Paulhauser

Yes, quite overpriced I think. Apart from that, these are great basses.

Well done! The tuners look great and a weight save at the headstock area is always a good thing in my book. Nice Spector btw! Really like the color.

I just wonder how much these new models and the last couple of years' standard models dilute the brand image of Fodera. They have been always known of makers of individual, customizable instruments of the highest quality. What they do with the Standards and these newer models makes complete sense from a business point of view but takes away the magic for some, I think.

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1484180260' post='3213423'] In any case, I think their target market are Fodera players (of which there a great many who happily spend the money), who want a P bass by Fodera. Not necessarily a player who isn't already 'in the fold' who's after a P bass. [/quote] ^^This

The Portamento is one of my favorite form the bunch. I also quitel like the SRSC805, wish they'd do a 33" version of it, the SR paltform is much better for such idea than the BTB of which they already done a 33" version.

I quite like it. It adds character. Nice bass btw! And if your wife likes it, then what's the question? Keep it...happy wife, happy life. ;-)

I have a Spector NS-4cr that has EMG PJ in it and I really like it. Just as said above, it is NOT sterile, flat or hifi. Lots of low end, great mids and sweet high. I run it the EQ bypassed most of the time and it is great as it is. (obviously that fact that it is in a Spector also helps ;-) ) I have recently had very good results with other EMG's as well, especially with the new X series. So if I was on the market for a PJ setup, I'd try their PJ X. Also the Geezer Butler sig is a great passive pickup from EMG, too. I'm not really and EMG fanboy but lately I had very good results using their products. Also quite easy to buy (and flip if they don't work for you)

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1483723851' post='3209628'] A bit tricky... ...but doable. Anybody have a bandsaw i can borrow? [/quote] Nice Yamaha TRBs!

There is a discussion of this http://basschat.co.uk/topic/297902-interesting-new-ibanez-even-for-a-traditional-player/

[quote name='No lust in Jazz' timestamp='1483611146' post='3208610'] I'm not sure that this is a problem with this bass or a fundamental design problem. One would expect that the string would be flat on the frets with the bridge in its lowest position. [/quote] That's my thinking, too.

I had this issue once with a different brand's bass. I took the saddle out and have a luthier grind about 2mm off from the lower side of the saddle. The bass has monorail bridge so routing of the wood was more difficult than this and worked like a charm and I'm happy ever since. The bass was bought used, I was not super happy that it had to be done, but I wanted low action and there was no other way. If I'd be buying a new bass and not being able to lower the string as much as I want it would be quite an issue for me.

I had one many years back and sold it only as it was 4 string and I played 5 string basses. Maybe I'm biased as I own several Spectors but this brand has never let me down, regardless the price level. Enjoy and congrats!

I think the main goal behind the Ibanez Bass Workshop is to get people talk about Ibanez. They churn out interesting bass designs, none of which are completely new or never done before, run some small batches and have people talk about them. So in a way it is a clever marketing solution because there is not a lot to talk about for ex the zillionth version of the new Soundgear 5 string with xy top and z neck. For the record I love my Prestige Ibanez SR basses, but they are doing more or less the same for 20+ years and it is getting harder to get excited about the new model year's finishes, colors etc. With the Bass Workshop they get the excitement back to the brand for a certain degree and its also great for increasing brand image. I think the Soundgear platform is great, really like the singlecut version and the fanned fret ones as well. I like this one in the OP as well but would be good that they'd do a 'normal' 7 string version, too. Soundgear design seems to fit better for extended range than the BTB of which they already done a 7 string version.

[quote name='ZilchWoolham' timestamp='1483477491' post='3207566'] EDIT: I suppose someone could make a neck where the frets are recessed and flush with the board, but pop out upon pulling a small lever. [/quote] This has been already done. Remember seeing a video of frets popping in and out of the fretboard. Here it is: https://youtu.be/ft3t0YjfXEc

I use the Billy and the Billy deluxe, too. I've never ever used or like distrotion before I got the first edition of the BS Drive pedal but I use quite a lot ever since. The reason for that is that with the blend knob I can add just a small amount of dirt, grit without altering the original signal. It does not loose any low end, actually it does not touch the original signal, just adds the distortion and with the blend you can dial in the amount you like. The compressor in it is a great feature, too (works quite like the Multicomp which I also own and use for years) I can't comment on the comparison with the Darkglass product(s) since I've never tried one in flesh. I've toyed with the idea of getting a B7K but after going through soundsamples and videos of it I have decided that it is not offering anything more for me that what the Billy already does and again, I do not use heavy distortion (which the Billy also can do, too) I'm partial to the EBS pedals because they work really well (love their amps, too) but Darkglass is putting out great products, too. The Billy costs less than a B3K (or B7K)

[quote name='djaxup' timestamp='1482410986' post='3200274'] Like a really angry piano. [/quote] Comment of the week

[quote name='spectoremg' timestamp='1482055582' post='3197178'] Never used to like the 5+ string headstock but I've come 'round to it. [/quote] I alwas liked them better than the original 4 string one to be honest.

My humble Spector collection.... [attachment=234227:FullSizeRender.jpg]

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1481885684' post='3195916'] I'd love to try a Euro 5XL, but looking at the specs it seems there is pretty much no hope of me finding one that weighs under 9lb. [/quote] Mine is around 9.5lbs. The ones I had before were around the same weight but none was significantly lighter so yes, your chances to find one under 9lbs are small.

Are you looking at getting 4 or 5 (or 6) strings? What is the budget you are willing to spend? Depending on your budget there are a couple of options and generally Spectors are of great value at every price level from Koean made Legends, through Czech made Euros to the US made top of the range basses. I personally use a couple of Euro basses and they are the best basses for me. i've had 50+ basses throughout the years and these are the most suitable for my playing style. I really love the ergonomics and the distinct sound. I would not say it's a hifi sound, depends a lot on which model, which pickup option we are talking about. The neck is not chunky at all....but it is quite subjective anyway. If you have any specific question I'm happy to answer. I'm not associated but only a very happy Spector owner / user / lover.

My favorite bass ever is this Spector Euro 5 LX with some mods. As a stock instument it was already wonderful sounding and the neck was the best 5 string neck ever I played. But I did some tweaking and a refinish. Obviously I'm biased but after owning 50+ basses to find out what works for me I have some experience (regarding what I like and what I do not) I think these Spector Euro5 basses are great because their sound is useful in studio and live (cuts through) and the ergonomics are very well thought out (curved body, neck ) Also they have very good value if purchased second hand. The 35" scale makes the B string sound really good and the whole bass is built to last. can't add more really. [attachment=233856:IMG_5403.JPG]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1481491183' post='3192714'] Ibanez SR series gets my vote, cracking basses for not much money. [/quote] Those are famous for tight spacing, 16.5-17 mm for the 5 stringers. But your are right, great basses! Yamaha TRB5II would be my advice, really nice sounding basses with wide spacing at the bridge (19 or 20mm IIRC) but they don't ha a large neck around the first 5 positions as the neck tapers quite a bit. This was one of my fav things with my previous TRB5s. Also they go quite cheap on the 2nd hand market. (compared to the sound and build quality) Last one in the classifieds went for 400quid...