PlungerModerno

In response to your first post Dazed: It depends on the neck. If the bass has a truss rod (e.g. along the lines of a fender "bullet" truss rod) or reinforcing rods like carbon fibre, aluminium, steel, or titanium . . . It could get complicated. If you have an X:Ray machine . . . use it! If you're like 99.9% of us and don't have one, do your homework. If the truss rod adjusts from the heel - it's difficult to say exactly where it ends. it's usually at or before the nut. reinforcing bars and rods tend to end there too - but there are probably a few exceptions. As far as tension is concerned - the neck should be as strong provided the headless hardware is up to the job, and is fitted properly. In response to your second post Dazed: A few people on here have tried at one point or another: Check out post #15 on this thread for a recently posted example: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277945-headless-body-less-basses/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277945-headless-body-less-basses/[/url] Seems to work a treat! Personally I'd reshape the headstock (make it small like an SR series Ibanez by filling existing holes, then reshaping, drilling and fitting lightweight tuners).

[quote name='keefbaker' timestamp='1454413482' post='2969432'] Jesus, that will be a pingy d and g on that bridge pickup. [/quote] Hell yes - Check them out: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXAvbRHwDM"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXAvbRHwDM[/url]

[quote name='HazBeen' timestamp='1454419014' post='2969522'] .. just because it is Damien Hirst splattering paint on a bass, doesn't make it art nor does it guarantee any rise in price down the line. But hey, if someone is mad enough... free country and such. [/quote] +1. Art market is like any other - an established artist like Hirst will probably only go up in value - but it may take time to sell it at the increased price (depends when you sell & how much you set the reserve at or however art is sold). Depending on the popularity of the artist in the future it may loose some or all of it's value (some is plausible - all is almost unheard of). As a collab piece it's interesting - but given the cheapness of the materials involved (flea bass is a cheap instrument with little tie to fleas music and cultural impact. A modulus, Jazz, Stingray or even a Wal would have made more since IMO) I'd look for a more "safe" piece with just Hirsts name attached - if I was investing 50K.

[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1454367892' post='2969147'] Don't get me wrong I love Fender basses, and I will continue playing Precisions til I die, but every new line is just a rehashed old line. For that reason, I'll probably never buy a new one again. I wish they'd be more innovative, and design a modern version of a P and J bass. Y'know, like Leo Fender did when he set up G&L. [/quote] They should definately do a P and J with Dimension Electronics - even as a special run it'd be cool.

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1453940387' post='2964605'] Another manufacturer recycling a previously used model name. [/quote] Yeah - and sadly not being nearly as innovative as the original elites. Now a reissue of the 80's P elite . . . that I could be tempted by. Here's an original for context:

Wow. I would say it's worth an extra £50 'coz of the case, and maybe £100 extra for the paint job - to a fan. I'd be looking to have money knocked off for that mess!

Should be wonderful when it's done. I'd be keen to get a super high gloss finish . . . it would really make that wood pop. Tru Oil should bring it back to perfect (or within sight of it).

Goofy design. Headstock looks like an amateur copy of a wal mk1 headstock. Paint scheme is jazzy however.

If the strings have a decent break angle over the saddle and nut (not rattling around muting themselves) - then it's probably the strings! Easy way to check is to hit the string fairly hard and touch the string behind the nut or saddle. It should be vibrating but not significantly. Try playing the highest fret on each of the strings - that takes the neck out of the equation. If one or two strings sound a lot quieter . . . Somethings wrong. If pickup height isn't working - switch out strings. IME light gauge strings sound more open and twangy (well rounds do) - Shouldn't cause significant volume issues.

The only con I've experienced is the extra weight most 5 strings have vs. their 4 string bretheren. Other than that it's fine. Takes some getting used to - but it's worth it IMO.

[quote name='0george0' timestamp='1454120678' post='2966748'] To be honest it's really difficult to finy any neck (replacement) for that model. I wouldn't pay only for the neck more than for a new guitar. Current one is broken (car accident). [/quote] I assume you have decided the neck is beyond repair (broken into many pieces with a ruined truss rod)? If it's just shattered at the headstock it might be a simple repair. If no such luck - you're best to start from scratch. As the neck has a 24 frets plus an extra extension you'll struggle to find anything to match. If you're crafty it might be worth making your own. Otherwise you may need a new bass.

It's amazing what people consider "scrap". Could be perfect for a neck - but watch the weight!

Cool is when it's fridge temperature (i.e. bass has been left in a cold room). Cold would be below that (like in a freezing cold room). Just kidding - cool is whatever you think it is, as Blue said.

WOW! Very nice - and somehow the block inlays work with the body and matching headstock. Won't have quite the resale value of a fender custom shop of course - but it's yours, and it didn't cost the earth in the first place. Enjoy your very cool "51" P.

Uch - I feel like having a wash after looking at that. . . It just looks like a mess. On a positive note, the neck joint (juding by the dowels filling the holes where the original neck was bolted) has been slightly contoured - meaning it may feel slightly less awkward than most Les Paul designs.

I can really see the point - separate rich people with a sense of humour, or no sense of taste - from their money. Seriously awful bit of tat - but then I don't go in for "bling" a.k.a. tasteless display of tacky precious metals and stones for the purpose of looking like a jerk!

[quote name='4StringPete' timestamp='1454090338' post='2966407'] A mate of mine with a music shop made this great point. If you buy a Pino, Jaco Relic'd replica, and take a chunk out of it. Is it still a replica? A really pedantic buyer could say thatit's not an accurate replica. Interesting subject, I recently bought a 2003 American Jazz Bass, heavily road worn by the original owner. Not relic'd, just heavy wear from heavy use. I paid £450 for it, people were put off by the appearance. It had recently had a pro set up, new strings, and is a serious player. But folk will pay top doller for a Mex Fender (no disrespect, but they are a cheaper bass) that has been factory aged. Bizarre [/quote] It is bizarre. Once the frets have life, the electrics work, it can be setup well, and the other basics are covered (no splinters coming off the neck for example) - it's good to go. Would most people prefer a pristine example? of course, but it should keep most of the value after moderate use - Just like your USA Jazz, with heavy wear it's worth a little less (just like a refinish IMO). BassDirect.co.uk seem to have a sensible approach: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Mike_Lull_JP_4_Quilt.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Mike_Lull_JP_4_Quilt.html[/url] Note the selling point:[i] "new in June 2014 and is presented in immaculate condition with no marks, dings or missing finish".[/i]

[quote name='Skybone' timestamp='1454087592' post='2966367'] Masonite's actually good old "hardboard". A pre-MDF particle board, basically thick cardboard made under pressure IIRC. [/quote] +1 masonite is a brand name, comes from a Mr Mason, who invented a way of making hardboard cheaply. Company later became [url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonite_International"]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonite_International[/url] Looks like they make doors now.

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1454065781' post='2965937'] Isn't the black plastic MM Pickup just too bland for it though, like a supercar with fluffy dice? [/quote] +1 Nice paint job, nice wood - to me it just looks like a carved top PRS guitar with a baritone length neck. With two less tuners than normal of course.

[quote name='Ashweb' timestamp='1454027890' post='2965695'] I know he doesn't play bass, but one of my favourite artists is Seasick Steve who plays an assortment of unusual guitars such as this one made from two hubcaps, a garden hoe, a spatula and a beer can. Impressive. [attachment=210910:Seasick Steve.jpg] [/quote] But it's tone hoe!

Wow. It's not impossible that a jaguar neck ended up looking like that (factory second?) - but it probably wouldn't get a fender decal if it was that out of whack. In its current state it's probably somebody's beater bass that they stuck a decal on - then thought they'd chance it on the market "quick sale" indeed!

[quote name='sunburstjazz1967' timestamp='1454012605' post='2965497'] Criky imagine the neck dive on a Ricky with an extra tuner added to it! [/quote] If they're full weight tuners it might feel a little neck heavy - remember the body is probably solid maple (fairly heavy) and the upper horn where the strap connects is pretty close to the 12th fret... so neck dive shouldn't be an issue like a longscale SG style bass for example:

Well done - you should be proud!

Hello! It's a tight budget if you're fussy about timing (you want it yesterday) or looks (it has to be purple with gold hardware) - But if you're willing to shop around & haggle you may be surprised what you get. Used will get you more 95% of the time than new - but it has its pitfalls. If you're not comfortable setting up instruments or assessing them - try to get someone who is to accompany you to look at new or used basses. Ask about the return policy - both online and in the shop. If you buy privately know it's sold as seen! I'd recommend the one you like the feel of the most. And get a comfortable strap while your at it - your back will thank you! For practice amps - get one with a headphone out. Great for practicing when loudness isn't an option.