Maude

One thing I didn't realise when ordering, as they list all measurements in metric, is that the CLB-10S is 32" scale where the the HBB30 is a 'normal' 34" scale, it's not a big deal especially considering the price but I would have preferred 34" for both. Nevermind. First up, headstock. The HB lettering and the crown logo are pearl inlays whereas the Harley Benton name is just a silver water slide decal. [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00822_zpsnx4iibvh.jpg.html"][/url] Next the pre amp, the cheaper model has a more 'tweakable' unit with the addition of a presence control a upper and lower mid control over the Fishman unit in the dearer model. I haven't used the Fishman unit yet so can't compare but the cheaper one sounded lovely when I used it with our acoustic band. The Fishman pre is the top of the range in their isys (unfortunate name choice given recent events) range, the bass came with instructions for the pre amp and the booklet covered three or four different units in the isys range with this one being the top one. [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0082_zpsoyiodzsj.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0084_zpswtkuxk3m.jpg.html"][/url] Inlayed pearl soundhole binding compared to black and white decal under the lacquer, [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0087_zpstjppffik.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0088_zps0zljzsel.jpg.html"][/url] Couple of pictures showing difference in finish, [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0091_zpsign4nzsa.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0094_zpsgi65clha.jpg.html"][/url] Bridge differences, ignore the wonky roundwound E string [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0085_zpsfpkxpqzi.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0086_zps3yi7owat.jpg.html"][/url] Different shaped cutaway, [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0093_zpswiqo5zny.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00942_zpsobxkv8jx.jpg.html"][/url] Different output units, the XLR is a nice touch, not tried it yet but I assume it should do away with the need for a DI box when going into a desk. Note that the XLR is on the cheaper model. [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0090_zps6uzlzewh.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0089_zpsiwkewzvu.jpg.html"][/url] Even inside, the wood on the more expensive model does look better, this is the inside of the back, [url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00962_zps0uhxinp9.jpg.html"][/url][url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00952_zpsu0uiqid4.jpg.html"][/url] So there you go, until I get the same strings on I can't really compare the two soundwise, even then it's fretless against fretted, but looks and feel wise the dearer model does seem a much classier (if that's the right word) instrument.

Better late than never Differences between the HBB30 and the CLB-10S. Now one's fretless and the other fretted, and one has Fender tapewounds and the other cheap steel rounds I had kicking about so I can't really do a true tone or volume comparison, the fretted will also have Fender tapewounds when I get some. I'll let some pictures do the talking, you should be able to tell which bass is which as the HBB30 is gloss and the CLB-10S satin. I'll post this now as I'm on my phone and fire up the PC to post the pictures. Back in a mo.

My matching pair of Aria STB series J and P basses. The P has a Quarter Pounder pup and Chrome flats while the J has Entwistle JBXN pups with a 'series switch' and D'Addario XL rounds. They both owe me next to nothing but they both sound superb. [URL=http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0063622_zpsl6gdty9q.jpg.html][IMG]http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t49/Maudebass/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0063622_zpsl6gdty9q.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I like to wildly flail around in an Ian Curtis fashion until my I'll fitting trousers fall to the floor and then masturbate furiously until the chorus. One day someone will notice the bass player

This really isn't helping my want for a JC.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1422571214' post='2674321'] My fretless 5-string acoustic arrived today too. It has a very small ding on the back at the heel of the neck. Other than that it seems great. [/quote] Is that small ding in the shape of a 'D' for 'deko'? I made that mistake too. They stamp them so they can't be returned as full price instruments.

If a pub told us we couldn't play anywhere nearby I'd happily take a retainer fee for the nights they don't want us playing. But I can't see any pub offering that so I'll play where I like thank you.

Always liked the look of the Jack Cassady. Do they have a centre block of wood with the pups and bridge mounted to? By the feedback warning I'm assuming not. You know what we need. . . . PICTURES!

The bridge may make a difference, it may not. Nobody watching you knows or cares, just get out there and play the damn thing. Spend the time saved not worrying about it practicing. Your improvement in playing ability will sound better than any improvement from a bridge. I try and convince myself that this is the best approach but I still spend hours fiddling with my basses regardless

First impressions with the CLB-10S as opposed to the HBB30 FL (slightly upgraded acoustic compared to the basic one), Nicer shaped headstock with nicer decal, nicer shaped bridge with pins rather than through bridge stringing, Fishman electrics, all over satin finish rather than gloss, MOP soundhole binding. All this is personal preference but I really like the CLB-10S, it seems a much higher end instrument, so much so that if a fretless came up I might get it and sell the HBB30 FL, that's not to say the cheaper one isn't good, I took it to rehearsal yesterday instead of my DB and it was fantastic plugged in. Only fault I can find on the CLB-10S is the (usual) 17th fret being slightly raised, buzzing. I cant find anything else. I'm off to rehearsal now but will report back over the weekend with comparison photos.

A box is waiting at home for me.

The best I've ever received was a bass from ebay, the seller just put it in a single black bin bag and taped the top shut round the headstock. How it wasn't damaged I'll never know.

They are taller than most so be aware of that when fitting them. I had to leave the springs out and just use the old foam for keeping them under tension, with the springs in the springs would fully compress and act like spacers before the pups were low enough. I did wonder afterwards if this was their intention as the new pups don't come with springs.

Kev, I'd imagine it will only be the Harley Benton range being reduced as other brands, I assume, would go back to the manufacturer if there were problems. I don't think anyone is unaware of what they are buying, no one is expecting a high end instrument. Just a perfectly useable, nicely made bass for fifty quid to your door. I spend more than that on fuel every week. I understand what your saying though, if their 60th anniversary Fender P came up for £250 I'd have a broken keyboard from trying to order it so fast.

Yes AT, it was your post that led me to it, so yes it's your fault That said, I have been checking on Thomann as well so hopefully would have seen it. But yes, keep posting as it is good to have your program that flags them up on our side.

I'll rate the Entwistle Neo pups as well, Fitted a pair to an Aria jazz and wired a mini toggle in so I can run them in series like Fenders S1, in series they sound immense. Don't let the low price tag fool you, they could double the price and they'd still hold their own in the PU world.

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1421453425' post='2661627'] Maude, did you buy one? [/quote] I sure did. I was after a B30 to match the fretless I bought but they only had black. This looks like a nice spec and I had a voucher which covered the postage. The wait begins Re the value and playability of these instruments, the fretless I will take to gigs as backup to my doublebass should the worst happen. I'd have no problem gigging these basses and really can't understand the mentality of if it's cheap it must be bad, to me if it plays well and holds tune then it's gig worthy,the rest is down to the player, sure an expensive bass is nice but not necessarily going to sound any better.

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1421443682' post='2661448'] It seems a deal then, anyone going to go for it? [/quote] Oops, it's happened again ;0)

[URL=http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_482465957754807_zpse6adc5ce.jpeg.html][IMG]http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t49/Maudebass/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_482465957754807_zpse6adc5ce.jpeg[/IMG][/URL] My acoustic band playing at 'The Blue Anchor' in Helston. Awesome pub to play as they love their live music, everyone was up dancing.

Nor me, I think it's just a material need.

50's influence, something with plenty of bottom end and around £400 to spend? I'd be looking at an Epiphone Jack Cassidy.

It's a bummer that they're selling so quick, I'm after a B30NT to go with my fretless. I've also been sort of on the lookout for a very cheap but useable P bass to chop up for a project, that PJ would have been prefect.

I'm going to put some on my bass, then as an existing feature that needs to be made use of I have a valid reason to wear a leather mini skirt on stage.

Sourcing strings is no problem at all. Make up your own set direct from LaBella, or buy their pre packed set,and they'll be on your doormat in about a week. I'm sure on Talkbass there's a thread about using standard light gauge bass strings. Due to the bridge and tailpiece design a 34" scale string fits fine. If you try a Bass VI with the standard strings don't be put off by the sloppy string rattle, a higher tension higher gauge set totally transforms this bass. Forgot to say, it's cheaper to buy direct from LaBella as well, forget the sets on ebay, my custom set from LaBella cost between 15 and 20 quid including postage.

What would be really interesting is a 'before you joined basschat' and an 'after you've been on basschat a while' picture.