AndyTravis

I just don’t think anyone would bother faking that era of fender bass that closely. They’re decent basses - don’t get me wrong; but if you could get that close to a 2000 jazz, you could do decent replicas of more valuable fender basses. the pickup spacing seems ok to me too. The inlays are the stickers I reckon.

You wouldn’t go to the effort of faking that era of jazz bass to that level - you’d be making 60’s replicas. It’s legit. but…the blocks. either (most likely) those sticker things you can buy. or someone’s had them added…which seems mental When the 75 reissue was available at the time, both Japanese and AVRI.

I think that’s their aim - all nice lads, I just want to have some headspace, and 2 bands isn’t going to do that. I should’ve said no. Probably. But it’s not really in my nature.

They’re not pissed off - they’re just gutted. I’m not worried about my reputation for reliability in this instance - several factors to consider… This is originals, unpaid and initially a favour anyhow. Even after last nights announcement I was first to arrive, by a significant margin to today’s rehearsal. I’ve learned 10 songs for them and written 4. They’re all demoed to a high standard so can be used as guide tracks should they wish to use them. I haven’t left them in the lurch, I’ve made myself available for their rehearsals and the only booking they currently have. I don’t need to stress about my reputation - the initial contact was based upon my reputation/word of mouth/seeing and hearing me - they asked if I could help rearrange and write some tunes for their new EP. “If you feel like its a task too many i do truly understand but i would like you involved Even if its just for feedback and banter mate” I’ll be ok…

“You’re not allowed to quit…”

Oh mate - I’m still playing, I’m just choosing what to play. The band in question have responded that I’m not actually allowed to quit…🫣

Yeah - do you know, everything will work out as it’s meant to. starting to realise we have zero control over much.

Yeah, yeah I do: I’ve got a body of work; I write songs - some are bloody good. It’s my outlet and it keeps me busy - like all artists, I’d love it to be my full time job.

Oh my…weird few months. As my old band Fiasco Jam was causing me issues - detailed elsewhere… I agreed to help a mates band out - they’re well known in Manchester and have a really decent following… They’ve been on hiatus for a while and their old bass player moved back home to Italy so they were stuck. I wanted an “out” from FJ so I wrote 4 songs for them and agreed to join. Fiasco Jam folded and the singer and Drummer asked me to carry on. ”this is great, I can do both” I thought… Things have changed - work gave me a promotion, which is good…but is chewing time. The build is ongoing and costing…and stressful. My dad’s been in hospital, mum not doing great… mother in law seems to be in rapid decline. I have just “quit” the new band - no big show, but I’ve prioritised myself; I’ve spent a day learning their setlist for a gig next month. reassuringly 3 of the tunes I wrote are on the list - but I must say the old stuff isn’t really my cup of tea. I’ve sent the message, the rehearsal will be awkward tomorrow but they’ve got 5 weeks if they’re not ok with me helping out to find someone else. That’s fine by me if they do. I’ve offered to transcribe and video any lines I’ve done to help and record the EP for them if they want me to. But I think I feel reassured that it’s the right shout.

Paul bought some machineheads from me - all absolutely fantastic stuff x

So in the past I was in a couple of funkier bands The 602 Flying Oceans The latter of which broke up when the singer and I had a huge difference of opinion… Anyhow, time heals. I’m very proud of those 2 ep’s. Both bands only managed a gig apiece. A real shame. So 2025 - I had an idea knocking about - and I knew it would suit his vocal style massively and in the spirit of being current here’s a ChatGPT review… ”A brooding slice of indie reflection, “The Right Year” finds Matt Ashworth balancing regret and resilience over a quietly magnetic rhythm section. The bassline hums with tension — a low, determined pulse that drives the track forward beneath shimmering guitars and a weary, honest vocal. It’s part confession, part catharsis; a late-night walk through memory and possibility. The production is clean and restrained, maybe too polite at times, but Ashworth’s emotional control keeps you hooked. Thoughtful, unhurried and quietly cinematic — this might not be the right year, but it’s a promising one for Ashworth.” https://on.soundcloud.com/vPPOIozFot1ocAdIHI

A mate had one of these in full form and even with the shonky “ABT” own brand pickups it was a burpy marvel - a very lovely thing; think he paid £100 for it. id persevere and spray it an obnoxious metallic orange or green neon once you’ve resolved its issues x

So this band imploded after the September gig. The new band is the old singer and drummer… With 2 bass players sharing the stuff with strings. Should be absolutely fine now.

Think the TB had the cool tube preamp…seemed to kick in about 2005. you used to be able to choose your Takamine guitar and then choose the preamp separately… it confused punters - and I think I did 6 or 7 stock takes counting the unsold preamps and guitars…