Help me spend a lot of money

[Bridgehouse]

I've made the transition over from widdly-little six string things to the proper world of low end, and now have a jam night/bluesy rock covers set up and an offer for a startup covers/original band.

Collection so far:
2016 Stingray
1974 P

I'm playing the '74 P a LOT, and loving the vintage vibe.

Having committed to the instrument, I've sold off 2 rather high end guitars, and one vintage, along with a high end guitar amp, and now have ££'s for a third bass.

My initial thoughts for options are:-

- Vintage 60's Jazz (if I can find one, I'd go for a special order colour with matching headstock)
- Custom build

I did toy with the idea of a Travis Bean - but my recent thread suggests they are as rare as, well, you know, the sit-on horse droppings. And I'm not really convinced.

If I'm honest with myself, the Jazz is where my heart is - I just get on so much better with vintage instruments. Dunno why, I just do.

Anyways, what's your thoughts? Mad to go for a 60's Jazz? Would a custom build be more satisfying long term? What would round off the collection?

Thoughts greatly appreciated!

[kodiakblair]

Here you go

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EX-PINO-PALLADINO-FENDER-JAZZ-BASS-STACK-KNOB-1961-VINTAGE-FENDER-BASS-WHO-/391434650065?hash=item5b2352c1d1:g:xfwAAOSwopRYhkWi
Vintage,jazz,lot of money ticks all boxes

[chris_b]

While you're looking I'd check out Lakland and Mike Lull basses. Top quality instruments.

[Bridgehouse]

[quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1487721580' post='3242251']
Here you go

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EX-PINO-PALLADINO-FENDER-JAZZ-BASS-STACK-KNOB-1961-VINTAGE-FENDER-BASS-WHO-/391434650065?hash=item5b2352c1d1:g:xfwAAOSwopRYhkWi"]http://www.ebay.co.u...fwAAOSwopRYhkWi[/url]
Vintage,jazz,lot of money ticks all boxes
[/quote]


Beautiful - maybe I should clarify - perhaps not quite that much money.. Let's say half that amount

[kodiakblair]

Half ?? With that kind of budget you could get anything you want built. Half again should easy get you another vintage Fender.

Serious money you're talking.

[Bridgehouse]

[quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1487724943' post='3242268']
Half ?? With that kind of budget you could get anything you want built. Half again should easy get you another vintage Fender.

Serious money you're talking.
[/quote]

Sold a lot of gear.. very tempted by some of the mid-60's transition Jazz's I've seen...

[kodiakblair]

Afraid that's out of my territory so I can only wish you well in the search.
Get yourself to Bass Direct or the Gallery. Doubt there's much outwith your budget so play them all.
Take your time deciding and enjoy the experience.

Looking forward to seeing your NBD.

[Bolo]

[quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1487731609' post='3242276']
Afraid that's out of my territory so I can only wish you well in the search.
Get yourself to Bass Direct or the Gallery. Doubt there's much outwith your budget so play them all.
Take your time deciding and enjoy the experience.

Looking forward to seeing your NBD.
[/quote]
Couldn't agree more.
Have you looked at amps and effects? If you need to unload your bankaccount there are many fine opportunities to do so!

[Chiliwailer]

Nice dilemma to have, and one to enjoy

You've chosen two very different animals to pick from, but it sounds like your heart is in the vintage one.

I've had a fair few 50-60's Fender basses, including Jazzes, and when they are special they really are special, but when they are average they are very disappointing. The prices are wild and value is questionable, so get one that looks, sounds and feels great and it's all good. I have a Mike Lull bass which is custom, and nearly bought a Lull Jazz Bass a while back, they are amazing instruments but IMO so far removed from the vintage vibe, which I feel about most custom or modern basses tbh.

Edited February 22, 2017 by Chiliwailer

[FuNkShUi]

If you have that kind of budget, get a Sei

[ordep]

visit Andy Baxter's shop.

[Lozz196]

Stingray, tick.
Precision tick.
Jazz, position vacant.

Has to be a Jazzer, get the classic 3-some.

[MOSCOWBASS]

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/300925-xotic-xj-1-5-string-jazz-bass/

[chris_b]

Together my Mike Lull P and J basses and US Lakland didn't cost as much as some of the sums being bandied about.

If you're careful you don't have to spend a lot to get good basses.

[BigRedX]

I think you need to try a lot more basses first before spending any money. Given the sums being mentioned you could have pretty much anything you want so long as it isn't a super-rare vintage bass or something that's once been owned by someone famous (or some of Jens Ritter's more "out there" creations).

So take a few days out and go and visit Bass Direct in Warwick and The gallery and Andy Baxter in London (for starters) and go and play as many different basses as you can get hands on.

Edited February 22, 2017 by BigRedX

[No lust in Jazz]

If you're happy with the P bass, I'd stick with that and get an amp that compliments it..

[uncle psychosis]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1487756413' post='3242403']
I think you need to try a lot more basses first before spending any money. Given the sums being mentioned you could have pretty much anything you want so long as it isn't a super-rare vintage bass or something that's once been owned by someone famous (or some of Jens Ritter's more "out there" creations).

So take a few days out and go and visit Bass Direct in Warwick and The gallery and Andy Baxter in London (for starters) and go and play as many different basses as you can get hands on.
[/quote]

^^^^ this, in spades.

[tom5string]

Mornin,

seconded: check Andy Baxters inventory (http://andybaxterbass.com/guitars.php?pc=1&cat=1)

And another thought: owning myself an old Wal MKII - I hesitate to take the instrument to gigs. Just too precious to me, there are strange people around sometimes and .... well things happen on stage and during transport and so forth. So you might find something different - non-original - where you do not fear hitting a cymbal onstage or - worst case - getting it stolen. Thinking of the Road worn Mexican, Limelight etc.

Cheers,
Tom

[Bridgehouse]

Guys - great advice, thanks!

No intention of rushing into this - visiting some of the aforementioned establishments is a must, I do agree.

I do have a strong temptation to complete the holy trinity I must say..

[naxos10]

Have a look at ACG guitars of this very parish. Excellent luthier built basses and Alan has branched into 6 stringers as well - have a matching pair.

[url="http://www.acguitars.co.uk/"]www.acguitars.co.uk/[/url]

[Lw.]

Every bassist needs a P & a J derived bass - you know what to do!

A vintage jazz would be lovely, in addition to the shops mentioned Wunjos & that one over the road on Denmark Street often have vintage Fenders pass through their doors & are often worth a look.

You could of course go for a custom jazz-type bass but you do run the risk of having not scratched the Fender Jazz itch & so could end up having to buy one later down the line anyway...

[njr911]

You want a 66 CAR Jazz with matching h/s and lollypop tuners.

Well that's what I want anyway

[therealting]

£8k is a hell of a lot of money. I personally wouldn't spend that on a bass unless I knew EXACTLY what I wanted.

£2k on a Sadowsky would be money very well spent IMO.

[Bass_Guardian]

Wal!

[fftc]

Get a G&L JB and have the trinity of Leo companies!

http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/usa/basses/JB/index.asp

Choose your finish and neck profile and still have £6k left over for a really nice watch!