Chiliwailer

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1370377206' post='2100079'] So..... a risk well worth taking I'm glad they suit you so well. I love them in theory and I keep stringing basses with them and then taking them off after a couple of weeks because they lack oomph and they rattle too much on the frets. Maybe they suit players with a lighter touch than mine, I just can't get a deep dub sound with them and I wish I could because I like the feel and playability. The only bass I've kept them on is a fretless Precision and they sound good on that, but not for dub reggae - I prefer GHS precision flats on a Jazz for that. My friend uses them exclusively and you can hear him here with them on both his Jazz and Precision, proving it can work: [url="http://amarumusic.net/#releases2"]http://amarumusic.net/#releases2[/url] PS: I don't like new strings, they all sound better after at least a year to me. [/quote] So nice to hear some decent modern Dub, great link I know what you mean about the rattle, my bass needed a tweak or two, though of course that's not to say that'd work for all players and basses. It can be playing style indeed. Old flats sure do vibe well, looks like I better keep playing these bad boy strings in!

I'm quite aware that my post made it sound like I was 'dissing' the strings due to the E A balance thing. Just to clarify, not at all. I think it's a personal thing whereby I attack the E string harder, hence why I keep the compressor on perhaps?! 20 years of playing and I only just found an affinity with the TI's, here's to the next 20 with them. And from what some of you are saying, they'll sound better then too....could be a market for vintage strings out there....

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1370365648' post='2099810'] Strange that you would say that. I have a set of long scale TIs on my Corvette 4 and a set of short scale TIs on the Hofner, and on both the E string looks huge but sounds perfectly balanced (after height adjustment etc.) without the need of any additional trickery. Have you checked your pickups' height at the E string vs the G string? Edit: With the above I mean I hear no "jump" in tone from the big E to the thin A string. [/quote] Yeah, that's a great point. I've had no previous issues around the pickup height and balance, I checked again and it doesn't seem to be that. Perhaps it's the way I play or am in need of getting used to the new set, the feel is quite different but I'm really liking that aspect too. What I heard was a difference in the bass undertone whereby the E string had more of that than I am used to (excuse the wording, but sound into words is just never going to be universal!). Still, with the comp I don't feel it at all so I'm not too concerned now.

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1370185553' post='2097303'] I had to check a packet - you're right JF344's .070 A - & yes they're balanced lovely. I love the soft & smooth feel on a Jazz bass, fretted & fretless. They don't suit me on a Precision though. I prefer a heavier gauge for the definitive P bass tone, personal favourites GHS Precision flats, 55 G, 70 D, 90 A & 105G. The 43/56/70/100 TI's feel right to me on a Jazz neck, they balance the thinner neck better IMO & the GHS suit Precisions, both 1 5/8" & 1 3/4" varieties [/quote] [quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1370217705' post='2097796'] Let us know how you like the [/quote] [size=5][u][b]Ok, the set arrived today![/b][/u][/size] I put them on with HUGE anticipation. Once the truss rod and saddles were adjusted (especially the A string) off I went for a wonder on the Jazz Bass. The feel was an instant hit and couldn't believe the quality of the tone, quite unlike the other Flats I had been using and all for the better. The A string being so thin was a big concern for me, initially the balance wasn't quite suited to my style but I switched on the compressor (which is always on the go anyway) and hey, problem solved! Perhaps it was a placibo, but the bass responses of the E and A balanced better after. I'm guessing the lighter A string is to match it better to the D and G because I was really impressed with that. I'm super pleased with the strings.Big thanks to KiOgon, you're post was on my wavelength and I agree too about our P Bass needs. The other posts were great too, nice to hear what other players are up to and thinking.

I'd speak to or send it to Kent Armstrong. It could be the pole pieces are broken/damaged, I've never heard of a pickup that's wired or wound in two halves but you never know! Good luck.

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1370257544' post='2098098'] Sorry if I offended you mate, you started with the mother jokes not me so I mistakenly presumed you had a SOH. You asked for advice but you didn't say you only wanted positive comments. I find TIs too thin and middy for the styles you mentioned, hence the warning - wish I hadn't bothered now. [/quote] You didn't offend me, I put smiles after the comment. I sure did leave the door open for that one... Yeah, negative advice is good, but I didn't ask for life coaching on taking risks, lol! No hard feelings at all, I'lll let you know how I get on with then. You may just be right.

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1370217705' post='2097796'] Hey pal, if you think £42 is relatively low risk, good luck to you Let us know how you like them. PS Give my love to your mother [/quote] Mate, I can't see why your negative about someone taking a risk to try these well regarding strings? It seems to me like everyone here cares about their bass tone, how do you know if you don't try? I like Flats and been using them for a few years, now I want to get a top shelf set for my top shelf Fender Custom Shop bass. I'm sold on the idea! [b][size=4]"It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win" – John Paul Jones[/size][/b] And really, mother jokes like that?

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1370203033' post='2097596'] Exactly and from what you've said you are taking a risk. [/quote] True, but it's £42 so is relatively low risk. More importantly, these strings are well recommended and I was concerned about the balance, KiOgan seems like he's on my wavelength and the curiosity is building for sure. The pro's like them, I wonder why? You're not hanging out with my mother are you?!! Cheers pal.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1370199493' post='2097538'] Cheap is cheap , and South Korea is a long way away . I will have prevented these basses falling into the hands of an evil dictatorship , and got myself a bargain at the same time . Win - win , as far as I can see ! The guy who sold me the bass will be able to use the money to buy some extra gruel to keep his family alive and will probably be thanking me for the rest of his days . Besides which , South Korea decided a long time ago to ally itself to the West and subscribe to a capitalist market economy despite having hostile and unstable neighbours and unsecured borders , so don't blame me when it all goes tits up . [/quote] I wonder if you'll get 'invaded from the rear' when the UPS guy turns up to collect the bass only to find out the shop is closed and the owners are now writing you that thank you letter. I'm long gone from this conversation now.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1370196586' post='2097484'] The shop these basses are in is actually in South Korea , and it has got loads of truly high - end bass gear in it . I keep one eye on the international news nowadays , and if it looks like they are going to get overrun by an invading force from the North at any time , I will be ready to quickly make them a cheeky offer on a couple of basses they have in stock . [/quote] .......I'm now imagining the big smile on your face as you open the box containing your new cheap as chips high end bass from Korea, whilst the poor guys who sold it to you live and breath in that unimaginably horrific scenario - how ironic that smile will be......

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1370187929' post='2097333'] By way of a comparison , I remembered seeing this and thought you might find it interesting : [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owYAsxl3LVA[/media] The sunburst on that CS 59 reissue is eye - wateringly beautiful , and it sounds just as good as the Pino bass to me . . [/quote] Great video, great basses. The Pino one did it most for me. The ride cymbal on the drum machine didn't...

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1370185553' post='2097303'] I had to check a packet - you're right JF344's .070 A - & yes they're balanced lovely. I love the soft & smooth feel on a Jazz bass, fretted & fretless. They don't suit me on a Precision though. I prefer a heavier gauge for the definitive P bass tone, personal favourites GHS Precision flats, 55 G, 70 D, 90 A & 105G. The 43/56/70/100 TI's feel right to me on a Jazz neck, they balance the thinner neck better IMO & the GHS suit Precisions, both 1 5/8" & 1 3/4" varieties [/quote] Thank you, this set would be going on a Jazz so thats very helpful. I agree about the Precision requiring a heavy set, which actually confused me too as I read that these come on the Pino P - Bass, can't account for personal taste though can you! Thanks for the responses to all, I just bought a set, looking forward to them arriving

It's been quite a few years since I last played Thomastik flats, and back then I was still using round wounds and was not particularly interested (shame on me, I know). So my main question is why do [u][b]you[/b][/u] use them? My other question is how do you get on with the 'different to usual' string gauges? I'm finding it hard to imagine using a 70 gauge A string and getting some weight in the tone, especially as I play soul, groove, dub, funk rock type bass lines most. These sets must be balanced, but how?!!!!! Thank you.

[quote name='mikeswals' timestamp='1370073912' post='2096171'] I'm very sure there were more than three lake placid blue with matching headstocks made of the 63/64 CS. I remember seeing a bunch of them for sale from a couple dealers and mostly through Sam Ash, on the online retail listings way back then. They also had candy apple red ones also with matching, also in the 63/64 CS at the same time. I have a shell pink CS 55 P Bass, that was made in a small batch, and the first time I saw one was also in a Sam Ash store (I'm in the States), but mine doesn't have any additional "ltd" scribbling other than the order number. [/quote] Yeah, I agree, these are too nice to only make 3! I wonder if someone or some shop had them made with a change or two? Or perhaps they were made when the others ran out? The mystery continues. You're from Seattle, man I could have spent a few bucks in Bass NW! Cheers.

For The Bass Doc

[quote name='Bassman Steve' timestamp='1369657062' post='2091248'] He's on here as The Bass Doc, that's how I tend to communicate. That's not the quickest way but I'm not in a hurry anyway. Extremely high quality stuff so a bit of a wait is fine - and no feet drop off either!! [/quote] Thank you

Is there any difference when you swap the pedal position in the chain? It could be the comp doesn't like the extra oomph given from the active signal and the EQ boost you have set.

I had a reply from Custom Shop. They didn't keep good records back in 2002. It is legit, which I knew anyway, but sadly I couldn't find out what was 'special' about it i.e. who ordered it etc. Well, at least I love it and know it's special!

Hi, Lovely bass, especially the ash body You mentioned Howard the pickguard guy, how can I get in touch with him please? Thanks.

Sound like the strings, as they go dead so does tone as the string won't resonate as much. Try boiling them in water for 20 minutes with some washing up liquid - but be careful as that has a baking powder effect so keep the heat very low. Boiling will get the dirt out and hopefully sort your tone out!

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1369485620' post='2089703'] Signature looks like 2 of 3 to me (with the signatory being ON) rather than 2 of 30? CS do make some limited run stuff but I don't remember this far back, lol. They will almost always replicate any of the limited edition models as well. EG If there's a 30 unit run and someone wants to buy one a year later they can still build a one off for them - one of the joys of a 'custom shop' is that, within reason, they'll build whatever a customer asks for. They often have certificates saying '62, '63' '64 etc for what is, essentially, the same bass IE a '64 if it's 3 knobs or a '60 if it's 2 (although sometimes the '62's a 2 knobs as well!). These are basic templates to build from and it only gets really complicated when someone wants a '68 bound & blocked or a transition '66 with binding but clay dots etc. It's at this point that prices start to hurtle upwards as well! You could write to the CS in the States and see if they have any ideas (going through Fender UK is a slow process as they only really have one guy working the CS and he's mostly focused on guitar not bass). [/quote] That's a great reply, thank you very much indeed. It looks like you're right about the '2 of 3' part. I sent an email to Fender USA, hopefully I'll get an answer as the curiosity is building! Most importantly, it's a great bass. Thanks again.

Awesome, been wanting to tally this for a while. 25 I think, lost count [b]Cheap:[/b] Hohner Rockwood LX100b, Aria SB1000, Aria IGB30, Hohner Jack x 2, Ozark Acoustic, Satalitte Fretless, Ovation Fretless Acoustic [b]Pro:[/b] Fender Custom Shop 1963 Jazz, Music Man Stingray x 2, Music Man Sterling x2, Fender USA Deluxe P Bass, Fender USA Deluxe Jazz 5, Squier 1983 JV Precision, Fender USA short scale Bullet, [b]Vintage:[/b] 1964 Precision, 1964 Jazz, 1966 Precision, 1973 Precision, 1978 Precision, 71 & 73 Musicmaster, 1978 Music Man Sabre, 1973 Ricky 4001 (check binding), 1978 Ricky 4001 Now only down to three: Custom Shop Jazz, MM Sterling and Ozark Acoustic.......The others paid towards my flat!!!

Very Ska, nice one!!!

lol! Oh well, at least that's £10 to go towards that 90's Encore P Bass I found on eBay! Here's a pic, shame the cool lacquer checking doesn't show. I'm getting a tortoiseshell plate for it, that'll finish it off nicely! Cheers

I have a 1963 Closet Classic Jazz Bass, in Lake Placid Blue with matching peghead. It was finished in January 2002. It has some hand written info on the neck heal (see picture) and [u][b]I'm wondering if anyone else has this on their bass or knows anything about it?[/b][/u] I'm assuming it is a special edition of 30 basses (finished in LPB with matching peghead). The neck stamp says '64 J-Bass', though the certificate has this bass as a '63 reissue. This looks to be because they made a 64 replica in 2001 and possibly a 63 ltd ed (?) in 2002. This bass was put together at the end of 2001. I believe Fender Custom Shop only make a replica of a certain bass for one year only, could this be one of only 30 LPB '63 Closet Classics they made with matching peghead? It's so hard to find Custom Shop info, can anyone please enlighten me? Thank you.