White Cloud

[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???

Thanks for sharing......nice!

Its an interesting piece (especially if you are a Yes fan)....would make a nice piece of art for decorating your house if nothing else.

Looks amazing!

Cant comment on the 5 string as I haven't played one, but own a recently acquired IV..... play-ability and sound is great, the quintessential rock bass. Of course it is a viable gigging bass, these instruments are completely underrated Having looked at your stable of basses there is a real place in there for a T bird!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1367516043' post='2066352'] I was sent by Mrs FRC to pick up a printer cartridge today- and the shop is next to a music shop so (as you do) popped in to see if they had anything nice in... well the secondhand USA G&L L2000 seemed the best buy in there but they also had a new fender bass- the new american vintage reissue 1974ri jazz - it looked lovely - one of the members of staff had come in on his day off and was playing it -and it sounded lovely - I probably played lovely.... but it was about £2000. Now I'm not doubting it was a good bass.... but I could get two custom UK built basses for that much! I'm not overly critical of how much it is - fender have to take a cut, the shop I went into needs to make it's cut - but I don't understand who would drop that much on a new run-of-the-mill-abet-top-of-the-range jazz bass - surely you'ld be looking at other options? I mean that's about sadowsky metro, or overwater jazz money too... let alone what ACG or someone could build you! [/quote] You have said it all really. I just don't get the Fender hype anymore. Overpriced and inconsistent. I would look at the alternatives at that price point.

Good luck with your quest Marcus. I bought a brand new Wal custom on the old never never back in 1985 for £750. Didn't drink, drive or entertain any voluptuous females for 6 months whilst I paid it up with every penny I made. John Entwhistle even briefly played it on one of those bass centre bass weekend master class things. In a moment of absurd nonsensical halfwittery I swapped it for a brand new Jaydee supernatural - which subsequently developed a terminal neck back bow. It was a real dog of a bass. Almost 30 yrs on I still consider it the stupidest act of my life...and I have done some really stupid things!

Great basses, great build quality, great sounds, gigging war horse, great value for money, great playability....is there anything else????