lozbass

I can't comment on the d'Addario or Rotosounds but Alembic short-scale strings should fit (they're easily available and not too expensive). Alembics are designed to fit their 30.75" scale basses - there's silking at either end of the string and length accounts for distance between string anchor and bridge saddles

I just spent a half hour reading the DB751 threads over on Talkbass - a lot of excitement and (informative) discussion and a strong feeling among most current 750 owners that they won't be switching. Dave B has contributed to allay some fears and correct some misconceptions (it's his assertion that the front end in the 751 is a different unit to that in the AG500). It looks like the DB750 was discontinued as of 23rd March - probably a good idea to hang on to your 750 if you love it - the 751 is not a direct replacement (and there's as much downgrading as upgrading in the new model). I'll try a 751 when I see one but I'm pretty convinced that I'll stay with the 750. Another interesting line in the thread is a strong call for the marriage of a 680 with the power section of the 750. That would be worth serious exploration (but I'd still want to hang on to the DB750 - an absolute classic!)

Hmm...interesting (and valid) as Di Piazza's style/technique/music is, I don't think the sound in the clip is typical of a Fodera MG Imperial at all. It would be interesting to see what he's playing through. The rapid flourishes don't seem to show off the sound of the bass particularly well (IMO)

Oh dear, am I to understand that one/both of the Marleaux are for sale (again)? I don't play long-scale anymore, but if anything could persuade me...

Hi all, I've had some communication with the seller and he seems a genuine guy (though, of course, it's not easy to tell from a written interchange). He has documentation and everything seems legitimate. He offered an opportunity to go along and see/try the bass in Devon. The power supply and cable are included with the bass. £2.5k is not cheap but it's probably about right for a Series 1 if the bass is in good condition and it hasn't been tampered with.

I'd advise strongly against staying in Manchester at all if possible. However, if the stay is non-negotiable, you could do worse than a trip to: (i) Music Ground (on Oxford Road opp. the BBC building) (ii) Dawsons (music shop - on Portland Street opp. Britannia Hotel) (iii) Rusholme for a fantastic curry - Rusholme is just past the University area - around 40 restaurants on Wilmslow Rd (a continuation of Oxford Rd - see above) - my personal favourite is the Punjab Tandoori - excellent Dosas, Paneer Tikka, and Shahi Paneer. Prices are extremely reasonable (iv) URBIS gallery space - nice bar on the seventh or eighth floor - expensive but exclusive booze and a great view over the city (v) Chinatown for the best value lunch in the city - lots of restaurants around George St and Faulkner St in the city centre offering a three course lunch for £5.50 (vi) my house to buy one of the lovely basses I'm selling (Fender Jazz '76; Fender Jazz Masterbuilt fretless; Sei Jazz 4?) Good luck - pack a big umbrella and a stab-proof vest. Cheers, Lozbass

I don't know your region, but as the problem is clearly causing considerable disquiet, I'd be tempted to jump on an off-peak train to London and get myself over to see Martin at the Gallery (Camden's only a 20 minute walk from Euston/Kings Cross)

[quote name='Dr.Dave' post='444993' date='Mar 25 2009, 02:07 PM']The starting price on mine was the £270 it cost me to get it off ebay then the £250 I paid Jon Shuker to refinish it.[/quote] That's a beautiful 520 quids worth!

Jamesemt - good luck with the course and getting your life back (post-qualification). As others here have said, a Status is definitely not a one-trick, i.e., slap, pony. I've had my Series II from new in around '85 and used it in a very wide range of musical settings for seven or eight years (before giving up playing for money). For me, Status basses have a characteristic and unique tone, but they are versatile - the clarity, power, sustain and harmonic complexity is something to behold. One of the things I noticed is that my playing on a conventional bass was very sloppy - you can't really get away with sloppiness on a Status - they're so responsive, articulate, accurate and true that any errors will ring through somewhat alarmingly. A few people don't get on with headless designs but I've never found that to be a problem - I can honestly say that my fretting hand has never slipped off the end of the board. Ergonomically, I find the classic status shape (Series II or S2) a delight - the neck has a flattened D profile that is supremely fast and comfortable and the bass as a whole is incredibly well-balanced and reasonably light. If you can, go and try a few and take your credit card - a new Status has got to be a better reward than a car. I've PMd with an offer - it's not an attempt to sell you something.

not too far from me - I love these but I don't really need another (do I...?)