geilerbass

[quote name='Satrugar' timestamp='1352728030' post='1866564'] I also find the premium SRs pretty nice... But just as geilerbass said, I'd be on the lookout for a used Ibanez Prestige. They are greatly undervalued on today's used market. For example: A few months ago I found a extremely nice SR 7005 MP from the mid-90s for a really good price. It's a fantastic instrument, I definitely like it better than the premium instruments (and I paid quite a bit less than for one of those...). [/quote] An SR7005? The one with the walnut tone block? Those are really rare. In fact, I thought that was a custom shop model? Certainly that and the original SR5005 (not the Wenge faced ones that came out in 2009) were always the holy grail of Soundgear basses.

I tried the 5-string version and found it a very solid, quality instrument. The price point seems great for the specs, but that's because labour in Indonesia is still relatively cheap. My only hesitation would be that for the new price of these, you could get an Ibanez Prestige Soundgear second hand, which some would argue are superior.

The Bartolini branded MK1 pickups that are prolific throughout Asian-made, mid-price basses are pretty decent as branded pickups go. Best thing would be to give them a try somewhere - you should be able to find an Ibanez SR505 in a shop that you can try out. BTB's and Yamaha TRB's have wider spacing and longer scale, so may not be for you.

The first band I properly became a 'fan' of and my first influence on bass. Finally got around to seeing them in 1997, shortly before they split up. Got to see them again when they reformed at Brixton Academy in 2009 and they were absolutely blinding. There'll always be a special place in my heart for Faith No More.

That Final Frontier song really ain't much cop...

[quote name='cloudburst' timestamp='1342363764' post='1733746'] I think this may be the person in question. Worth a read. [url="http://www.markpercy.co.uk/"]http://www.markpercy.co.uk/[/url] CB [/quote] Wow. Just, wow.

Fanned-frets or not, Dingwall basses are great-sounding, high-quality instruments. Whether they're right for you is down to your own personal preference. The only way to know is to try one out and see how it sounds and feels. I'm a recent convert, simply because Dingwall make the best sounding and playing basses that I'm yet to try (and have been able to afford...).

Wenge every time. It really can't be beat for that classic Warwick sound in my opinion.

I just bought a Dingwall AB1 from Ben. His communication was great and he promptly dispatched the bass upon payment in very secure and protective packaging, so it arrived safe and sound. The bass was exactly as described and is awesome, I might add. I would highly recommend dealing with Ben.

I've got the Line6 Relay G50 and am very pleased with it. Even with my B-String de-tuned down to A, there is no apparent loss of frequency. Plus it's very compact and reasonably efficient with battery power. I recently sold a old Samson Airline; these are also very good and great value for the money. I certainly had no complaints with that, I just got the Line6 as I fancied something newer.

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1332440952' post='1588495'] Are they any good for metal? [/quote] The ABZ works for me! I play in a couple of metal bands and the tone seems perfect.

I'm a recent convert. Though I can't think they are for everybody. I've found the attraction to be that the overall bass, not just the fanned-fret design, ticks so many boxes. Of course the mixed scale length is very significant, but it's a combination of amazing sound, fantastic playability, light weight and appealing aesthetics that have won me over. I don't think I'd sell everything and replace with Dingwalls - I couldn't afford it for a start! - but for what I do now, an ABI or another ABZ to go with the one I've got seems like the perfect bass arsenal.

I recently picked up an ABZ from someone selling on here and it's probably the nicest bass I've ever owned/played. I'm used to 34" scale, but did not have any problem getting used to the scale on the low B. It really doesn't feel like 37" (if that is what it is). There seems to be a focus on the playability for Dingwalls, but I think the greatest aspect of their design (and the whole purpose of the fanned-fret system) is the phenomenal tone and even balance of that tone across all strings. If you can get to try one out, you'll see what I mean.

They're two very different beasts. The BC is light, slick and very easy to play, with a decent range of tones, considering the limitations of the passive electronics. The Warwick is from 1997 (before the quality of Warwicks seemed to 'change', many feel for the worse) and is heavier, less streamlined, but still very playable. It's different, but definitely feels like a better-made instrument. As nice as the BC is, the Warwick demonstrates a subtle but significant level of superior workmanship throughout. Sound-wise, it delivers a certain growl and punch that I've only heard from a Warwick. Interestingly, it was only the second instrument I owned, so my only real point of reference for comparison was my BC and the Warwick didn't take much getting used to. I have tried a Rockbass Streamer and there was just no comparison with the LX - the latter is in a totally different league. There were similarities, but they are vastly different ranges. Not quite up to the top-end through-necks, but I actually prefer the bolt-on sound, so for me, this is as good a Warwick as I've tried. Admittedly I haven't tried a proper Stage II, but I honestly thought this knocked the socks off a more recent Stage I that I tried at the Bass Cellar a few years back. A lot of people don't get on with Warwicks, but then again just as many do. I've found the Streamers to be as playable as anything out there, though others would probably disagree.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1319548357' post='1415546'] If I've understood the history right, then this was the "first generation" of copies, after they moved production out of Japan but before they licenced Marina to make them. As such, I would expect it to be a more-than-reasonable bass if in decent nick. BUT it will never be worth much more than £100 and it will probably cost you the best part of that just to get it up and running properly. If you want to keep the bass and play it, then do it up. But go into it with your eyes open ... you'll never make much out of it. More realistically, why not keep it knocking around until you find yourself in possession of a spare set of strings and a soldering iron? Do it yourself - if you screw it up then you haven't really lost anything. [/quote] I've got one of these, in sunburst with the original pickups and electronics. I have to say I found the whole copy thing confusing as it has everything that the Japanese ones have, bar the SGC on the pickups and that it says Made in Korea, where the real ones have Made in Japan. The serial is also a 91xxxx number and I bought it in 1993. So seems strange they were already making copies back then. Either way, it is still a great bass (first one I ever owned) and since being de-fretted some years back, gets regular usage.

Thankfully not. That would be a bit cheeky!

And I've just realised that I know the seller! It's a small world...

'ees 'avin a giraffe, mate! Either that, or I'm a mug for recently selling mine for somewhat less than that. With the original box!