kiat

Hi, apologies if this buying bass question is considered off-topic (if there's a better place, please say). I'm looking to buy a Fender Precision and there is one in the US a workmate has which I really liked playing. It's an MIA 1973 natural maple finish original in pristine condition that needs a little technical work (one fret buzzes and rewiring the pots), and if everything works out it'll be mine. Any advice to share on bringing a bass back?

Nice thread - basschat is proving a very enjoyable place to browse around, especially stuck in an airport (New Orleans) with free wifi, intending to fly home. With all the music I've heard here this week, I can't wait to... - play through the ~50 transcriptions Ive learnt already in the R&B Bass Masters book (nailed most of them, just a couple that were beyond me so far) - practice Jamerson's part on Marvin Gate & Tammi Terrell's "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" - plan out sets of marlowedk riffs and exercises and start them - pick another Jamerson transcription to learn (they seem to be getting easier thank God) - check out tetrachords

Guys, Thank you so much. The common sense and experience shines through in the replies. Because I wasn't sure if I'd get replies here in time before I lose internet access (on hotel wifi with Nexus One phone), I was gearing up to post on talkbass - but your responses make me feel I don't need to. Also whilst I've been writing this response on my N1, 5 more replies came in! You guys rock - thank you - but I have to hit the send button quick before any more come in! :-) My mind is made up. I'll hold off buying this Fender. I'll research them more deeply when I get back to the UK, spending a lot more hours scouring basschat no doubt KiOgon - I do feel rushed, though by the lack of time (hasten to add not by the shop though (NO Musician's Exchange)) EBS_freak - (your photo was momentarily distracting, she has a great ass but also looks a little like a 2nd pair of tits!). I've been on the lookout for a Precision for the past 6 months mostly for the Jamerson tone I want. I tried a new one in GAK and the old ones were too expensive and I didn't have time to try at the time. I also like the fretboard action on my AXL Jazz copy. Oddly the Squire P-bass has a narrower neck which suited me. I had not expected to find a P-body/J-neck, much less one made that way by Fender. So yes, you're right, I'd not done my research before walking in. But I'm glad I've added to it by asking here! At the end of the day you have to generally weigh up and trust people's advice in forums and reputable shops. So, yes I have no clue Fender has a custom shop (though it sounded entirely feasible at the time) and I've never heard of John English. You're also right that I don't know enough to question it, but I'll try and learn enough over the next few months to help myself. Good to know there isn't a shortage of basses too! warwickhunt - you're right there was no guarantee or certificate. I asked what the provenance was but only told who the sepper wws. Its a mongrel but one I was told was custom-made that way. Just the shop guy telling me this. The bass felt and sounded just right for me, it surprised me how quickly I got "set". Its possible other such hybrids might give me the same results and that this isn't The One. gareth1982 - thinking the same thing now. Save my money and buy in the UK, looking here first. gary mac - warranty is an issue, I certainly would find it difficult to sort out with the shop (or the collector they are selling it for). Fixing it myself isn't a risk I'd want to to take though I'd feel ok on the electronics side. You're right about the fun aspect of tracking down a great bass and trying the ones in between - am looking forward to the chase :-) BurritoBass - that's very encouraging to hear. Can't wait to start looking over the weekend. Like the Christmas themed photo ;-) molan - yep, I'd looked and no Custom Shop logo anywhere. Thank you all so much - you've help put sense in my mind, helped me learn stuff, given me some great ideas. Am thinking a USA Precision body + Jazz neck, buying in the UK and ideally from one of the folks on basschat. -Kiat

Guys, apologies for the lame topic name but I'm not an experienced, gigging bass player and could really do with some advice from the combined expertise from basschat folks! I'm in New Orleans and flying later back this afternoon. I have one shot at buying this bass, although I could buy it later over the phone and they could ship it, but I'd prefer to carry it back myself. Yesterday I went in and played what I'm told is a * Fender Precison body (wear, but told it was aged in factory) * Fender Jazz neck (no discernable wear) * from Fender's custom USA factory * probably early 90's * with hard case, doubt its original * $999 + sales tax of around 10% Is this fair / overpriced / a bargain? It plays beautifully, I love the action. I just found a new version close to this (no fake ageing) on musiciansfriend.com for $650! However I've only ever played Fender copies before, so don't have a great frame of reference. I have no way of knowing if all such hybrids will play similarly or whether I've got lucky and found a once-in-a-lifetime match-made-in-heaven (cheesy, but prepared to sound a jerk in case this is the bass which forever will be my main axe). I want this bass but unsure if I should be spending this kind of money on it. This is more expensive than all my other bass kit put together! (AXL player Jazz, Squire P-bass S/H, , Traynor Bloc-80B, Korg Pandora PX5D, leads). I can afford the money, but it'll severely dent my bass-buying credibility with the wife if I end up wanting another bass soon after ;-/ Thoughts?

Greetings from Aldershot! Looking forward to learning about stuff on here from folks and contributing back. Am also looking for chordal folk (guitar, keyboards, whatever!) to jam with in the area. Just worked through Ed Friedland's R&B Bass Masters book (a couple I couldn't nail). Now back to Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Been playing on and off since '85, looking back probably averages out to about 3 solid years of an hour a day. Am not a good player yet, but getting better at any rate. Practice/play about 1-2 hours a day. Style: Closest is jazzy soul. I like: Soul, funk, jazz, jump blues, cuban, some pop, a little rock (e.g. early Springsteen) Main Influences: James Jamerson, Thomas Risell (aka MarloweDK), Willie Weeks (Donny Hathaway), Duhe (Maze ft FB), Edwards (Chic), Equipment is pretty basic really, only starting to take playing seriously recently. Basses: Jazz and Precision copies (nothing fancy or expensive yet!) Amplification: an old Traynor Bloc80B bass combo, a new Korg Pandora PX5D personal amp and effects