ZenBasses

Thanks the replies. I shall have to ask Jon when I next speak to him... See what his reasonings for it are. He certainly makes a few in this Config.... Interesting!!

Might seemed silly one but why are some neck pups mounted on an angle? I am going to guess it's to give a more even output to each string Or maybe it's not The pups in question are Seymour Duncan MM + J quarter pounder if that makes a difference So emailed Jon about my build and tossed this over to him. This is his reply The main reason why it is slanted, which should be obvious..... is that the spacing of the magnets suits a wider spacing, so inclining it aligns the poles, if it was square then the poles would look untidy. If the poles were the correct spacing for the bridge and MM pickup then I would have routed it square. The second reason, which isn't quite as important as number one is that inclining it gives a better access for those slap and poppers (since the MM takes up so much room!) and thirdly is that is does look quite groovy like that, but wouldn't if the poles were out of alignment! Also the pickup is quarterpounder, so its loud, inclining the pickup does increase the bass / treble balance which is not a bad thing on a J pickup, trying to get a more P sound from a J. So style and looks come third/fourth! So now we know.. Style also has a function

Hey thanks for the replies. I have listened to the Lakland samples and to these ears they lacks depth and warmth. Probably fit very well in a mix but it just doesn't 'excite' in my ears. I am currently toying with the idea of having a MM J Config on my new shuker to give me a contrast to my GBs twin Humbuckers I played an EBMM at a shop and although I thought the tone was really good it again didn't press the right buttons. (though the Peavey practice amp supplied didn't help) I switched to an Overwater Jazz (tanglewood), and Tbh in thought it had a more rounded fuller sound..But didn't lack punch. . I don't want the ultra hifi sound like I get from the GB but maybe sticking with soap bar humbuckers is the best solution when having a one time only build commissioned. Wish there was a better range of shops in Leeds that allows to play lots of different pickups and pre amps if you know what I mean. So maybe I am leaning towards EMG soap bars again as their slightly compressed and full sound is where I want to be.

Hey I am trying to get my head around pickup configurations and the sounds they produce. Can anyone suggest any music to listen to that was recorded with a MM J equipped bass.. I guess Lakland would be a good place to start. Just so I can get a sense of how they fit 'in a mix' Plus it's just another excuse to discover new music hehe Thanks Ben

The moment I am 1 bass guy my trusty GB IV. Tbh its all the bass one could ever need. I have had many but this one is a keeper and always get played more than anything else. Yes I have a new shuker on the way which will be as far removed from the GB in sound. But I could quite happily live with 1

[quote name='bobpalt' timestamp='1358363428' post='1937920'] No Pedulla, Zon, MTD, Lakland, etc.........................................? [/quote] Could this mean it's concentrating on 2012 products. Therefore none of the mentioned did anything new in 2012 and just built current production instruments, therefore wouldn't have an entry. I don't know it's just a theory

Thanks BCers I have a new Horn Bolt-on on order which me and Jon are putting the spec together for (build diary is imminent) I had to part with it for a number of reasons... Grrrr @ bank balances and bills

Stella quality not a gap or blemish to be found Probably lost forever.... But you never know Thanks for the comment

Can I just add Or Despite the fact they are plastic essentially you'd look such a spanner playing one. Bass Labs hmmmnn

Found the original post when I sold it in 2009...seems like just mins ago These were the original specs [i][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]5 String [/font][/color][color=red][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Elite[/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] Custom[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]5A Flamed Maple 3 Piece Multi-Laminated Body with Black Accents[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Master Grade Madrone Burl Drop Top with Matching Headstock[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Book Matched Imbuya Burr Back with matching Control Cavities[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]5 Piece Multi-Laminate Neck[/font][/color][/i] [i][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Flame Maple/Wenge/Flame Maple/Wenge/Flame Maple[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]24 Fret Birdseye Maple Fingerboard[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]ABM Individual Bridge[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Brass Nut[/font][/color] [color=red][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Shuker[/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] 18v EQ -- Bass, Mid, Mid Freq, Treb[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Dual EMG Pickups[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Neck - EMG 40CS[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Bridge - EMG 40TW - This has a Dual/Single Coil Dip Switch[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]High Gloss Polyester / Polyurethane finish on Body[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Satin Gloss finish on Neck[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Hiscox LiteFlite Case[/font][/color][/i] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I sold this on the 'Bay' , I had to change my email address since then so my bay account is not showing this.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Wish I knew where it ended up, one day I hope I'll come across her again and buy her back....[/font][/color] Selling Her was the Worst decision I ever made as bass player.

The EBS Multi-Comp is probably the best pedal for the job..The EBS fafner I have has a compressor built in and its the dogs (i guess not much different from the pedal)...only when you drive it to the extreme (9 10 11.!!)does it start to sound 'less' musical. I also have Behringer compressor that although is great for studio use, for the live bass rig you're better off IMO to have a dedicated pedal. If you're in the middle of a set and you need more or less...just 1 dial is easier to mess around with rather altering many...

May I chime in with this Shuker Uberhorn Fretless Has a hint of Ritter about it And on the more traditional front

Hey, So Jon Shuker is on with my new bass, just getting the specs together. However I am now in the posistion of choosing Pickups and Circuits..So I thought well hey I'll go out and have a play on the some instruments...Ideally wanting a MM+J setup. Jon has given me some ideas such a SD, EMG and Delano's Coupled with his circuit or a SD or EMG.. He also asked if I want a Passive tone control added.. So I've never played a bass with a passive tone control before...(Scary thought) Is there anyway ideally in west yorkshire (manchester and the like are not difficult to get to), that has a good range of basses, including MM's and the like. Everywhere just sells Cheapo rubbish or the tried and tested Fender , G+L, Gibson, Tanglewood etc etc so no real way of seeing if I like the sound and stuff.. www.thebassbarn.co.uk have some up which look good but they were still unfinished in Jon's wokrshop less than 2 weelks ago..lol So any ideas peeps?..... Or else its go in blind and I like...lol....

[quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1357656220' post='1926087'] Alan Cringean uses unusual material just like that. Ask him! [/quote] I shall have to seek him And yes I do believe I would probably contract a hernia from spotting my tea out if I saw what it costs. Having a new bass made by Jon Shuker.. One of the 'wants' was for an usual fingerboard..I shall show this to him and see what he can come up with.. I just saw it and thought dang that is just wanting some frets and strings (or indeed just, the strings)

I think it would make a stunning fingerboard Probably ridiculously expensive plus has anyone ever seen any as a fretboard made from it? [url]http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/black-and-white-ebony/[/url]

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1357589569' post='1925048'] I'm getting a mental picture of a mastering suite comprising of the usual massive desk but with an ipod dock in the centre as the reference monitors. [/quote] Your right... Because Mr Beats said so..... But yeah that is exactly where I am coming from.. In the mixing and mastering world the rule of thumb is 'The sound produce is only ever as good as the weakest link' I means you wouldn't play a Fbass through a peavey practice amp hehe

Yup I agree that the marketing machine is more centric to ipod this and connectivity that etc etc.. Very rarely are products on the shelves these day geared towards sound quality...This is based upon the plethora of electrical retailers and not the small but important hifi retailers such as richer sounds I am a complete geek when it comes to technology but to this I add that my setup includes late 80s and early 90 pioneer and Kenwood equipment running through some home brew speakers made of birch with kef drivers from the early 00s For me on my budget they take pride of place.. And love the warm sound that they produce. I don't really get the argument for cds being cold..?.. It's more to do with the advancements of microphones. Old style mics picked up much more 'background noise' made up of reflections off walls, people, instruments etc etc.. This gives a better sense of actually being 'in the room'? And then all this old style recording and new techniques are ruined by 192kb/s... Digital recordings done in lossless / flac are very detailed but then maybe some would argue cold? Listen through the right equipment.. With decent speakers made of let say wood? Rather than mdf.. Does a whole lot to warm things up. You'll never get that from a ipod dock all in one or a sound bar They are just watts for watts Shame cause there are some genuinely outstanding hifi separate products and they do get reviewed in detail.. Where? Hidden What Hifi, or the like.. Like boutique basses..... It's a personal thing and long may it be a personal choice... What sounds right to you.. Is right But most consumers don't know any better..but that is not their fault just the culture we live in.. A disposable culture

Hey guys Thanks for all the info... I will obviously be taking advice from Jon when it comes to wood choices and the like. I was just throwing it into general discussion as 20 opinions are better than 1..and you've all had good ones. Defo stired me away from the idea and stick to what I know.. Good old fashioned wood. As mentioned the attack of the Phenolic wouldn't be in keeping with what I was trying to achieve... And although I doubt Jon's composite / wood necks would move a tremendous amount or warp its better not to tempt faith. Now to see what weird and wonderful grains Jon has.... So far we've got. Black Walnut and the body core his usual 5 piece muti laminate neck with, sycamore figured top. Combined with MM J pickup configuration. Thanks peeps a plethora of information as usual

I would seriously consider talking to Jon Shuker He would be able to tailor a j bass to your specifications and preferences. [url]http://www.shukerguitars.co.uk/jbassgallery.html[/url] Something from his classic range would probably come in around the 1300 ish mark. Just food for thought

My GB has a lovely ebony Fingerboards and I was just exploring the possibilities of Phenolic.. The ethics surrounding ebony make me stir away. I have always loved the look of Pau Ferro.. Maybe this is probably the perfect option. Maple fboards are the obvious option.. But something a bit differ would be preferable The GB is super bright and attacky I am wanting a more rounded and Warmer sound So u guess that rules out composite straight off.. Hmmm Pau Ferro..... I likey

So yet again sat late at night considering options for my new bass that Jon Shuker is going to build me Has anyone had experience with composite or Phenolic fingerboard? I assume they are made to be hard wearing and I guess snappy and bright like ebony? Any advice BCers?

This caught my eye..... Not strictly purple but very similar to one already posted Nice little thread this one hehe

[quote name='Ninja_Baby' timestamp='1356814133' post='1914003'] This has been on my radar for a while now! I'll own one some day! [/quote] Stunning though I am after a J or bolt-on shape but this ethos could be adapted[quote name='Wooks79' timestamp='1356815565' post='1914031'] Here you go then, Musicman Stingray, was my main bass since Dec 1999 till I started with the 5 string earlier this year - I love it so much that I tried to track down a 5 string in this colour on this forum, but the owner understandably didn't want to part with it... I still want one though. Feel free to offer it to me if you sell one anyone [/quote] This musicman looks stunning also, I love the Grain of the wood.... Yep I am sold on Purple Molan - The picture just looks this way to me...obviously it doens't photograph well..and interesting on the information front.. Learning something new every day....