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NBD: ****** ******* ** (AKA Status Buzzard B2)

Beedster

By Beedster,
in Bass Guitars

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Beedster Grand Master

Beedster

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So, after many years I've realised how my electric bass ownership model works. My mainstays are

 

1.  A nice Precision

2. A nice fretless Precision

3. A unique and interesting bass

 

1 and 2 might change but they are there or thereabouts pretty much the same instrument nonetheless (I recently sold a FCS Precision to buy a '70's Precision, but my bandmates would struggle to see or hear any difference). 

 

But number 3 varies. Examples include Modulus Sonic Hammer/Flea (because I LOVE the playability and tone of graphite necks), Ric 4003 because I love the contrast between the two PUPs and the sheer power that you can get when using it to wind up an SVT or 400+, EBMM Bongo/Reflex because I like to try innovative and versatile instruments, and basses that stand out (Blue sparkle Flea, bright red Sonic Hammer, orange Bongo), because - shallow/unprofessional/daft as it might sound, I know when I take them to an audition/rehearsal/gig I need to be on my A-game. 

 

So, a month or so ago I started to learn a new tribute act setlist, and realised that while they should, neither my '73 Precision, my Status-necked Geddy Lee Jazz, or my EBMM US SUB were the instrument I needed/wanted for the gig. I asked a few questions here, did some homework, and then a chance encounter on Reverb sealed the deal.

 

It meets all my criteria for 3 above, but despite this is a bass that for most of my playing career was one that I knew was never the sort of bass I'd own, and for so many reasons

 

Pics to  follow. In the meantime, see if you can guess...... :) 

 

   

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Beedster Grand Master

Beedster

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It is....... different.

 

Firstly, it is engineered to perfection. Second, it is huge. Third, the action is crazy low. Fourth, it actually makes you hold it like JE used to hold his basses. Fifth, the active circuit with the sweepable mid and boost/cut switches is very powerful. Sixth, the range is huge. And Seventh, and also most important, it makes you want to play it. 

 

Early days, I'll update as it goes, but at the moment, I'm very impressed. 

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  • Beedster changed the title to NBD: ****** ******* ** (AKA Status Buzzard B2)
Beedster Grand Master

Beedster

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8 minutes ago, AndyTravis said:

Box of frogs mad - but very cool x

 

It is mad, it really f*****g is mad.

 

Stupid and impulsive buy that it was, like many others in my long bass playing history, je ne regrette rien, because there is real magic here. The first 10 minutes of playing was almost like picking up a new instrument, not unlike the first time I picked up a DB; same tuning, notes all in the same place, same lines/parts/ideas work, but it feels so different. Still keep getting completely lost in the upper register of the two 8ve neck, the 12th fret is where the 7th should be, the volume control's in completely the wrong place, and I keep bashing the headstock on everything. But being someone who likes a graphite neck I have to say that this is among the best I've played, thick, fat, flat, and long. And it has piano-like clarity, even with some rather old and tired blue (anyone know what make/model?) strings, it sings and rings beautifully.

 

A part of the decision for me also was that, having played DB almost exclusively for two years, moving beck to electric has been quite a shock, my right hand has lost a lot of speed and my left hand has lost a lot of fine motor control/precision. By comparison with my PBass, this baby - like my Modulus Flea years ago -  makes stuff I want to play a whole lot more playable.

 

Just gonna need a fretless now 👍

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Merton Grand Master

Merton

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I expect the strings are the DR coated range, they still do the Black Beauties and Red Devils but they used to do a blue one too. Can’t remember the exact name though and they aren’t made anymore it seems!

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Beedster Grand Master

Beedster

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3 hours ago, BassApprentice said:

I remember having a picture of that, along with the original Buzzard as my desktop background when I was younger. A proper dream bass! Very jealous!

 

Need to go the whole hog and get the Optima Gold Strings! 

 

I'm gonna go back to Rotos for a while, see how they do 👍

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Cosmo Valdemar Grand Master

Cosmo Valdemar

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Congratulations! I've been after one of these for years but on the rare occasions they do pop up I don't have the money.

 

I have played the magnificent Buzzard belonging to our very own @Wolverinebass and it is an astonishing instrument - despite the demented appearance it is a completely logical and comfortable bass to play. And, just like John's, the action is so low the strings are on the other side of the fretboard 😆

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Beedster Grand Master

Beedster

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3 minutes ago, Cosmo Valdemar said:

Congratulations! I've been after one of these for years but on the rare occasions they do pop up I don't have the money.

 

I have played the magnificent Buzzard belonging to our very own @Wolverinebass and it is an astonishing instrument - despite the demented appearance it is a completely logical and comfortable bass to play. And, just like John's, the action is so low the strings are on the other side of the fretboard 😆

 

I feel immensely privileged, surprised, and guilty all in equal measure to own this thing. Years ago I posted here that my Modulus Sonic Hammer was something of a Rottweiler, this things makes that bass look like a Chihuahua, it is huge in dimensions, sound, and ambition.

 

Gonna have to hope I can do it justice........

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