skej21

4 hours ago, stewblack said:

This has been a great read, thanks everyone. 

Agreed, thanks for starting it. Looked pretty objective and positive for almost a page and a half (although it looks like some are trying to fish for the arguments you mentioned in your initial post by slagging off certain makers etc!). 
 

6 minutes ago, stewblack said:

This is full of information I didn't know. Thank you. 

If you're interested, this is quite informative  

He also mentions the "sticky" feel, which you see a lot on forums. People buying guitars with Nitro finishes without realising and then when going through the "sticky" phases, they end up taking sandpaper to it in an attempt to smooth things out again etc (not realising that it'll happen again eventually, as nitro takes a long time to cure)

15 hours ago, stewblack said:

First of all, let me beg this doesn't turn into an argument about who loves/hates roadworn instruments. I'm into spreading love and vegan butter not hate and hot collars. All I wonder, as I watch a bass being roadworn on Youtube, is if someone could point me to what they consider the most realistic relic job they've found or seen.

My interest piqued when the guy on YT said I want it to look like a forty year old instrument not a new one. I look at my 38 year old Aria, which has been worn by the passage of time and, none of the ones I've seen either in the flesh or online look anything like it.

I just wondered whether maybe relicing an instrument is actually an art form with its own rules and aims. The look isn't actually supposed to mimic reality as such, it's  more a take on it which has developed it's own reality. Look at Leland Sklar's old basses. they are subtly worn in places I would never have imagined. More like a well worn bannister in an ancient building.

I know Rory Gallagher's strat had it's own extreme mojo and I suspect that and others like it may be the template here, but no one in their right mind would taske a new bass and hack chunks out of it to match my Aria that's for sure!

For me (and as you say this always descends in to an argument so it’s hard to present an objective argument without people taking it personally etc) but I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that a large majority of bass players don’t really understand the specifications of a bass (and therefore the reasons wear that produces this type of finish happens at different rates).

Nitro finishes are expensive. As such, earlier Fender copies (such as Arias etc) avoided using nitro to keep costs low. If you use a cheap alternative like gloss polyurethane, ‘natural wear’ from playing is more likely to be the odd chip out of the paint but the gradual erosion of the finish simply doesn’t happen at the same rate (maybe over a few hundred years rather than decades) or in the same way as softer nitro will (the look or a soft finish that has gradually worn down compared to a hard finish that’s been aggressively sanded back look very different!).

So, in Fender’s current range a model like the American Original 60s Precision will wear and carry a more traditional worn look after 38 years of playing than a MIM Player series bass would (or your Aria). Also, nickel tarnishes and ages much quicker than chrome 🙂

Obviously that also means that relic techniques do not work in the same way for modern poly body/neck finishes and chrome hardware to produce a ‘relic’ finish on instruments using etc

This is stunning! Enjoy it

49 minutes ago, bnt said:

Is that the new Vintera 50's Precision?

It’s the American Original ‘50s Precision in Aztec Gold 🙂

5 hours ago, Chiliwailer said:

Do love a Sherwood Green, this is supposed to be a 61, so either the guard is changed or it’s a late 59. 

We're only on page 2 and we already have the winner!

Just worth mentioning that the Original series is an actual lacquer (nitrocellulose) finish unlike the other two. I see countless posts from people who buy basses from the ranges that use nitro finish (Nate Mendel, road worm, AVRI, American Original etc) who are used to polyurethane finishes and start talking about sanding back the neck or that it’s ‘sticky’ etc.
 

Whilst on paper they look great and the price/spec is above the more standard ranges, the lacquer seems to be the biggest factor that affects playability for most people so if you’re seriously considering it, I’d suggest trying something with a nitro finish and seeing if you get in with it first. It’s a lot of cash to spend if you’re going to then 1) Have to strip back the finish immediately and affect the resale value or 2) simply not be happy with it.

Also, the American Original series has all the vintage quirks like 60 cycle hum on the pickups etc, which seems to be another gripe that pops up a lot (why is it so noisy? Why are the pickups buzzing? etc).

Probably just worth knowing what you’re buying in to!

Just for anyone wondering, i imagine they have not mentioned refunds as through the Eventbrite refund claim option, it says "Organiser Refund Policy: No Refunds"

I think I'll be OK with moving to a newer date, but hopefully those who are not will be able to access some sort of 'good will' refund

I mean, come on... why buy a Squier when you could have one of these!?

I'd imagine the organisers are tirelessly contacting all of the performers/clinicians and doing all the tedious back office stuff, and we will get an update once they've done all they can. Hopefully they are already on track to do the right thing by anticipating the inevitable official announcement and refunds (if it comes to that) should be a fairly simple part of the organisational chaos.

Good luck @Bass Guitar Review !

39 minutes ago, BassBunny said:

At the moment UK and NI to US is no problem but I assume these players were already over in Europe, (certainly BS and RB were), so factoring in a return airfare for a 1hr. clinic might be a stretch.

Hope I am wrong but it was Richard Bona and Billy Sheehan I really wanted to see.

True, but with Trump's knee-jerk nature, I can't see anyone taking the risk!

13 minutes ago, BassBunny said:

I see Richard Bona has abandoned his European tour due to the US - EU travel ban coming in tomorrow. I know UK is excluded from the ban but assume he, like Billy Sheehan, had the show as part of their European tours.

Can't see Lee Sklar coming over either, as the US won't let him back in!

Let's hope the show are following guidelines closely and make an informed decision either way

Must admit, never had the chance to try one of these but I think they look really good. The main thing that puts me off making the effort to 1) Travel to try one or 2) Buy one unseen is the number of times I've seen Scott Whitley selling on his own signature models!

This is a favourite of mine 

Just now, uk_lefty said:

I did Google Tiny desks but just got loads of dolls house stuff... 🤔

Try 'NPR Tiny Desk'

On 05/01/2020 at 09:29, Reggaebass said:

I’ve got 3 types and the Hercules grab one does stick out the most, I wouldn’t use  the all metal hook ones , as on a few of my ones the hook has come loose from the wall plate , I like these ones , https://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Supplies/Accessories/Stands_and_Hangers/String_Swing_Guitar_Hanger.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2020-01-gp&pref_currency=P&shipcalc=UK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0bDL1Y_s5gIVGeDtCh2M-AZOEAQYAiABEgIl-vD_BwE , when hanging the bass body is 75mm off the wall .

I really like these too   

Here's mine - A 2016 MIJ FSR Mustang.

I've booked a Saturday ticket, Leland Sklar and more importantly blagged a cheap B&B (my oldest mate's spare room who lives nearby!), so if anyone wants to meet up etc, count me in (instagram @mattpotterbass, just drop me a message) !

Love it. I’ve been close to pulling the trigger on the LPB one a few times recently! Enjoy!!

This is stunning! GLWTS

Tried a few of these in the shop and they are awesome basses. Must admit I spotted the ad and was a little tempted

18 hours ago, skej21 said:

I've been waiting a while for a Jaguar or Mustang style configurator... this could be dangerous!

Actually, I now need two! 😂

I've been waiting a while for a Jaguar or Mustang style configurator... this could be dangerous!

5 minutes ago, skankdelvar said:

Genius.

Thanks (i think?! based on your usual post style! 😂)

Here's mine!