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lozbass

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Everything posted by lozbass

  1. I'd certainly go for the maple/ebony combination with rounds...it's what I have on my Jazz. When I had the bass set up by Martin at the Gallery, I was initially a bit concerned by his suggestion of roundwounds. They do mark the board, but Martin's advice was that the 'channel' simply adds to the characteristic mwahh - he also suggested that if I don't like the look I can just get a re-shoot.
  2. Are the holes in the Mesa 1u apart? 'Seems like a strange place to put them unless Mesa expects you to rack with ventilation space. It looks like you're in for a bit of drilling and filing ('should pass an hour though it'd take me a day and I'd still cock it up). I have an SKB (4u) but can't get to it just now - I'll take a look later
  3. Yes to the above, the Bass Gallery is a stockist - you'll find the range here: [url="http://www.thebassgallery.com/bartolini.html"]http://www.thebassgallery.com/bartolini.html[/url] Martin and Alex are incredibly knowledgeable and very good people to deal with
  4. Hi all, One for the many Fender experts on here. I bought an early '76 Jazz a few years ago. The finish is natural with a lot of playwear and a few bumps and grazes (the bass was imported from New York where it had clearly been played fairly intensively - no damage/major changes, just a well-cut and seated replacement nut: a fantastic player/sound after a fabulous set-up by Steve Robinson here in Manchester - much recommended!) It's not a big deal to me (I'm not an avid Fender collector), but I'd like to know more about the finish if possible. The clearcoat on the body is very yellowed (a kind of deep honey colour - similar to the aged nitro finish on the headstock). It's also soft and quite worn in places - I think a previous player used a pick and wore some kind of bracelet. Where there's wear - very little of this goes down to the wood - there appears to be a harder (poly?) undercoat that is much lighter with a very slightly satinated feel/look. So to the question, does anybody know what Fender was doing/using for its mid '70s finishes on natural basses? Was it a poly undercoat with a softer (maybe nitro or something similar) top coat? I've seen a few worn basses that look like mine but some that don't look as dark - if it's a newer, non-original overspray, no real problem, the bass is still a great player/looker but it would be nice to know. Thanks in anticipation of your help. Cheers, Loz
  5. [quote name='Golchen' post='182921' date='Apr 22 2008, 04:18 PM']Wow - awesome looking bass. I'd love it but my skills are so unworthy! What's the difference with the scale length then? (ignorant peasant)[/quote] Hi, I'm sure others will offer more detailed/accurate responses, but 34" is usually thought of as standard 'long scale' (and 32" as 'medium' and 30.75" or 30" as 'short scale'). A 35" or 36" scale is not uncommon on higher-end or custom 5 & 6 string basses (the scale length is frequently specified by the indivudual purchaser/commissioning purchaser) - amongst other benefits, the extra scale length offers greater tension/tautness for the low B. Personally, I find 35" a bit too much of a stretch and tend to prefer lower string tension. I hope this helps (and I suspect others will chime in with alternative explanations).
  6. [quote name='bobpalt' post='182687' date='Apr 22 2008, 12:03 PM']Hi. It really is lovely! Its a 35" scale. Cheers, Bob[/quote] Thanks, thought so and thus too long for me. Nonetheless, good luck with the sale - the bass looks stunning!
  7. [quote name='6stringbassist' post='180512' date='Apr 19 2008, 02:49 PM']I'd like to see yours, I bet the flamed ash looks nice, is there a photo of it on the Sei website ?.[/quote] Hi Kevin, I'm afraid there's no photo on the Sei site - I think mine is the first s/c that Martin built (I didn't commission it but it's every bit as lovely as you'd expect). The flamed ash is subtle but very nice - there's no exotic facing on the back so the ash is visible in all its full glory (the neck is a bit unusual too insofar as it's non-figured ash and maple laminates with a macassar ebony board). The bass desperately needs a set-up so I'll be down at the Gallery in the next week or two - I'll get some photo's when the set-ups been completed. Apologies for the earlier mail - I'd indicated erroneously that the facing on my bass was Burl when it's actually Thuya. Cheers, Lawrence
  8. [quote name='6stringbassist' post='180019' date='Apr 18 2008, 06:02 PM']Hi Lawrence It's buckeye burl front and back over a walnut core, it's quite heavy but has an amazing acoustic sound, probably the loudest I've come across. Bartolini P4 pickups and an East preamp, blue side LED's.[/quote] Hi Kevin, Buckeye burl is certainly one of my personal favourites and I've seen some of the gorgeous timber that Martin stocks - I'd love to see your acquisition up close! On the volume issue, I've had the same experience with my s/c 6 - it's unusually loud and resonant when unplugged (it's burl over flamed ash) - possibly something to do with the s/c design and neck width (there's a lot of timber in there!) Cheers, Lawrence
  9. "TBH I'd want one with the original case..." As indicated above, I sold mine with the case but these aren't much to get excited about - just an early ABS style form-fit - a picture (the best I have ot the inside of the case) attached below:
  10. Thanks Kevin - absolutely stunning! Knowing Martin's work, I'd imagine it plays and sounds as good as it looks. I didn't make it to the Gallery last week so missed out on an intimate introduction - I'm looking forward to more photographs when you get a chance. What's the facing timber on this (and is it the same facing on the reverse)? Cheers, Lawrence
  11. [quote name='Marcus' post='179473' date='Apr 18 2008, 08:17 AM']Thanks Guys....... I've bought an Aguilar DB410 (4ohm) Great Box !! Talk about Grunt and Heft, can't wait to use it live Mark[/quote] Excellent choice no doubt - I haven't played or heard a DB410 but I imagine it will sound amazing with the 750!
  12. I sold one of these for £600 around 8 weeks ago - identical (LPB) but in much better cosmetic shape than that in the photos (and with the brass thumbrest and original case). The circuit had a little damage (easily repairable) and the original pick-up had been swapped for a DiMarzio. In sum, the bass was extremely heavy but played beautifully and sounded great (when the circuit was operational) - the neck was much more slender than a standard precision but not as slender as a Jazz. In my opinion, Specials look really cool and are a real cut above other late '70s and early '80s Precisions (see Hoosiers videos for current users of the CAR version). At £900, I'd say the bass you're considering is over-priced. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see early 80's Fenders (and Specials in particular) continuing to rise in price. I would wait and try to find a cheaper Special (they do become available in the US fairly frequently), however, I know what desire can do...
  13. I've some experience with Epi and Aguilar - the former is easy - just a switch on the rear of the unit. The Agi (DB750) was imported from the US and needed an internal re-wire (basic - instructions available from Aguilar) and a new circuit breaker switch (again, available from Aguilar at about £30 including import carriage and duty). Given the potential savings available, I'd be tempted to buy in the US - just do a bit of research on the power issues before you go (I've found most US manufacturers to be very helpful) and beware of import duty on your return.
  14. I play mainly 34" basses but have a 30" Danelectro Longhorn: it's really light, incredibly easy to play (with very low action and string tension) and fantastic fun. I think you can pick-up a re-issue at around £250 (and spend some more from your £500 on a decent pre - Fodera or Aguilar - to sort out the Danelectro's tone...far from brilliant out of the box in my opinion). Another useful trick with a Longhorn is to use the D'addario Jerry Jones barritone strings - these are very light, easy on the fingers, bend accurately and easily, and cheap.
  15. Followng several weeks using a recently acquired ul502 (exclusively), I went back to the DB750 and spent all afternoon with it through an Epi ul112. What a pleasant experience! I love the 502 and hadn't thought I'd missed the heft and authority of the Aguilar but the difference was really surprising - two very different amps, each with its own strong character. The Epi is the only cab I have - I use if for on-stage monitoring (on the floor or at around waist height) and it works very neatly in most situations. It can be reasonably loud if it needs to be but remains tight, focused and articulate. To be honest, with PA support, I haven't found any situations in which its been unable to cope (though a loud rock gig might be beyond a single 12). I haven't had a chance to use two ul112s together (or a ul212) but I'd suspect the result would be pretty astonishing - the Epis have the attraction of being very light (about 30lbs) and might go some way towards compensating for the considerable weight of the DB750!
  16. Hi Harry, Given the gigs you indicate, I'd say Epi or TE (12 band eq) is the way to go. I've some experience of both - for me the Epi has greater warmth and hifi gloss and the TE a harder-edged (but rounded and full) punch. The problem with Epi gear is the price - it's certainly not cheap here in the UK (though there was a mint ul502 on BC for around £800 about six weeks ago). I've not used Markbass stuff personally (and in truth, was disappointed with what I heard at UK Bassday), however, MB is garnering plaudits pretty much everywhere. As you're a Sei player, I'd suggest a trip to the Gallery (with said bass) - try as many amps as you can! Also, have a think about importing from the US (due diligence required!). I've managed some good deals but be ready to add around 22-25% to the purchase price for import duty, VAT and handling charges. Good look in your search - pre-purchase testing is half the fun!
  17. Haha - thanks for the above - combination of this Quest with a light, clean pre would indeed be a bit lovely! You're right about Kev too (a man of impeccable taste and a gear list to make most of us green with envy!)
  18. Thanks Guy for the very kind words (and thank you too for the very kind bottle on return of the amp - lovely!) I'm sorry that the pre didn't work out for you and hope that you find a solution soon. Good luck with the gigs and I hope we'll have another chance to meet soon. I can reciprocate the recommendation here - Guy is a fantastic bloke to deal with - really friendly, accommodating and utterly trustworthy. On the Epi Quest - it's still available to any interested Basschatters - the price is £310 including carriage (£300 if you want to collect). I don't expect to have it around much longer - I'm planning to take it down to London next time I'm there so it may be appearing in a bass shop in the captial soon. Let me know if you're interested or want to discuss. Cheers!
  19. Dave Lunt in Stockport 0161 432 9698 (I think - someone else posted in response to a similar enquiry) - Dave has an excellent reputation [quote name='tayste_2000' post='142535' date='Feb 18 2008, 04:13 PM']Any one know a good one I might have some work that needs doing soon Cheers[/quote]
  20. Hi Daf, thanks and 'looks like Malta - another six months or so slaving in Manchester's half light first though!
  21. Hi Daf, It looks like you're enjoying reason 4! It's a beauty and you're photography is much better than mine. Cheers, Lawrence
  22. A bump and a recommendation - I bought a ul502 from 6stringbassist on here a couple of months ago. A staggering amp indeed - one of the few bits of gear that really lives up to the hype. A decent price too. [quote name='Johnebass' post='126485' date='Jan 23 2008, 10:05 PM']Thanks Dood, come on guys a really great head, only used twice, practicaly brand new, wiil accept offers before eBay.[/quote]
  23. Following some deliberation (and a violent robbery on NYE!), I'm selling my Epifani Quest II Bass Preamp. It's in absolutely mint (entirely as new) condition. The unit is around 18 months old with less than 30 hours use (I was so impressed with the Quest that I bought a ul502 from 6stringbassist on this very forum - thanks!) When I selected this, I was looking for a high-end, modern, hi-fi pre-amp and auditioned the Epifani alongside an Aguilar DB680, Avalon, Alembic, and Glockenklang (all borrowed). To be honest (and in my opinion) at this level, there's no 'best', it just comes down to personal preference - each of the preamps was superb but there was something about the Epi that made it stand out for me. The sound is very immediate, articulate, present and warm (with a high-end valve-like quality) - the clarity is stunning and the unit sounds fabulous straight out of the box with the eq flat. All settings and facilities are incredibly usable and well thought through. The voicing is the best I've heard and as a recording tool, the Quest is peerless (again IMO) - the DI is beautiful (every bit as good as the Jensen in the DB750). You can find numerous glowing reviews on Talkbass (and elsewhere) and full specs on the Epifani website (www.epifani.com). The unit is in 'as new' condition - it's been looked after very carefully. There's a real class about the Quest that's evident before you even power-up - the construction and attention to detail is very pleasing: the knobs appear to be turned aluminium and the smoothness of travel on the pots is a joy (I get quite excited about this kind of thing). Components are all top of the range and the design is as good as it gets. The unit weighs just around 8lbs. The Quest is now out of production (other than as the front-end of a ul502 or 902), and I've only found one for sale in Europe at around £600 (Station Music in Germany). As far as I can recall, the original list price was over $1200 (prior to the Music123 blow-out) and there aren't many units outside the US (from where I imported mine). The Quest will be supplied with its aluminium rack ears and three of the four ear mounting bolts (I haven't a clue where the fourth went - I've requested one from Epifani and will include it if it arrives in time - however, it's just a small bolt and doesn't prevent racking). I can also include a photcopy of the operating instructions. I'd prefer local pickup and cash on collection in central Manchester but can post (well-packed) and next day insured if required. I'm looking for £300 for this and can't really go below this price (I think it's pretty reasonable). Please let me know if you have any questions or require further photographs (or if you want to chat).
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