Chiliwailer

Enjoying the ride is all the justification you need 👍

Something tells me this is more a case of ‘which to sell first’… 😊 …I’ll leave exhibit A below, from a recent post of yours about basses in and out this year: Tune TXJ-4 in and out Dean edge pro in and out Yamaha bb350f x 3 in and out Yamaha Bb424x x 3 in and out Yamaha bb450 in and out Yamaha bb1300 in and out Yamaha bb300 in and out Yamaha SB-55 in and out Spector Euro LX in and out Yamaha Pacifica (one in, one out) Yamaha AEX in and out Alvarez Baritone in and out cordoba classical in and out Tobias Toby Pro in and out (tomorrow) Sadowsky HPJ out ebs 410 out ebs Reidmar out Yamaha bb1600 in Fender Aerodyne in Musicman Sabre in Fleabass (green toy thing) in Ashdown mk500 in Vanderklay 212 in ahem. I think that’s about right.

In - ‘95 Music Man Stingray (a cherished bass I finally got back 😊) Out - Bravewood Jazz Bass, Music Man Stingray Special. A good year I think

My 95 Ray has a very sensitive neck that needs adjustments quite regularly. It’s been like that for years, but never really bothered me. Other basses of mine, including MM, have never needed anywhere near as much adjustment as this one. Some folk say the Birdseye maple Rays are less stable, but I’ve seen that some are stable and fine so it could just be hit miss on them.

Ouch 😂

It was for many budget guitar makes/models - but not so for Fender parts IMO, e.g. pickups, which is what I was getting at.

Great quote That’s quite an interesting theory, I’m not sure what to make of that myself 🤔 Would they have been strayed from circulation in mass? Years in guitar shops taught me that people can pick up ‘dogs’ and think they are great - it’s all subjective I suppose, or just they have a lack of experience to compare it to? Don’t know to be honest. I’ve played a fair few pre CBS ‘dogs’ too. Could be the wood, or as the great Clive Brown once suggested, could be the neck and body don’t resonate in the same direction! But I bet you some folks will pick it up love that ‘pre CBS mojo’.

Not necessarily - cheap old stuff back the was still actually pretty good compared to now. Many custom manufacturers still use the old materials used by Fender. The fact the pickups were hand wound is one large reason for tone differences I.e. under/overwound, the other reason is the nature of wood, as will always be. ‘Better’ is subjective imo 👍

That’s ok - different spraying method.

Will a custom pick up get you that tone? Not likely. (But you’ll likely get a great tone nonetheless). For example. years back when I bought a 64 P bass I tried it up against 6 others (pre CBS). All were good, and totally different. 2 really stood out, but the others were still good. None of them were ‘better’ than any modern bass. The feel of the bass is whole different thing. I’ve always felt there’s something so special about the wood used in the very early 60s, even student model Musicmaster and a Duo Sonic guitars I had from 1960 and 1961 were outstanding in feel and fullness of tone. The stack knobs and other Ps I’ve played were great too. That doesn’t mean I’m right about that particular period, just that I worked in the vintage trade for a good while and that was my experience. And yeah, it’s a crime not to play them.

Good to hear, really bizarre then what I experienced….

Are you having any issues with some notes clipping with that pairing? I had the Fralin split coils and a J-Tone, but loud notes clipped, John was at a loss too about it. Both were fine in other set ups. Great bits of gear though, love them both.

Only 1 purchase this year, getting back a sentimental bass (‘95 StingRay). edit - that’s a lie, I got an East preamp and Aguilar pup for said bass. Money very well spent 👍 Lots sold though, and 2022 should be a non-event the way things are going 🤞

Really stunning 👌

Chris bought some strings from me - pleasure to deal with and easy going 👍

Sold Paul some strings again, always an easy going and friendly sale 🙏👍

Sold Adam some strings- very friendly and easygoing. Cheers Adam 👍