Marc S

Bought my Flea Jazz a short while back, from FuNkShUi of this parish. It was used, so I can't comment on whether there were any niggling problems or set-up issues / quality control issues when straight out of the box. But the set-up and condition I got the bass in is great. It arrived with rather lighter gauge strings than I'm used to, but it's set up perfectly for those strings - so I'll leave it as-is for the moment. I'm really liking the bass. As someone posted above, the pickups are possibly slightly less aggressive - still sounds good though, and has a nice vintage vibe to the sound (though in truth, I think I still prefer V V T controls over stack knobs - perhaps because that's what I'm used to). The neck is lovely, it feels very much "worn-in" and is very playable and fast. It's quite slender - more slender than my Roadworn Jazz. Something that struck both myself and FuNkShUi, was the incredible amount of sustain. After hitting a note, especially an open string, even unplugged, the note just seems to ring for ages. Absolutely no sign of dead spots anywhere. I'd read of a few people who reportedly had QC issues, like the control plate coming off while unplugging the jack lead - so I checked all the screws on the bass, and they were tight and a snug fit into their various sockets. Overall, I really didn't "need" a Flea sig Jazz, as I already had too many basses. But I'm really glad I bought it - I love the colour, and look of the bass. Construction, quality, sound and playability of the bass is superb. I'm taking mine to rehearsal tonight, and I'm looking forward to it

Just messaged Andrew, the guy who runs A-strings in Pontypridd. He replied almost immediately. I think they have a few different models in. They're official dealers, he informs me, and was wondering exactly what you're after.... Here's their website [url="http://www.astrings.co.uk/"]http://www.astrings.co.uk/[/url] Give them a try, if you fancy a trip to South Wales, or if you're passing anywhere nearby... They're a great shop. Andrew is a really knowlegable, helpful, friendly kinda guy - I always get tea or coffee when I call in

It all depends on which Jazz you're comparing it to as well. I own 2 Jazzes and the necks are a bit different, width and depth wise. I've owned 2 other Jazzes in the past too, and they were both quite different from the 2 I have now, and very different from each other.... The Subs I have played had quite slender necks, compared with the US MM's I've played (I once had a US Stingray - it was well built and sounded good, but it was a tad heavy for my liking, and I found the neck on that chunkier than any Jazz I've ever played) Haven't seen many US MM's of any description for sale lately. But they did have a couple in A-strings in Pontypridd, South Wales a little while back - whether they have a Sterling in atm I don't know. Perhaps drop them a line? Bit of a trek for you though.... Good luck in your search

Welcome to basschat, and welcome to the UK Sadly, we all suffer from GAS - but it's not limited to bass players. I know several guitarists who also have the same problem Some of them have it worse than many of us lol Shame your Precision is locked up in a cupboard in a different country - it's far too nice for that Welcome, and join in - we are a friendly bunch Bye for now, or as we say in Wales "Da Bo Chi" EDIT: Not sure on the value of your P bass - might be a shame to sell it anyway Or possibly, you might be able to trade it for a Jazz on here - plenty of sunbust Jazz basses around and there's always someone on the lookout for a good P bass

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1481535755' post='3192939'] .....If you dont want to spend too much money, don't go looking in the marketplace [/quote] He means - like I did! lol

In my first spell of playing (back in the early 80's) I had an old Fender Musicmaster At the time, I compared the sound of that bass to mates who had full scale basses, and always thought the E string was a bit "weak" - it generally seemed to lack a bit of definition and punch, and also didn't have great sustain. Since then, I realise this may have been down to the pickups, or possibly choice of string (I always used Rotosound Swing strings back then - I didn't really try many brands at that time.... Although I have way too many basses now, I find I'm hankering after a decent short scale. I've heard some great examples played by other players. I was well impressed with a Squier SS Jag some guy played at open mic recently. Also, for lugging around in the odd random pub jam, and as back up for some gigs - I recently bought a very short scale Tanglewood Elfin bass. It's about 25" scale, with standard P bass pickups and if you couldn't see it being played, you'd swear it was the full size thing! It's amazing Although I've got way too many already (and recently bought a Flea sig Jazz) - I can feel the "need" for a short scale kicking in soon - after all, it should also be easier to hide from Mrs S

Hello SteveLedZep (great name that!) I'm also based in South Wales (Cardiff) there's quite a few of us this forum who live in this neck of the woods.... And we're all friendly types, honest I too had a lengthy break from playing. Sadly, in the meantime, I didn't even pick up an acoustic guitar or anything else. However, after a near 25 year break from bass - I started playing again, and haven't looked back. In fact, I enjoy it now more than I ever did. I have way too many basses now (and a couple of guitars etc) - I could open a small shop! But I won't, cos I love having them round the house I play in several bands and acoustic duos, and even took up Double Bass a few years back Look out for our local Bass Bash events, usually hosted by Gelfin of this parish. You can bring a bass, amp or other gear along, and have a try of other BC'ers gear, and a chat & cuppa, and generally hang around with other players - it's a ll very friendly Cheers now, hope to see you at a BC event (or gig) And good luck with your bass

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1481291795' post='3191281'] If it's another run of the CV '60s P with all the same specs, that'd be great news - part of me still regrets not pulling the trigger on one of the original line (though admittedly I was partly put off by the colour). Though is it just me or has the price been cranked up a fair bit? [/quote] Yes, it is great news, if they're going to do another run of the CV's. and yes, I think the price has gone up a bit...... But honestly, I've played basses rated at way over the value of my CV that haven't been half as good. In fact, I owned a US Precision at the same time as my first CV, and there really wasn't much in it! The US P was lighter in weight, and just had the edge (slightly) re the output from the pickup - only just. It certainly wasn't 3 or 4 times as good as the Classic Vibe... EDIT: Somewhere on youtube is a series of tests, where they blindfolded the players, and asked them to compare US v Custom Shop v Classic Vibe - and the CV's either won, or compared favourably with the US models. These blindfold tests also extended to guitars, and they found similar results.... At risk of repeating myself, I really don't "need" my Squier CV - but it's just too damn good to sell There are certain venues, where I wouldn't be so happy to take a £1K+ Fender, but the Squier is not such a risk

I have a Classic Vibe, in Fiesta Red - it's awesome! They also did them in LPBlue. But I thought they had been discontinued for some time now.... Not sure whether there was a white one released at the same time as the Red & Blue CV P's? Perhaps this is a new release? - Or is it that they had a bunch of necks left over, and have put them on a Matt Freeman body? Certainly haven't seen them advertised anywhere else... BTW. The Matt Freeman P's are made in the same factory as those Classic Vibes, and owners really rate them If you get chance to get a good second-hand CV P bass (or a Matt Freeman) - I'd recommend grabbing it while you can. There was a blue one on here recently. I had my CV P bass made into a P/J and I love it! It's the 2nd one I've owned - I sold the 1st one, as I thought I had too many basses.... It was instant regret - so I went out & bought another one Dave Dearnaley, the brilliant Cardiff based luthier did the very professional P/J conversion for me, and he reckons the Classic Vibe series are superb quality - so good, he rates them as tomorrow's JV guitars & basses. I really do have too many basses now, but I just can't bring myself to sell the CV

Yes, the Flea is lovely FuNkShUi - I took it to rehearsal last night (well, it was just me & the singer / guitarist, and in his living room) but it played nicely, and sounded good. The neck is very definitely slimmer than the standard Roadworn Jazz though, and I can't decide which one I prefer... The RW neck is chunkier, but not as chunky as say an older P bass neck, not as chunky as a 90's Jazz I once owned, but chunkier than the Flea, and chunkier than an early 70's J neck. (EDIT: I liked the 70's RI Jazz I once owned, but found the neck on that too slim for my liking.... fussy B******!) I'm surprised to hear that Cosmo Valdemar had a RW with a gap around the neck pocket My 3 Roadworns, and every other one I've seen, have no gap - they are a very snug fit. I discovered this when adjusting the truss-rods on my 2 RW's (not had to do it on the Flea yet). It has been mentioned on here, that the RW's, although made in Mexico, are finished and quality-checked in the US - I don't know whether this is true or not, but with my own experiences and speaking to other RW owners and guitar shop staff, they are made from select woods and are of top quality components and finish. Glad you're still enjoying your Jazz Lewis - long may that continue matey PS. Perhaps we should form a Roadworn owners fan club, with regular meetings and tea afternoons?

As the 2 above posts say, it will be heavier than modern equipment like TC 2x12's or 2x10's It all depends on just how cheap it is, and whether you're sure you're willing to lug it around - this is especially "fun" when you get home at 1:30am after a late night gig, and you're tired because it was a long gig, and you had already done an 8 hour shift in your full-time job, earlier that day.... lol A newer rig may cost you more, but these days, I much prefer loading / unloading the car with lighter weight.more compact gear. (I know I'm getting old!) Sounds like it may be overkill for your small / medium sized functions, and you may want to go for a newer amp head (which should be more reliable) Perhaps keep your eye on the marketplace here for a decent, compact, flexible rig? Whatever you opt for - best of luck with your search & choice

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1481134468' post='3189974'] I'm not sure but maybe a lot of the popularity of this format is to do with how tactile it is? I know I'm a huge fan of being able to look at the inserts (see who played what, see photos taken during recording or the artwork someone has put their talent to in real detail) and have something physical to take home for my money. Being able to take music home without knowing what to expect and the anticipation that brings. Those things come with all music formats except digital downloads. They're too immediate and aloof for me. [/quote] Yes indeed. I always used to love flicking through vinyl at record shops and record fairs too. I have done the same thing with CD's of course - but it never quite feels the same, even when you find something you've been looking for, for some time..... These days, I rarely play my vinyl. I really should, I know it. I've got some rare and collectible vinyl and I never play it. Yes, they're even selling vinyl in Sainsburys now I have also noticed mind you, that when you see vinyl players for sale, the pickup arms tend to be made of plastic, and they don't look that good. It's what I would've called a "groove grinder" back in my days of hi-fi snobbery! lol So at £25 a pop, I'm not sure that many of todays' decks will do the vinyl justice, or ensure longevity of the vinyl

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1481112973' post='3189759'] Cheers Marc, yeah I agree they are awesome...... ....the Flea was on my radar too as a possible alternative if the deal didn't work out, how does it compare with the regular Roadworn Jazz? Much the same? [/quote] Hi again Lewis. Both the regular RW Jazz and the Flea sig Jazz are built in Mexico. They are sort of similar - but also quite different. They both look, sound and feel vintage and worn-in (as opposed to worn out lol). But the finish on the neck is quite different on the Flea sig. It feels more matt than both my other roadworns. Also, the neck is slightly thinner front-to-back than the regular RW Jazz. Actually, though I've not weighed either on a proper scale, the Flea sig does seem rather lighter in weight than the RW Jazz. It feels like the lightest Jazz I've played. Some time back, I fitted an old set of DiMarzio pickups to my roadworn, and they are absolutely brilliant! It still has a vintage sound, but it has a beefier output, and a bit more bite. With the Flea sig, I'm still getting used to the controls, as the stacked knobs are unfamiliar territory for me. The range of tones available, and the added control of sound is great, but I find I'm still fiddling with the controls too much. I've yet to plug it into a big amp, or gig or rehearse with a full band - but I'm loving it already. My trouble is, I really do have too many basses, and I really should sell one now - but which one? Oh the pain, the pain! EDIT: I wish I could get hold of another set of 70's / 80's DiMarzios for the Flea - though the stock pickups are good, those old DiMarzios are brilliant (I got mine cheap, 2nd hand locally too - I was lucky)

Great stuff Lewis. I knew you'd been thinking about getting one of these for a while. Glad you went for it. The Fender Roadworn Jazz is the bass that got me back into old-school style basses again, and made me fall back in love with Fenders too - I'd been "off" them for quite some time. The roadworn series are absolutely awesome. They're stunning basses, that sound, look & feel beautiful and easy to play. I've got the same 2 RW's as you -same colours too, though my P is now a P/J and is even better than it was before Happy NBD to you. I bought a Fender Flea sig Jazz from our local BC'er FuNkShUi too. I didn't "need" it - what with my RW Jazz already being so awesome, but I'm loving the new Flea Sig. Played it, and just had to have it

I usually go for a chat with the bass player after a gig, not always - just depends on whether I have opportunity, or whether he/she seems to be free. I don't usually ask whether they are BC members. I have asked a couple, but none of them turned out to be - one said he was, but he "never went on there anymore". I've been at gigs where I know another BC member was there, and they came to speak to me, which I thought was great. I think it's good to chat to other bass players, and of course, other musicians too

Thanks for posting your thoughts & findings. A pal of mine had an 801, and I was surprised at how loud it was for such a small unit. I too like Markbass gear. I had a CMD102P combo and that was great. I now use a couple of different heads (not at the same time) with a Markbass 102 traveller cab. It's really lightweight and very powerful, with a nice warm sound. I also play DB, and I've heard other DB players rate the 802 very highly.