martthebass

[quote name='Jerry_B' post='769196' date='Mar 9 2010, 01:28 PM']As the basses get older, it'll become more apparent which vintages were the best. This is partly the case already. So just because it's an old Fender, it doesn't mean it's a good Fender (as has already been mentioned). And then we also have non-US Fenders, which also have their own vintages. I think this means that their pedigree will remain fairly wide ranging in terms of their value, so at the end of the day you'd have to figure out which ones will be worth more in future. I mean, how much will an early Fender be worth in, say, 30 years? 50 years...?[/quote]

I think 'Vintage' is highly related to perception and fashion also. And changes verrrrry quickly. 4 years ago I sold my 1990 Ray (in good nick) for a touch under £600, I've noticed people looking for £900+ for this age now. I wouldn't expect much more than that for my 30th Ray which is both better made and sounds superior (IMHO). At the end of the day sometimes you have to accept that you are buying a 'perception' (not an Overwater one) albeit a perception that has transferable value.

Think I came over a bit 'aggressive' in my earlier post when I read it back (don't you hate the way the English language doesn't always convey your intended meaning especially when you speak Yorkshire like what I do). Sorry for that PH.

At the end of the day, if bass no longer has any draw for you or you have no use for it (new band, project, pulling the ladies/guys as the case may be - trying to be modern non-sexist there) then it's time to 'off it' and get into something more deserving of your time/aspirations. As many have already said, we all have days when it doesn't appeal but when days turn to weeks and then months.......

I too keep finding meself attracted to owning a pre 1975 Fender Jazz. Don't know why; my current 3 basses are good examples of their genre and do their jobs well. Also, I once went through Music Ground (Doncasters) extensive stock of [exclusively] sunburst 70's Ps and Js when looking for a US Fender back around 1987 and couldn't find a decent example which sort of put me off a bit. The oldest Fender I've owned was a 1982 Jazz that wasn't all that (wasn't as good as the JV Precision it replaced TBH but I had to have a US made one ) and was quickly dispatched to fund a (brand new) 1990 Stingray that was superior in just about every way.

Maybe the attraction is 'free ownership', 'nostalgia' or 'Street Cred' (as discussed above), I don't know.......all I do know is that I need to get out of this phase before I do something silly like sell my perfectly good basses to fund a potential 'dog'.

[quote name='Musicman69' post='767945' date='Mar 8 2010, 01:38 PM']Thanks for that.
Its an early 90s alright, I wonder where EB would tell me to shove it if I looked for a refinish [/quote]

Don't think I'd bother going on the forum....

Might be worth trying a direct contact tho.......but based on the age etc?

I've not had this personally happen to me, though a 'colleague' had an early 90's Stingray that did the same as this about 3-4 years from new. Apparently it was put down to a paint defect. As I recall it ended up as a refinish though I think EB may have picked up all/some of the tab.

Personally I think being a bassist has to have some sort of 'goal'.

I'm close to being between bands at the moment and find I'm not playing so much because I don't have anything to learn for tomorrow's gig or rehearsal. To me playing is as much about social interaction as music, if I was stuck in a bedroom wacking out the same old songs.....well that's just a bit sad and if that's where you are with bass that you should sell up and pack it in -I know I would. For me I won't sell up (though I may move some equipment on) and I would look for a new outlet/challenge - I've always fancied mandolin for instance.

The fact that you have posted on here means (despite your protestations) you are 'semi-open' to a solution. If not, move on to something else and don't waste anyone's time navel gazing ;-)

Nice to see that another OW will be making it's way to the peoples republic of South Yorkshire. Congrats.

Your bass looks more 'flexible' to me in terms of it's ability. I think the fact that the 400X is well known and this isn't says something.......(ducks for cover)

Nice bass BB, Overwaters tend to go for tiny money on ebay for some reason (mine was a rare bargain). Snag it while you can....

My better half would probably agree with yours C. I've been with BC right from the early days of Bassworld so I guess I've seen most topics come through once or twice also, I still find bits that peak my interest (or sense of humour) tho.

I've tried to wean myself off - even went on Facebook, but I still find myself coming back to BC a few times a day on average. The problem I have is that it makes me want to trade basses. I've probably got the ideal line up (for me) with the 3 I have but I still end up thinking about doing trades/sales on here when I don't need to.

Sorry I don't have any advice, however if you do come up with a sensible solution please be sure to pass it on, perhaps we could form a self help group......my name is XXXX and I'm a Basschatoholic etc.

I like the unfinished maple on modern MM's but admit they take a bit of looking after. Fortunately I also like gloss - the 30th Ray has that luckily. If I ever get another 'unfinished' Ray I'd seriously consider getting a pro neck re-fin.

This is too cheap for a MM 'custom made' bass DDDF.

Someone is going to get a rare bargain.

1. A mint condition JV 57 Precision - one of the first to arrive in the UK (big Fender, low JV serial). px'd against a 82 US Jazz. K**b

2. 1990 Stingray 4 2EQ. To buy a Sterling.............why?

3. 2002 Stingray 5. Probably the only 5er I've ever liked. Sold to fund my Streamline, still miss it, sniff.

4. Beat up 1996 MIM Jazz - did about 300 gigs with it, sold it to buy a Warwick.............hey Ho.

I've had a couple of Lakky Skylines, a BG (Modded) and a DJ5.

I bought both 2nd hand (tho the DJ5 was unused) and got them significantly lower priced than 'shop'. TBH, they both felt reasonably made and sounded well, but there is no way that I would've paid the shop price - they were IMHO not in the same league (build and finish wise) as MM or Sandberg which could be had at those prices.

Weight wise I've found the Skylines very inconsistent. Both of mine were pretty heavy (especially the BG - 10lb) but I've noticed some nice light examples (a particularly fine JO4 in Electro was less than 8lbs and sounded very nice).

Nice bass my friend, got one very similar in walnut and cedar.

Good luck with the sale

For looks, Maple.

For playing, Rosewood

For Stability, Graphite

For Fretless, Ebony

On that basis there's room for all if you can own a few basses....

I don't have a problem with my current Ray4 but have had the problem in the past (particularly on a Sterling 4 I once had). The pup on mine is set 4mm higher on the G side than the E, I think that is the main reason for the decent balance - worth a try?

A couple of weeks back I was at one of the local Jams and took my new (to me) Ray 30th for a bit of a tryout. After our 'stint' the next guy up asked to have a go on my bass, I just pointed to the house bass (a respectable fairly new Squier Jazz CV) and indicated that was a free-for. He did a bit of an 'harumpf' and comment about he lent out his gear and how he was super careful etc but I let it pass with a smile.

2 minutes into his band's set he was flailing around so much that he managed to un hook the bass with it falling to the floor and picking up a sizeable bit of damage. I didn't feel the need to say anything......

Oh this is a good deal.......and me with no money and all that.

There's a G&L (US build) L2000 with the Jazz profile neck sitting in Electro Doncaster at the moment for a shade over £700.

It's trans amber and very light for a G&L, maybe only a shade over 8lbs. It could do with a bit of a clean but I didn't notice any dings/scratches of significance (and I'm pretty anal that way). Might be worth a look.

[quote name='alanbass1' post='751428' date='Feb 19 2010, 10:26 PM']Been thinking about this and of course you do. How could you think of not needing one....go ouyt a get one immediately![/quote]
Sound advice, however after due consideration I feel I want to live out the remainder of my days with my danglies still attached.
Also after consideration I decided to tell the vocalist to stick to singing. The 2 guitarists and the drummer are cool with the Ray in the mix as it is and on some of the 'softer' numbers I agreed to try the Perception fretless to see if it added anything to the general sound.

[quote name='The Burpster' post='751248' date='Feb 19 2010, 06:51 PM']Status Streamline.......[/quote]

+1,

Mine can do pretty much anything I want it to, except look like a conventional bass (that's what the Ray's for) on the occasion when that might be needed. If that isnt a problem for yer, get a Streamline.

In my bass line up basses come and go.................this one aint going anywhere (unless it's to fund a Streamline 5 at some point)

Very nice single piece of ash for the body.............not common that. Have a bump.

I've only had 3 bands for the last few years and I'm pretty restrained on the 'knobs' usually just a bit of mid tweaking and maybe a roll off the high.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.
Don't think I'll go down the flats route tho - hate them on fretted basses, I agree with Rich on this one.
I'll try a bit more fiddling with the 2 end knobs on the LM in the meantime. I'll also keep an eye out for a jazz type trade for my 30th.