lozbass

Of course, it's a good idea to have a functional understanding and some practical experience (and the guides noted above are excellent). However, I'd take the bass to Martin at the Gallery. You can be learning the basics on-line whilst he gives your instrument a first rate set-up

A mate of mine bought the immaculate sonic blue SE FSR that was in Bass Direct (just like 73Jazz's) - he's thrilled with it. Even better, he's bringing it over to me for a couple of weeks whilst he's away on holiday - good man! These are fantastic instruments - I had the pleasure of playing Andytrav's around a year ago - stunner!

[quote name='silverfoxnik' post='1243997' date='May 25 2011, 10:45 AM']This is by far the best and my favourite bass shop in the world.. The people actually speak to you for a start!! [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showforum=18"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showforum=18[/url][/quote] +1 - wonderful and how true!

I think Big_Stu is asking the right question - how big a treat? Depending on what you intend to spend, options are a bit limited beyond the obvious EB0 and EB3. Much depends on whether you're thinking about vintage or modern tones. My favourite shorties by far are Alembics - if you're talking really serious cash, there are Series I and II shorties around. For a bit less, you can pick up a really lovely Stanley Clarke (30.75" scale). If you want to go medium scale (32"), you could have a look at Status - there's the tiny Streamline and various choices in the Kingbass range. You'll see a reasonable amount of Alemic medium scales around too. Good luck, I'm a short-scale devotee!

There's an Epiphone EB3 short-scale around at the moment - I think there's a sale at Dawsons and you can pick one up for around £200. It could be worth a try.

Absolutely beautiful...I put the album on this morning whilst working. Then I stopped working and just listened. Some first-rate writing - intelligent, grown-up songs, aching string arrangements. Settle-in for a single? Really lovely indeed.

Very cool indeed Clarky - I've been getting excited about the CS 2011 P/J hybrid but yours is the real deal. Looks like nitro to me too

EBS Freak - Fantastic, thanks!

Just a quick one - does anybody know of manufacturers of non-leather (but leather or suede) type straps? I have a couple of Alembic branded Moody straps (the Hippie sandwich leather and suede style - 4" width) and find them to exceptionally comfortable in use - much moreso than my Comfort Strapps. However, I'm fairly strictly vegetarian and prefer to avoid the use of leather (I'm certainly not trying to start a fight about the merits or otherwise of vegetarianism here). If anybody knows of a strap maker that uses very supple and soft, but durable and strong leather or suede substitutes, I'd be extremely grateful. Cheers!

Hi Bob, welcome. I'd echo the advice of those above - you dont give a location but if you're close to some stores, get out and play as many basses as you can. If you find something that suits (tone, ergonomics, aesthetics, playing style), you could think about looking for that model in the 'for sale' section here. You have a good budget and could secure a very nice bass. I'd be thinking about trying basses in the £800 to £1000 range in shops. If you're patient, you could pick up something similar here for maybe £500-600. Also, think about saving some budget (£60?) for new strings and a really good set-up. Good luck - half the fun is in the shopping around

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='1213672' date='Apr 28 2011, 11:42 AM']I'm desperately trying to fight it, but I fancy a PJ. Ideally this: But I quite like the idea of a custom build... That said, I have no money so unless I sell something it's a moot point.[/quote] Yep, that's the one

I'm not sure, but this could feature one of AC's oversized J bodies - Jimmy Coppolo moved to a larger sized body for his J 5s (as an option?) around 8 or 9 months ago I think. I also think the idea was (in part) to provide visual balance with the broader neck. AC is a bit of a religion inthe US and I'm sure you'll find all sorts of discussions of the tonal impacts/nuances of body size on TB's Alleva Club (I've more or less given up - it's all got a bit esoteric)

Just received some strings from Mick - fantastic communications throughout, super-fast delivery and great packing. A brilliant experience from start to finish and thoroughly recommended - thanks Mick.

Cool as f**k - I too bought a Ripper just to get laid. Dan2112 beat me to it - what are the pickups? The ad makes a lot of them but they're certainly not the type that appear in my Ripper (an early one - probably '74).

Wow! That is absolutely lush! I couldn't agree more - the classic and original - love the old Status brass bridge plate and logo. I'd have the old plastic knobs on it though. Great to see this (though it's invoked GAS).

I'd be having a serious look at a Status Streamline. I picked one up a couple of months ago and it's been a revelation! Around 5.5lbs, ergonomically phenomenal (just a bit weird playing seated at first), and all the high-end Status tone you'd expect. I have an old Series II and a few Alembics so I think I know what the OP means about the very modern, powerful active tone. Whilst the Alembics and Statii are quite different, they do share similarities in terms of brightness, clarity and drive. The Streamline has all the power, tonal complexity and authority of its bigger Status sisters, just in a very small package. I can't sing its praises more highly - an absolutely wonderful instrument. I know they're not cheap, but when they come up second hand, £1300-1500 (depending on spec and condition) should secure one. I'd honestly get out and try one - it really could be the answer.

Absolutely lovely Clarky - actually thought this was mine when I saw the thumbnail (the colours are almost identical - the nitro is maturing on the AC too). Never had a Bacchus but yours looks gorgeous!