Chiliwailer

I'm not GAS'ing for one, but I was pretty chuffed to see the new Journeyman / Postmodern Precison/Jazz hybrid basses recently added to the 2015 Custom Shop models. At the start of the year I was disappointed that there weren't any NOS or modern-ish models added, but this one fits the bill nicely. Luckily for me and my wallet I prefer wide P necks and have no complaints about my Lull (only because im now used to that damn headstock). But I thought there may be some interest from fellow BC'ers... http://intl.fender.com/en-GB/custom-shop/basses/precision-bass/postmodern-nos-bass-rosewood-fingerboard-3-color-sunburst/

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1428425761' post='2741175'] Saddles seem to be alright so far just waiting on scratch it getting back to me. Didn't realise how difficult it is to find the right pickguard with the same amount of holes that's 3 ply! [/quote] Yeah, I was surprised too, even Allparts don't have one. Its not even like its because they come on 50's style Teles and people only want single ply, I've seen some awful modern ones for 5 hole. Bizarre. Sure scratch it can sort it, otherwise there is Andy Gibson in the basement of 25 Denmark St, he's an absolute top bloke and has made me many a pickguard in the past.

P.s. Callaham compensated brass saddles are great if your current ones are causing intonation issues. http://www.callahamguitars.com/partstel.htm

She's a beauty, what a lovely grain. Good luck with the replacement pickguard.

Well, WD only do 8 hole as far as I can see, and searching 5 hole on ebay only shows up ambiguous Mex/USA fitting ones. No worries though, these are the guys to email. They'll sort you out for sure. http://www.originalscratchplates.com

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1428328936' post='2740240'] Would have to stick with black. I'm not the biggest fan of tortoiseshell I'll have a look just now [/quote] Cool. If you need any help, happy to.

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1428328166' post='2740228'] To be honest it was only really the pickguard that put me off it! You've brightened my day Chili! I'll probably not do the frets myself but i'll superglue the selector knob thing. Can't upload any pics just now as i'm using my work pc. Hopefully might be some eye candy to someone. [/quote] Nice one, glad you're happy. Pictures would be lovely, yes please! Now you have lots of pickguard choices. If you want to keep it 50's style, I'm wondering if Scratch It could make you s 3 ply guard where by each layer is black? Traditionally a black 3 ply guard has black/white/black layers, so you see a white layer around the edges, still cool though. And of course cream and tortoiseshell always look nice on a burst. Enjoy choosing.

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1428322491' post='2740176'] Not sure what gauge are currently on them but the first real difference i noticed between my squier CV tele and my Fender was the Fender has ALOT more bass and depth. Few things that bother me with the Fender though is 1. The pickguard doesn't sit flush with the body. 2. The pickup selector plastic knob keeps coming off 3. The frets are a bit sharp when running my fingers down the side of the neck. If I can sort these things then i'm a very happy man. For a guitar made in 1989 it is immaculate. [/quote] That's great that you're happy with the tone, the rest is easily fixed. The pickguard is a 50's style singly ply, they all do that, even the originals and Custom Shop ones. Plus, they have less screw holes than regular ones. You'll need to buy a 3 ply plate suited for a 50's style, that'll make it plush to the body, worth checking the WD site or the Scratch It guys that are also on BC. The switch tip is likely to be aftermarket, and they always have a few size options. For now you could use some super glue or a little bit of tape around the switch. The frets can be sorted, but not sure if that's something you'd like to do yourself? If not a tech can sort it out easily enough. There you go, job done!

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1428307080' post='2739989'] Sorry wasn't on Basschat over the weekend. Wasn't feeling to good so haven't played it too much. Not a perfect guitar but loving the sound off it pics to follow! [/quote] Hope you're feeling better. If you fancy experimenting, I personally think that maple neck Tele's come to life more with gauge 11 strings, really brings up the volume, bass response and general vibe. Have fun with it, they are cool guitars.

[quote name='karlthebassist' timestamp='1428253399' post='2739630'] What is the Mini one like? The full size version is too much for my budget. [/quote] Mini one is awesome if you're not constantly messing with tones. The deal is, you get the app and then place your phone by the pickup to change the tone!!! TC gear is very good indeed, the little one can do whatever the big one can.

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1428075509' post='2737853'] It's arrived! Won't see it till i'm home from work about half 6 peeing myself here [/quote] All gone quiet, is the Tele ok?

[quote name='Tuco' timestamp='1428237499' post='2739417'] We also got likened to "70's porn soundtracks" at one point.. awesome The evening was a total success. [/quote] Hats off to you, must have been a right giggle. I once played at a stag do, we had porn projected onto the wall behind us and improvised to the their 'grooves', the singer was more like a stand up comedian, good memories. But not half as funny as your gig last night, your folk weren't prepared for that

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1427969912' post='2736403'] That's a damned good price! [/quote] Yup, some specialist bass shops sure price better than others.

[quote name='Grassie' timestamp='1428231255' post='2739298'] Yes, this. Even if I had the money I'm not sure if I would spend that much on a bass even if I could justify it by playing as a professional every night. [/quote] Yes, and I would presume that the vast majority of these won't be sold to that kind of player anyway. Many won't leave the house. I'm not saying that as a dig at potential buyers, not at all.

There are people out there where £11k is not a big purchase, they can easily handle that without batting an eyelid. I can't see any reason why Fodera shouldnt exploit that if they want to, but I agree with the OP whereby how can that huge amount be justified against other basses, even Fodera's own, that are around £6k etc. I'm sure they can 'explain' where that extra £5k goes and if that makes someone want to buy it then I'm happy for them. The plus £10k vintage market has been exploiting the rich, posers, show offs and occaisonal cash rich dedicated vintage fan for years, so why not also a modern high end maker who sell top notch amazing gear? Like I said, this price tag is peanuts to the rich and they'd love a purchase like that. As for you and me.....

Billy Talbot - Crazy Horse. Technically not even remotely close to the best bassist's Neil Young has played with, but he seriously makes those tunes thump. One of my favourite players because it's more heart and vibe than anything else.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1428216980' post='2739120'] I'll get down there when I can and make some noise. [/quote] Nice one, be good to hear how you get on, sounds like the start of something and that can only be a good thing

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1428176570' post='2738904'] so it balances very well. [/quote] Hits the nail on the head Chris. Just popping up once again to shout that if you have back issues then it's most likely that... LIGHT WEIGHT IS ONLY HALF WAY THERE WITHOUT PERFECT BALANCE!!!! I don't use cheap nylon straps, but they are a great way to test a bass. If you can put the bass on with one of those and the neck doesn't drop a single centimeter then there's less pressure on you. I've played countless 7.5 - 8.5lbs basses that don't balance well and have a little neck dive so therefore feel heavier as they put a further strain on you.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1428183215' post='2738979'] Ok cool, so I recon for portability maybe a lightweight Poweramp and cab set up... I already have a strat / orange set up for blues noodling but its not really suitable for metal... And to be honest I'm not sure I really need th subtly of full valve for this project. So my next question is which pedal / preamp will get close to emulatiing that massive mesa high gain distortion? I really appreciate your input here, I'm basically a newbie with guitar gear. [/quote] So you actually have the right to say on Basschat 'but is it any good for metal?'!! To be honest, high gain isn't within my vast experience, Years ago I used to have a Mesa Boogie V Twin pedal which I absolutely loved when I was feeling like a palm mute and thrash fest. I seem to remember the Zvex Box of Metal being well regarded and Mesa-ish but my best advice is to get down to Denmark St and play some pedals, side by side. There is a great guy in Regent Sounds called Liam (could be Leon, known him for years but I'm embarissingly bad with names), I reckon he'd pass on some good advice to you as he's very experienced,, friendly, likes a bit of noise and definitely knows his stuff. Never been a better time to buy pedals, so many boutique companies out there using true bypass and high grade components, some like Jam Pedals are even using NOS chips like in the old classics, that's a bit too much in detail for the likes of me but Jam Pedals do sound amazing to my ears and the Big Chill is proudly on my guitar board. Play as many as you can mate, your ears will know - if you play a 6 string Wal you must be pretty on it!

Whether you rate Fender Japan gear, or feel it's all hype, one thing for sure is that they always had creative models that offered something different and they had some great alternative reissue specs. Check out the thread in the link below, looks like change may be on the horizon with FMIC taking control, possibly stopping production? It wouldn't be a surprise would it, especially given the ranges Mexico have been putting out. http://offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=89854

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1428147521' post='2738472'] Thanks for the feedback, I really am clueless. Portability is more important than cost. I'm not looking right now, just trying to get my head around it all. Been thinking about playing guitar in a hardcore metal band on the side of my bass playing duties. [/quote] You know, what with pedals being so good these days and the fact that there are so many boutique pedal makers keeping everyone on their toes, Class A grear may not be a necessity for hardcore metal imo. And the digital simulation stuff may just suit that style too as everyone loves a Mesa tone so it gets copied a lot.. Wish I still had my Mesa V Twin pedal, damn that was good. Good luck, worth a trip to some shops for a bit of thrashing....

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1428147579' post='2738473'] I built a clone that is rather nice, the 'Kendrive', but the supplier seems to have stopped trading. [/quote] Now that is a shame, would have been fun to build one of those. Great name for a rip off too!! Next year, when I've paid off my amp and my credit card is clear, I'll be on the hunt for a Zendrive or something equally special. For now it safer to remain GAS'less following my unexpected amp purchase. Bet you're having a heap of fun with the X2, enjoy!

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1428135101' post='2738292'] Hi all, despite playing bass and being a bass gear fanatic for years I know absolutely nothing about guitar amps... Does every one still use valve based heads etc? is their such a thing as a class d or similar for guitar, or would that just be crap? Preferably something that sounds as close to those enormous mesa beasts everyone uses. Any advice appreciated. [/quote] Can of worms bro, as you're surely expecting there will be a lot of differing opinions on this one... Personally, it's class A valve all the way for me. But that's only because I'm used to that tone and find it very hard to fully like anything else. There are some great hybrids out there that will do more, giving you more options etc, and I wouldn't want to slag them off just because I like Class A gear, it's just that there is a difference that some mind/hear and some don't so you need to see what camp you're in. There are some nice smaller heads out there these days, but what kind of budget are you in? A good pal of mine has a smaller Mesa head and 12 inch cab, he may be up for selling it as it lives in his loft these days. It's a Mark 3 if I remember right?

Uh oh, think I want to try a Zendrive now..... Thanks EZ, good read.