, pics of other two to follow tomorrow
  2. Beedster
    [quote name='silverfoxnik' timestamp='1452153707' post='2946958'] +1 to all of the above! Chris; Happy New Year by the way - hope all's well with you and your family? I love the look of the Yamaha so checked out the Eagles track you mentioned... Long time since I've heard it, but what a tune and a great bass intro. If your bass sounds like that, then that's something else! GLWTS Nik [/quote] Well Nik, I'm still travelling down your way quite a lot, and it did sound rather nice through the V4b.... Thanks very much for the comments mate, hope all's well with you. Following our last conversation I was thinking you might want a new blonde in your life to be honest
  3. Beedster
    Ha ha, thanks guys, all PM's replied to. Just to clarify, I am able to post/courier all the above, and will have good pics later today Cheers Chris
  4. Beedster
    [quote name='zawinul' timestamp='1452100191' post='2946422'] Dear night of the living bass heads I want to get a lovely amp SOLELY for recording and practising, not huge volume not required... having sadi that would a recording sound better through a huge 8 x 10 stack!!??? os is this overkill? Pure tone needed, so i'm thinking probably a [b]tube[/b] amp? If so which one? New [b]ampeg[/b] tube heads look nice but pricey... do I even need a tube amp? In past i've played through a [b]Roland Jazz Chorus[/b] and loved that sound!! Any recommendations would be great, and please don;t say 'record DI' I intend to do that as well but want a decent amp to listen to...and record with Combo or separate amp and cab, is there any difference in sound? Budget I near you ask, well not £0000's ... dunno up to £500-600, maybe a tad more.... I want niceness [/quote] Frankly, I tried for years to get glorious tone out of small boxes and, with the exception of the B-15, it doesn't happen, or at least, not the glorious tone I'm after. Even with a B-15 you have to roll the controls around to the right to get where you want to go, and whilst I'm happy to be corrected, that to my mind is the key problem; a major part of the 'lovely sound' thing relates to winding up a few tubes and moving a bit of air, and those two factors when combined tend to result in levels of volume that most of us can't practice with at home. Sure, there are sims, but for whatever reason - acoustic or psychoacoustic - they don't do the job to my ear. Jack's idea above is probably your best bet to be honest, good luck either way.
  5. Beedster
    [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1452101768' post='2946439'] Try a mid-70's WEM Dominator 25. I'm absolutely serious. With 15W of valve power you can achieve whatever degree of break-up you want/need at a sensible volume, and if you get a good one then the tone is just to die for. It's the poor man's Fliptop, and probably better value for money. [/quote] As the owner of a flip top I can vouch for the money side of things!
  6. Beedster
    I’ve recently completed what has been a long-standing ambition and had a rather large wooden studio built in a nice little sheltered spot at the end of the garden. Given this, my musical ambition for the coming years now all relate to getting the studio fully kitted out, to recording my own stuff and that of my friends, and to getting the kids into both playing and recording at an early age. It’s never going to be a professional studio but I’ll be able to do some pretty decent recording there, and whilst I won't be recording anything loud in the room, with a few well positioned acoustic devices, it’s sufficient to record acoustic instruments live. So, I’m going to let go of most of my live gear (e.g. the Aggie Rig), gear that is now redundant as the result of the studio gear and space I can now use (e.g., the PJB Briefcase and Big Head), a few instruments I won't use now I’m not gigging (e.g., the Breedlove, Yamaha and Clarkson), and a few things I need to sell to pay for the build (e.g., the Wal MK1). I’ve put a list and prices below and will add details and photos as the time develops 1950's 7/8 English blond double bass. Recently overhauled by Philippe Briand, which work included a new ebony board and a really very sympathetic stripping on the back of the neck. The work has vastly improved the feel and playability. Originally from Jason (Legion), post number 4 here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/242347-double-bass-porn-thread/"]http://basschat.co.u...ss-porn-thread/[/url] and his pics below. Selling as I now have a Chadwick and even I don;t need three double basses £1000 [url="http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/bbbag73/media/DB/DSC00787.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/bbbag73/media/DB/DSC00794.jpg.html"][/url] Clarkson. Inelegant lump of wood that makes a rather fine EUB, no more problems with p****d-up punters at DB gigs, this thing doubles as security. Also recently overhauled by Philippe. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/236573-everyone-meet-clarkson-clarkson-meet-everyone/page__p__2891878__hl__clarkson__fromsearch__1#entry2891878"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry2891878[/url]. £250 [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5419_zps8ksbxc82.jpg.html"][/url] [i]I’m also selling in other forums:[/i] [i]Breedlove fretless acoustic in hard case [url="http://breedlovemusic.com/guitars/solo-bj350-cme4-bass-fretless"]http://breedlovemusi...4-bass-fretless[/url] list price over £1,000, was available in region of £700 but now discontinued [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=15022511184026&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxnR0PRnJ7rPIisQoZPXGsjWUziJj3xqQQHZg8gkAyERoCdX3w_wcB"]http://www.guitargui...kAyERoCdX3w_wcB[/url][u]. [/u] It’s the only acoustic bass that’s ever worked for me, and the list I’ve owned includes top-end basses by [/i][i]Ovation and Takamine, so the Breedlove has held it’s own against some pretty stiff, and far more expensive, opposition. Bass includes rather nice hard case which I understand was an optional extra over and above list price.[/i] [i]PJB Briefcase [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/phil_jones_briefcase_combo.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...fcase_combo.htm[/url][u]. [/u] In my opinion the best of the small portable small gig combos. £300[/i] [i]As I say, I’ll add photos and further details of all of the above over the coming days. I’m in no rush to sell any of it and am looking for a sale only on all gear. I have all the studio gear I need unless you have a Heil PR-40![/i]
  7. Beedster
    I’ve recently completed what has been a long-standing ambition and had a rather large wooden studio built in a nice little sheltered spot at the end of the garden. Given this, my musical ambition for the coming years now all relate to getting the studio fully kitted out, to recording my own stuff and that of my friends, and to getting the kids into both playing and recording at an early age. It’s never going to be a professional studio but I’ll be able to do some pretty decent recording there, and whilst I won't be recording anything loud in the room, with a few well positioned acoustic devices, it’s sufficient to record acoustic instruments live. So, I’m going to let go of most of my live gear (e.g. the Aggie Rig), gear that is now redundant as the result of the studio gear and space I can now use (e.g., the PJB Briefcase and Big Head), a few instruments I won't use now I’m not gigging (e.g., the Breedlove, Yamaha and Clarkson), and a few things I need to sell to pay for the build (e.g., the Wal MK1). I’ve put a list and prices below and will add details and photos as the time develops 1. Breedlove fretless acoustic in hard case [url="http://breedlovemusic.com/guitars/solo-bj350-cme4-bass-fretless"]http://breedlovemusi...4-bass-fretless[/url] list price over £1,000, was available in region of £700 but now discontinued [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=15022511184026&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxnR0PRnJ7rPIisQoZPXGsjWUziJj3xqQQHZg8gkAyERoCdX3w_wcB"]http://www.guitargui...kAyERoCdX3w_wcB[/url][u]. [/u] It’s the only acoustic bass that’s ever worked for me, and the list I’ve owned includes top-end basses by Ovation and Takamine, so the Breedlove has held it’s own against some pretty stiff, and far more expensive, opposition. Bass includes rather nice hard case which I understand was an optional extra over and above list price. £475 [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6D7AFB92-3659-4EDE-913D-2F78C19F0F93_zpssy0vnewt.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/F45B9D19-480D-48D4-89DC-1E17EDDEC7D2_zpsuk9hzhb6.jpg.html"][/url] 2. Yamaha Pulser Bass 400 [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/271771-yamaha-pulser-bass-400/"]http://basschat.co.u...ulser-bass-400/[/url] Better than most Fenders, typically Yamaha, well designed, well made, no nonsense, and high quality £350. [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5528_zps5lnminlr.jpg.html"][/url] 3. Wal MK1 fretless, ebony unlined fingerboard, Mahogany body with Hydua facings [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/268579-1986-wal-fretless-mk1-on-ebay/page__hl__wal"]http://basschat.co.u...y/page__hl__wal[/url]. I had planned to keep this fretless and fret the other fretless Wal I own, but I probably don’t play fretted enough to warrant having £3k tied up in one bass so this one’s going as well! £3000 ono. BTW, it's the one on the left below, I'm keeping the one on the right [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2015-10-24%2011.07.03_zpsbut5afap.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/A5681976-AF4C-426A-87FA-71545AC9609C_zpss1gc1fab.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/FC0A8685-703C-495C-B32F-F7B23EF98F75_zpsjqnrwabo.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/64211402-C1F4-4F2A-89A7-1A5D778EFB41_zpsobbcq3ki.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/470719CB-9611-4C37-844F-87DC1FFE90FE_zpsxpjgy4jy.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/69E3E5B3-FD00-4176-8D1D-F630740F1EF1_zpsp7p7moxt.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/51851831-9E9F-44D4-95B7-3B63269C985F_zpsped09qzp.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/8668AF25-2867-4204-9747-FD1C6C649297_zpsvds10gzg.jpg.html"][/url] Note the chips to the end of the headstock in the pics below, this is the only damage to the bass. [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/524DC796-401E-4A90-8F0F-E463276B24C1_zpsmga03ljb.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/164332FF-F87F-46A7-A7E5-A64FA83A8B95_zpspacauxms.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/65D90B34-B7CD-4133-B22C-779E6D8B896F_zpskajjxb8l.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/5700BC11-55A3-42F4-BCC9-EEED5F4BD048_zpszgpihwxn.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/927B8748-AFC6-414D-8C1D-9DE78218619D_zps6qeuizqw.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2E61F0D7-1B66-4923-AAE9-C8127BEE0559_zpsuztuklmr.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/A1615D51-4980-4092-B45C-F3724E914A20_zpsnuu1xs4a.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/E054D3D5-8E4B-4ECB-A06E-D47E05963BA9_zpsnwkvsgoo.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6C1C2F4E-F64C-4CBC-B1B4-1FCCE5C90D5F_zpsxhmw8ljw.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/A5B0B4A5-0A6D-455E-9D49-E6A125B9160D_zpsldvgod4m.jpg.html"][/url] [i]I’m also selling in other forums:[/i] [i]Amps/cabs[/i] [i]PJB Briefcase [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/phil_jones_briefcase_combo.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...fcase_combo.htm[/url][u]. [/u] In my opinion the best of the small portable small gig combos. £300[/i] [i]Aguilar DB750 in rack case. Need I say more, the king of hybrid amps, tone to die for? £900[/i] [i]Aguilar DB112 (x2) [url="http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Aguilar-DB-Series-12-Speaker-Cabinet-8ohm-Classic-Black/12II?origin=product-ads&utm_campaign=*PLA+Shop+-+All+Products&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgroup=**All+Products&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=49914d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=62260072604&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxKUgfgWpC2RB3e7ZV0OlfKUQ4-QwLyL9bnHPWBBgL_hoCY53w_wcB"]http://www.gear4musi...BgL_hoCY53w_wcB[/url]. Lovely retro looks and, like the 750, tone to die for. £800[/i] [i]Double Basses[/i] [i]1950's 7/8 English blond double bass (recently overhauled by Philippe Briand including new ebony board). Originally from Jason (Legion), post number 4 here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/242347-double-bass-porn-thread/"]http://basschat.co.u...ss-porn-thread/[/url]. £1000[/i] [i]Clarkson. Inelegant lump of wood that makes a rather fine EUB, no more problems with p****d-up punters at DB gigs, this thing doubles as security. Also recently overhauled by Philippe. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/236573-everyone-meet-clarkson-clarkson-meet-everyone/page__p__2891878__hl__clarkson__fromsearch__1#entry2891878"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry2891878[/url]. £250[/i] [i]As I say, I’ll add photos and further details of all of the above over the coming days. I’m in no rush to sell any of it and am looking for a sale only on all gear. I have all the studio gear I need unless you have a Heil PR-40![/i]
  8. Beedster
    I’ve recently completed what has been a long-standing ambition and had a rather large wooden studio built in a nice little sheltered spot at the end of the garden. Given this, my musical ambition for the coming years now all relate to getting the studio fully kitted out, to recording my own stuff and that of my friends, and to getting the kids into both playing and recording at an early age. It’s never going to be a professional studio but I’ll be able to do some pretty decent recording there, and whilst I won't be recording anything loud in the room, with a few well positioned acoustic devices, it’s sufficient to record acoustic instruments live. So, I’m going to let go of most of my live gear (e.g. the Aggie Rig), gear that is now redundant as the result of the studio gear and space I can now use (e.g., the PJB Briefcase and Big Head), a few instruments I won't use now I’m not gigging (e.g., the Breedlove, Yamaha and Clarkson), and a few things I need to sell to pay for the build (e.g., the Wal MK1). I’ve put a list and prices below and will add details and photos as the time develops PJB Briefcase [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/phil_jones_briefcase_combo.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...fcase_combo.htm[/url][u]. [/u] In my opinion the best of the small portable small gig combos. It's in very god condition albeit suffering from that odd little noise that around 50% of PJB gear makes when you switch it off. I've gigged this about 20 times and it really is an outstanding little amp. I tend to stick it under a chair for DB gigs and most folks just think their hearing the natural sound of the DB. It's a beautifully transparent little amp, and will work well with bass, double bass, acoustic guitar, mandolin and even electric fiddle. £300 [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2016-01/30CF1ACE-2A10-4E39-9AD4-D7DC54D23425_zpshcreegao.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2016-01/6EBACCEB-9EB9-4243-81C5-C96501ADA1DE_zpssurdm6om.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2016-01/B5C221C1-48F2-4800-8E76-99C1B68CAC8C_zpsb0otsjv1.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2016-01/78C02DC3-D5F2-408E-8EB5-80CD59C64303_zpsjw0vmafn.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2016-01/7920F2B7-AEE7-4127-9EF3-3716AE261DD8_zpsrjs76itz.jpg.html"][/url] Aguilar DB750 in rack case. Need I say more, the king of hybrid amps, tone to die for. I wanted this rig for longer than I can remember and it doesn't disappoint in any way, tone, power, aesthetics, shall I go on? One of the few rigs these days that, even at new prices (about twice what I'm asking here) still represents a real bargain. Looks big but is surprising small, sounds massive! £900 [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B71E4A9B-D9F5-4AF5-A83F-921331D3104A_zpsciniccfa.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/AE05FF2B-7804-49B7-B93B-BEC6860F630A_zpsi03hmqow.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6952B1F6-6A77-422C-9265-547BF7C81805_zpsut63aa09.jpg.html"][/url] Aguilar DB112 (x2) [url="http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Aguilar-DB-Series-12-Speaker-Cabinet-8ohm-Classic-Black/12II?origin=product-ads&utm_campaign=*PLA+Shop+-+All+Products&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgroup=**All+Products&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=49914d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=62260072604&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxKUgfgWpC2RB3e7ZV0OlfKUQ4-QwLyL9bnHPWBBgL_hoCY53w_wcB"]http://www.gear4musi...BgL_hoCY53w_wcB[/url]. Lovely retro looks and, like the 750, tone to die for. £800 [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/Mobile%20Uploads/84CC2BF7-A323-4CFD-904F-3B87E726EA55_zpsbtfgpbxk.jpg.html"][/url] [i]I’m also selling in other forums:[/i] [i]Double Basses[/i] [i]1950's 7/8 English blond double bass (recently overhauled by Philippe Briand including new ebony board). Originally from Jason (Legion), post number 4 here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/242347-double-bass-porn-thread/"]http://basschat.co.u...ss-porn-thread/[/url]. £1000[/i] [i]Clarkson. Inelegant lump of wood that makes a rather fine EUB, no more problems with p****d-up punters at DB gigs, this thing doubles as security. Also recently overhauled by Philippe. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/236573-everyone-meet-clarkson-clarkson-meet-everyone/page__p__2891878__hl__clarkson__fromsearch__1#entry2891878"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry2891878[/url]. £250[/i] [i]Basses[/i] [i]Breedlove fretless acoustic in hard case [url="http://breedlovemusic.com/guitars/solo-bj350-cme4-bass-fretless"]http://breedlovemusi...4-bass-fretless[/url] list price over £1,000, was available in region of £700 but now discontinued [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=15022511184026&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxnR0PRnJ7rPIisQoZPXGsjWUziJj3xqQQHZg8gkAyERoCdX3w_wcB"]http://www.guitargui...kAyERoCdX3w_wcB[/url][u]. [/u] It’s the only acoustic bass that’s ever worked for me, and the list I’ve owned includes top-end basses by Ovation and Takamine, so the Breedlove has held it’s own against some pretty stiff, and far more expensive, opposition. Bass includes rather nice hard case which I understand was an optional extra over and above list price. £450[/i] [i]As I say, I’ll add photos and further details of all of the above over the coming days. I’m in no rush to sell any of it and am looking for a sale only on all gear. I have all the studio gear I need unless you have a Heil PR-40![/i]
  9. Beedster
    Hi, could I have that please Pete, could you PM me details Thanks Chris
  10. Beedster
    [quote name='jay-syncro' timestamp='1451726251' post='2942721'] Thanks for all the nice comments, chaps. Mr Beedster has first dibs on this, which means it's going to be in excellent company! [/quote] Thanks Jay, it certainly will mate!
  11. Beedster
    [quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1451673253' post='2942344'] Absolutely world class Chris You will love that bass fella [/quote] We do appear to have somewhat similar tastes Karl
  12. Beedster
    [quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1451686622' post='2942559'] Bargain and a cracking project. I would have snapped it up if I didn't have to keep the funds back for my Bravewood! Good work Beedster. Next day or two? Let's hope the seller is more patient than some I've dealt with recently! (I'm sure he is😄) I can already see this bass refin'd in vintage white or blonde, but I think a wet and dry with 1200, 1500, and 2000 then a polish will have it gleaming! Will need an anodized pickguard though! [/quote] Thanks mate, I do like a project! Hope to get this slowly stripped and oiled over the next few months, if the grain won't take it then perhaps z very light blonde finish. I do like the necks on the 57s, and the gold plate on a natural body looks rather special
  13. Beedster
    [quote name='jay-syncro' timestamp='1451573453' post='2941625'] After accidentally buying another black Precision with a maple neck today (a difficult one to explain to the wife) [/quote] Jay, why explain two identical basses to Mrs Synchro, in my book that's one bass Anyway, I'll take the bass mate, nearly pressed the button when Karl furst offered it. I'll get my people to talk to your people in the next day or two. C
  14. Beedster
    [quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1450392625' post='2932444'] Yes at the moment - couriers make me a bit nervous with the insurance pitfalls and all. [/quote] Ha ha, that saves me agonising about it then
  15. Beedster
    Damn, that sounds lovely
  16. Beedster
    You should make arrangements by PM guys, you're talking about carrying a lot of cash in public
  17. Beedster
    [quote name='mikeswals' timestamp='1445832652' post='2894536'] Wow Beedster, already added a 2nd Wal to the mix! Is that the fretless 86 that was here in Seattle a month ago? And does that mean you fixed the frets on your wenge one? [/quote] Hi Mike It is indeed, and rather nice it is also. I've never played a fretted Wal, and the plan was to refret the '83 and thereby rectify that situation. I am however having cold feet a present, I love the 83 as it is: it's something of a mongrel and has a rosewood as opposed to ebony board (although this gives it a slightly warmer and more rounded tone I think), so there's the strong possibility I'll have two fretless Wals for a while whilst I make up my mind! Things could be worse I guess?
  18. Beedster
    That's one of the few basses I've seen on here recently that I would jump at if I had the money, what an absolutely incredible instrument at an equally incredible price. The last all original 57 I saw was on sale for £15,000. Good luck Dan, I doubt you're happy to be selling it? Chris
  19. Beedster
    [quote name='ubit' timestamp='1449881295' post='2927794'] Not that you are exaggerating at all ! [/quote] Well perhaps a little However, the general sentiment is true, Fender are just not 'the best' any more, at anything, and certainly not Precisions. All they're doing to maintain market position is producing an almost interminable flow of 'signature', road-worn and relic instruments, most of which are all pretty much the same as each other barring the colour scheme and a few idiosyncratic details. OK, they have improved the quality of their budget instruments hugely, and should perhaps be praised for doing so, but in the context of 'best' - which is what this thread was about - they're not even top 5. My comment re FCS wasn't all exaggeration however, play a Yammie BB1024 against many FCS Precisions or P/Js and all you'll notice when you leave the shop is the extra grand in your bank account. OK, I'm no great fan of the look of the Yammie, but the build quality, playability and tone are outstanding, and you get the feeling you are playing an instrument built by a company that is constantly striving to make better instruments, not simply more instruments. This years I've sold all my Fenders - including a couple of CSs - but kept the Yamahas. In fact this is the first time in almost 20 years that I don't have a Fender. If I wanted a high quality Precision that I can't get off-the-peg or on here, I'd probably build one from custom Warmoth parts. And my comment re Ric, probably understatement
  20. Beedster
    [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1449836033' post='2927311'] It was done with me playing each bass from behind a curtain - with the amp on stage in front of the curtain - the audience didn`t know what bass I was playing, they just voted purely on what they heard. [/quote] Yes, but if you knew what you were playing, that's 50% of any effect right there....
  21. Beedster
    [quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1449836753' post='2927328'] They should have been on top of this a loooong time ago... [/quote] Exactly, I find it almost sad to say that if I were looking for a Precision or a Jazz the last place I'd be looking is Fender, especially if buying new, but even I was buying vintage. I've owned/still own 70's Precisions by Yamaha and Ibanez and, despite costing no more than £300 each, both blow 70's Fenders out of the water. My current Yam is better than all of my pre-CBSs. Whilst the current Fender product line is clearly more QC consistent by comparison with earlier eras, so it bloody well should be a for a company that have been doing it for 60+ years. The problem is however that they charge a massive premium for the name. I'm not exaggerating when I say that Yamaha have better instruments in their budget ranges than Fender have in their Custom Shop range. Even Fender's standard MIA offering is creeping up to the level for which you can buy a pretty outstanding instrument from a whole range of better builders like Sadowsky. They're not alone of course, Rics are even worse, at least Fender have their current QC sorted, Ric are still sending unplayable 4003s to shops at close to £2000.
  22. Beedster
    Yamaha
  23. Beedster
    [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1449658353' post='2925579'] They all sound the same. Vintage Fenders are no better than modern Fenders. It's a myth and, in fact, according to Basschats very own tests, the Mark Hoppus J/P Signature is the best Precision around. Invest the money on a good rig. That'll get you on your way to the sound in your head more than a vintage instrument ever will. Play a £2k instrument through a £50 amp and it'll sound just as rubbish as an EBay beginner bass does. Best of luck! [/quote] [quote name='40hz' timestamp='1449682850' post='2925963'] I agree, a P pretty much sounds like a P. The differences I've heard between vintage and non vintage are negligible. Although the late 70's ones seem to sound a bit more ballsy, it's as basic a design as it gets really. Go down the amp route to get that vintagey sound. [/quote] For some reason I'd like to agree re all Precisions sounding the same, but it's simply not true. A good Precision is a very different thing sonically to a crap one, and I've owned both. I do however agree on spending money on a rig; if you've got £2000 to spend, £500 on a good Precision - MIJ Fender, Yamaha, Lakland, frankly even an upgraded Squier (i.e., upgrade PUPs, circuit and tuners), and £1500 on a cracking rig (Ampeg, Aggie, Boogie) will get you better tone overall than £1500 on a Precision and £500 on the rig. But you will need a decent Precision, or your £1500 rig will also sound crap. And Precisions don't all sound the same
  24. Beedster
    [quote name='colgraff' timestamp='1449590631' post='2924944'] I think of them as the Harley Davidson of basses. And that isn't a compliment! [/quote] It's a valid comparison! Style over performance, reliability and ergonomics, hugely overpriced, completely marmite to the point of controversy, However, whether you like it or not, both are still rare examples of novel, iconic, and classic design.
  25. Beedster
    [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1449654522' post='2925523'] If you just have to own an old bass just be aware that Leo Fender could put out a turkey and regularly did. There are a lot of myths around Fender basses old and new, so don't believe any "experts" on the internet. There have been good and bad Fenders in all eras. For investment purposes just buy the oldest, cleanest Fender bass you can find, put it under the bed, because it's an investment, and start looking for that Lakland. [/quote] Yep, the question of 'best era' is entirely moot when buying one bass, there were diamonds and dogs in all eras. If I were buying 1000 Fender Precisions from one era (and wouldn't that be nice), I'd be looking at late 60's, but there's no way I could say that any one late 60's PB is going to be better than any one PB from another era. Without question the best Precision I've ever played - and I've owned over 20 including several pre-CBS and late 60s/early 70s - was made by Yamaha in the late 1970s, and cost me less than £300. A Precision Bass is a pretty crude, albeit iconic instrument, and does not require a lot of skill to make well. The big problem with Fender is that an awful lot of the basses that come off their productions lines in the 70's and 80's just weren't made well. Tp my mind, those that are coming off the lines today are more consistent but hugely over-priced for what they are, you can generally build the equal of an MIA Precision from aftermarket parts for a lot less money.
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