Sean

[quote name='spiderjazz' timestamp='1328044934' post='1520967'] I got a Fender Mexican Jazz 5 string at the weekend, and I put a set of Dean Markley Blue Steel 45-128 gauge strings on it (they were the only one's available in the shop) and I'm not a fan on them overall, but the Low B in particular is really floppy and has no definition at all to it. I was reading there that Fender's have a 34" scale, so that makes them a bit looser, so what can I do to get the B string nice and tight? I'm going to go up in gauge, but is there any particular strings that have a tighter tension? I was looking at picking up a set of D'addario Prosteels that go from 0.45 - 0.135. What other brands of strings have people used with success on Fender 5 strings? [/quote] What kind of bridge is on it? You could replace the bridge with something like a Gotoh, which will effectively give you a bit more tension as the anchor points are a few millimeters further back. You could also fit some Hipshot string trees, these too will make a difference. I did both these mods to my Yamaha BB415 and it changed the instrument completely and for the better. I got the idea about the string trees from reading something that Hugh MacDonald said about why he insists on these Hipshot retainers for all his Sadowsky basses. You can see the bridge change in this thread [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/78057-yamaha-bb415/page__p__934898__hl__yamaha%20bb415__fromsearch__1#entry934898"]here[/url] and the string trees are [url="http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=26"]here[/url] and available from eBay and other online places. You will have a much more robust and less temperamental instrumental that isn't fussy about strings if you do these mods and in total, the bridge (a Gotoh copy that cost me £12) and the retainers (less than a tenner for two to cover all 5 strings) cost less than a set of strings and enhanced the look of the bass.

[quote name='leftyhook' timestamp='1327769132' post='1516537'] This bass, that configuration, this measurement.......haha! for goodness sake man, grab a bass and make it play for you!!! [/quote] If we all took that attitude, there would be no one on this forum!

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1327765317' post='1516477'] Are you still going to bid for the BB200? [/quote] PMed

[quote name='jonmohajer1' timestamp='1327761732' post='1516386'] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wasburn-80s-Wing-Series-Raven-Bass-/190631977536?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item2c628d2240#ht_500wt_1413"]http://www.ebay.co.u...0#ht_500wt_1413[/url] <-- I've always fancied one of these and pretty sure it'd fit your criteria. You'd probably get it with at least £50 to spare too. I have an Aria Pro II CSB 300 that I've played to death which is similar and is just a wonderful, straight up, great bass to play. [/quote] They look great but it's that upper horn, when the strap is on it fret 1 is too far away for my comfort. That's going to be a bargain for someone.

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1327757495' post='1516312'] could you not sell the ibanez to yourself for £50 then spend £150 on upgrades? [/quote] There's nothing in the rules about that and it does meet all the criteria laid down other than the fact that I don't really get on with it which is a shame cos it's so gorgeous, it's an old 90's Jap Custom Made SR1300 with an East U-Retro and PJ Barts. Once I've fitted the Bart P it's going up for sale.

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1327754374' post='1516249'] see my great idea was to find a decent PJ setup bass in need of a pickup change and point out the very nice young man selling a lovely pJ set of barts.... but it didn't work as this already has upgraded pups... very different sound but I quite like SD's too [/quote] I have that exact same Bart combo on an Ibanez I'm going to sell soon.

[quote name='MikanHannille' timestamp='1327734655' post='1515960'] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/162266-mim-jazz-fs-price-drop-new-pics-and-info-added/"]http://basschat.co.u...and-info-added/[/url] Your rule number 7 is on the way. XD [/quote] Ha Ha, that's as Mexican as tequila! [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1327747832' post='1516096'] Jap BB300 - 150 on gumtree... [url="http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/yamaha-bass/95454545"]http://www.gumtree.c...a-bass/95454545[/url] [/quote] Thanks! I've messaged him! The extra pickup and switch look interesting, doesn't look original and the J looks to be an SD Basslines.

[quote name='pbass67' timestamp='1327692671' post='1515591'] I'd say that Fernandez is a mighty good buy. My fave in this thread so far. . . [/quote] If the BBs on eBay go over £200 it could well be the one. The neck is stunning :-)

And this [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARIA-PRO-RSB-PERFORMER-BASS-GUITAR-1986-JAPAN-/260942972559?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cc169c68f#ht_521wt_1398"]Aria Pro II RSB Performer[/url] is absolutely delicious Starting bid is top of my budget though

So what's the difference between [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1970s-Cimar-Electric-Bass-Guitar-Japanese-Ibanez-/330675852992?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4cfdd116c0#ht_500wt_1413"]this Cimar[/url] and an Ibanez Blazer or Roadster? Cheaper hardware? Cheaper pickups? Body construction?

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1327687413' post='1515473'] We should go for a 50/50 ownership thing. Your need appears to be the greater so I will refrain from bidding (I promise)! Oh yes, sorry. Not to my taste either. [/quote] I'll be maxing out at £200 on that BB. The DX would be perfect if I played in a comedy hair metal tribute band called Spam Dagger but fortunately I haven't sunk that low yet. Maybe next year ;-)

Does he have similar lessons for plectrum technique and fingerstyle, [i]I'm like seriously interested, Dude! [/i][i] [/i]

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1327669032' post='1515059'] This one? [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1985-Westone-Spectrum-DX-Bass-Guitar-Made-Japan-Matsumoku-Roadworn-/260939569658?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cc135d9fa"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3cc135d9fa[/url] [/quote] That's the one I mentioned in my first post - ugh!

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1327674431' post='1515198'] Here's one of those BB200s mentioned above. Looks quite tidy this one... ...so much so it's on my Watch list now...BAD BOY, BAD BOY NO MORE BASSES [/quote] On my watch list too

[quote name='leftyhook' timestamp='1327655304' post='1514714'] that is your dilemma. people can suggest basses ( I have never heard of most of them) but you could wait months until one came up. was there a deadline? also, if you are picky, as you say, you need to try it out. Squire. acceptable weight, a shape you know, waiting for a set up and pick ups. [/quote] There wasn't a deadline in the discussion but a quick phonecall and chat and we've agreed 1st March. [quote name='charic' timestamp='1327656391' post='1514733'] Sell your favourite bass to me for £10, I'll then promptly sell it back for £10. Then you have £190 to upgrade it [/quote] Nice one! Tramples over the rules too! [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1327658250' post='1514773'] What are you playing at the moment? If you have to be happy with your challenge bass then knowing what you're currently playing is going to be a factor. Also does you budget include a decent set up and time taken to make any mods? [/quote] See sig for current basses - two four strings are used most in this covers band. Any set up and mods would be done by me so parts would be the only cost. [quote name='Nibody' timestamp='1327662460' post='1514862'] Westfield B1000. Simples.£90 from ebay. Nice basses for a budget [/quote] Breaches way too many rules! Read the first post! [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1327665297' post='1514957'] I imagine this is pretty good, and fits the task [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/160385-for-sale-fernandes-apb-4/"]http://basschat.co.u...ernandes-apb-4/[/url] [/quote] That looks promising

[quote name='hrc_la' timestamp='1327656746' post='1514746'] I don't know if it break any rule but maybe a ibanez gsr 190 or 200. [/quote] Loads of breaches of the rules with these ;-)

I've just edited rule 1 so it covers import duty/charges and also clarifies that delivery is not included in the £200 :-)

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1327651225' post='1514643'] I bought a well used/damaged but playable Ibanez ATK700 for £150 a couple of years back. I Intended to refinish it and keep it as my MM sound bas, but i haven't touched it more than twice - if it fits the bill you can have it at that money + postage... [/quote] Thanks for the offer. I had an ATK400 for a while and it sounded glorious but the neck was way too chunky for me :-(

[quote name='waldemar' timestamp='1327625907' post='1514578'] Easy - provided the p-ups are still serviceable, I'd have no problem recommending one of these: [url="http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/105035926/vintage-csl-jazz-bass.html"]http://www.preloved....-jazz-bass.html[/url] From what I understand it's basically an Ibanez but branded CSL (Charles Summerfield LTD) by the UK importer. Quirky headstock, block inlays, 70s Japanese manufacture. What's not to like?! [/quote] That's quite cool. I bet it weighs a ton? An old Jap bass really does appeal and would be a real trip down memory lane; I had a Cimar when I was in schoool. [quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1327627678' post='1514589'] +1 for a yamaha! [/quote] An old BB is top of the list and it would be happy living with its grandchildren at my house but they they do seem to fetch well over £200 quid.

[quote name='leftyhook' timestamp='1327623060' post='1514539'] . Don't stress over this and that and which and what so much! [/quote] I'm not stressing; it's a game with rules, it's a challenge that's interesting [quote name='noelk27' timestamp='1327623930' post='1514544'] Well, if you're talking Precision and Jazz clones, then start looking at Columbus, Joodee, El Maya and factories like Guyatone, Yamaki, Kawai. The likes of a Columbus Precision copy, even at the bottom of the range, would have a body made with eight pieces of Sen, and a good chunk of maple for a neck. Pickups? Often made by Maxon, Goto(h), DiMarzio. [/quote] Thanks! I now have a load of new eBay search words [quote name='Jerry_B' timestamp='1327624257' post='1514547'] Get a Yamaha BB414... [/quote] As an owner of a BB415, BB2024x and BB2025x I would get on with a BB414 like a house on fire. Read the rules though, The BB414 is a Taiwanese bass. [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1327624498' post='1514549'] I know very little about cheap basses.... so why can't you get a used Squire? [/quote] I could if it was Japanese or pre-2000 Korean.

[quote name='noelk27' timestamp='1327622311' post='1514523'] Well, the Aria Laser that I just sold, for £200 shipped to your door, with a free set of brand new DR strings thrown in, would have ticked all those requirements off, no problem. If you want to go into a bit more detail about previous basses you've used, and the sound you want to achieve, I'll come up with a list of ten Japanese built basses that would work. [/quote] Check my sig for the current stable. Over the years I've mainly played P, PJ, J, MM style pickup configs and normal Fender-derived body shapes. As far as sound goes, I like to cut through the mix and have some articulation in my sound, probably why I prefer a PJ to a P. Sorry to be so vague but passive PJ config is my favourite and I let my fingers and amp do the work I guess.

[quote name='leftyhook' timestamp='1327622198' post='1514521'] I bought a P/J squire for £90 .2 Dimarzio s/h replacement pups = £60. total £150 my talent to bring the best out of it = free That's it. I'm gigging it tomorrow cos it feels and sounds the way I want it. Way too much emphasis on expensive equipment. [/quote] I'd agree. Is it a pre-2000 Korean Squier?

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1327621948' post='1514517'] See if you can find an OLP Stingray. They're normally really good and I've seen a few go for around £150 leaving you with a bit of cash to get a better pickup innit. Truckstop [/quote] Where were the OLPs made and when? If they are Chinese, Indonesian or Korean-post-2000 they're a no go. I think I'm pretty much stuck with old JapCrap or a very few obscure other things.

My friend, who is the guitarist in the covers band I play in, has challenged me to find and buy a bass that I can use as my main instrument for a year. He has laid down a lot of conditions that prevent me from, for example, going out and buying a Squier VM Jazz or similar great value for money instrument that would easily cut the mustard. You might not agree with the rules but I think they are reasonable and that this challenge, despite my pickiness, is very achieveable. I'm looking for my fellow basschatters to help and advise here and possibly even offer me a bass that they might have for sale... [color=#0000cd][b]His rules are:[/b][/color][list=1] [*][color=#000000][b][u]Budget £200 [/u][/b][/color][color=#0000cd][b]- this is to include cost of bass and includes any post-purchase modifications, like new pups or bridge or preamp or whatever. Adding a Hipshot X-tender lies outside the budget; I need one and we agreed it is unreasonable to constrain the challenge because of this. I can't exceed the £200 with import charges/taxes etc. Delivery is not included in the £200, so that makes it a bit easier.[/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]All purchases within £200 budget can be second hand if needed (Duh!)[/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]The bass must be made of a recognised traditional tonewood, no Poplar or "modern nonsense woods". He was on the fence about Basswood though. He says Ash, Swamp Ash, Alder, mahog are what he expects.[/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]The bass must be of "traditional" design - this is very open to interpretation but I know he excludes headless bats, pointy metal type instruments.[/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]The bass must suit the style of band we are - this is easy, we play funky rock covers, Chili Peppers, Rage, Audioslave and lots of other stuff. P, J, MM style basses will fit in no problemo![/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]I have to be absolutely happy with it for gigging - This has implications inasmuch as I wouldn't be happy with a Westone Thunder because when on the strap it hangs like a Warwick and fret 1 is too far away for my own comfort.[/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]Here's a tough one: it must have been manufactured in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Korea (before 2000) or any current member of the EU![/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]If the bass is sold with accessories like a case, strap, lead or whatever I can sell them on afterward to get the price down by however much they are sold for however I cannot remove any parts of the bass, e.g. removing a Badass and replacing with a cheaper bridge.[/b][/color] [*][color=#0000cd][b]Timescale is by 1st March 2012[/b][/color] [/list] One of my own rules here is that it will have to be under 10 lbs, anything heavier just plays hell with my back and shoulders as a gigging instrument so something like an Ibanez Blazer or Roadster becomes near impossible sadly. I've been trawling Ebay and have seen a Westone Spectrum, which looks very hair metal mullet-ish but not much else. If there was ever a time for Captain Jap Crap to come back it's now. So... What do you think? Ideas?

£229 for a 4 string at Andertons. None in stock yet.