Fat Rich

I used to have a problem with gloss finishes on the neck, I'd sand them down with pretty course sandpaper and not care about resale value Pretty sure I sanded the last remaining bits of finish off the neck of my '62 Jazz Then I improved my technique so my thumb was used less for leverage and now I'm not bothered what the finish of the neck is.

[quote name='urb' timestamp='1375003753' post='2155557'] After last year's M25 hell I'm thinking if I come this year it will be by train -.... [/quote] The M25 hell was caused by an incident that closed the motorway at the junction nearest the venue, just bad luck it happened that day and at that time. Hopefully won't be a problem this year.

Blimey, playing bass must cost some people a fortune! 10 minutes, a set of screwdrivers, allen keys and a tuner is all you need unless you've got a bass with a neck or fret problem.

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1374853792' post='2154118'] But I was playing Bass in the 70s, and changed my strings more often than nowadays. I'm sure they didnt zing clang or klank anywhere near as much as they do now. Also, financially I was far better off when Harold was PM than I am now. No I'm not trying to get politics into the thread, I was better off in the Thatcher years as well. I just think theres a lot of cobblers talked about the so called Dark days of the 70s thats all. [/quote] Quite a few string manufacturers ship their strings in airtight sealed packaging which maybe helps keep them bright. Maybe they use better quality metal wire now. Cars last for ever these days but in the 70s they were rusty before they left the factory, well the British and Italian ones were anyway

Mostly newish strings for me, but I have a couple of basses with really dead strings on for that thumpy sound. I don't like absolutely brand new strings, too zingy, but after a week or two of playing they'll still have all the harmonic overtones without being too bright.

Drummers: I would choose someone with groove over flashy solos, preferably one with own kit, wheels and not too barmy. Which rules out quite a lot of 'em. Basslines: Make sure you've learned the line in you head before you try to play it. In other words if you can't sing / hum / whistle the line you'll struggle to find it on the bass. Finding the notes comes with practice, soon your fingers will just go to the right places on the neck.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1374661256' post='2151370'] Hence a thread about DIY phenolic fretboard repairs on a popular UK bass-related website.. [/quote] Well, why didn't you say! [quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1374661256' post='2151370'] I get the impression that I'll lose about £6/700 on it, though. [/quote] Sadly the second hand value of Status basses is always disappointing although I think the Streamline is one of the more popular models, but if you're not playing it you might as well free up the cash.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1374652163' post='2151234'] Time and lack of phone credit. Edit- And the fact that I have a distinct sinking feeling that I'll be told that there's nothing to be done for it that won't cost ££££. It cost enough in the first place, but once I got over the honeymoon period it's really failed to impress me. It's too light, feels and sounds like a toy. I struggle to take it seriously any more, TBH. Compounded by the fretboard problem That, and the fact I forget I own the bleeding thing as it's permanently in a cupboard. Total waste of time, effort and money. Only the Status restoration thread reminded me.. [/quote] Sounds like you need to fix it up as cheap as possible and move it on, no point in keeping a bass you don't like. Still, sending an email to Status with a picture of the problem only takes a few minutes and doesn't cost anything.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1374618415' post='2151098'] Maybe, but it's not a Gus though... [/quote] I played a Gus and didn't like it. Plus it kept sliding off my leg, needed to wear it on a strap all the time. Sounded good but surprisingly conservative given it's looks. Just not for me.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1374595670' post='2150687'] But was yours six years old (or whatever mine is)? Not that it's seen much mileage... [/quote] Nope, but if it's a manufacturing fault they might feel they ought to sort it out.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1374595263' post='2150677'] Nor I. My 1996 Vigier has a phenolic fingerboard, and that's still perfect, as is the phenolic board on my Yamaha. It's beginning to sour my "relationship" (for want of a better term) with the bass. I'm struggling to be bothered with it at all, and I won't have the time to get it to Status until probably the second or third week in September at best. [/quote] I had a duff pickup in one of mine, they sent a van out and collected it next day. Rob wound a new pickup and they couriered it back within a couple of days. Because it was a manufacturing fault they seemed to pull out all the stops to fix it.

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1374586598' post='2150514'] ..... in fact, about £5K plus by the look of it. Really? [/quote] I reckon you could get 3 of these for the price of a Gus: [URL=http://s751.photobucket.com/user/richardmatthews_photos/media/forum%20stuff/AllGraphite.jpg.html][IMG]http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/richardmatthews_photos/forum%20stuff/AllGraphite.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s751.photobucket.com/user/richardmatthews_photos/media/forum%20stuff/AllGraphitecloseup.jpg.html][IMG]http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/richardmatthews_photos/forum%20stuff/AllGraphitecloseup.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s751.photobucket.com/user/richardmatthews_photos/media/forum%20stuff/AllGraphiteHeadstock.jpg.html][IMG]http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/richardmatthews_photos/forum%20stuff/AllGraphiteHeadstock.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s751.photobucket.com/user/richardmatthews_photos/media/forum%20stuff/AllGraphiteback.jpg.html][IMG]http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/richardmatthews_photos/forum%20stuff/AllGraphiteback.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Just a thought!

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1374347698' post='2147981'] My Status Streamline's fretboard has become damaged by sweat ingress (God knows how!) It has stained the board in a way that can't be polished out. A small pit has started to wear into the board, too. It is no longer shiny and black, It's just dull and stained. The frets are fine, but does anyone have any ideas for repairing/restoring the fretboard? Thanks in advance, Alex. [/quote] Whereabouts is the small pit? Any chance of posting pics? If worst comes to worst maybe you could fill the pit with something, get the board sprayed black and lacquered to protect it. You've said before on this forum that you've talked to Status about and got nowhere, did they consider it wear and tear? In my experience they're really helpful when it comes to fixing things.

Hmm, had a quick look on the Status website (under Online Shop > Active Circuits) and they don't show one of these. The socket and Vol and Blend pots look original but it's possible it's got a replacement preamp. According to the website it possibly had a PS-1 originally, although maybe it's some kind of prototype that didn't make it into full production. I'm slightly suspicious of that grey box on the volume pot, I'm guessing it might be a resistor to bring the levels down so it doesn't distort the preamp? Might be worth asking Rob if it's one of his circuits and what he advises. Although I think the factory is going on it's summer break for a couple of weeks sometime around now.

He's gone to Hawaii? Happy Birthday Clarky!

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTRRBd96YcE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTRRBd96YcE[/url]

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1374153377' post='2145863'] This is [i]very[/i] nice ..... [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Status-Graphite-Stealth-4-String-Electric-Bass-Guitar-Hard-Case-/261237937379?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cd2fe94e3&nma=true&si=DFOwQFLDK0Jhx0QP7sBQ%252Byf4wLo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557"]click here[/url] [/quote] Nice, but I prefer the look of the newer Stealth, it's a bit sharper looking. Not only are they built in Essex, Rob Green says all the machines he uses are British too.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1374146197' post='2145722'] It'll never catch on... [/quote] Keane did a lot to help that

Some of the Highway Ones were nitro, pretty affordable too and the specifications look good. Never seemed to be hugely popular for some reason. Here's some: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/167575-show-your-fender-highway/page__hl__highway"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/167575-show-your-fender-highway/page__hl__highway[/url]

Both are great, the Jazz neck will feel closer to your Jaydee and Status necks. My P bass has an A width neck so it feels exactly like my Jazzes but sounds like a Precision.

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1373883679' post='2142509'] I went missing too [/quote] You didn't quote the whole list, so you got overlooked. As did Dropzone [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]1. Hamster - Tea, coffee & biscuits[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]2. Silverfoxnik - BC Rich Eagle, Schecter Diamond P5, Levinson Blade B15, amp & cab tbc[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]3. Happy Jack - Matamp GT120 with Barefaced stack[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]4. Bluejay - something left-handed[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]5. OBBM - Bergantino CN212, Aguilar TH500, A couple of old Fenders, perhaps a Sadowsky UV70.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]6. chris_b[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]7. Clarky[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]8. Russ - Sei 5-string, Spector 5-string, Markbass 6x10"/Ampeg SVT-7[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]9. Irvined - Retrovide RV4 and home brew bass pedals[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]10. xilddx - 1983 USA Fender Jazz / 2010 USA Fender Stratocaster Deluxe V-Neck / POD X3 LIVE[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]11. Sibob[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]12. Tayste_2000 - Rickenbacker 4003, Overwater 5 string, [1970s Ampeg B-15, Custom Matamp GT200 MK2, Matamp 8x10], the pedalboard[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]13.Barneyg42-Status S2 Classic five, Ibanez BTB 6-string fretess,TC BH500, TC BC 2x10, Barefaced Compact and various pedalage![/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]14. Walman - the usual culprits - [/font][/color][i]though it rather depends on where if anywhere gets booked for the long hols as that is the last Sat of those so I may have to bale[/i] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]15.Paul S - some stuff. BF rig, maybe a Westone Pantera X790 in case anyone wants a look?[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]16. BetaFunk - I will bring a selection of British 60s basses (Vox, Burns, WEM) plus my Shergold Marathon.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]17. Billy Apple. Matamp GT200 Rig. Ruttmoth P Bass, TBird too maybe. Some Pedals.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]18. [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Jazzneck (gig and her highness permitting) - Ampeg AEB and my £60 OLP MM alike.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]19. Simonedward (with blessing of authorities) - Jaydees (Series II, GA24 custom and fretless), a Trace amp (probably), lots of TC toneprint pedals.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]20. Walbassist - Veillette Archtop fretless 5, Sandberg VT5 and BSX Allegro 5[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]21. Phil Adams [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]22. Fat Rich - Fenders, Status[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]23. Molan - Ritters, Celinders, Alleva Coppolo etc.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]24. 51m0n[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]25 Dropzone[/font][/color]

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1373878329' post='2142421'] Apologies, Rich - I thought I had entered your name in the list. Must have been all our random talk about Latin declension that got me muddled up [/quote] No need to apologise. I think an old list got quoted a while back and Jazzneck and me went missing for a while, wasn't anything you did!

Got bumped off the list somehow: [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]1. Hamster - Tea, coffee & biscuits[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]2. Silverfoxnik - BC Rich Eagle, Schecter Diamond P5, Levinson Blade B15, amp & cab tbc[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]3. Happy Jack - Matamp GT120 with Barefaced stack[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]4. Bluejay - something left-handed[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]5. OBBM - Bergantino CN212, Aguilar TH500, A couple of old Fenders, perhaps a Sadowsky UV70.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]6. chris_b[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]7. Clarky[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]8. Russ - Sei 5-string, Spector 5-string, Markbass 6x10"/Ampeg SVT-7[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]9. Irvined - Retrovide RV4 and home brew bass pedals[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]10. xilddx - 1983 USA Fender Jazz / 2010 USA Fender Stratocaster Deluxe V-Neck / POD X3 LIVE[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]11. Sibob[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]12. Tayste_2000 - Rickenbacker 4003, Overwater 5 string, [1970s Ampeg B-15, Custom Matamp GT200 MK2, Matamp 8x10], the pedalboard[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]13.Barneyg42-Status S2 Classic five, Ibanez BTB 6-string fretess,TC BH500, TC BC 2x10, Barefaced Compact and various pedalage![/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]14. Walman - the usual culprits - [/font][/color][i]though it rather depends on where if anywhere gets booked for the long hols as that is the last Sat of those so I may have to bale[/i] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]15.Paul S - some stuff. BF rig, maybe a Westone Pantera X790 in case anyone wants a look?[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]16. BetaFunk - I will bring a selection of British 60s basses (Vox, Burns, WEM) plus my Shergold Marathon.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]17. Billy Apple. Matamp GT200 Rig. Ruttmoth P Bass, TBird too maybe. Some Pedals.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]18. [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Jazzneck (gig and her highness permitting) - Ampeg AEB and my £60 OLP MM alike.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]19. Simonedward (with blessing of authorities) - Jaydees (Series II, GA24 custom and fretless), a Trace amp (probably), lots of TC toneprint pedals.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]20. Walbassist - Veillette Archtop fretless 5, Sandberg VT5 and BSX Allegro 5[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]21. Phil Adams [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]22. Fat Rich - Fenders, Status[/font][/color]

I've played some Jazzes that do this and lowering the pickups generally seems to balance out the strings. You could also try raising the action on the E string somewhat, and maybe lowering the A string a little if possible. Might be a compromise too far though. Edit: I mean lower the whole pickup, not just the E string end.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1373796739' post='2141600'] D'oh! Not sure what's happened there. Have a look at [url="http://www.guitarsite.com/news/music_news_from_around_the_world/electric-guitar-wood-myth-busted/"]this[/url] instead. [/quote] I liked this: [i]"I've only been looking at the results for two weeks and it really looks like all of them are pretty much identical. I was surprised at just how identical they were because the guitars were very different in shape. As I was listening to them, I showed other guitar players and they were surprised as well, they were convinced they all came from the same guitar … I'm beginning to think we should be making guitars out of something more rigid than wood, such as [url="http://www.guitarsite.com/carbon-fiber-guitar/"]carbon fibre[/url]."[/i] I'll stick with my Status basses then! [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1373797354' post='2141613'] They all sound exactly the same to me. The pickups and strings will give you the sound that you want! Truckstop [/quote] I think ultimately the body wood is pretty low down in the list of things that define the sound of a bass.