leroydiamond

I imported a new USA Jazz bass from the USA sight unseen in 2009 and the edges nearly ripped my fingers off! Shoddy

[quote name='bassist_lewis' timestamp='1392018311' post='2363519'] It's primarily because there will be less of a stretch down to the lower frets and across the neck. I've played a few short scales and I find them much more comfortable. They're also a more convenient size and lighter. [/quote] These are excellent reasons to go with a custom build and I share your requirements with regard to a small body and a light instrument (hence going down the Sadowsky route). For me neck dimensions are crucial--Width, thickness and radius need to be bang on. Some years ago I purchased a high end bass sight unseen for a lot of money and just could not get on with the neck and had to sell it on at a loss--lesson learned. Best of luck with whatever you go for. When you get that bass in your hands, watch out for the possibility for a serious dose of amp gas!. Be aware if it gets a grip, it can be next to impossible to shake off .

Can I ask the OP what attracts him towards the [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Callowhill 5 string [/font][/color] ?

[quote name='roonjuice' timestamp='1391976768' post='2363228'] how many amps? [/quote] Yep that where the real fun is, though I suggest that the OP not listen to me or anyone else

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1391963667' post='2363036'] Actually, you raise an interesting point. If gas encourages people to play more, perhaps because of the novelty of a new instrument, then it probably would help people improve. Oh dear. I wish you hadn't made me think of that. [/quote] Oh dear maybe I should have picked up that U.S. Lakland after all IME the novelty value of a new instrument wears off pretty quick so should not be a consideration when making a new purchase. Indeed much of the excitement of a new purchase is experienced in the days prior to receiving it, after the decision to buy is made IME. I have found that sticking with my Sadowsky for the last couple of years, has forced me to really get to know that bass well. I have discovered so much about the pre amp and how it interacts with the VTC and pick up pan revealing several sweet spots and discovering some beautiful tones. Adjusting pick up height and string choice has also been revealing. This has taken time and a whole bunch of gigs. It has now become an old friend in a musical sense and I am settling for what it has to offer, despite the fact that no more than any other bass, it does not offer everything. Just heard Sadowsky are releasing newly engineered single coils which are supposed to be the dogs b******x. Maybe i will pull the trigger on a set tomorrow and nail that vintage tone (Which I get out of my Fender anyway). I am off again craving for something different in the hope, even belief that it will make me a better musician but in all honesty I know that it will not. Maybe I should sell the lot and buy the U.S. Lakland? .

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1391956073' post='2362940'] What I want from a bass is to be able to play as well as all those buggers on YouTube who make it look effortless. I haven't noticed that all the best players in the world use the same bass so I'm pretty sure I'm not being held back by my instrument. Worse still, I'm sure a great player could pick up either of my basses and make it sing, so I'm pretty sure that all my shortcomings are down to me [/quote] +1. If only I cold spend as much time practising my instrument as I do gassing for a new bass. The problem with each bass I have purchased is that as soon as I grow accustomed to what the instrument does well, what is revealed is its limitations. So IME the acquisition of a new instrument can create the exact predicament it it was designed to resolve--the desire for another. Then I convince myself if only I could acquire this other bass, my needs would be complete and so on, covering the same ground over and over. Having said that I have stuck with the same two basses for several years now (Sadowsky and pre cbs Fender Jazz) and have refused to surrender to Gas. though this was seriously tested recently when I picked up a U.S. Lakland Daryl Jones 4 string--totally beautiful bass . I had the money in my account to cover it, but I realised that acquiring it would not make me a better player, which should be my central purpose as a musician. More time spent with my Sadowsky/Fender will solve that predicament.

Used to have a 55-01 and it was just OK. The U.S. Joe Osbourne I had a play on recently was superb

[quote name='Highfox' timestamp='1391785385' post='2361280'] Many ways to skin a cat, but This gets me close through a pair of Aggie 112's, near enough the same through the Neo212. [url="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/90499974/TH500.jpg"]https://dl.dropboxus...99974/TH500.jpg[/url] [/quote] Thanks for that

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1391784641' post='2361266'] I am lazy and don't buy amps where you have to fiddle, fight or finely tune to get a good sound. The EQ's generally don't get used on my amps. There are enough engineers out there designing and building amps that I can use right out of the box that I don't have to bother. The Markbass LM2 was one as were both my Thunderfunks and now, IMO, the TH500 slots right in to that category. I also found that these amps worked easily with my Berg AE112, AE210, AE410 and now CN212 cabs. [/quote] I am very familiar with the Markbass LM11,F500 and F1 and they are very well designed and agree that they are not at all fussy when it comes to EQ. Similarly my recently acquired Tecamp Puma 900 works right out of the box.

Any advice re. EQ settings on TH 500

[quote name='Iana' timestamp='1391773948' post='2361100'] Thoman are great you will have no issues with returns as long as you return the amp, instructions and packaging in as new condition. I have used them several times and have never been disappointed. Hope you like the amp and don't have to return it though [/quote] Hope I do. If the Streamliner was available through Thomann I would probably order both, compare and keep the preferred amp. Any idea what Bassdirect are like with returns?. What cab did you use to compare the TH 500 and Streamliner ? Thanks

[quote name='Iana' timestamp='1391725589' post='2360754'] To try them side by side at bass direct is quite revealing, to pick them up and to operate them is also a useful comparison. Without wishing to cause any offence I thought the TH500 felt less well made and was certainly not as fat as the Streamliner, bear in mind I went there too buy the TH500 after Ken Jung recommended it to me! There is obviously personal taste to consider here [/quote] You folk on that side of the pond are fortunate to be in a position to compare gear in the flesh. It really is the only way to resolve ambiguity and find what fits best to match requirements. No such luxury on my patch unfortunately and purchasing sight unseen is becoming pretty much the norm. I have decided on the TH 500 from Thomann as their 30 day no quibble return policy just seals the deal. I have used this option in the past and not a problem, so little risk involved. If it does not work out, back it will go. No doubt the Streamliner gets excellent reviews and does it for many basschatters. I guess the fact that these amps are sadly no longer in production and Genz Benz are no more, sows some seeds of doubt as to the wisdom of going down this road. On the other hand the blow out prices on these are fantastic-great value. Thanks for everyone for their comments and feedback. As always appreciated

Thanks for all the replies. I am swinging towards the Tone Hammer at this stage, as I can put it through its paces for 30 days with the option of full refund once purchased from Thomann, so nothing to loose ( would much rather put money into the local economy, but the choice of bass gear around here is extremely limited ). Lots of love for the Streamliner on here to, but as Genz Benz are no more,I am hesitant to pull the trigger on one.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1391528975' post='2358182'] That looks to be a great buy. Especially with an Ortofon cartridge, I don't see how the O.P will do any better. Just my 2 pence worth. [/quote] The project turntable is a very good buy. My brother has one and it sounds really impressive. Careful though, as once you go down the vinyl route there may be no turning back

Currently using the superb Tecamp puma 900 as my main head partnered with a Genz Benz NX2-212T.I am looking to purchase a back-up head that will bring something a little different to the party. Both the TH 500 and the Streamliner get a lot of love both here and on Talkbass. Allegedly both do the vintage vibe really well. I am unable to 'try before you buy' so need some advice from the folk who have experience of either/both these amps before i pull the trigger. Thanks

My current rig is a belter. A Tecamp Puma paired with a Genz Benz NX2-212T cab.

Currently very happy with my Tecamp Puma 900, but need to get a back up amp for live situations. Could go for a cheap and cheerful well used amp but for some reason the Tonehammer TH 500 is setting my GAS off, despite the fact that its a bit OTT as a back up. Maybe i am looking for something to compete with the Puma. I use a Genz Benz NXT 212T.

Just love this.Probably my favourite piece of bass playing period. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF8tqR4-VeE

Tried a Wal and was disappointed. checked out a Fodera and could not figure out what all the hype was about. Played a Squire JV and was really impressed. For the last 4 years I have been using a Sadowsky NYC and GAS no more.

Just spotted these Sadowsky lefty's located in Belgium here. [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f182/feeler-2-sadowsky-nyc-lefty-basses-pj4-jj4-972864/"]http://www.talkbass....pj4-jj4-972864/[/url] No relicing here, just beautiful high end basses that will hold there value more than most, assuming they are as advertised SORRY just noticed these have been sold

Totally unique player. One of the giants of bass for sure. He did not rely on speed, thumping, tapping or what ever your having yourself. He just seemed to express his inner essence onto the fretboard. Genius

Wow Wilko still rocking out! Great!