lozbass

Sennheiser HD25-1? Good isolation, great for monitoring in loud environments, adjustable double headband, and light and comfortable. Not cheap but not in the upper end of IEM system prices

A lot depends on budget. I'd certainly recommend Wizard (UK built) or, if you're flush, it's worth thinking about Alleva Coppolo. If you go for the latter, it's also worth considering an Alleva outboard preamp unit - the pickups and preamp complement each other beautifully. Alleva is an expensive option but it's modular (great pickups first - with a fantastic passive tone - then a lovely, complementary preamp if you want one and when you have the cash). Also, keep the original pickups - you can re-install them if you decide to sell-on the bass and you'll have some lovely high-end p/ups to put in something else, should you wish to.

I haven't played in a band for 20 years and don't intend to join one or gig again (I'd seriously had enough after 15 years of constant gigging/hoping/failing). 'Still love bass and basses though! I usually have between 6 and 10 basses - nine at the moment. I'm trying to move towards six basses (I play short-scale almost exclusively) but like to have one or two that I swap around. I like to change sometimes and try new basses - it's a lot of fun for me. I've owned and played some gorgeous instruments but there are some amazing new luthiers around (and some classic basses that I haven't tried yet). For me, it's not about being in a band or playing with other people. The fun and enjoyment is in the instruments and in the relaxation that comes with playing (knocking out tired old riffs with cack-handed technique!)

Hi Rolty, Great to have you on here and great to see the Walnut sister again. When the original purchaser commissioned the two basses, he gave very detailed specs and selected some gorgeous walnut and cocobolo for the respective facings. The timber on yours looks amazing - unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see it up close as the fretless sold first. I've seen a remarkable piece of walnut on a friend's Triple Omega - Alembic source some of the most exotic examples around! Thanks for the kind words on the buckeye SCD - the timber (again) is just remarkable. The bass actually gets more use than the Series II (it's lighter and the case is in front of the Series bass - I'm lazy!) The SCD sounds absolutely phenomenal - gigantic clang and burp, but as you'll know, there's something about the Series basses. You're right about the addiction...it's dangerous. I added a third and fourth Alembic in the past few months. The Series 1 koa went to another Basschatter pretty quickly as it was simply too big for me (another stunner - I was extremely sad to see it go!). The other bass, a SCD in cocobolo is very lovely indeed - it's the one that gets the most play of the triumvirate (the case is really easy to get at!) I'll get some images when I have a chance. Oh...and I agree with Bilbo - I'm a big fan of Alembics but they don't all capture my imagination. Indeed, I think some are very ugly indeed. The small bodied short-scales are just beautiful in my opinion.

Hi Rolty, welcome! Fantastic to see this, and yes - these are sister basses - both commissioned as a pair by the same purchaser and then parted a year or so after delivery. In my (biased) opinion, they're two of the most beautiful basses on the planet. I'm really pleased to hear that the fretless is getting the play it deserves - absolutely stunning. To save trawling back through pages in the thread, here's an image of the fretted sister. Oh, and a cousin...

I've used Hiscox and found them to be good - they're durable, protective and light. Be a bit careful, I've had a couple of AC Js in Hiscox cases and it's a tight fit. The side mounted jack is very snug against the internal padding/foam. I've also used a TKL rectangular hard plastic case - it's very good in terms of padding and protection and fairly light. It came from the US however and I'm not sure if they're available here in the UK. Another alternative is the newish SKB (supplied with Fenders I think). It looks very good and has high tech catches. It's also pretty light. Not cheap though - Thoman might do a decent deal? You might also want to consider a good bag - I've owned and used Protec, iGiG, Mono and Protection Racket bags. For me, Protec offer the greatest protection with durable and rigid panels front and back. They're also reasonably priced (about £70 from Thoman). Weight is around 7lbs I think. They really are a good alternative to a hard case and offer a very high level of protection.

An absolute delight (and in the best possible colour in my opinion!)

Absolutely lovely! I've always wanted a '66 with dots and binding and paddle tuners - the best look for a J in my opinion. The J looks great with the Bravewood too - a very impressive, classic pair

Probably this one: [attachment=68840:IMG_1311.JPG] with this very close: [attachment=68839:IMG_1460.JPG] The top one doesn't get much play 'cause (i) I don't play much anyway, (ii) it's heavy, and (iii) it's stuck behind other cases. The bottom one gets a bit more play but both give me a bit of a smile. Whilst I'm here, I should say that there are some outrageously beautiful basses in this thread (and others - especially 'porn'). I'm a big Alembic fan but some of the Seis, STRs, ACGs etc., and even the more conventional basses are staggering - we're incredibly fortunate to have such variety and a community of brilliantly talented luthiers

I've been using a DB750 with an Epi ul112 for a couple of years without any problem - I don't tend to play at high volumes but on the occasions that it's been necessary, the cab has coped admirably. Just don't really push the amp and listen for signs of stress as others have indicated

Very sad news indeed - really nice guy and did a fantastic set-up on a Fender Precision Special for me a while ago. He'll be sadly missed - a bit of a legend in these parts and an impressive client list

[quote name='Clarky' post='1082714' date='Jan 8 2011, 11:05 PM']This one, and its now mine, mwhahaha[/quote] Hahaha - what he said! Dear me, it is a bit lovely - you should see it in the flesh.

I too would like to see more details. I'm pretty sure though that anybody considering parting with £8k would want to see, hold and play the bass (and discuss its provenance at length with Alex/Martin). I'm pretty sure too that the price is negotiable - I don't know, but I'd imagine the bass is on consignment and the seller may consider offers. The P is very expensive but we're not really talking about the standard bass market here. I can't see this going to anybody other than a pretty serious collector - first year of rosewood boards, tort plate and all original and intact. If this was a private sale, I'd say it would be upwards of £5.5k