hamfist

[quote name='Fuzzbass2000' timestamp='1357814602' post='1928720'] Physically I think the neck profile is slightly different ... I think you'd notice if you played them side by side, but playing one of either on their own, some people might struggle to feel the difference. [/quote] Yes, the "specials" have a thinner neck profile (certainly the P's do). Otherwsie it's just slghtly different hardware.

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1357805181' post='1928530'] At the risk of being burned as a witch (again ) for heresy, you could get a very lovely hand-crafted ACG Graft J type bass for about 1/2 the price of an MIA Fender. Or go the whole hog for about the same money. [url="http://www.acguitars.co.uk/Available/37/"]http://www.acguitars...k/Available/37/[/url] [/quote] ACG 4 string dual pickup passive - £785 (plus a few months wait time I suspect) MIA American Special Jazz, black, maple neck, current model - £696.55 via Thomann, free delivery of course, and available now. MIA American Standard Jazz, black, maple neck., current model. £1025.68, giving you the high mass bridge and custom shop pickups and a hard case (if you want to spend the extra on those things). and available now, of course. So really the price of Fenders if you shops wisely is not so excessive.

[quote name='Ant' timestamp='1357804992' post='1928527'] send me a PM when you sell it! [/quote] OK, you've got first dibs (if I remember !)

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1356807163' post='1913890'] Presumably in light of that adage , women in wheel chairs ( tits [i]and[/i] wheels ) are considered to be particulaly troublesome ? [/quote] My wife actually fits in that category and she has been surprisingly trouble-free so far. Bound to go bad just out of the warranty period, I'll bet !

It seems that with Squiers and Fenders (MIM, MIK & MIA) there are good and bad ones in all series. I'd strongly suspect that the % of good to bad decreases significantly as you go up the price range. Pretty much all of them will require a good setup from new though. The key things that you'll get with a more expensive Fender every time though is better hardware ... pickups, bridge, tuners, electronics. The more you pay, the "better" they get, although with pickups this is slightly more subjective. Also, you tend to get graphite re-inforcing rods in the MIA Fender necks, although with this particular '75 re-issue I'm not actually sure on that. Generally fret work and basic neck stability, straightness and playability should be better with a more expensive Fender also, although not always. There are MIA Fender "dogs" around and also Squier gems. The general rule that everyone will repeat ad nauseum is to play a LOAD of all sorts, and then pick out the ONE bass that does it for you. The one that feels and sounds in a way that resonates nicely with what you want a bass to sound like. That's more difficult for those without a good range of music stores within easy driving distance. But then, there is the beauty of the distance selling regulations in the UK which lets you order a bass, try it at home (or out, if you're REALLY careful and a bit brave) and return it if you want. Despite living near a large city in the South of England I don't have many decent stores at all that close, so I often do order stuff unseen and online. If you're buying a new Fender/Squier bass this way, then your chances of getting a good 'un are definitely better the more expensive the range you go for.

Well, anyone looking to get hold of this pedal used ....... knowing how ridiculously quickly I go though gear, mine will probably be up for sale mid Feb.

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1357678689' post='1926719'] The Hartke Hydrive 112 is also one to consider. [/quote] And at almost twice the price. I'd also suggest to the OP of adding the GK neo 112 onto the possibles list. THE GK neos are class cabinets and should take a bit more punishment than the Genz 112 before farting out if you needed to use it for a gig. It's a bit more expensive, but only a bit. Should be able to pick one up for about £259 I think.

Sold and couriered a bass to Ferenc in Hungary. Very easy guy to deal with. Great communications. Courier was no problem at all and came in at just under £30 ... for the bass in a hard shell case. Can't understand why some folks won't ship to the EU from the UK.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1357596000' post='1925220'] Are they good people to order from in the US? [/quote] I have no idea ! I pre-ordered through my Amex, so I feel well covered should they mess me about.

A great deal, if you can handle the weight. I had a Genz 8x10 XB3 cab for a while, which really was excellent, and not too focussed at all on the bottom end (the XB bit is meant to indicate Xtended Bass). It was a very balanced and powerful cab. Just too heavy for me ultimately though.

[quote name='thodrik' timestamp='1357578005' post='1924777'] I have enough overdrives already, including two from EBS, I don't think I need another! [/quote] Absolute codswallop sir ! Non-one has enough drive pedals.

[quote name='Badass' timestamp='1357497448' post='1923581'] Where did you hear it, online? [/quote] Sorry, I forgot to add the link. It;s here ... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anyPh51u3bA&feature=youtu.be"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anyPh51u3bA&feature=youtu.be[/url]

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1357486759' post='1923268'] Other than they are 'assembled in the good old USA' this model doesn't have much going for it really. [/quote] Ummmmmmm. THey are MUCH cheaper than the Am std series. To my mind that's a good thing going for it.

Just a quick rising from the dead for this thread. I have just ordered both a J and a P from the American Special series. Couldn't help myself. Won't keep them both but it will be very interesting to play both the P and the J. From Thomann so they will take them as a return at no charge to me. These basses seem pretty universally admired over on TB. The real changes on these compared to the Am std series are the std vintage bridge on the Special series, not a high mass one and cheaper tuners on the Special. Other differences are a slimmer (front to back) neck on the specials, and the greasebucket tone circuit. So for a lot less money than a std you get a slimmer neck (STILL graphite re-inforced) and lower end bridge and tuners, which can easily be upgraded should one see the need. It's a good deal as far as I can see.

Just bought a pedal from Tony. In great condition and packed well. Not the quickest to post in the world but all the same I would happily deal with Tony again. Thanks bud.

Just pre-ordered one of these beauties from the US. Haven't been this excited about a pedal for quite a while. [url="http://www.bestbassgear.com/ebs-sheehan.htm"]http://www.bestbassg...ebs-sheehan.htm[/url] Apparently due out sometime later this month . Sounds stunning to me - see post #5. Admittedly it is using Billy's bass, but even so, I want one !

As for prices I can't help you, but I agree that you would almost certainly find the LB more to your tastes. THe Ashdown dual tube preamp, as in your 330 touring, is uber clean even at max gain.

Be aware that the 2012 onwards std Am J's gained the custom shop 60's pickups. The previous few years (at least) had less vintage (more extended highs and lows) sounding p'ups. Not better or worse, just different. The CS 60 pickups will generally give you a darker sounding instrument though. Also don't forget CIJ Jazzes. Same quality but cheaper ! Stick your own p'ups in and you're laughing !

I'm no expert on filters, but bought the MXR box and the EHX Enigma Qballs to try out recently. The EHX actually beat the MXR hands down , for me. It did everything the MXR could do, and a load more to boot. The EHX is simply a "funkier", more versatile pedal, all IMO, IME etc etc.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1357283851' post='1920253'] I use Velcro Heavy Duty. Got it from Hobbycraft. Good sticky glue & the pedals won't move unless you want them to. [/quote] Yes, definitely spend the extra on the heavy duty, it really is worth it. Although Hobbycraft is usually a bit pricy. B & Q stock it too.

[quote name='OldG' timestamp='1357284038' post='1920254'] For each take, just before you start playing -clap your hands in front of the camera. This will give you an accurate video/audio sync point that should speed things up... [/quote] Good tip. I do something similar. Also if you mess up during the vid and want to start again, just do some other hand signal for the camera so you'll know where the "new" beginiing is, rather than having to set it all up again. You can obviously crop crop out all the duff footage at the beginning. Just saves time.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1357161322' post='1918524'] I think you need to put some clothes on , especially if the weather turns cold again . [/quote] Can't deny that's good advice.