Cat Burrito

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='512468' date='Jun 12 2009, 09:41 PM']I was planning to take mine with me ...[/quote] True story - I have (had) an old Vox Fretless that is buried in a cemetary in Hertfordshire following the death of a friend's friend in a bike accident. The family appreciated it.

Sold now though. I had a mate who had a 73 tele bass that he couldn't get rid of. It was ex-Oasis and wound up going for a mere £800. He tried selling with 0 feedback and it looked dodgy but was 100% legit. Someone grabbed a bargain

I really need to check with my road crew.... I wish! I think I get through on a series of pathetically helpless looks & the misguided sympathy of band mates!

I have a late 80s Fender MIJ P-bass too & fitted mine with a Seymour Duncan SPB-1. I was amazed with the condition of the old pup - I was going to put it on EBay until I saw how rusty it was! The bass sounds great now & I see the Iron Maiden tribute bass uses this pickup. Different style to me but shows the versality of it

No surprise that this went 35 mins after your post... wish it were me!

One old tip I've used for years is using the rubber rings from Grolsch bottles as cheap but effective strap locks. I think that one is pretty widely known now. Recently I've come across removing the black plastic pickup covers and thumb rest on vintage Fender reissues & giving the plastic a good scrub with a green kitchen brillo pad. It removes the horrible shiny plastic finish and gives your bass a much better retro finish without devaluing your instrument. What tips can you share?

I think it looks really good. I like the butterscotch though - they seem to look better in person & just not always so good in certain photographs depending on light. Still that 55 look is bang on the money. Great colours!

I must confess I'm sorely tempted to take the plunge

Get lessons to help you out of the rut. And play with more people. Simple as that

I think the cheapest is [url="http://www.guitarpartsshop.co.uk/acatalog/Seymour-Duncan-bass-guitar-pickups.html"]http://www.guitarpartsshop.co.uk/acatalog/...ar-pickups.html[/url] Occasionally the Antiquity stuff isn't readily available & has to be shipped in. Good choice though

The Classic Series of MIM Fenders are simply awesome, guitars as well as basses. I've never come across a bad one, a few decent ones and the rest were simply stunning.

3M Dual Lock is a heavy duty velcro & is readily available on EBay. Give it a try

Parts basses are great if you know what you like & know what you are looking for with regards to each part. If you like MIM basses, getting one & modding it is great too. This also allows you to work out what you don't like about it & modify at your leisure. There is no point in getting a special nut if the original is to your tastes!

It looks great BUT the seller sounds like he doesn't know his stuff. He is quick to provide a fair amount of detail on the leather strap without commenting on original pots and the usual things people highlight - he does mention the date on the neck but only after it was listed. I would be inclined to avoid if there are any doubts and buy from someone who gives more confidence. I have a 1990 bass that looks that cool & it didn't cost 1968 prices! If you want a 68 bass, this *could* be an expensive mistake - how long has he owned it? What's it's history? Is it all original? I think he's covered the strap well though!

I was half watching that myself. The Silver series stuff is great. Had he spelt it correctly & done a bit of background, I reckon he'd be looking at a lot more.

It's all subject to tastes. I've got 2 Fenders and they are just great. I didn't pay half of what you did. Mine are Japanese and serve my needs perfectly. I am conscious of paying for the name & have my own views on slipping standards but a good Fender P-bass is all I need.

I think the Classic Series is incredible. Yes good value for money but actually just good basses. I'm sure you'll enjoy the bass. I've had my 50s RI for nearly 20yrs.

Hello All - I thought I'd not forget my manners and say hi. I'm returning to bass after a few years away. Bass was always my main instrument but I had a spell playing some of the other instruments for a while. It was interesting to work with other bassists - and I found without exeception that the bass players tended to be the cool ones of the band! Perhaps I was biased? I've owned a few basses over the years but always seem to come back to the Fender P-bass. I have 2 basses right now & both are P-basses (a 57RI and a 51RI). The 57RI is 20yrs old and the 51RI is new. I've owned a fretless, a Jazz and a bunch of Gibson type basses (usually Epiphone). My ambition is to get a double bass & this might come to be realised later this year if I can juggle things. If I could have one bass back it would be my Jazz. Amp wise I have a Roland DB700 which seems to do the trick. Music wise I like Americana and my influences range beyond Country to include Soul, Rockabilly & some traditional music. I admire players as diverse as James Jamerson through to Lee Rocker whilst managing to sound like neither. My favourite bass player is probably Chris Hillman. I'm here for advice, tips and to look at pretty pictures. If I can return any of those then that's a bonus! BB

Parents initially then pretty much most musicians I've played with. Oh & a few friends... it always amazes me when people limit their influence list to just a group of musicians / bands that they admire / think are cool.

Personally I'm not bothered by what's on the headstock. Play them both & decide if the Fender is worth the extra cash. I do like the MIM Classic series but hear good things on the Squires these days (like they were in the 80s)

The Boss TU-2 is a good popular choice & is used my most musicians I know

For me you can't beat a Fender. Ideally a P-bass but that's just my tastes

My 57RI is MIJ (1990) & I got a brown tort pickguard for mine back in the 90s no problem. I reckon you'll be alright on EBay