Marc S

Oddly enough, after years of not liking fenders, I have come full circle, and now am a big fan This is my 2nd spell of playing - the first being back in the early 80's I had 2 Fenders during this time, and they were definitely not "dogs" - but they weren't great, by modern standards of playability etc.... The last one, a 70's P had put me off Fenders, as it was so heavy, and the neck really chunky But since my recent spell of playing, I've owned and played lots of basses I kept searching for the ideal - I tried Musicman, Rick, Lakland, etc etc I owned a couple of Ibanez basses But only on playing a few Fender Jazzes, have I found what really suits me.... I love the string spacing at the bridge end - so I can really "dig" my fingers in there, I love the neck taper, and slim profile at the bottom end I love the weight & balance (particularly my Roadworn J) and I love the sounds and range of tones I can get, from the 2 pickups... Having played several P basses over the years (following my chunky-necked 70's P) I find I really like the slimmer necked P basses around today In fact, my Squier CV 60's P is fabulous - at 300n quid, is a better player than many basses over twice its' price Of course, these are all factors which are personal to me..... But it's taken me years to find that I now love Fenders again I've played some good ones, some bad, and some indifferent But if I play one and don't quite like it - I don't buy it..... simple! My Roadworn Jazz is just the best bass ever, to me..... I played a 2 grand bass recently, and thought to myself "If that's worth 2 grand - my J is worth at least 6) I love it Because it suits me and my playing, and the sounds I'm after (bear in mind I play punk/new wave, Rock, an Elvis tribute and acoustic / folk - all with the Jazz..... and I get what I want from it for all styles) I see so many ads for basses, which say "Better than any Fender" Which alone says to me that fender are THE benchmark I understand that you have gone off them, but as others say, play the bass you want and like It doesn't matter whether that's a 200 quid copy, or a 3 grand custom made bass Just play one that you enjoy.... Good luck in your search for a "perfect" bass - I didn't think one existed .... but I'm glad to say I was wrong... and I'm glad I found my Fender

Glad you went for it in the end From your posts, you sounded like you had some real GAS for one Re jim_bass's comments of Mex vs CV Of course, it's all down to personal preference in the end But I played a couple of Mex & US Jazzes in a shop, just a short while back (just before getting my '72 re-issue Jazz) I've got to say, the Mex ones were OK, but the one with the edge binding wasn't that good.... To me, the CV necks felt better - I have a CV P bass, and it's absolutely awesome! Same thoughts as you tele though.... Great build quality - but pickups could maybe do with a bit more puch As you say though - this newer CV range is superb build quality, and great value for money Enjoy your new Tele ..... but remember, you are a bass player - don't go over totally to the dark side! ....What? Us bass players are the ones on the dark side?? Oh well.....

Welcome to BC Don't worry about Ashtons being frowned upon I'm sure it's good enough, and for that money, you can't go wrong In my first spell of bass playing (back in the early 80's) Cheap basses could be really awful! My first, a Kay (the catalogue company) Rick copy was just the most awful piece of firewood imaginable! You would tune it, fine But some positions on the neck were quite a way out of tune I suspect the cheapo neck was well twisted But the rest of the bass was no better.... Get an experienced player to give your bass the once over and if it's OK, then you've got a bargain.... Good luck, and just keep playing

Hi there Mike / Bertie, Welcome to BC firstly Don't worry about the quality of your cheapie bass, for now It's bound to be better than my 1st bass, which was almost unplayable If other, experienced players think it's OK then that's a good start.... I had no idea just how terrible my 1st bass was, so it was something of a stumbling block, not knowing whether something didn't sound right due to my playing, or due to the terrible bass (you'd tune it up, but some points on the neck it was out!) Keep practicing, and try playing along with CD's / MP3's I keep a bass next to the sofa, so if something comes on the TV or radio, and I like the sound of it - I can jam along & work it out This seems difficult at first, but the more you do it, the more it will click I play by ear, as I can't read music. But there are plenty of Tabs available online Tab is easy to learn. Even if you find it difficult to play while reading (as I usually do) the Tab will at least get you in the right area - if it's correct, of course..... Anyhow - good luck, and just keep practicing

Good of you to post this dave Might be of real use to someone I attended a Fender evening, at a local guitar shop a few months back There were a couple of guys from Fender and a guy from Gretsch It was a great evening, even though it was mainly for guitarists The guys from Fender were great to talk to One of them was a great guitarist, and thoroughly nice bloke Of course, the free beer, pizzas and snacks organised by the shop also promoted a nice atmosphere

You could opt for a Fender Licensed neck, like a Mighty Mite Or, if you want to spend a bit less, you could place a wanted ad on here I did just that, for a lined fretless Jazz neck and got one in good condition, for a reasonable price Good luck with your search EDIT: There were a couple of responses to my ad too - there are probably more spare bits & bobs lying around, unused than you'd think... Probably because a lot of people start self-builds and other projects, and then run out of time or interest.... I also joined a local Guitar,Amp & Gear exchange / swap / sell group on facebook Worth checking if there's one in your area.......

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1419351438' post='2639058'] You know what? I don't think English is his first language. Or second. Or third. [/quote] On reading the description, I thought I was reading some bizarre abstract poem!

[quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1419335071' post='2638813'] .....Any way you can check the gauge is actually what it is supposed to be? Sorry can't find thread - try a search (on way to office party ) [/quote] Ah, I'd just enjoy your office party if I were you Or maybe, play your bass after the office party, and you won't notice any string problems lol

I never really had this problem, or thought about it too much.... I recently bought a bass which already had Ernie Ball "Hybrids" on Never having played these before, and initially finding them a bit on the light side... .... I find I quite like playing them now Mind you, maybe I am too easily pleased as well? lol

[quote name='sprocketflup' timestamp='1419325925' post='2638685'] Previous incarnations of the band Ben Folds Five have included Charlie Washes Six, Mary Dries Three and Harriet Airs Four. [/quote] You forgot about the trouser-press two

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1419260139' post='2638089'] Mouse mat backing ..,. [/quote] Great tip! Cheers for sharing

Using it some of the time will help you develop strength, stamina & accuracy though.... I could use it all the time I choose not to - but it's there when I want / need it......

I've played 4 strings, and whenever I tried a 5 or 6, I've really struggled I recently bought a 5'er - just to have a play about on I have to say, that I really struggle with hitting the right string with my right hand Still can't get used to it, but whenever I play the 5'er I don't really use those extra notes I'm not keen on the open B anyway - doesn't sound quite right to me I will continue to dabble, but it's 4 strings for me all the way.....

I'd say stick with it, practice and the fingers' strength will build up over time..... When most players start on bass, on the left hand it can be difficult to use the 3rd & 4th fingers But persistence pays off here I use the 3rd finger of my right hand - not all the time, I just tend to use it on a whim, or on basslines which are very quick It definitely comes in handy (pardon pun!) Like icastle, I think I tilt my hand slightly, to make it easier to reach the strings....

I don't think the foam will add or detract from the value of the bass I've not seen one advertised, where they specifically mentioned "original foam" lol In fact, foam is the very sort of material that degenerates over time (just look at the back of an old carpet) I wouldn't worry - but replace it, and keep the old foam if you feel you need to.....

Wow, this bass looks great I first thought a transparent pickguard would look good too .... but I do like the look of the white one too.... Great logo too

My first double bass was a Stagg EUB As such, it was a cheap introduction to the wonderful world of double bass (and I'm so glad I bought it, for that reason) They are much more portable than an acoustic DB but it didn't sound much like a DB to my ear..... More recently, I bought myself an Aria - like the one in the picture It has a small hollow body, and I had hoped this would help it sound more DB-like Also, it has 2 pickups; a piezzo and a magnetic one, and independent switching and control of each [attachment=179105:Aria EUB.jpg] It is an improvement, sound-wise over the Stagg but it still doesn't sound quite like a proper DB to me and I suppose it never quite will, because, as others have said EUB's aren't the same as DB's Although many say EUB's sound more like a fretless I also play a fretless, and I have to say they aren't quite that either They are in something of a category of their own I'd like to get the most DB-like sound from my EUB as possible I'm going to be playing at a few festivals next summer, one of them in Brittany and I'd really much prefer to be able to take my EUB, for sheer convenience (customs etc etc) I recently bought a Zoom B3 effects unit, hoping to be able to get a more DB-like sound and with a bit of messing around with the tone controls on my EUB, and the fretless sound effects on the Zoom pedal - i got a bit of an improvement, but it's still not quite what I'd like... At a bass bash, I recently played bass guitar, through a Roland Midi effects unit some kind BC'er brought along That sounded superb. But there are 2 drawbacks 1) The Roland unit is expensive 2) You need to use a Roland Midi / pickup unit - and these are made only to fit bass guitars, not EUB's (they aren't the right shape, size, or curvature) I've heard some soundclips, and people saying that the Yamaha Silentbass is the best, and most DB-like sound of them all From what I've heard, I have to say, it does sound superb But they are pricey..... I'm reading this with interest, and would like to hear what others have to say and if anyone has a patch for the Zoom B3, or any hints & tips on getting a better sound with it please, please let me know (I must admit, I haven't really got used to using it much.... yet) I know what you mean about the ageing process, and the condition of your back My years are advancing too! If you can get a second-hand Stagg from someone on here I'd say give it a whirl... They are easier to lug around, but don't expect too much of a true DB sound There are a few websites devoted to improving the humble Stagg, should you want to try some modifications If you decide you don't like the sound, you can always sell it on, and you would get pretty much what you paid for it Let us know how you get on and what you decide anyway I'm reading with interest! Sorry it's a long reply, and there are probably no real answers

[quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1419104529' post='2636678'] Yeah I saw that last night. Made me have a good long think if I could rock shell pink..... [/quote] I think this must be the best looking bass I have ever seen! Wow! just Wow!

[quote name='spacey' timestamp='1419001096' post='2635620'] Its who hold the patent that matters. Rickenbacker invented the Humbucker pickup but never patented it, they also let the guy leave with the basic Musicman design, What Rickenbacker made a music man ? Yes in a primitive form and it hangs on the wall. Yet they dont hold the patents so those that do call the shots. [/quote] ... but was it not also said (including by you?) that this was a question of "morals"? ("patents were not mentioned at the time hmmm....) Although Patents have been in place where morals existed, history is replete with examples of patents being applied for by someone who stole the originators' ideas...... Or those who could afford to pay for the application! Another point that hasn't been discussed, is that of young players, who own copies, because that is all they can afford.... My first bass was a terrible Rick copy. I aspired to the "real thing" - one day I later had a fantastic Rick copy - but I still aspired to owning the real thing .....Which I later did All of my young pals at the time, had copies,by all manner and standards of builders At the time, these copies were all they could afford and every one of them really wanted to get their hands on the real thing, one day, when they could afford it etc etc And those who continue to play have all done so... So my point is, if manufacturers prevent copies of their instruments being built / sold Are they not missing a trick, by discouraging younger players from aspiring to their "real deal" instruments? Rickenbacker are a real case in point here There are very few Rick copies out there by comparison with Gibson or Fender So young players grow up playing Gibson or Fender copies (licensed or otherwise) so when they can afford the real thing - what do they buy? This has also been borne out by music shop staff I know..... (one of whom is a very good friend, and we have discussed this very fact)

[quote name='Rabbie' timestamp='1418937121' post='2635088'] .......Another good rule of thumb is to develop a facial expression which makes you look like you are listening to what the fiddler has to say, whilst in truth you are thinking about a sandwich.... [/quote] Top advice, and substitute "fiddler" for guitarist / singer / drummer wherever applicable! I always thought that in the main, 3/4 was pretty much the standard size used in bluegrass as it seems to be in Jazz etc etc I tried a 1/2 size recently, for the 1st time (playing a 3/4 usually) And I found the 1/2 size wasn't quite as "small" as I expected.... I had initially thought about getting one in the future, to save my back / space in the car/ ease of lugging around But I don't think 1/2 size is that much smaller, from a practical point of view In fact, my 3/4 David Gage has a smaller body, and certainly felt a little lighter than the 1/2 size I think I's stick with your 3/4 if I were you I've also seen a shallower bodied 3/4 double bass maybe that's another option for aiding portability?

Also re copyright issues, What has not been mentioned here, is that Fender themselves "stole" / "borrowed" their headstock design from Bigsby, Who had themselves stolen / borrowed the general headstock design from very early Spanish acoustic guitars Here's a link to the BIgsby site I'm searching for a pic of that very early Spanish guitar - but I have seen a pic and a museum article on it.... if anyone else remembers where this is, please feel free to post I think the instrument was dated around circa 1880, if my memory serves me..... [url="http://bigsbyfiles.blogspot.co.uk/"]http://bigsbyfiles.blogspot.co.uk/ E[/url]DIT: I say this, fully realising that copying a logo and copying an overall design may be regarded as two different things but copy the basic design of the headstock is what Fender did....

I'm not normally a fan of really sparkly basses But I have to say, this one looks great Perhaps it's the addition of the mirror pick-guard too? As gary mac says; it's not a bass to be hiding at the back of the stage with.... It's fab news that you're really pleased with the bass and that it came well set up too Happiness is indeed, a fabulous bass guitar Looks like Christmas has started early for you this year Enjoy...... EDIT: How much of a bargain was it? - if you don't mind me asking......

I'm some way off being 60 yet But I'm heartened to learn of so many people over 60, who are still playing regularly I certainly intend to go on for as long as I can I've played with a lot of different musicians over the past 2 years or so Most of them a fair bit younger than me Some of the younger players have surprised me, with their lack of knowledge re musical past and influences etc But then equally, some have surprised me as to just how much they know and the sheer range of their own influences Many have been far more open-minded than I was, at their young age This too, is really positive IMO When I first played bass, my rig was huge and heavy, and gave me 150W Now it's a quarter of the size, a third of the weight ..... and more than 3 times the power! Now, for someone of advancing years - that's what I call progress

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1418669772' post='2632193'] If it was me I'd shield the cavity first..... [/quote] My first thoughts too... Definitely a good starting point I believe the later Japan-built "non-export" models were very well shielded in that respect... As others have said, check the rest of your wiring / connections too It is possible that you have a slight dry joint somewhere I always solder using flux these days I'm no particular expert at soldering or electronics, but I have done a fair bit in recent years Most solders contain flux, but applying liquid flux to a joint, just before soldering, improves matters and speeds up the action of the solder Check that bridge earth wire too I recently bought a Fender pot, from a local shop and it wasn't too expensive... Good luck anyhow