neilb

Ive just bought a Sterling Ray34 and so far am loving it,so much so that my US Fender Jazz is up for sale!!! Great versatile basses.

You dont look too old mate!

JB often rehearses at our rehearsal rooms near Rayleigh in Essex. Last time he was there he was doing some sessions with none other than Blues legend Robin Trower. Surreal!!

Nate excellent as ever, Stevie is all over the place with his pitching, esp on chorus...... bad monitors probably. Slightly better rendition here: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCgKBTvx-Aw"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCgKBTvx-Aw[/url]

Pics added!!

So, I have bought myself a new bass to sit alongside my lovely US Jazz. My only musts were a maple board and reasonably light due to last years sciatic episode I had and DO NOT want to revisit!!). I spent a few hours with Chris at Bass Merchant just up the road from me, drinking coffee and trying out some basses. I wanted something quite different from the Jazz to give me some sound options. As you know,Jazzes are versatile in themselves, but I wanted something altogether new sounding. I read great reports on GL Tributes.Look great and finished nicely, but the neck finish just wasnt me, too much like raw wood. Sound wise,though, alot of options. Tried a Cort A4. Fantastic but not a fan of natural finishes, also a tad heavy. Looked at an ESP Jazz, unbelievable quilted top job and a silky neck, but it was over four figures so that went back on the peg. Didnt bother with Fenders as I have a nice one already. Then I tried a Sterling by Musicman Ray34. Plugged it in to a TC rig and had a noodle. Lovely fast neck,slightly wider than a Jazz, but not quite a P. Finished in a nice Tobacco Burst with matching headstock. Three band EQ with tons of tonal options. The weight was crucial and this was not to heavy so my back will be grateful. So, the Sterling came home with me and is now chatting with my Jazz. Great bass and so far very happy. First gig with the Ray will be in Chelmsford on the 7th Sept, hope Ive made a good choice....I think I have. Thanks to Chris for his patience and his coffee.......Happy Birthday to me!!!!! Edited to add some pictures.

May be a good idea to state where you are.

Yes....very.

[quote name='mercuryl' post='1339525' date='Aug 14 2011, 12:25 PM']I think he was called Gavin, but I've lost the email, so I can't say for sure.[/quote] Probably Guy, the service chappie. I do agree with the other posters tho, may be not worth it considering what you can pick up secondhand. Neil

[quote name='mercuryl' post='1339059' date='Aug 13 2011, 08:12 PM']Ashdown have already told me they can't repair it as they don't have spare parts.[/quote] Can I ask who that came from at Ashdown?

These Class D amps are not, as far as I know, that easy to work on by the layman electrical repair man. My suggestion would be to unbolt all the external casing (this makes it lighter), leaving just the chassis and electronics and courier it direct to Martin Burrows at Ashdown. He is contactable on [email protected] The customer support at Ashdown is second to none. Best of luck.

[quote name='dmccombe7' post='1321484' date='Jul 30 2011, 05:13 PM']Just to let you guys know that after all the teasing you did i eventually managed to try a J4 and whow ! I've now ordered one. Brilliant quality, fantastic sound. Virtually same as my Progress. Severe GAS until i actually get it. Whoo Hoo !!! Thanks to Neilb & Machines for the pics and samples which were the deciding factor. I kinda knew the quality would be good and the sound from Overwaters are always pretty high standard. Excited to say the least. Cheers Dave [/quote] Excellent Dave....enjoy mate!!

Top advice from the man himself, thanks Chris. Neil