It’s not an NBD as such, I’ve had it a few weeks, but was waiting to post until I was sure it would stay a while. I’ve owned over 200 basses and have had a bit of a revolving door over the years, I’m super picky, so good stuff can leave as quick as it came over the tiniest thing! But, although not perfect, I think this will stay a while.
I couldn’t afford to buy it, I’ve had to borrow money from my uni fund for next year, but I was finding my regular jazz bass a bit of a handful with the post-covid viral fatigue, and this just looked so pretty! Hopefully I’ll sell enough stuff to replace the cash by next year, else this will have to go.
I hesitated at first, because of the online furore surrounding Rob Chapman, but then I remembered the drama with other bass manufacturers and indeed I once had a very real online spat with Sterling Ball, so I decided to ignore all that and let the bass convince me on merit.
Which it has. It does need a touch of fret work though. The nut is cut too high and there’s a rattly fret, but only on the G string and only when played over the neck pickup, which is odd. So I’ll get those things sorted.
It’s built and feels and plays and sounds like a Warwick streamer. I’ve owned several LX and stage 1 models and this really may as well be one! The closeness of the bridge pickup to the bridge gives it that bright, mid focused sound and, as a jazz bass player who tends to mostly anchor over the bridge pickup, it means that I have to move my right hand more, and adopt a more floating technique. It’s an absolute slap machine, it doesn’t really do old school thump, but really does sound great. Although, I think they should have left the preamp in. This one is passive, and although it appealed at first, on reflection, I think a preamp would have suited it better. I may add an EMG BTC when I can afford it.
I’m very much smitten. I’ve never owned a bass this easy to play before, I feel like I’ve just jumped forward in technique which is nice. Although I a bit paranoid about damaging the lovely finish I’m playing it so much!
Please may I ask that if you wish to comment, that we leave whatever opinions you may have about Rob Chapman to one side in my thread, I really don’t have any at all and don’t wish to start any debate in here, I’m just pleased with my new bass. Thanks.
oh and the side dots glow in the dark. Sweeeet!