danhkr

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1222018' date='May 6 2011, 10:27 AM']My 95 ray, although I love the big al, they'll never be a ray like mine.[/quote] Feel the same about my 94 Sterling. The big al is a monster of a bass, but there's something magic about earlier EBMM.

First: Fender MIM Std P-Bass, SWR WorkingPro 400 + matching 2x10 and 1x15 Current: Musicman Sterling, Ashdown ABM500 Evo III + matching 6x10

I'd be wary of the fact they messed you around last time, but I wouldn't use that as a reason to cut off your nose to spite your face. Really the key issue for me is whether the band are generally 'ok guys'. As long as none of them are total w*****s or ego maniacs, I'd give them another chance.

I Wanna Be Adored - Stone Roses

I'd say the silver series squiers are probably more desirable because they're MIJ, but the pro-tone stuff is very similar in quality and feel. There's also not a great deal of difference between them and MIM standard Fenders, but again, the Fender branding ensures MIM std's will always fetch a bit more. All in all, it should be a really good guitar, but as others have said, is at least £100 over the market value in my honest opinion.

Im undecided about Later. Where do you draw the line between it been 'crap' and 'just not to your taste'? Some people moan because a lot of acts are unheard of, and others say it's too commercial. Personally I like the mix. Stuff like Cee-Lo, Tiny Tempah and Katy Perry whom I normally dislike on record were actually quite refreshing to see with bands. I agree with whoever said if there's one act that you really enjoy, anything else is just a bonus. The show could maybe do with a bit of a facelift, and maybe the quality just isn't out there at the moment but a live music show like this will never be all things to all people.

Depending on your knowledge and experience you can often have an idea of what somethings going to be like before it turns up, but having said that, the only guitars I've ever bought 'blind' are one's that I know I can get my money back by re-selling if it turns out to be totally wrong for me. So for that reason I'd never buy or order a brand new guitar without trying it. Even generally consistent makes and models you're familiar with can vary significantly in weight and playability.

try [url="http://www.interparcel.co.uk"]HERE[/url]

Does seem a little pricey, but appears to be basically a classic vibe which means it should be excellent. I've played loads of the CV guitars and basses and I've not really played anything that Fender make below the MIM classic series that is any better.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1181911' date='Mar 30 2011, 10:12 AM']If Squier brought out a Black/black/maple CV P i would definitely buy one. Ive not played a VM but im sticking with the CV's due to the vintage frets.[/quote] Well if you can stand Matt Freeman's signature on the headstock - it's happening The VM stuff is great, but they still feel like Squiers to me, whereas the CV stuff is a bit special and probably not bettered by anything Fender make below their MIM Classic series. Just my opinion of course.

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1178986' date='Mar 27 2011, 11:34 PM']I'd be quite tempted by a Matt Freeman P Bass.[/quote] Only seen a small pic, but it looks great. Having said that, I am partial to a black/black/maple p-bass. I think it's going to be more like a CV than a VM with the high mass bridge and gloss neck. Probably going to be around £400 though.

My Big Al arrived this morning!! Absolutely over the moon with it. Haven't had chance to have a proper sit down with it yet, but first impressions are that the body is smaller than I expected and it is also lighter than expected - both of which suit me fine. Just flicking through the tones and pickups and I can't get a bad sound out of it - the 4-band eq is lovely and although very effective, surprisingly subtle. Can't wait to spend a bit more time with it

Excellent all-round. Item as described, good communications, trusted seller.

[quote name='leonshelley01' post='1173240' date='Mar 23 2011, 01:21 PM']I have twice bought items from the Bass Centre, and both times I have had to wait 4-6 weeks for them. Both had shown as "in stock" on their website. When you try to call them to chase information, their attitude and response is terrible. They make British Gas look like paragons of virtue! Needless to say, I will not be bying from them again.[/quote] I'm always prepared to give places the benefit of the doubt because for every person that complains there could well be hundreds of happy customers, but it's a bit naughty having stuff as 'in stock' on the website when it isn't.

Guess you could always make a set up from singles if your prefered guage isn't available as a set.

[quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='1164481' date='Mar 16 2011, 03:01 PM']For anyone thats interested my Big Al is back up for sale! Need to clear the debts!![/quote] Oh dear, hope you don't regret it Musicman20 - glad to hear they're sorting it all out for you. Any ideas when you'll get the replacements?

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1162579' date='Mar 14 2011, 11:35 PM']Minor update - now in touch with S&T who I expect will be great to deal with, but I have stipulated that I expect replacements for high end basses such as these not being to spec. The damage could have happened at any point in delivery, and strangely they dont seem concerned about that. The cases are hardcases, but I think putting a cardboard box over a hardcase a little worrying because you want the case to also turn up brand new! Darren @ BM bubbles everything but before that, it was just one box, case inside, bass in case. No padding.[/quote] Probably not concerned because they'll be covered for any damage in transit. Normally the weight of a guitar is a risk you take when ordering unseen but I reckon because you're a good customer to all three companies involved, they'll take the sterling back and change it for you. I'd also bet that S&T didn't even mention the weight when ordering. Even if they did I very much doubt EBMM would take any notice.

Think I'd only just joined when this thread was first up and running. Glad I caught it this tim, brightened up my day no-end.

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1159239' date='Mar 12 2011, 01:05 PM']Is there no end to things going wrong?! I've had a rubbish 3 months and now my Sterling 5 and Big Al 5 have turned up with what looks like partly shipping damage (one case is seriously cracked) and other very annoying things. The both sound great but my gut tells me I'm in for yet another wait...[/quote] Argh, not good news! Is there much damage to the guitars themselves??

Rarely see basses made in 1980 but these two are probably fairly typical of the time...

[quote name='bigjohn' post='1157875' date='Mar 11 2011, 11:45 AM']I've got a passive one... They're not quite "mexican standards with an extra pickup", they're [i]deluxe [/i]models (the best Baja has to offer - so first pick of the wood to arrive from Corona) and they're made using US hardware, pups and electrics. Same as US deluxes aren't quite Standards either. The necks and bodies are selected as the best from that batch. Mine's really quite indistinguishable from a US bass except for the "made in mexico" stamp. Certainly better (prettier grain etc) than every Standard MIM I've played (I've owned 2). But yeah - £650 is steep. You shuold be able to buy a really nice 2nd hand for £400 or so. £300 or so for one that's been played in Bargains they are.[/quote] Fair points, perhaps my analogy was a bit harsh, but I have to disagree that they're indistinguishable from a US bass. Although lovely to play and spotlessly finished, there was a clear difference in feel and quality when compared to both usa standards I've owned. Also whilst one of the pickups (the noisless jazz) is USA made, I'm not sure the p-bass pickup is and the machine heads certainly aren't. Like I said, I really like them, they're a brilliant 'all-round' bass, and the pan control between the two pickups is really effective, I just feel that unless the actives are a must, brand new they're top-dollar and second-hand USA stuff and maybe even the MIM classic series probably represent better value for money.

Funnily enough I was wondering the same thing this morning but found out if it's in the EU you won't have anything to pay. Might be worth just being aware that if you encounter any problems, your warranty is often only with the store you buy it from and if you need to exercise it, you may be looking at having to return it to Germany. Only a thought, but if it's only a little bit cheaper to buy from Thomann, I'd be tempted to get it from within the UK, if not locally.

Yes I had one for less than a month, only selling it because the chance of something I particularly wanted came along. I was really impressed with it. I love the P-Bass styling but prefer the Jazz neck and tone. Along with the actives, this gives you all of that and more. The gold guard looks pretty cool as well. However I'd advise looking for a used one because £650ish is pretty steep for what is basically a mexican standard with an extra pickup and actives (and thats discounted as well!). That sort of money is second-hand USA std territory. Even USA-made EBMM Subs can be picked up second hand for £350/£400.