GregBass

I have had two Rick 4001s - a 1972 that I bought new and the 1979 that I have now. Both played a dream right from the start and sounded like Ricks. Maybe I'm lucky, or maybe those who claim Ricks are poor are actually just looking for something else.

This makes it easy to assess the differences and similarities. For me, the 76 and 77 were the pick of the bunch

They seem to be Korean made but very highly regarded for a starter bass. Is it one of these? http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/bass_guitars/charvette/400/index.html

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1375224952' post='2158636'] What about a Hofner violin bass? I've read that Macca only paid £30 for his one but it must be worth well over £100k by now. [/quote] I may have mentioned this before, but I had a 1960s Hofner Violin Bass. Played like a dog, sounded like someone kicking a cardboard box - so I sold it for £15 (including the original case). In terms of the actual instrument, I did the right thing. In terms of investment it was probably the biggest mistake I ever made. If you want a usable instrument, find one you like and play it. If you want an investment, it's sheer guesswork - but I suspect that most modern Fenders will never fetch a premium.

A great starting point is to build your own bass from parts. There are often bodies, necks and hardware for sale on here - try buying the bits and building something - it will give you an appreciation of what's involved. Then you can progress onto making your own bodies and necks. It all sounds so simple ........

Graham bought a pair of Celestion speakers from me. He paid promptly and kept up an informative dialog until the speakers were installed and working. Top man - deal with him in confidence! Greg

I upgraded my Mexican P with a US original pickup that I bought on here - and the difference was stunning. +1 for the Fender

I always played Ricks until I bought a Warwick from BC's own Jigster. A bit of fiddling later and I have a bastardised Warwick active that is now my go to bass - but I also play my Precision or Jazz for a few songs each gig. Bass players who have seen me before and come to gigs now ask how I make both the Warwick and the P or J sound like my Rick. Maybe John Hall will be trying to patent my fingers? The upshot is: whatever floats your boat. There is not necessarily "better", just "I like ......".

If you are really considering a cheap Warwick, I could be persuaded to part with my Rockbass Streamer 5. It would be well within your budget too

Ziphoblat - I have a mix n match Corvette Standard with a gorgeous slim neck from a 1997. I think they used slim necks till around 2000, then moved to the clubbier ones that are standard now.

I use a Peavey Tour 700 in a Warwick 2U rack and have never had a problem, so you should be fine with something similar.

I think you need to send it over to me immediately so that I can do a full appraisal. Looks stunning!!

I have run 16 ohm cabs with no problem. I would suggest that rewiring the cabs is the best option - then you can use standard speaker leads to connect them. The less complication you have when setting up for a gig, the better, so I would keep it as standard as possible.

If you decide you don't like it and want to move it on, drop me a line It looks gorgeous.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1370523860' post='2102160'] Would that level of customer service make you more disposed to spend your money with Hiscox in future if you need another case ? [/quote] Indeed it did, Dingus. All my gigging basses and guitars now leave home in Hiscox cases.

He should take lessons from those nice people at Hiscox cases. I recently bought one, but my Warwick was just a bit too small and rattled around in it. I mailed Hiscox support, and within 10 minutes someone called me on my mobile. He took the details and asked me to leave it with him. Two days later, four pads dropped through my door - and they were even the right colour match for the case lining. No charge - not even for the postage.

If the minimum ohm load is 4 ohms, you can use any combination of cabs that gives a total impedance of 4 ohms or more. One 8 ohm cab is fine - in fact you could put two in parallel to give you the 4 ohms.

Thanks Rev - that corresponds with what I have picked up from private messages.

Hello everyone I have been offered an old Japanese Bass Collection JZ Series 4 string fretless, and don't have a clue about its value. Can anyone help? It is active with gold hardware. A pretty decent looking 3 tone sunburst, with a wooden scratchplate. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Greg

You could also take a look at the Peavey Tour series. I have been using a Tour 700 for a while now, and prefer it to my Genz Benz Shuttle (which is for sale if anyone is interested). Peavey Tours pop up for reasonable prices on here and ebay.