BassBod

But you wouldn't fancy shipping one to Australia....... BB

I've used the Picato's - didn't think they were that bad. Just a very traditional flat. In fact, I really like the roundwound nickel sets...esp for the ££. BB

Most basses are 3/4 size - a full size (4/4) has a huge body, (think wardrobe). They are harder to move around, more likely to feedback....but do tend to have a big acoustic voice. I've only ever seen/played two or three. BB

I'd look for a well used cheap bass here in the UK - something you can see and try. There are deals around, as long as you're not looking for a fully pro instrument for peanuts. And it will take some time. Local shops, colleges/teachers and "repairers" are worth a phone call, as well as free listing mags etc. I got my Czech laminate cheapy from a local guitarist who had bought it from a school. Not a great instrument, but its ok (I mainly play EUB for gigs, but if someone really wants an acoustic....). Make sure you budget for new strings, posiible new bridge/endpin....and a set up. BB

I'd suggest an external preamp (Sadowsky or Aguilar 924?). I own the Aguilar box and it sounds fantastic, but it is a more modern sound than a passive J bass (even "flat" with no eq boost added). Great for Marcus or Will Lee type sounds, but a bit hyped for a Jaco. I guess it depends on the sound you're looking for, but I've never heard an active J bass that really retained its passive character - so the extra box is a good option for me. BB

I suspect its easier to paint over, rather than strip. The top coat of "gel/solvent/whatever it is" isn't very thick... BB

Hugh Manson generally makes electrics, and brother Andy (the more "artistically inclined") makes spectacular acoustics...do a search for the Mermaid? Hugh also spends time on the road as a tech for JPJ (and more recently Yes?) so doesn't build lots of instruments. He's also got the shop to "keep him warm", as someone once told me! BB

I had this one up for sale a while ago - lovely bass, I'm not too upset to still have it around the house, [attachment=2452:DSCN0743.JPG] 1984 Manson Kestrel - mahogany/maple through neck with a schedua (?) front. Kent Armstrong p/up replaced with a Bartolini MM. BB

Here's a proper "grown up" fretless I acquired a few weeks ago here on BC [attachment=2445:DSCN1021.JPG] Fantastic sound, but a bit weighty (like a lot of Alembics..) BB

Before you order the standard version, give John a call and ask about the "mutant" one - I find the footswitch/mute really handy on stage (with a double bass with no volume control). BB

Look at Orchid Electronics - they do a really simple active DI that does the job well and doesn't cost a fortune. I've got a variation of this, with an added footswitch and tuner send, so you can mute the PA send and tune silently (and also unplug..or just mute if youre not playing). The muting version was under £50 a few years ago. BB

Tell us about those Pangbourns! The 80's bass that got away..... BB

From what I've heard (briefly) the F2B and F1X are pretty much the same, but the F1X is only half (one channel) but with additional more modern features like a DI output, fx loop and bi-amp outputs (I think?). The DI is op amp driven rather than transformer, which seems to upset some people. No problem using either for five string - my only reservation is the limited mid-range, but this is more of a cabinet issue really. The mid is there, you just have to be careful (with some cabs) not to overdo the bass boost. BB

That '86 Wal is in incredibley good condition! I've seen "new " basses in far worse nick! You gotta try fretless without lines - its a very liberating experience, although possibly scary at first. Better all round until someone gives you a written part, with a bit of nice exposed melodic bass, right up the dusty end.....ooeeerr :wub: BB

Its an "old school" sound, with a passive Aaron Armstrong humbucker, (no pots) and Rotosound Trubass plastic coated strings. More Ron Carter than Jaco. The fingerboard is old "rio rosewood" that Mo got from an acoustic guitar maker a few years ago. The body is English cherry and the neck is American cherry, hence the name. Its sounds much more focussed than other short scales I've played, and very "resonant". The neck profile is fairly thick wihch helps it to feel more substantial - I think a jazz profile neck on a 30" scale would feel strange. Mo uses thru body stringing (so it takes 32" strings) and normally uses a fixed aluminium bridge - this one has a rosewood tailpiece and bridge to match the fingerboard. The real bonus is the lack of weight and perfect balance - its feels like a light g"*tar but sounds like a heavy bass..... BB

Here's the shortscale Clifton Cherry bass - weighs under 7lbs, size of a Telecaster. [attachment=2187:DSCN0617.JPG] BB

A mention for Pyramid Gold flats (from Germany) terrific old sound, tension a bit high but not as bad as some. The E just thumps from new..dead as a dead thing....luuverrrly (as they say in these parts) BB