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Beedster

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Everything posted by Beedster

  1. Beedster
    There's two issues here, the bass itself, and the electrics. You'll need to know you get on with both before committing to an expensive instrument, so a custom build strikes me as a risky way of doing things. Personally I'd be looking to find a fretless instrument that I like and then sourcing the appropriate circuit once I'm 100% sure I like the bass. Buying used instruments (and pre-amps) means you can try things and move them on with little loss if you don't find them to your liking. Ordering a custom build is a sure fire way of losing money unless you really know what you want, which is why I've never ordered a custom build, but have - after years and years of trial and error - found myself with a fretless Wal that probably didn't cost much more than the average custom build.
  2. Beedster
    Looks to me like it could be extremely useful for DB players also, I often have to walk a fine line between being able to hear myself on stage and creating howling feedback. The classic monitor configuration pushing sound directly into the instrument doesn't help a whole lot. OK, there are various methods to defeat this, but not all are entirely satisfactory, and it looks like this could be quite a nice halfway house between conventional monitoring and IEM? The great thing about PJB is the quality of the sound, so if this is effective as a monitor and as pleasing on the ear as al other PJB gear, I'll probably be in the queue when they land.
  3. Beedster
    A lot of people, especially in the US, call a Precision a 'Fender Bass' in the same way folks used to call a vacuum cleaner a 'Hoover'. A 'Vintage Fender Bass' could be an old original Fender or a Fender Bass made by Vintage, same as a Dyson Hoover I guess?
  4. Beedster
    FS is a recently acquired PJB rig comprising of the BG150 Flightcase 150w 4x5 and the PB300 250w powered 6x5 cab. I bought both in a moment of intense GAS and with a few gigs in mind, and as it turned out, I used neither, sticking with my PJB Briefcase for the very small gigs and trusty old Ampeg for the larger ones. I have other uses for the cash invested in these at present so off they go. PJB watts are, of course, slightly smaller in quantity but significantly better in quality than the norm. The [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Flightcase has two forward facing and two upward facing speakers, making it an extremely useful monitor as well as combo, especially with DB. The PB300 has the huge advantage of being in effect a lightweight and tall 250w combo (for some reason I prefer tall and think to low and wide), that is it will take a passive bass signal albeit with no tonal options, but put an active bass or a pedal in front of it (as I do with both DB and acoustic guitar), and it sounds absolutely superb. Independently or in combination they're pretty impressive. It goes without saying that they work very wel with a range of instruments also.[/font][/color] The PB300 was bought new from Bassgear [url="http://www.bassgear.co.uk/product/phil-jones-bass-pb-300-powered-cab/"]http://www.bassgear....00-powered-cab/[/url], the Suitcase from here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/269353-pjb-flightcase-bg150-sold/page__fromsearch__1."]http://basschat.co.u..._fromsearch__1.[/url] New from Bass Direct the rig would cost in the region of £1400 [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/PJB_PB300.html"]http://www.bassdirec.../PJB_PB300.html[/url] and [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/PJB_Flightcase.html"]http://www.bassdirec...Flightcase.html[/url], although it looks like no-one's got the PB300 in stock at present. I'll take £850 posted, which is a decent price for a very decent sounding and very portable 400w rig. I'll also split, £325 for the Flightcase, £525 for the PB300 (both posted). PB300 also comes with a cover BTW. [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5668_zps76y326kw.jpg.html"][/url] [font=Helvetica][size=3][url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5671_zpsirpo46ox.jpg.html"][/url][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3][url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2015-10-26%2010.26.55_zps6hjhuzlb.jpg.html"][/url][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3][url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2015-10-26%2010.22.41_zpsxmjq25ld.jpg.html"][/url][/size][/font]
  5. Beedster
    Buy the bass you want and install the preamp. The J-Retro is unbeatable in a Jazz or similar two PUP basses.
  6. Beedster
    [quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1445705155' post='2893624'] No idea where it is, but I think I have an original CMI trc lying around somewhere. I'll have a dig around & see if I can find it, if you'd be interested. J. [/quote] Thanks Jon, I imagine that with RIC's rapidly declining PR and QC, far from buying Ric TRCs to put on fakers, many bassists might do the opposite, so I'd hang on to it
  7. Beedster
    Spot on Jon, just checked backed to the original discussion with the seller and the 4003 is a CMI, not a Greco. Take your point re the TRC but I lost the original and had that one from an old Ric project so it seemed rather silly to not put it on (the headstock kinda needs that rather elegant slash of white to my eye)! C
  8. Beedster
    In fact here's both my Jap copies. Both are bloody lovely. The 4003 is stripped and oiled and whilst it may not be the most easthetically pleasing example ever, has one of the best necks I've ever played, perfect (BTW the horseshoe is a Ric as is the TRC). [URL=http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2015-10-24%2012.45.43_zpsbwxjlxnk.jpg.html][IMG]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/Beedster/2015-10-24%2012.45.43_zpsbwxjlxnk.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
  9. Beedster
    [quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1445685183' post='2893382'] Now that's a pretty piece of classic top-quality MIJ! Because Yamaha had their own original designs throughout the 70s copy era, their own copies, like this tend to be a bit overlooked. That sandwich style of body construction is not that uncommon on MIJ builds from this era, and I believe is a lift from Gibson's "pancake" style, which sandwiches a thin layer of maple between two main slabs of timber. I'd think the purpose is perhaps to use a softer piece of timber to mould to imperfections in the surfaces of the halves being glued together - but that's really a guess. I've seen the same thing between the wings & centre of some neck-through builds. It's unclear where Yamahas of this vintage were built - one of the more reliable sources suggests production was split between their own factory and Kasuga Gakki. I have a 1975 Kasuga Rick copy which has an identical body construction from very similar timbers, and the build quality is immaculate. Anyway - bloody lovely! Any serial number or clue to its age? Jon. [/quote] Thanks Jon, nice to have your thoughts (I was hoping you might drop by so to speak). It's funny, the only Yamaha I've owned that felt like this was the 2024, which felt equally solid and well crafted. Serial is 001060. Seller mentioned Nippon Gakki but with 70's MIJs in my experience these things always seem to be a mix of Chinese Whispers and wishful thinking! Have to say I've two 70's MIJ 'lawsuit' copies, this one and a Greco 4001, and both are outstanding examples of, if not improvements on, the P-Bass and Ric respectively.
  10. Beedster
    [quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1441434445' post='2858807'] Now, of course, the big issue is that I want a fretted one to go with it. I wonder if the best bet is to put this back to original (fretted) and source an original unlined fretless.......? [/quote] Ha ha, it had to happen! Here's the mongrel with it's new best friend. Arrival of the newbie means that I can get the mongrel refretted. I doubt there's a better fretted/fretless pair of instruments to be honest, now that I've got to grips with the pre-amp (I simply never took the time to do so in the past), it's pretty clear that there are very few sounds an active twin-PUP Wal can't do. As I've never played a fretted Wal however, I'm extremely excited! [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2015-10-24%2011.07.03_zpsbut5afap.jpg.html"][/url]
  11. Beedster
    My two, '83 and '86 [URL=http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/2015-10-24%2011.07.03_zpsbut5afap.jpg.html][IMG]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/Beedster/2015-10-24%2011.07.03_zpsbut5afap.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
  12. Beedster
    Just plugged it in for a while. It has that lovely and woody pre-CBS Precision tone, very reminiscent of the intro to 'One of These Nights' by the Eagles (and of course someone will now come on and tell me that the part in question was recorded using a Ric, but either way, this bass has that lovely organic tone). I don't know anything about the woods, but closer inspection suggests it's probably not quite the budget instrument I thought it was, I love the veneer between front and back (no idea why it's there though?). Despite having quite heavy flats it's also effortless to play (I believe the term du jour is 'like butter'). So, for the cost of a Squier I've got a rather lovely vintage Precision in lovely condition. Rather chuffed Might think about a black pickguard though! [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5525_zpsrdecczab.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5533_zpsehspdl9w.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5540_zpsncvpgptc.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/Beedster/media/IMG_5536_zpse5xfzdo9.jpg.html"][/url]
  13. Beedster
    [quote name='Cosmo Valdemar' timestamp='1445603667' post='2892754'] I know nothing about them but I'm a bit disappointed it's a P bass copy. From the name I was expecting something pointy that lights up. [/quote] Ha ha Well let me enlighten you Professor Valdemar, as I decided to buy it! It's a '78. At first sight it is a rather ugly, albeit accurate, Precision copy. Adding to the initial neutral emotions was the fact that it is clearly made of something marginally heavier than kryptonite. It is however glorious. The build quality is Yamaha, say no more. Pocket and heel are within percentages of an mm, everything is just solid. On closer inspection, the body is constructed not of two halves in the frontal plane as per Fenders, but in whatever the plane that's at right angles to that plane is called, so in short, in almost Wal fashion, there's a front and a back. There also appears to be an extremely think layer of wood between front and back. Very strange? The neck is slightly narrower than 70's Precision and slightly deeper, more like a Jazz neck on 'roids really, but is again very solid and 100% true. Tone? I haven't given it the Ampeg treatment, but I'm looking forward to doing so. My suspicion is that it's the precursor to the BB2024, it has that feel of function over style about it. I'll keep y'all posted.
  14. Beedster
    Saw one of these mid-70's MIJ Precision-alikes the other day. Looks rather nice. Anyone owned/played one or know anything about them?
  15. Beedster
    Hi William I'm looking for a new DB, whereabouts are you in the UK and could you provide a link to the exact model, there's a few with the same/similar name? Many thanks Chris
  16. Beedster
    [quote name='fatback' timestamp='1445465412' post='2891760'] Would someone need a side frame thingy at all witha T-shape end pin? Or does the frame bit help in some other way as well? I've never even held an EUB, but i have wondered. [/quote] If you want your EUB to feel like a DB, yes. The SLBs are extremely good in this respect with a substantial lump of nicely shaped wood doing a very god job of standing in for the upper bout. Most EUBs have utterly crap bits of anything from plastic to metal that extend from one of more parts of the instrument in an attempt to provide the player with some great stability. With the exception of the SLB and the Bespoke, Ive yet to come across any that do the job well, so I tend to treat an EUB as a different instrument and play it as per above, if I need to stabilise it in any way the back of the lower body sits against the inside of the top of my left calf.
  17. Beedster
    [quote name='bassace' timestamp='1444754326' post='2885652'] The table is well put together. [/quote] Ha ha, only just saw that
  18. Beedster
    [quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1445416398' post='2891246'] My first ever DB was a Stagg EUB (just a couple of years back) One of the annoying things I found when playing this, particularly at a gig was its' tendency to swivel around on the endpin during playing - esp when you really didn't want it to That may have been due to a not particularly good rubber stop / grip on the endpin Or my incorrect useage of the funny little sideframe pieces on the stagg... It did this swiveling rather less at home, but then when you play a gig, you're on different surfaces, some of which might make it more prone to swivelling I just wondered, is Clarkson prone to this sort of movement? Or is it less likely to do so, maybe due to a greater mass than the Stagg? Do you intend fitting anything like those frame pieces, to mimmick a "body" to rest the bass against yourself? .... or do you just not need this? Are you playing Clarkson while standing, or seated? Oh, that's lots of questions Still, I'm so glad you completed this build, and pleased you're chuffed with the result [/quote] I had a Stagg and a Dean and both were nightmares for spinning around at inopportune moments. This is largely why I moved up to the SLB. Clarkson on the other hand is actually so heavy that it has its own gravitational field, meaning that I have a tendency to spin around it when playing live! All joking aside, I've found that with body-less EUBs I have to play in a very different position, with the centre line of the bass leaning away from me rather than towards me as it does with DB. That is I have the endpin almost at my feet but the scroll a couple of feet away. This works for Bluegrass/root-5th playing that is what I'm mostly doing with it, probably wouldn't work for Jazz where I'd need to get up the dusty end a bit more. As I mentioned above, the SLB was a much easier bass to actually engage with physically, but at 1/10th f the price I'd take Clarkson any day! On this basis I may think about engineering a faux bout as it might be useful in certain situations (and of course would make the whole thing look even more like the giant crossbow the ladies in question above thought it was).
  19. Beedster
    Very nicely done, looks like it was done at the factory
  20. Beedster
    Well I took it along to a rehearsal the other night, this over my left shoulder and my PJB Briefcase in the other hand. First thing I noticed was that walking through town centre was not the usual anxiety-inducing experience as is the case when taking my DB. In fact, a couple of girls came up to me and said that were really glad it's a musical instrument because from a distance it looked like I was carrying a large weapon. Little did they know Anyway, rehearsal, stuck a Wing PUP in the bridge and it sounded lovely, really lovely. Action you could drive a bus under at present, but still very playable, also very solid feel and very very nice board. How does it compare with my old Yamaha SLB-1 I hear you ask.......? Sound wise? Better, no joke, might be a function of the decent wing PUP (something you can't use on the SLB), but even unplugged it has a good solid thump with a nice sustain. Playability? Not quite so good because the skeleton frame on the SLB makes it really easy to engage physically with the instrument. Portability? This wins hands down, nothing to take off after a gig, just swing over my shoulder and off I go, no worries about damage. All in all, quite chuffed
  21. Beedster
    [quote name='philparker' timestamp='1445338086' post='2890616'] And how long before someone disagrees or starts an argument? [/quote] If you ask me they look like furniture
  22. Beedster
    [quote name='Maude' timestamp='1445198118' post='2889583'] Gov, Gov, not 'got', bleedin' Gov! Try to post an amusing reply and my phone makes an embarrassment of me, I give up. [/quote] Ha ha, that was quite a classic reply to a thread that doesn't exist!
  23. Beedster
    Thanks Ash, PMd C
  24. Beedster
    That's lovely, and no, it won;t be here long! How does the sound of the single PUP passive version compare with the twin PUP active? I find myself horribly drawn to this
  25. Beedster
    Would these sit happily in a Ric Ash? If so, I'll take them C
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