Conan

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1386068036' post='2295159'] Well you say that, but the guy was asking for advice, should he go for a Fodera or two Fenders? When someone asks a question like that it suggests they don't really know very much about basses, or about what they want from a bass. So he clearly needs advice. [/quote] True, but sometimes the majority of the advice takes the form "you want one of these mate - I've got one and they're brilliant!" I think it also reads as the OP really wanting to buy a Fodera, but not sure he can justify it - so compares the Fodera to familiar reference points. Some of the advice, about trying other high-quality, high-value basses; is spot on though. We are subjective though, and it is natural to recommend the things that each of us like and use. Just not sure that kind of advice is very useful in this particular case.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1386068445' post='2295167'] Not really worth +1,000,000 though, is it [/quote] Thanks a lot!

[quote name='thebassist' timestamp='1386060269' post='2295042'] I'm going to Bass Gear on Saturday to try their Monarch and while I'm there I'll try out a load of their other basses. Thanks for the input all. [/quote] If you like the Fodera and can afford it - go for it! Even if you decide later that it's not for you after all, you should be able to sell it. That's the weird thing about the market place at the moment - top-end basses still seem to be selling, even though people are not buying the mid-range stuff. There is a lot of inverse-snobbery at times on here. People will try to tell you that you can do everything you need with a Fender P bass... It's your money, do what the heck you like with it! But do get back to us and let us know what you thought/bought!

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1386064759' post='2295101'] I'm not defending the guy, I'm just saying that the sort of arse who has no respect for a fellow bassist's gear will likely have no compunction about defending his position, with lies if necessary. A sad tale all round really. [/quote] Yes. Sadly I can't see this one ending well. One to put down to experience. Although it would be useful for others to know who the band are so that they can be extra careful if they end up playing with them...

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1386059132' post='2295024'] Are you sure you've quoted the right post? He's not belly-aching and specifically said he's going to pay in the New Year... [/quote] Duly noted and post edited accordingly! I think I had another post in mind when I wrote that.... apologies to NAS

Interesting... especially as I have seen (what I assume to be) the same bass for sale before, clearly stating that it is a 1995... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/179869-95-fender-marcus-miller-with-l500-of-upgrades-tradesale/page__hl__marcus+retro__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/179869-95-fender-marcus-miller-with-l500-of-upgrades-tradesale/page__hl__marcus+retro__fromsearch__1[/url]

[quote name='NAS' timestamp='1386016025' post='2294699'] Haven't been here for a while. Used to do quite a lot of trading basses and gear in the free olden days. [/quote] Pay your twenty quid (a set of strings or about half the price of a reasonable night out) and then it IS free!

[quote name='JuliusGroove' timestamp='1386006607' post='2294551'] I just really love the feel of that bass, Ive had it since I started playing (sentimental value ha). Such a nice quick neck and I love playing it.. [/quote] Ah. Well that's different! Get the Barts/Fralins in and see how they sound! Just don't buy them new though. That way, if you don't like the result, you can probably sell them on for what you paid.

The more basses I play, the more I realise that there is no one instrument that does everything (for me). I love my Status. I have had it for 27 years and it is like an old comfy pair of trainers. It is also incredibly versatile. It sustains for ever, never goes out of tune and is silent in use. Well, obviously not silent - or it wouldn't be much use, but you know what I mean. No buzz, hum or any extraneous noise. The only thing it lacks is a mid boost. I have a bog-standard MIM Jazz that I really like. It fits me and suits me, and I like the sound it makes. If only it had 24 (or even 22) frets. My new (to me!) Marcus Miller Jazz is a lovely instrument. It has the three-band EQ, which makes it even more tonally versatile than the Status and the MIM. It is made from gorgeous wood and looks really classy. Shame about that fugly control plate cover though, and I wish it was a [i]bit[/i] less heavy... Out of the three of them I would probably still say that the Status was my "favourite"... but at the moment I play the Jazzes far more. They just suit the sound of my current band better. I would hate to lose any of them, but at the end of the day they are just "things" and they can be replaced. There are more important things in life.

[quote name='pst62' timestamp='1385295674' post='2286459'] Phenomenal musicians, though I find LaBrie's voice unbearable when he starts wailing.[/quote] Me too. He is definitely the weak link IMO. I would far rather listen to Portnoy with Transatlantic - not quite as high-brow but much more enjoyable and soulful (if prog can ever be regarded as being soulful!).

[quote name='largo' timestamp='1385978771' post='2294166'] If you're going to shell out that sort of money on a bass then I would suggest a hundred quid to get a train or driving to wherever you can try a Fodera is worth the money. [/quote] Very sensible advice.

I have recently acquired a lovely bass (see thread title!). I know that these used to be made (or should I say [i]crafted[/i]) in Japan, and are now MIM. Or at least the four string versions are! Fivers are US made. Pretty straightforward so far (for Fender!) My question is about the age and history of this artist model. The serial number on my new bass (S xxxxxxxx) indicates that it was made in Japan in 1994 or 1995, but everything I've read about the model states that they were made from 1998 onwards! What is the truth? Have Fender discovered time-travel?

[quote name='JuliusGroove' timestamp='1385982179' post='2294222'] I think it's definitely going to be a mod odyssey for the Squier.. But now poses the question Fraley vs Bartolinis? [/quote] I think the law of diminishing returns applies here. Sticking a set of Wilkinson or GFS pickups might well improve the sound of your Squier for very little cash, but putting Fralins or Barts into a cheap bass (made to a budget rather than a standard) seems like a bit of a waste of money to me. Even spending that amount on a MIM jazz seems a bit much IMO. It's your cash of course, and I'd be happy to hear what you think when you've made your mods!

[quote name='spacecowboy' timestamp='1385654866' post='2290755'] if anyone wants someone to do a stellar job on your bass at an honest price, Howard (bassdoc)'s your man, the jazz is singing now and an absolute joy to play again![/quote] Sssshhhhh! Don't tell everyone, or he won't be able to do those rush jobs he is so appreciated for! (And I don't mean Geddy Lee J basses!).

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1385658070' post='2290815'] WOW! I think i'm going to start selling my used strings around here! I change strings every two or three months (and i use D'Addario Prosteels)! [/quote] Me too! I use mine for about a month then give them a soak in meths for a few hours. As good as new if not better! If I do that a second time the effect is not so pronounced, so at that stage I usually pass them on to my school's music department.... But maybe selling them on here is a good idea? Then people who like "worn-in" strings can get what they want without all that "playing them in" gubbins, and I can recoup a few quid for my next new set.... Hmmmm.... good call!

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1385679476' post='2291198'] As already said, they're all replaceable, advertise the lot & whatever sells sells, get what you want when you come through this. Hope you can raise the cash you need & best wishes to you, your Father & family. [/quote] This. All of it. The market is very sluggish at the moment so the broad-brush approach is probably best. Oh, and of course you won't be able to sell the Ric copy on here... Best wishes.

Never get into a volume/power war with a guitarist! It is much easier (and cheaper) to make a guitar loud than it is to make a bass loud!

[quote name='Iheartreverb' timestamp='1385567814' post='2289746'] the funk makes me uncomfortable [/quote] Quote of the week!

[quote name='Iheartreverb' timestamp='1385502528' post='2289132'] In simpep terms my one is less of a bumm and more of a burrrr Any advice on how to help my tone? [/quote] Not sure your description is terribly helpful... Do you play with a particularly light touch? That will lower your volume for any given setting. BTW, when people suggest that you change your tone a bit (add more mids, run predominantly on one pickup rather than both on full) it is not because they are criticising your tone choices, but trying to give you the benefit of what has worked for them (and others) in similar situations. That said, you do seem to have a LOT of problems in your current situation! Two loud guitarists, borrowed gear (which may not be maintained very well, or at all!), a particular tone on your head that may only really work at home, solo, at low volume...

Another glowing report for Simon! We recently traded basses - his Fender Marcus Miller for my Spector Euro. Totally pain and hassle free. Great communications all through the process. Highly recommended!

[quote name='Iheartreverb' timestamp='1385239846' post='2286076'] Are people using them into the effects loop of amps? [/quote] Nope. Between bass and amp input. Followed by a graphic pedal (frowny face) to replace some of the mids....