GreeneKing

If anything gets to ignite a response from me it’s an opinion stated as fact 🙂 I’d agree that simply using a pickup and strings produces a tone that is broadly similar. Unadulterated Jazz, Precision and Rickenbackers are fairly similar especially if played in a ‘conventional’ mode and manner. But, many basses have active tone control onboard. I could play my P - Retro equipped Warmoth Precision in a mode that would leave no doubt in a back to back that it wasn’t a standard P bass. Yes I could be wrong, it’d be interesting to see. Likewise the Zoot ZB1000 in series mode with the active varitone set to one of two or three positions would begin to sound like a different instrument entirely. In the mix in a rock covers band? Yes it all becomes a bit redundant so long as the bass can actually be heard. All my opinion of course. Peter

I met Mark today and caught up while basses were exchanged. As always Mark, a pleasure. Peter

Thank you for that Mark. Peter

Thread revival. I know that Mark (Bass Culture) had an Aria conceived bass made by Mike Walsh of Zoot in Essex. Some here may be aware. It has the now no longer available Rautia MB-1E pickup and Carl’s BB Noiseless preamp. It’s a medium scale bass. Mike added a 6 position varitone of his own design to the build. With apologies for a lengthy post here 🙂 I followed the ‘ZB1000’ build with much interest at the time, having my own custom Zoot Funkmeister 32” scale P bass with Noll preamp. I’ve also owned a couple of Arias, one with failed electronics. Things happen. Mark sold me his Funkmeister 32” Jazz to make room while the ZB build was happening. This bass is a real stunner and it plays and sounds very well although I don’t use it often, preferring P basses. I told Mark I was thinking of selling it and gave him first refusal. He’s suggested trading for the ‘Zoot ZB1000’. It’s likely to happen on Saturday. I’m intrigued by the tonal abilities of the bass. I’ve also been in touch with both Mike and Carl as it seems the bass will need a new switching jack socket. They have been very helpful. Here’s the build thread. Peter

I purchased a lovely bass from Andy. He was a pleasure to deal with.