hiram.k.hackenbacker

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1400688352' post='2456133']
So -- it's looking very much like the answer to the original question "Fender Custom Shop - worth the tag?" is a pretty resounding 'nope'.
[/quote]
Well you say that, but early last week I became aware of another Fender CS that was about to become available. I picked it up on Sunday and it is just the loveliest thing. An absolute joy to play and georgeous to look at. I am completely and utterly blown away by it. I was expecting to be blown away by this one as well, but, well you know the rest.

The strings are evenly spaced, just all closer to the G side of the fretboard than the E. I can't post any pictures until later.

I'm glad I posted the update now as I had reached the point where I was questioning whether it was worth making a fuss about. Thanks for you comments guys. As a side note, the E string also buzzes like crazy. Nothing from the others, just the E all the way up. I accept a set up might make that disappear, but I'm not going to tinker with it.

So, the billion dollar question, if it is either a misaligned bridge or the neck pointing in the wrong direction, do I really want anyone prodding, poking and sawing at it trying it to make right?

My gut says no. I would prefer to have one without issues or any history of same.

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1400675487' post='2455983']
Do the strings line up with the polepieces properly or are they out too? It a bit sounds like a misplaced bridge.
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Not an easy question to answer that one. I'll try and answer it better with pictures later.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1400675382' post='2455980']
I've seen loads of Jazz basses like that. Either the bridge has been drilled wrong or the neck has moved...either way not good enough.
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Yes, either the bridge has been drilled incorrectly or perhaps the neck pocket has been made slightly out or as you suggest the neck has moved. It's not a three bolt by the way, it's a four bolt.

My CS arrived yesterday. It's going back. I'm not posting this to flame the supplier as they have been great, it's just that I am hugely disappointed when I should be over the moon.

I can't post pictures from here, but essentially there is a noticeable difference in the distance between the E string and the edge of the fretboard and the G string and the other edge. The E side is far wider. Strings are pretty much evenly spaced and they are fine as they go over the nut. Saddles are not adjustable laterally.

I keep asking myself, am I being too picky, but I know it will drive me nuts.

Anyone else had similar problems?

Update bump.

Bump.

Si bought my Phil Jones 4B cab.
He paid promptly and had great communications throughout.
Thoroughly recommended.
Thanks again Si.

SOLD.

[quote name='Mr Fretbuzz' timestamp='1400148454' post='2451143']
Pulled the trigger on a custom order with coda yesterday for a very heavy relic 59P daphne blue over sunburst with a one piece Quartersawn tinted maple neck and fretboard. Asked them to make it as ratty as possible. I want a P that looks sh*t but sounds the dogs bollox :-)
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Nice. I look forward to seeing the pictures. I presume they are taking your request as a challenge and you will receive an "Ultimate Relic". I may be getting something Fender CS shaped at the weekend. Fingers crossed.

ON HOLD.

Bump.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1400086906' post='2450634']
I'm pretty sure the fingerboards on the fretless version were actually Pau Ferro (a.k.a Bolivian Rosewood, Brazilian Ironwood or Morado), which is a fantastic sounding wood for a fretless fingerboard.
[/quote]
Yes, that would be my understanding, although being the owner of a fretted 20th as well, I have to say the fingerboards look pretty similar. I tried to capture the lovely markings on the fingerboard. It showed up best on the image near the nut. I really do need to get a better camera!

[center][color=#0000FF][u][b][size=6]For Sale (sorry - no trades)[/size][/b][/u][/color][/center]

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 20th Anniversary fretless four string bass.

Produced in 1996 in limited quantities as follows:
Total of 1246 Anniversary basses made.
713 maple boards
477 rosewood boards
21 lined fretless
35 unlined fretless

So, this is one of 21 fretless basses made of this anniversary model.

It's of ash body construction with a lovely flamed maple top, of which my photography will not do justice. The top has a tortoiseshell pickguard, which is glued onto the body rather than screwed on. Almost as lovely as the flamed top, is the birdseye neck which I just love. I would say it even beats the neck on my fretted version.

It has a 3 band active EQ. A snap/swivel type battery compartment at the rear and no control plate.

I am not the original owner of this bass, but it is in great condition for a nearly twenty year old bass.

The only issues I can see are that there is a light swirling on the pickguard, some small indentations on the rear (near the neck plate) and a couple of tiny marks on the headstock. The swirling it has sustained is the insignficant type that is almost unavoidable during normal play. The marks on the rear I would describe as "buckle rash", but the finish has not been breached; it is purely an indentation. This obviously does not effect the bass in any way other than cosmetically (see photo). The marks on the headstock are very small and actually look like they are part of the figuring of the birdseye maple.

The neck has signs of it being played, but wear is minimal.

Strung with a new set of light gauge flats.

The tuners and electronics all work as they should.

The serial number is stamped into the bridge.

It is fitted with Schaller strap locks.

The bass comes with an original fitted hardcase and papers. Personal collection and any inspection welcome. I am based in South Essex.

Obviously I would prefer to hand the bass over in person and am willing to travel within reason to do so. I am also prepared to ship it within the UK at the buyers expense.

Here are some photo's. I can take more if required.

Ultimately, it was a great experience, but I'm not a fretless junkie.





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[quote name='2004gdavi' timestamp='1399968066' post='2449333']
Hi.
I powered one of these up with an Orange Terror Bass amp. Not for very long admittedly but it all seemed to work okay. I have the cab to go with a suitcase but was a little curious about having an alternative combination. Hope this helps.
[/quote]
Thanks for the info. I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be OK long term.

[quote name='reggieboomboom' timestamp='1399922311' post='2449039']
Hi mate, can this be used as a normal cab straight to amp?
[/quote]
Hi there. Having consulted the manual (which you can find on the PJB web site) it doesn't say you can't. What it does say is the Pirahna cabs are "ideally" suited to PJB amplifiers. How much of that is marketing I don't know. Someone must have tried it. Hopefully someone will enlighten us!

The site is worth looking at as it has the cab ratings on there as well.

Bumped with price reduction.

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