ead

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1363957465' post='2020114'] I would completely agree - if the instruments were passive. As soon as you load an instrument with an active eq, the characteristics of the woods are somewhat less important. There's a lot of BS surrounding basses, woods and how they will sound. The only way you'll hear what a bass sounds like, is when it's strung up and played for the first time. Wood is not a uniform product - I would wager that there are more Status basses that sound identical than anything else out there. [/quote] Yes, but the minute you plug a passive bass into an amp you are listening to sound through active EQ (for 99% of amps) so what's the difference? I think the main issue is that the science behind wood/bridges/strings/pickup combinations etc is not fully understood or maybe even precisely measurable so it comes down to personal preferences and your own ears - in other words there is no absolute reference point.

Is one allowed one fretless and one fretted bass in the new world order?

Heart says ACG, head says Sadowsky but only because of the flexibility the additional string may offer you.

If only it was the other side of the fretboard. I've a B string that is not going to be used...

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1363811690' post='2018133'] I don't think I can afford to go custom, although his basses are stunning. How does the wooden bridge work out? How does one adjust the action and intonation? [/quote] My fretless Letts bass has a 'traditional' Hipshot A style bridge. The other big advantage, aside from the feather-like weight, is that the neck is angled back from the plane of the body and that takes a bit of stress out of the wrist. Cost me £400 (preloved). It's worth at least a conversation with Jon I would think. Shame you're not closer as I'd happily bring mine over. The most stunning and ergonomic bass without peers imho is this one: [url="http://www.acguitars.co.uk/Gallery/286/"]http://www.acguitars...uk/Gallery/286/[/url] I've had a play and the somewhat unusual body shapes allow it to be played on the lap, like a classical guitar and round the neck. In each position it is perfectly balanced too, a truly amazing instrument. Ignore all the custom bass sceptics, if you specify what you want you will have a bass for life - just think what your 30 basses cost you in terms of the difference between purchase and sale prices. Unless you are unique gifted (and should therefore be trading derivatives) you will probably be out of pocket.

I don't know how you are fixed financially, but Jon Letts basses are wonderfully light and I'm sure he could work something out for you.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1363603944' post='2014489'] Have to disagree with you there! ...But then if we all liked the same thing we'd be knee-deep in gay pixies... [/quote] I want to be at that gig

[quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1363638094' post='2015172'] So maybe I'm just not good enough to be in the standard of band that (I think) I want to be in? [/quote] Having heard you noodling/playing I think the above is highly unlikely

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1363552714' post='2014084'] Only to those who find this kind of thing 'nice looking'. Otherwise, the reverse is true. My personal view is that nothing built since 1957 is particularly good looking next to a P-bass. There's just no apparent form-follows-function, no matter the design intent. They just do not work for my eye. If you like 'em, etc etc, great, but don't go saying how BAD Fenders are because of it. Most of these won't be around in fifty years, and Fender will have knocked up its centenary. THAT'S class. Staying power due to pure excellence of original design. No other basses have this, and it's likely that few of us will live to see that change. Big claim? Sure. But probably valid. [/quote] Beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder I think. Fender is certainly iconic, but being iconic doesn't necessarily imbue greatness. Plenty of examples out there of icons that are not best in class but survive none the less.

People buy from people. For me it's all about the staff and they you are treated whether you are Jaco or just old Jack. For things like strings I pretty much buy on line now because it's so easy. I imagine that if you try to stock every brand and gauge combination that people want you could end up with a lot of slow moving stock. Simple Pareto analysis will tell you that 80% of your sales will come from 20% of your stock lines. It then depends upon whether you want to take that risk with customers. Tricky decision at the best of times. I think a good preloved section would be interesting although you're up against ebay et al which is pretty pure in terms of establishing what the real market value of main stream goods really is.

Nnnnoooooooo! Go unlined or you'll keep peeking!

Just acquired an Antoria Tele bass from Ash. Complete gent and so easy to deal with as has been said here many times. Thanks very much.

[quote name='WhoNeedsYou' timestamp='1363130017' post='2009130'] There's even some bassists who don't have a clue what notes they are playing, they just memorise everything [/quote] Yeah, but in my defense it helps guard against premature memory loss

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1363092456' post='2008222'] I have a nearly new set of Rotos for sale if you are interested - heavy gauge but not high tension, they sound similar to GHS Precision flats to me. [/quote] Thanks for the offer, but still on the fence atm...

My preferred flats are the TI JF344s or the Fender CL9050s fwiw.

If you're looking for a nice unlined Jazz then my former MIJ 62 RI fretless is with Drew in the Manchester Bass lounge. I can tell you what he paid for it too!

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1363206295' post='2009894'] Or, as you're only in Bolton we could meet up and you could have a play with mine... [/quote] Ditto, please feel free to get in touch if you'd like to try mine too.

Does the fact that by and large these strings are pretty heavy gauge that the tension is correspondingly high or is that just the effect of the wrapping?