lozbass

I've been thinking about scale length, string spacing, action, string tension and neck width and neck profile a lot recently (I'm playing mainly shortscale now). I'm of average height (5'9"), have long arms (I'm possibly not as evolved as many contemporaries), and reasonably long fingers. I find that I'm significantly more comfortable on short-scale instruments with very narrow and fairly to very shallow necks. The more I think about it and the more basses I play, the whole selection issue seems to be down to personal taste, technique and playing style. My advice would be to try a lot of basses and find the one (or some) that suit(s) your preferences and requirements with respect to comfort. I'd agree with other posters that string spacing (and other factors - tension, action, profile etc.) can be at least as important as scale length. Experimentation is probably the optimum solution - it's also fun, especially if you have access to a lot of music stores. If you don't have such access, it's probably a good idea to invest in a train ticket - investing a few quid in a ticket and time in finding something that you feel comfortable with could save you a lot of money in the medium to longer term.

"If it was a singlecut that's my Sei."

I don't want to hijack the thread, but it was a 'melted' singlecut 33" scale - 4000 if that's yours, I'm really envious - it's absolutely gorgeous! I was very close to buying myself but was looking for something shorter. Back on track - as others have said, I think Andy (Wizzard) will wind to your spec. This isn't cheap but it's not too expensive either. The Wizzards in the Sei Jazz are a custom wind but I don't know what was specced when they were commissioned (the bass has had a few owners and I didn't fit the Wizzards). To me the pickups sound very even across the range (B-G), open and articulate - they're also very full and clean (the ciruit is a Bartolinin 9v - this obviously has a major impact but the pickups sound great with the bass in passive).

A Ripper was my first 'expensive' bass (around '79) - it had been well used since birth (about '74) thus was extensively rodded/re-finished (by Ted Lee) in the 80s and I still have it now. It is absolutely gorgeous - there's something about these that I find really cool. Mine lost its original sound (bo**ox) in the rodding process, but still sounds amazing (if different). I hope you enjoy this - they're massively underrated instruments in my opinion and most play amazingly well. Any idea what the bridge pickup is (it doesn't look original) - also, it appears that the four way chicken head selector switch is missing (does that explain the toggle switches)?

Enjoy the Ripper - a forgotten (nearly) classic!

I haven't used Bare Knuckle pickups (other than in a Sei I tried at the Gallery...err, uplugged) but I have Wizards in a Sei Jazz - I've been extremely impressed: you may wish to consider them as an alternative to the BKs.

Bump and last call for this one - please let me know if you're interested. I'll need to withdraw tonight or tomorrow morning (Tuesday, 5th August). I'll include postage and insurance in the price (or deduct £75 for pickup). Cheers, Lozbass

Thanks for the above BigRedX - very intriguing!

Haha, it is a lovely bass, well worth somebody else's body parts (as is the Singlecut 6 if there's any potential Burke and Hares around)

I've been involved in a number of deals with US sellers (and buyers) - I think Crazykiwi is right, expect to pay around 22% on top of the purchase price for musical equipment (17.5% VAT and around 4% import duty). There may also be a handling charge applied though this is usually fairly minor. The VAT will be applied to the total cost so will include the value of the item plus packing and carriage charges. I have experienced no problems whatsoever with some reasonably high value transactions. Be careful though - it's important to check-out a seller's record thoroughly when they're located in the UK (feedback, address, fixed-line number, google for web appearances etc.) and this applies even moreso for overseas sellers: if the seller is genuine, they shouldn't be too shy about passing-on identification details and will probably request some degree of reciprocation. So...I'd have no problem with buying or selling in Europe or the US, just proceed with caution and don't allow yourself to get carried away by an apparent bargain.

[quote name='Stag' post='253170' date='Aug 2 2008, 10:09 AM']I assume everyone has had no problems with shipping from America... do I need to hear any horror stories first? (eek!)[/quote]

Hi all, please note that this Singlecut 6 will be advertised here until Monday evening (4th August) - if it remains unsold, my intention is to withdraw the ad and sell the bass via consignment/brokerage. Please let me know quickly if you're interested - I'm around throughout the weekend. Cheers, Lozbass

Sei Flamboyant 5 now sold to Rich - cheers, great guy and excellent player

Sei Singlecut 6 still available (until Monday evening - 4th August) - see other listing

[quote name='Bossajazz' post='251602' date='Jul 30 2008, 08:10 PM']Hi Lozbass,

Just wondered where you are based? I used to own Martin's No2 singlecut and would consider another. I take it is 36" scale (like AJ) with the Overwater strings?

Cheers,

Alan[/quote]

Hi Alan, thanks for this - the scale on this singlecut is 35". From what I know of the history of this bass, it was commissioned as a close match (but not in all details, of course) to AJ's presentation F. It has a wide board and wide string spacing - it's very articulate, clear and open - a kind of natural, precise, uncluttered sound. I'm in central Manchester - let me know if you're interested and I'll keep you updated (I have somebody viewing tonight and another serious potential purchaser arriving at the weekend). Cheers, Lozbass

[quote name='Golchen' post='251026' date='Jul 30 2008, 08:50 AM']Part of me wants this to get snapped up pronto and put me out of my misery, and part of me really wants it!

What's wrong with longer scale??[/quote]

No problem, it should be gone by tomorrow evening (one way or another).

Nothing wrong with long-scale but plenty wrong with my technique!

[quote name='4000' post='250844' date='Jul 29 2008, 09:49 PM']Hmm, that's lovely. If I'd sold my CS I might consider going for it (although the spacing is probably too wide for me in reality - I'm a 16mm man myself - and I find the Series 2 singlecut comfier), but that doesn't look like it's happening, which in this case is probably a good thing as I'm supposed to be paying stuff off, not buying more![/quote]

Haha - this is a feeling I know all too well! I hate selling this but it's a travesty that it doesn't get exposure - it's a gorgeous bass but the scale is beyond me (I'm heading to shortsville...fast!)

[quote name='GremlinAndy' post='250860' date='Jul 29 2008, 10:12 PM']oooof This is a HELLUVA bass! I'm LOVING the looks of that. I'm in Sheff, and you're less than an hour away in Manc....
If this doesn't shift real soon, I'm gonna pop over and take it. Seriously. I'm looking for a second 5'r at the mo and this looks to fit the bill..[/quote]

Thanks to all for the very lovely comments - Martin is a bloody genius and this bass is as gorgeous as all of his creations. I took it into Music Ground in Manchester recently and it caused a storm: one of those moments when you open a case and everybody gasps...if only it were a shorter scale!

Cheers, Lozbass

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='250067' date='Jul 28 2008, 11:27 PM']No, you're not alone - I see 11 photos of the 6-string, none of the Flamboyant.[/quote]

Hi Molan, Happy Jack - thanks for alerting me to this. I'm not sure what's going on - I can see the photographs (about 8 of the Flamboyant) with my browser - they went up around 10.00pm last night. I'll check from another connection later today and see if I can work something out. I've had messages from other Basschatters who can see the pictures...I'll try to find a solution.

...Oops!...just a thought - the Flamboyant is advertised separately - the photographs of the 5 don't appear in this thread (sorry if I'm misleading anybody).

[quote name='Golchen' post='250177' date='Jul 29 2008, 09:04 AM']Amazing looking bass. I sure would love that, and I'd probably go for it if most of my GAS money wasn't set for a drum kit. My playing is so unworthy it would almost be a crime for me to own it!

Where in the country are you out of interest?[/quote]

Thanks for the comments all - it is a lovely bass. Haha - my lack of talent didn't dissuade me from ownership! Me and the bass are in Manchester - bring an umbrella and a kevlar vest.

Cheers, Lozbass

[quote name='6stringbassist' post='249639' date='Jul 28 2008, 02:54 PM']Very nice Lawrence, can I ask what you're getting in its place.[/quote]
Hi all, pics added (and of the Flamboyant) - thanks for the comments and PMs.

What to get? I'm thinking of a commission for a short-scale singlecut five (E-C) - I'm finding that shorter-scales are easy to cope with (reduced tension) and the E-C aids my musicality (it's helped me to get out of a rut and get a bit more melodic!)

Pics added and now with a firm price

[quote name='molan' post='249627' date='Jul 28 2008, 02:39 PM']Will there be pics of the Flamboyant as well?[/quote]

Yes - sorry for the delay - later this evening

[quote name='bassjamm' post='249197' date='Jul 27 2008, 10:32 PM']Hi mate,

What's the scale length and string spacing...and do you have any pics?

Thanks
Jamie[/quote]

Hi, pics later today (evening I hope) - for now, string spacing is +/- 19mm at the bridge (around 10mm at the nut). Scale length is 35". This is quite a big board but the action is very low and it's not difficult to negotiate your way around.

[quote name='MB1' post='248952' date='Jul 27 2008, 03:33 PM']MB1.
....Bringing in the Sheafs?[/quote]

Haha - it's to be hoped so! I see you're in M/cr too - nice out...

Pics later but more likely tomorrow (make hay etc...)

I've never been a fan of Warwicks but have to admit that this is truly spectacular - gorgeous! Good luck!

Available until Monday evening - 4th August

Hi all, I'm selling this Sei Singlecut 6 and a Sei Flamboyant 5 (please note, the Flamboyant 5 is now sold - this 6 is still available) - both are gorgeous instruments (they simply don't get sufficient play time). The bass comes in a Bass Centre branded Hiscox case in very good but not perfect condition. The price is a firm £1375.

A few details:
Top: Thuya
Neck: ash and maple
Board: Macassar Ebony
Circuit: Bartolini 3 band
Pickups: Bartolini

String spacing: 19mm (around 10mm at the nut)
Nut: 58mm; neck width at 24th fret is 95mm

The neck is very slender front to back - the board is wide but still fast. The action is very low. The bass was set up by Ged Green in Manchester with Overwater light strings about 3 weeks ago and has had little play time since. Condition is excellent - there are a couple of tiny blemishes but the bass could pass for new or nearly new - there are no scratches or dings anywhere on this bass (most instruments on a dealer's floor would have more/more significant marks). There really isn't a blemish that I could photograph or one worth pointing out. The bass has a very clean, clear and articulate tone - it's extremely resonant when unplugged. The headstock wears a Macassar truss rod cover fashioned by Ged - this is really sympathetic in design and complements the head and body shape perfectly (it's also a neat and tidy solution to the open truss access). I'm not sure of weight but the bass is beautifully balanced either sitting or on a strap (gold strap locks included) - my scales say around 9lbs. More details tomorrow. Please feel free to request more details or photographs. Cheers, Lozbass

Now SOLD - thanks Rich - great guy, excellent player!

Singlecut 6 still available (until Monday night - 4th August)

Hi all, I'm selling two Seis - this Flamboyant 5 and a singlecut 6. More details later today or tomorrow.

Condition is suberb, the bass dates from around 2003 and has very little play time. The price is a firm £1375 including straplocks and a Gator case (the case is also in excellent condition).

A few details (more soon - please ask if you need anything specific or more detailed photographs).

Scale length: 34"
String spacing: around 16.5mm
Neck width at 1st fret: 48mm
Neck width at 24th fret: 72mm
Weight is around 8lbs (the bass is very light and extremely well-balanced)

Neck: 7 laminate flamed maple with wenge stringers
Body: ash
Top: olive (beautifully figured with a black accent line)

Circuit: Schack 3 band (preferred by Martin I think)
Pickups: Bartolini humbuckers
Side LEDs in red

The bass was set-up recently at the Gallery with LaBella Slappers - very light guage with E-C stringing. The action is unbelievably low (probably too low for most players)

Condition is superb - the bass looks breathtaking and could pass for new/almost new - it's clearly had very little play time. There is just one small mark - a tiny (2-3mm) and very shallow indentation in the lacquer on the back of the body (just below the tummy contour line). I caused this by dropping a jack plug from a low height - the mark is not easy to find and I was laughed out of three shops/luthier businesses when I enquired about having it fixed/flattened. To be honest, it's only apparent if caught in the right light - even then it's almost invisible and takes some time to find.

I'm advertising this and the Sei singlecut six until next Monday night - I think the prices (£1375 for each instrument) are very reasonable (even in a depressed market). If they don't sell here then they're off to meet their maker (if Martin/Alex are interested in a brokerage/consignment deal).

This is a very versatile bass - it is beautifully airy and refined (quite hifi), but can rock and growl if played hard. The Schack circuit is very powerful (and very useable) indeed.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you want to talk or need more information or photographs.

Cheers, Lozbass