Hello all
So, I've managed to avoid buying a bass for 2 1/2 years now. Been holding out for "the one" but nothing off the shelf has really got me interested. My two current basses are okay, but they're cheapos and I have to set the damn things up almost every time I go to play them, and I've had enough of that really. So I'm looking for something a bit higher end, I fully understand that no bass will be "set and forget" in terms of set up, but maybe something that has to be adjusted a few times a year rather than every week would be better.
As I've not bought a bass in so long, I've been saving my pennies up, and I've decided to go the ACG route - they're fantastic looking and sounded basses, and although I've never actually played one, I can't see myself being in any way disappointed by one at all.
It might seem a bit silly to buy a £1100 instrument when I'm not in a band, but I love playing bass and want an instrument that's all mine, and I can have and play for years to come. and I might be in a band in the future - my dodgy hands are improving slightly since I started using short scales so you never know...
Anyway. I want some help with specs. I've never done this before so am a little confused by it all. Have briefly chatted to Alan via email and he's been really really helpful, but I don't want to bug him about every little thing while I'm trying to make my mind up on the small details.
Ok, so, I'm looking for something about 8.5lbs max, and well balanced on a strap or sitting.
neck will be maple with wenge centre stripe.
Fretboard - I absolutely adore the look, sound and feel of wenge, but is there any reason that I should choose rosewood instead?
I asked Alan about symmetrical carve for the neck and 16" radius for the board, he seems to be happy with those.
Dual AC FB humbuckers in standard jazz layout - I'm pretty set on this, but let me know if there's any reason I should consider an alternative.
Body wood - this is where I'm really stuck. I'm going for the J type design, and the choices of body wood are black or white limba, or alder with a choice of top - torn between alder with flame maple top and black pickguard, or solid alder with grunge black finish. Not sure how the weight/balance would be with alder though.
What do you think chaps?