White Cloud

[quote name='lou24d53' timestamp='1368560979' post='2078647'] I'm sure there's a hundred threads on here regarding this and a thousand of Sheehan's interviews talking about it elsewhere...but...what exactly is the purpose of the scalloped frets? [/quote] Its a gimick. If there was any real advantage to scalloping between frets then most manufacturers would do it...but there isn't, especially on bass. I belive the theory is that it makes the frets seem like super jumbo size and strings easier to bend. Most guitarists who have tried it are reported to find it wierd...but Richie Blackmore did it on all of his strats...and he was the man!

Marcus, can I have first refusal on the Kingbass next week?? Just kidding mate, I hope it is everything you want it to be!!

If you aren't being paid to replicate songs to the minutest detail in a professional capacity you should play EVERY cover version with your personality. I honestly cannot think of one cover that I play with my band that I replicate the bass line religiously....they are all my version (i.e. improved!)

[quote name='Jack Cahalane' timestamp='1368443095' post='2077009'] Exactly the same one I have, I had no idea how good it was until I played a few other basses [/quote] Instruments that are mass produced in the far east over the last decade or so are of a surprisingly good quality in my experience....often it's hard to tell the difference between them and their much more expensive counterparts that are built in the USA (or wherever).

[quote name='cloudburst' timestamp='1368354224' post='2075935'] Yep. If you'd kept all your early Fenders, Wals and MusicMen, what would they be worth now? :-) Coincidentally, just this weekend, if my conscience permitted me (which it doesn't), then I could have bought a rare and sought-after bass, which looked to be in unusually great condition, for under £1000 which I'm confident I could have sold on here for £1500 without anyone raising an eyebrow. CB [/quote] That's the problem...I was too impulsive when I were a lad!

I think basses that have acquired wear through countless hours of playing are very cool....but I'm not sure brand new instruments that have been faked tick the box.

Music is art, there are no rules.

[quote name='Shylock' timestamp='1368316748' post='2075707'] It certainly is and I liked it so much I bough a Gibson version, which is now my main bass. I keep meaning to do a review of the Gibson,as a comparison to the Epi, but have never got round to it. Briefly the Gibson tone is clearer, not so muddy, but still a dark growl. It is lighter and the neck a lot thinner. I did have a problem with the bridge pins lifting but a local luthier glued them for me for 20 notes. Still an issue with the 3 point bridge and adjusting the string height and I do find the D string quieter because of this lack of adjustment. Not sure abut a hipshot bridge mainly because you have to import it for a good price. Now bearing in mind that a new Gibson is about five times as expensive as Epiphone is it five times as good? Quite frankly no. I much prefer the Gibson and I can certainly tell the difference in tone, quality and the ease of playing it, but when I took the Epi instead of the Gibson to band practice (when the bridge pins were being fixed) no one noticed!! Doh!! [/quote] Well from one player to another thank you for taking the time to write this review as it gave me a point of reference, and helped me make an informed choice. I am totally in love with the Epi T bird and am already planning an upgrade to the Gibson. I would love a comparison between both, so if you get the time then I would love to hear your opinions!

[quote name='cloudburst' timestamp='1368345710' post='2075816'] You have a point Marcus - a collection of basses used as savings is more colourful than cash in the bank. And these days, with well selected basses, you can earn a bit more interest. We all get a temporary buzz from getting a new bass. If a series of new-bass-day buzzes helps get you through life with a smile on your face, then fair play to you. The value of a bass is a function of what the seller perceives it to be and what a buyer is willing to pay. Some folk may, for example, want a specific, difficult to find, age and colour combination and (depending on how they value their time) be prepared to pay a couple of hundred pounds more in order to avoid scouring eBay, Basschat and Talkbass for months. Advising Marcus that he might sell quicker at a lower price is one thing. But starting to pontificate about ethics is another. If basses like ours get sold for a good price, then it helps the value of our investment, right? Marcus, if it works for you, keep it up. I, and many others, appreciate seeing pics of nice basses appearing in the forum's various porn threads, along with the entertainment value from the "how long will he keep it" and the "oh-oh, here we go again" posts. And another thing which I think we all appreciate is that people like you are keeping the Basschat marketplace from stagnating. Just one final thing - xilddx does make a very valid point. Don't let all this buying and selling distract you from playing. That wouldn't be so good at all. CB [/quote] I can honestly say that, after owning dozens of basses (I am too scared to actually count) the best I have ever done is to break even. I must be doing something wrong!

Like I say its your income and you can do as you want. You don't need to justify yourself to anybody here or anywhere else. Just an observation. I have been there dude. Back in the 80's I ploughed thru Wal's, Alembics, Vigiers, SR's, vintage Fenders, Status's, Jaydee's, Steinberger, Rick 4001's etc etc etc. Took me a while to realize that I was never happy with anything after the initial buzz had wore off.

[quote name='marcus bell' timestamp='1368308419' post='2075646'] Love status and jaydee basses [/quote] Hey Marcus, its your money my man...but I find it hard keeping up with your bass infatuations. Just the other week the SR was the ultimate object of your desires! Look into my eyes, look into my eyes, not around my eyes, into my eyes...repeat after me "GAS is bad and can only lead to emptiness and loneliness".

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1368197470' post='2074385'] +1000 I have the same Bass & my mate who plays a bass worth three times what I paid for mine, would not believe what the Ibanez SR300 cost me. Also this bass impressed Mr Shergold Snickers & he has a beautiful custom bass that I can only dream of owning. I think sometimes people confuse cheap things and things that cost's less. There is often a big difference. [/quote] My Ibanez SR1205 (whilst not exactly being cheap) is on a par in all respects with my Alembic that I sold a couple of years ago...and it was the opposite to cheap let me assure you!

One of life's eternal truth's is that all that glitters is not gold. Most of the coolest, most satisfying things in life are either cheap or free.

Absolutely adore Steve Hackett and his music - a hugely underrated guitarist. That is a monster set list. Sounds like a totally incredible show. For me early Genesis is the ultimate prog rock band - after Hackett left they were totally finished for me and I hated the direction they took.

I like it!

Hmmmm, the Gibson looks so right but I know from experience it disappoints...the Fender just looks so wrong but probably delivers (if your into that kind of thing). Short scale basses = yeuch!

For the same reason that you wear your favourite football teams replica shirt when you are playing 5 a sides with your other mates I really admire the players that find what they love and use it almost exclusively, like Jaco et al....but I like to do my own thing really. I cannot be bothered with players that appear in different manufacturers ads every couple of years saying that its the best they have ever played. GAS is evil and should be avoided at all costs. (Did I mention I just picked up a new Thunderbird btw!?!?!?!)

You are right Guy, you cant please all of the people all of the time...and there is no point even trying. All you can do is be yourself and that is it really.

Thanks for this review; very helpful indeed. Recently picked up my first Epiphone Thunderbird IV from fellow basschatter Nancy Johnson, and really loving the experience. This really is a great bass for the cash! The only issue for me is the bridge...I would love to ask the person who developed it..... WHY? A high tension bridge that floats, barely makes contact with the body and is extremely nonadjustable....INSANE! I can tell that it is severely compromising the instruments tone, I am already saving for a Hipshot supertone. That apart its all good. At this price point I almost expected a bass that was of a low quality, but its been a big surprise. Easily on a par, if not better than Squiers....and a tone beast.

This is what happens when art and engineering collide. Beautiful craftsmanship of the highest order. There aren't enough superlatives to use for his work.

Looking great!

Ibanez SR basses are fantastic and the necks are extremely slim and playable. I would highly recommend the Sr 505 & Sr 605 - both being extremely affordable 2nd hand and sounding great. If I was in your position this is the way that I would go.

If Lakland, Sadowsky and Sei 5 strings don't do it for you then forget about 5 strings and stick to the D tuner.

I also frequented Sound Control (when you used to actually get a decent trade in value on your axe) in Glasgow throughout the 80's and remember Jimmy's Egypt basses very well. I remember them being a bit "out there" in terms of styling...but they played and sounded great! Does Jimmy not play in a Beatles tribute band these days???