Conan

I like them all! But that slap sound on that Jazz is fantastic to my ears - pure Marcus Miller! In fact I like the J best in all pickup combinations. The 'Ray is nice too. Exactly what I expect when I think of "that" sound! The Alembic sounds a bit distorted to me. The Jazzman is nice on the bridge and both pickups, but not the neck IMO. The Star bass is a new one on me.Can't say I was massively impressed by the sounds, but it sure looks nice!

[quote name='bassmachine2112' timestamp='1344675142' post='1767782'] Get your recording done it doesn,t matter who plays what-a lot of bands do this. Drummer can learn tracks after or get a replacement.the other thing is you can rejig who does what for the best sound. [/quote] Good plan. Sounds like you and "Steve" have got most of the vocals and instrumentation covered between you! Once you have recorded your material the way you want it, you can set clear goals and targets to your current drummer to get up to speed. If he can't or won't, then you can audition replacements much more easily by giving them copies of your recordings to learn and play - same with other bassists/guitarists/vocalists or whomsoever you decide you want to include at a later date. You seem to have a very mature outlook and attitude, so I am sure you will make the right decisions and do well. But good luck anyway!

That's not the typical pickup/switch arrangement for a Jag is it? It's certainly a nice looker...!

After years and years of using Elites on my Status (the range of DBE strings is very limited) and D'Addarios on everything else, I am now experimenting a bit more. Of the brands I have tried thus far, I would have to say that DR fatbeams and hibeams are my favourites. They have the clank and zing that I like (although they are not the zingiest) but also seem to have much more mid-range than the likes of Elites and D'Addarios. I tried a set of Newtone Diamonds too - good for the price, but again sounded a bit scooped to my ears on my bass. With all the positive comments about Roto Swings on here, I might well give them a try. Haven't used them since the eighties, when I also used their funkmaster sets!!

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1344736283' post='1768673'] The difference between playing hard or soft is pretty important to playing music for me. [/quote] Yep. Horses f*** horses.... Good players do both!

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1344733179' post='1768649']Expect the Jap ones to be a great investment from here on [/quote] Good news for me then!

I have one at the moment. I say "at the moment" because it is about to move on again! However, it is only moving on because it is surplus to requirements and it's a choice between that one and my Geddy Lee - which I really love! It is a beautifully made bass, with excellent quality materials and hardware. It sounds very good and is tonally very versatile due to effectively having three pickups as well as a three-band EQ. The neck is lovely and wide, which is what I like - although getting strings to fit the 35.25" scale and through-body stringing is a bit awkward! If it wasn't for an ultimatum from Mrs C, I would happily keep it, gig it and record with it. I do wonder though, if their lack of commercial success over here is also due to the fact that there seems to be no "stock" bass as such. As each is effectively made to order for each customer, they are all slightly different. There is no "off the peg" option, as it were.

[quote name='Darkstrike' timestamp='1344509301' post='1765574'] Total WTF machine. [/quote] Endorsed by the World Taekwondo Federation?

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1344540639' post='1766285'] Both the Geddy Lee and Marcus Miller IV are now Mexican (014xxxx numbers). [/quote] So what do the other numbers indicate? 013...., 019... etc? Why are Fender so cagey about stating clearly where their instruments are made?

[quote name='baseline9' timestamp='1344426426' post='1764230'] I have a 2006 US standard Jazz and it feels and sounds miles better than my mates GL Jap jazz, matter of opinion I guess and getting a "good" one or not. [/quote] It also depends on whether you get on with the ultra-slim neck on the GLs. Not sure why they should sound much different though...

Anyone know any reason behind this decision? Purely cost-based? If the Mex Fenders are renowned for being cheaper and made to a lesser standard, how can they possibly keep the RRP of these two basses the same as when they were "cratfed" in Japan? Streamlining of the range?

Funny looking thing isn't it? It kind of "almost" works.... but doesn't. Nice wood - but the pickup in that position just looks wrong. And the knobs are horrible... But yes - that bridge is just stupid!

[quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1344133975' post='1760320'] [/quote] What on earth does it have written around the knobs?!

PMed...

Interesting. I wonder what the reasons behind that decision were?

Re the thread title.... don't you mean your "Bream" tone?

According to the Thomann website, the Fender GL jazz bass is now made in Mexico. Is this true? When did production switch from Japan?

[quote name='project_c' timestamp='1338167966' post='1670399'] i love black and maple, i love dots, i love blocks, couldn't care less either way as long as it sounds good..... get your sick bags ready, here's a pic of my jazz bass [/quote] That is stunning!! What is the extra knob for? Is it a J-Retro?

OK, I'm no Fender expert, but does anyone know anything about these basses? Seems a good price if it is genuine... [url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/1992-Fender-Jazz-Plus-Electric-Bass-Guitar-Made-USA-/271028011587?_trksid=p4340.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D7%26meid%3D1089850496303151175%26pid%3D100009%26prg%3D1004%26rk%3D2%26#ht_18195wt_1271"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/1992-Fender-Jazz-Plus-Electric-Bass-Guitar-Made-USA-/271028011587?_trksid=p4340.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D7%26meid%3D1089850496303151175%26pid%3D100009%26prg%3D1004%26rk%3D2%26#ht_18195wt_1271[/url]

Good marketing strategy. Raise your prices at a time when everyone is skint

The Emperor does changes his clothes rather frequently on this forum...

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1343998643' post='1758445'] Yes, if you are of a curious and inquisitive nature and like to know how things work etc. We'd still live in caves if there weren't a few people in every generation like that [/quote] Fair point. I'm just a bit intimidated by things like that. I'm good at taking things apart.... less good at putting them back together again!

Surely it's the sound that matters most? If you like the tone you get, is it important how the pickups are constructed?