kedo

Having recently retired from a noisy 5 piece covers band in which I played bass guitar, I am now concentrating on double bass work where I find myself playing jazz and an occasional bit of Scottish. My problem is that I am stuck with a large amp which although brilliant, is too heavy for an over 60 player with no roadie! The equipment comprises Ashdown Neodynium cabinets; a 2x10 which can be used on its own for smaller gigs, and a 4x10 for larger venues. The head is an Ashdown EVO III 500 with pedal. Its really great stuff, but massive overkill for my present requirements. My 3/4 bass has a Shadow SH950 bridge pick up and a Boss GEB-7 equaliser. I know little about amplification for double basses, but the Ashdown, even with just the 2x10 cabinet, is ridiculously large, powerful and heavy for my present requirements. My question is what kind of amp would be best suited to this instrument played in smaller venues which I can carry without breaking my back? Also would it be worth offering an exchange on the marketplace? From looking at this, I doubt if it would sell outright, although the 2 speaker cabinets and amp all have covers and have been little used. Another small matter where advice would be appreciated relates to what I think is feedback. I like to get close to my amp so that I can hear what I'm playing. It helps my intonation. However, recently I have been aware of a booming sound which I think must be feedback. It occurs mainly on the G string. Not nice. Perhaps I just have to get further away. Advice would be appreciated.

Has anyone got any experience of shipping abroad. I have had some interest for my Jazz bass which has been on the 'basses for sale' page for a couple of weeks. Trouble is, all offers would involve shipping to France. How does one go about this, and how do you protect yourself from fraudsters? Any advice would be appreciated. Regards, Jack

[quote name='gjones' post='1370337' date='Sep 12 2011, 12:54 PM']Did you get the Precision in the end?[/quote] Hi Gareth. No still looking. I may try to sell my Jazz to fund a decent one, but would be unwilling to take a huge financial hit. I played some Japanese and Mexican precisions in Guitar Guitar and must say it's hard to distinguish them from made in USA! Thought the detailing on the Squires was a bit ropy but they also play well. Jack

Can anyone give me a bit of advice. I know there are some Fender historians out there. I am considering bidding for a Fender Precision bass but don't know much about it's pedigree. It's sunburst with rosewood fingerboard made in USA and it has a hard case. It's serial number (Z) dates it to Corona 2004. With American instruments now available from £800 (American Special) with the Standard Precision at £1000, I don't know where this instrument fits in. Was all this variety available in 2004? Can anyone help. Thanks, KEDO

[quote name='gjones' post='1357612' date='Aug 31 2011, 03:05 PM']Hi Jack, You can never go wrong with Japanese Fenders. All my Fenders have been Japanese and they're all great. Keep your eyes peeled on basschat or ebay and you're bound to find a nice one. My Precision is a1996 one but it doesn't matter what year it is they all seem to be great. Expect to pay around £400 for a bog standard one or around £500 for a reissue like a 1962 or a 1957 or whatever secondhand. The 70's reissues have narrower necks. The 57 ones the necks are wide but shallow and very comfortable. If you want to get a new one for around £300 try the new classic vibe Squiers. They don't come in sunburst unfortunately just light blue and red but are very good guitars.[/quote] Sounds like great advice from a man who knows. The only thing about my '64 style Jazz is that it's ridiculously heavy. Would that be the same for a 57 MIJ as I like the description of the neck. How's the cab going by the way. Thanks Gareth.

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1357122' date='Aug 31 2011, 07:20 AM']If you`ve got a specific amount of money available, get the best bass you can. If the best is an American Standard at the full price, spend it. If the best is an MIJ, and you save a few pounds, even better. But I`d advise against finding a bass you really liked that was with your budget, and then getting one that you didn`t like as much, in order to save a bit. You`ll probably always hanker after "the one that got away". I`ve spent fortunes on basses - good fun nonetheless - searching for the right bass, but for some reason avoiding the "expensive" US Fenders. Now, having two of them, I realise it would have been much cheaper to just get what I really wanted in the first place, instead of "making do".[/quote] Thanks Lozz196. That's what I'm afraid of. Think I'll go for a US Standard or a MIJ. Kedo

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1356566' date='Aug 30 2011, 05:26 PM']I find P basses are much of a muchness, they all sound pretty much the same but it's about feel with them, I love the sound of my P bass but I bet a £30 or £2000 P would sound pretty much the same.[/quote] You're probably right. I know that acoustic guitars coming out of the far east can be superior to American or British stuff, and I'm sure it's the same for basses. What about the quality of electrics on the cheaper basses? Thanks for your comments. KEDO

[quote name='Coilte' post='1356543' date='Aug 30 2011, 05:09 PM']What is on the head stock is not what makes a great bass. While is does not have the Fender logo, it still has Fender's first name on it. It is the G&L SB1 Precision, and you know what the "L" stands for. I'd prefer this to a Fender Precision any day.[/quote] I've come back to bass playing after a very long break and am gradually catching up with gear matters. I looked up G&L. Very interesting. Thanks.