The Short Scale Bass Appreciation Society!

[EssentialTension]

Bruce Thomas again ...

 

 

[Baloney Balderdash]

3 minutes ago, EssentialTension said:

Bruce Thomas again ...

 

 

Looking at that photo it very much looks like you were indeed correct.

 

Great piece of detective work! 

 

Edited May 19, 2023 by Baloney Balderdash

[Badscrew]

Definitely looks like Guild humbuckers

[BabyBlueSound]

12 hours ago, msb said:

I’m thinking of getting one of these , and dropping a Tbird pickup where the Jazz pickup is. And dropping a real mid 60’s Pbass pickup in the front. I was given the pickup over 40 years ago after someone pulled the stock pickup and dropped in a DiMarzio. I would like to actually use it again. I hear the taper on the stock pots is off so I may well change them too.

I like the shape , it kinda reminds me of some of the designs Paul Barth made in the late 50’s. And it’s said to be well made , for the price. I’ve never been one to mod things so this might be fun.

 

edit … looks like my Pbass pickups are mid 70’s … six digit , grey bobbin 

 

Can recommend. I got this and modded it out a bit. Lovely piece of gear, and cheap. Nice tone (bit noisy pickups, EMG solved that for me), very comfy neck even tho it's not the thinnest. Just inspect for ridiculous irregularities as soon as you get it. I got one where the bridge was not in the freaking middle and the strings were clearly closer to one side as a result. Bent tuners, crappy bridge screws, anything goes. But if you get a good one or don't care about bent tuners because you're replacing them, then it's going to be one of your favourite toys.

 

Replaced all my HW (except the bridge, pending) with black, and the pickguard is matte, not shiny any more, I think it looks better that way.

[BabyBlueSound]

12 hours ago, msb said:

I’m thinking of getting one of these , and dropping a Tbird pickup where the Jazz pickup is.

 

...also, be prepared to file off some of the wood in the Jazz socket on the sides. My P/J EMG's Jazz was like 1.5mm wider than the socket. I choose to file off a bit from the side of the pickup in the end. But it's not a Tbird  

[msb]

Prepared for that, and apparently the travel on the tone knob is pretty limited to on and off , so I’ll change that pot to one with a more appropriate taper. I haven’t picked up a Talman yet , but they’re cheap and available. They also frequently have some neck dive so the tuners might well be changed out for some lighter ones. I guess the tuners , pot and pickup will be close to the cost of the bass…

 

edit Baby Blue Sound … that looks good! I had seen this pic online and thought this might sound deadly. I’m not afraid of a good chunky neck. I have other basses with that Gibson style pickup and really love them. This is what’s inspired my interest.

 

and another edit … just received word that one that had been sitting on kijiji is still available. It’s an hour’s drive away to Lunenburg on the South Shore , but might be a lovely drive. So it’s looking like this project is becoming quite likely.

 

 

Edited May 20, 2023 by msb

[msb]

Here’s the one on kijiji , good price no tax.

 

 

Edited May 20, 2023 by msb

[BabyBlueSound]

4 hours ago, msb said:

Prepared for that, and apparently the travel on the tone knob is pretty limited to on and off , so I’ll change that pot to one with a more appropriate taper. I haven’t picked up a Talman yet , but they’re cheap and available. They also frequently have some neck dive so the tuners might well be changed out for some lighter ones. I guess the tuners , pot and pickup will be close to the cost of the bass…

 

edit Baby Blue Sound … that looks good! I had seen this pic online and thought this might sound deadly. I’m not afraid of a good chunky neck. I have other basses with that Gibson style pickup and really love them. This is what’s inspired my interest.

 

and another edit … just received word that one that had been sitting on kijiji is still available. It’s an hour’s drive away to Lunenburg on the South Shore , but might be a lovely drive. So it’s looking like this project is becoming quite likely.

 

 

My tone was not as bad as on/off, but I got new pots with the EMG anyway. My replacement knobs were like less than £1 each, I just forgot where the hell I have ordered them from, it was some electronics specialist site. I can't even find the confirmation email. They were not compatible with the pot sizes but nothing the right size drill head can't fix, they're tight enough.

Neck dive... yeah, but I myself mostly sit when playing, so not a concern for me, but I know it's a big deal for others.

The neck is smaller than a Prec but wider than a Jazz, it's right in between.

 

That beige one looks pretty banged up tho!  

And yes, I definitely spent about as much on modding as the bass costs, but I don't regret it! I have always been a "value on the cheaps" guy and this bass hits that sweet spot so hard, a single sparkling teardrop always rolls down on my face when I think about it.

[msb]

These look like Jazz bass style knobs , and I love those. I’m used to some basses with a bit of neck dive , like an SG and a Dano Longhorn. If you rest your forearm on the bass it’s fine. Throw both hands above your head … down she goes. I can live with some , but not a lot. We’ll just cross that when we get to it. I often can sit when I play , but do have some stand up gigs. I’ve had some good recommendations for a Tbird style pickup. I’ll do the pickups and pot first. I have no reservations about buying parts for this. Might even see if I can do a volume/coil tap switch like you find on the Gibson DC Jr. 
I’m an old Pbass guy so the neck size doesn’t mean much , it’s simply some time playing something to become comfortable. I’m used to playing different neck styles.

Edited May 20, 2023 by msb

[fretmeister]

Since my Lionel arrived I haven’t even plugged in any other basses.

 

I think I might have to accept I have converted to shorties.

 

I’m starting to think about the unthinkable… selling my Sandberg TT4 Superlight so I can get a short version. 
 

I’m wondering if Sandberg would do a 5 string shortie.

[msb]

I bought a Dano Longhorn over twenty years ago and at first didn’t like the shorter scale , but I found myself playing that bass more and more , several years later it had become my primary bass. Now I have about a dozen short scales and they are my preference. I still have some classic basses , but I tend to play the short scales. 
I never suffered any pain or problems playing 34 in basses , but simply found the shorties more comfortable. I still bring that Dano to most gigs. Sometimes as a back up , sometimes it’s the primary.

 

[ezbass]

17 minutes ago, fretmeister said:

Since my Lionel arrived I haven’t even plugged in any other basses.

That is a recommendation of the highest order.

[msb]

Those Sandbergs have a wonderful reputation but they are not common here in Nova Scotia.

I’ve never actually seen one.

 

This Florence had my attention simply because I have a Gibson LP DC Jr. But I love the look of this.

https://www.sandberg-guitars.de/basses/sandberg-florence-bass-series/

Edited May 20, 2023 by msb

[fretmeister]

24 minutes ago, msb said:

Those Sandbergs have a wonderful reputation but they are not common here in Nova Scotia.

I’ve never actually seen one.

 

This Florence had my attention simply because I have a Gibson LP DC Jr. But I love the look of this.

https://www.sandberg-guitars.de/basses/sandberg-florence-bass-series/

I want one of them too! But unfortunately I have 1 child doing a 5 year combined undergraduate and masters degrees, and another child who will be going to university next year.

 

So I am limited to modest irresponsibility rather than doing it properly!  

[msb]

The Dano was my first cheap good bass. Up until that I had simply bought the standard classics , but the Dano was cheap , sounded great , was light as a feather , and fun to play. It time it became a favourite bass and I’d inevitably choose that over basses that had cost many times what the Dano did.  
And so I started picking up other short scales … some US made name brands , some licensed offshore builds , some oddballs. And found that I was getting a surprising level of enjoyment from some of the cheaper basses.
I recently picked up a vintage UniVox HiFlier , one from the early 70’s that was originally quite a cheap little thing , but one today that fetches inflated vintage prices. I got a pretty good deal and was quite surprised by both how good it sounds , and the fun I’m having playing it. Score!  
So it’s interesting for me to be after a truly budget bass with the intention of fixing it up. This is a new detour.

 

 

 

If you like that Sandberg Florence keep your eyes peeled for that little Gibson bass that probably inspired it. The LesPaul , Double Cut Jr.  Recently said to be discontinued , but a really nice little bass … and the cheapest thing Gibson make. If you see a used one for a good price , grab it.

[Baloney Balderdash]

3 hours ago, msb said:

The Dano was my first cheap good bass. Up until that I had simply bought the standard classics , but the Dano was cheap , sounded great , was light as a feather , and fun to play. It time it became a favourite bass and I’d inevitably choose that over basses that had cost many times what the Dano did.  
And so I started picking up other short scales … some US made name brands , some licensed offshore builds , some oddballs. And found that I was getting a surprising level of enjoyment from some of the cheaper basses.
I recently picked up a vintage UniVox HiFlier , one from the early 70’s that was originally quite a cheap little thing , but one today that fetches inflated vintage prices. I got a pretty good deal and was quite surprised by both how good it sounds , and the fun I’m having playing it. Score!  
So it’s interesting for me to be after a truly budget bass with the intention of fixing it up. This is a new detour.

 

 

 

If you like that Sandberg Florence keep your eyes peeled for that little Gibson bass that probably inspired it. The LesPaul , Double Cut Jr.  Recently said to be discontinued , but a really nice little bass … and the cheapest thing Gibson make. If you see a used one for a good price , grab it.

If you haven't already tried one you should absolutely get yourself an Ibanez Mikro Bass, the GSRM20B version in Weathered Black finish (basically open pore matte black) and black hardware even looks pretty damn nice.

 

I love mine to bits, it's really such a great joy to play with its' just 28.6" scale length, and the quality is generally pretty amazing for the money asked.

 

You should be prepared to swap the stock pickups and electronics though, but if done you will get a not only great playing but also genuinely great sounding bass.

 

 

Edited May 21, 2023 by Baloney Balderdash

[msb]

I’m quite taken with the retro look of the Talman. Communicated with the seller but haven’t picked it up , he lives about an hour away in Lunenburg. It will probably be mine tomorrow.
I’ve heard good things about the Talman pickups although the Lobster thought they were a bit too bright. I have an old Fender grey bobbin Pbass pickup from the 70’s sitting in a drawer , and have just bought a Tbird style pickup to put in the bridge position. So I’m pretty committed to this as a project at this point. 
If I pass on this used one it’s pretty easy to get one delivered to my door. They’re cheap little basses.

 

I might well be just putting lipstick on a pig , but it will be my pig.

 

[BabyBlueSound]

1 hour ago, msb said:

I’m quite taken with the retro look of the Talman. Communicated with the seller but haven’t picked it up , he lives about an hour away in Lunenburg. It will probably be mine tomorrow.
I’ve heard good things about the Talman pickups although the Lobster thought they were a bit too bright. I have an old Fender grey bobbin Pbass pickup from the 70’s sitting in a drawer , and have just bought a Tbird style pickup to put in the bridge position. So I’m pretty committed to this as a project at this point. 
If I pass on this used one it’s pretty easy to get one delivered to my door. They’re cheap little basses.

 

I might well be just putting lipstick on a pig , but it will be my pig.

 

 

They're good indeed, especially the P, if it was not for the noise that bothered me, I would not have changed to EMG. It will be your prize pig!

[Rocket Queen]

On 19/05/2023 at 14:39, EssentialTension said:

Bruce Thomas again ...

 

 

 

It looks like he's changed his pickups, but not his shirt....

 

Edit: On second close look, I guess neither....

Edited May 21, 2023 by Rocket Queen

[Obrienp]

10 hours ago, msb said:
I’ve heard good things about the Talman pickups although the Lobster thought they were a bit too bright.

 

I had the 5 string version, so this may not carry over to the 4 but I thought the P pickup was perfectly adequate but the Jazz was not great. It was also shorter than a standard Jazz, meaning you would have to enlarge the cavity to accommodate most replacements. I would only have used the Jazz to add a bit of top on occasions, so I didn’t see this as a big problem.
 

The bass was also a bit noisy but for some weird reason they had shielded the P cavity with graphite paint but not the Jazz cavity: exactly the wrong way round. I shielded all the cavities with copper tape and put in some ground wires to link them all up and it was super quiet after that.

 

One mod I did find that produced interesting results with the standard pickups, was to add a push/pull pot to get an option to put them in series. You get a very full and aggressive tone: a bit like a hot humbucker.

 

Over all it was a nice bass but I found the 5 string neck a bit too chunky for my arthritic left hand, otherwise I would have held onto it.

[ezbass]

Other than playing them side by side at home, I haven’t compared the JMJ and Harley Benton Mustang-alike at significant volume or in a band situation. Last night, I decided that comparison should be made. At home, I really like the tone of the HB’s P pickup and have disconnected the J on the strength of it. Anyway, I started off with the HB last night and it was OK. Then, I plugged in the JMJ and it was so different, with much more bottom end and high end detail. To be fair, I was surprised at the difference and it was clear why the JMJ costs so much more. This highlights to me how much of a lottery buying new instruments can be. Even in store, you’re not likely to play at those volumes (well, some folk do, but not me) and you’re not going to have your band there. In short - the JMJ rules! No wonder the upgrade market enjoys such success; BiSonic in the HB - hmm 🤔.

Edited May 23, 2023 by ezbass

[fretmeister]

I see Thomann have listed the Sandberg Florence Mahogany version at £1279.00

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/sandberg_florence_4_mn_brg_565199.htm

 

Lovely thing! If I had the money...

[Osiris]

27 minutes ago, ezbass said:

Other than playing them side by side at home, I haven’t compared the JMJ and Harley Benton Mustang-alike at significant volume or in a band situation. Last night, I decided that comparison should be made. At home, I really like the tone of the HB’s P pickup and have disconnected the J on the strength of it. Anyway, I started off with the HB last night and it was OK. Then, I plugged in the JMJ and it was so different, with much more bottom end and high end detail. To be fair, I was surprised at the difference and it was clear why the JMJ costs so much more. This highlights to me how much of a lottery buying new instruments can be. Even in store, you’re not likely to play at those volumes (well, some folk do, but not me) and you’re not going to have your band there. In short - the JMJ rules! No wonder the upgrade market enjoys such success; BiSonic in the HB - hmm 🤔.

 

Interesting reading. I also own both models and have played and gigged both, I did post my thoughts about the HB after gigging it for the first time, I'll try and find the post and copy it here. But in my experience, they both sounded very different as you said but I was highly impressed with how the HB sounded, and mine is still stock, no pickup changes or blend pot mods. The JMJ is your classic big, fat and punchy Precision sound and the HB is a much cleaner and clearer modern sounding bass, IMO, IME. One thing to ponder is the consistency between the models, I'd hope the custom shop pickup in the JMJ (Seymour Duncan?) are pretty much consistent in terms of tone. But the same may not be true of the cheaper HB, the pickups in mine sound great, IMO, a little mid shy for my tastes but with deep and clear lows without sounding bloated, and a clear high end that doesn't get shrill. Maybe it's personal taste, or maybe I just got a good one and you got a bit of a turd with regards to the pickups?

[ezbass]

1 hour ago, Osiris said:

 

Interesting reading. I also own both models and have played and gigged both, I did post my thoughts about the HB after gigging it for the first time, I'll try and find the post and copy it here. But in my experience, they both sounded very different as you said but I was highly impressed with how the HB sounded, and mine is still stock, no pickup changes or blend pot mods. The JMJ is your classic big, fat and punchy Precision sound and the HB is a much cleaner and clearer modern sounding bass, IMO, IME. One thing to ponder is the consistency between the models, I'd hope the custom shop pickup in the JMJ (Seymour Duncan?) are pretty much consistent in terms of tone. But the same may not be true of the cheaper HB, the pickups in mine sound great, IMO, a little mid shy for my tastes but with deep and clear lows without sounding bloated, and a clear high end that doesn't get shrill. Maybe it's personal taste, or maybe I just got a good one and you got a bit of a turd with regards to the pickups?

It's not that the HB is bad, far from it, it's that the difference between the tones in the house and at the rehearsal studio are far more pronounced. I've happily gigged the HB and would definitely use it again, certainly as a backup or at gigs I deem dodgy. I'm just wondering if I should make the HB markedly different with a different style of pickup. However, that might end up being a case of the upgrades being worth more the bass in its original form (yes, I'm looking at you Low End Lobster).

Edited May 23, 2023 by ezbass

[Osiris]

This is my review of the HB Mustang after its gigging debut a few weeks ago.