Marc S

Hi Johnpaul, I've not tried PB flats - not sure I've even seen any Yes, tonal differences are mostly nuances - but in the case of semi-acoustic basses, it's far from a nuance There was really no comparison between the PB's and standard rounds... honestly The sound with the PB's was much deeper, richer, and warmer - it really did sound hugely different When comparing both our basses, if I had been told the one had strings that cost a fiver, and the other (with PB's) had strings that cost £60, I would still have chosen the latter.... absolutely no doubt about it.... (EDIT: PB strings are quite expensive btw) In fact, I'm pretty sure the strings were designed for acoustic basses. It's all to do with the resonance of the hollow body, and the mix with piezo pickups in the bridge - so a guitar shop owner told me... I never did find out exactly what the strings on my Ibanez were, but the replacement strings I bought were fine, and sounded fine - they just weren't the heavier gauge I preferred for that bass.... The only drawback I found with PB strings, is that they tend to deaden fairly quickly - although laterly, I used "fret fast" guitar string cleaner to help slow this down - my mate BTW bought a PB set of strings, and still has the bass, he uses some alcohol / spirit mix to clean his strings now... Also, the PB strings tend to make your finger-tips go a greeny sort of colour - don't worry, it does wash straight off, but it's obviously a chemical reaction with the Bronze If you find PB flats, let me know how you get on

No, there's no more buzzing from Phosphor Bronze strings than any other type of string.... Many electro-acoustic basses are fitted with Phosphor Bronze strings by the manufacturer My Ibanez certainly was, and several others I've seen (2 were in the shop at the same time as the Ibanez, they had PB strings on as well) As I said earlier, a pal with exactly the same bass fitted ordinary rounds to his bass, and the Phosphor Bronze strings were considerably better.... Tonally, they just suited the bass more. They are more expensive than the more traditional type of bass string, but the difference in sound was very noticeable

Good answer, and good point re the lightweight equipment.... It may not feel heavy now, but in a few years... it will do

Thanks for posting that pic neepheid. I've never seen one with that decal on

Hello Little Dragon, and welcome to BassChat, from South Wales I started playing as a young-ish guy. But I stopped playing for over 20 years - so it was like starting again from scratch, it really was My 2nd spell of playing started as a middle aged bloke too.... and I'm enjoying it now more than ever Good luck with it - stick at it, and just practice whenever you possibly can Cheers Marc EDIT: Your progress might sometimes feel a bit slow, but there are times when you suddenly realise you have turned a corner It's often difficult to assess how much progress you're making, but I'd suggest maybe taking just a lesson or two to help you on your way

I've said it before, but I'm amazed at how neck dimensions seem to vary so much I used to think there were P necks and J necks.... and that was it! How wrong was I? I once owned a 70's P which was heavy as hell, and had a really wide, really deep neck Just the other week, I went to try another 70's P, and that wasn't particularly heavy, and the neck was a tad wider than my more modern P basses, but not overly deep I've played others which have deep necks, but are not too wide, and others which have quite wide necks that aren't overly deep.... It demonstrates that if you're a bit fussy about neck dimensions (either way) you really do need to try a bass out BTW Bridgehouse..... lovely P bass drool......

There have been various threads about the pros and cons of taking back-up gear to gigs Much of it is just down to personal experience and preference..... If I was only taking one bass to a gig, I definitely take along some spare strings Usually, I keep an old set from a recent string change - that way a replacement string should be pre-stretched, and not overly bright compared to your other strings That said, it has been a while since I broke a string mid gig. It used to happen more often, but I don't play with a pick as much as I used to My spare bass is usually my tiny Tanglewood Elfin - it's a super short scale (about 25" I think) so it's compact and very very lightweight ( I could carry it with one finger) I do sometimes carry a spare amp head - but this is also really tiny. It's a Euphonic Audio (EA) 550W dual channel head, and you wouldn't believe how small & light it is.... It weighs less than most effects pedals - I kid you not! It's definitely not "overkill" if you've ever had a disaster (or spot of bother) and there's just something satisfying, knowing you're covered with a backup Carrying spares / backups depends on the gigs. If it's a big payer or a venue / organiser we really want to impress, I'll carry a full scale backup bass Otherwise, I carry the super short scale.... For open mics or folk club / jam nights, I usually just bring my bass, and possibly an amp

Oh no..... Why did I follow that link? GAS building..... drool

Hi, I had an Ibanez semi acoustic bass - very nice it was too My son really liked it, so I donated it to him.... I'm not sure what brand of strings it came with, but whatever they were, they were great As replacement, I got some D'Addario phosphor bronze strings from someone on BC My local guitar shop had told me the strings on the Ibanez would have been D'Addario.... However, they definitely weren't quite the same.... for a start, the original strings were a slightly heavier gauge, and the D'Addarios were good, but not quite as "meaty" as those original strings.... I would definitely go for Phosphor Bronze strings though - they sound much better on an acoustic bass A pal of mine has exactly the same bass, but puts roundwounds on (he did try flats on it once, and didn't like them) the "ordinary" rounds didn't sound anywhere near as good as the phosphor bronze strings.... I'd be interested to hear if anyone knows what strings my old Ibanez came with... But also interested to hear your thoughts on using different strings on your bass too I might be tempted to get an electro-acoustic again one day..... If I can make enough room in my house for another bass! lol

I like to be able to tweak the spacing too I don't think a BA will let you do that? I find the vintage threaded saddles on an ordinary BBOT bridge let me space the strings just as I wish... You can get a set of threaded saddles on eBay.... Not sure which high mass bridge is the best type, for allowing spacing adjustment....

You are quite right XoSo - the Flea bass is probably more easy to get hold of, currently And the longer you are a BC member - the more you are likely to suffer GAS for one, or for another bass in future lol Anyhow, as I've said, and as Steve Browning says above - MIJ / CIJ Fenders are really well made instruments In the past in fact, I've seen them sell for rather less than I personally would value them.... I'm glad you've come to your own decision. I know asking such questions about "which is best" is always a matter of the opinions of individuals, but it's good to hear what other people think about basses they've owned, based on their good, bad or indifferent experiences..... It sounds like you have been given some food for thought in this matter, and I'm glad BC members were here to help you come to a decision Now, if you don't like your new MIJ Jazz.... you can always sell it on here, or trade it for a Flea But from my experiences of Japan Fenders..... I'm sure it'll be a keeper Happy NBD, and don't forget to post some photos and a little review Cheers - enjoy

Hi again XoSo, Re your nagging doubt - I'm not sure you can tell from those photos whether it has been put together from parts. I know you are importing it from abroad, but perhaps a little research into what the company selling it is like... Remember - they won't want to be getting a bad reputation for selling fake / knock-off gear. The serial number & decal on the neck look fine to me Harder to tell with the body & electrics without seeing some pics of it disassembled and looking a serial numbers & info on the pots, and looking at any marks / labels & stickers or date stamps in the neck pocket Yes, the Flea bass is a rather faded version of shell pink. I too like Pink basses.... for some reason - I think it's a rather cool colour Re the roadworn / reliced issue - I understand people don't particularly like it. However, the relicing on the Fender RW series is rather good and quite convincing Also, the relicing is not the only difference with the RW series - they are made from higher quality components, and are more carefully put together than other MIM's They really are a cut above other MIM's - In fact, My RW Jazz was better than either US Jazzes I owned.... and not just marginally better either! My RW Precision is the best P bass I've ever played... better than either of my US P's and even better than my 80's Japan Squier P.... The other point re relicing / roadwear that I hadn't even considered initially.... I wasn't a fan of relicing either..... But there's something quite liberating about gigging an instrument that you aren't too "precious" about For example - I had a rather expensive, mint condition Rick bass. First gig, the singer caught his foot around a cable - and pulled a cymbal stand over.... crash! Hitting my bass with a glancing blow on the way! Second gig (different band) guitarist was moving some lighting stands about, and knocked it from behind - I just managed to catch it, before it fell forward - it could even have fallen off stage, as there wasn't much room on that small stage My point being, that if it's already got knocks & bumps - you won't worry about a few more.... That's not to say I go around whacking my bass with a hammer - I don't But it's an ideal gigging bass, as I'm not over-protective or worried everytime a drummer or singer walk past it closely..... If you do have any doubts about the MIJ - then perhaps a visit to Bass Direct is a good suggestion. You will able to sit down & try it out first, or even compare it with other basses Patience may be the best way forward - as you already have a decent, useable bass - take your time & take care with your next purchase Perhaps even consider buying a different Jazz, from someone on this very forum? You'll get more for your money buying used Pop along to a nearby bass bash, next time there's one near you - meet some fellow BC'ers who will be only too happy to talk all things bass related One last point. I owned a MusicMan Stingray. Lovely quality construction, lovely sound BUT - it was very heavy, and the neck was chunky.... very vhunky - anything but slim! I know some people prefer that - but like you, I don't. I prefer a Fender C shape / profile neck, or a Jazz neck. I played a MM Sub a while back, and while it clearly didn't have the feel of quality about it - the neck was a far better fit for my hands

As Lozz says, the RW necks really are somehow really comfy to play Also, although they are quite glossy - they never seem to get sticky to play, when your hands get hot.... that's my experience of them anyhow BTW. I once owned a Flea, as I already mentioned.... and now getting GAS for one again!

Yes, the MIJ / CIJ basses I've owned & played have all been great But honestly, the Roadworn series might be MIM, but they're a cut above any other MIM Fenders I've played And some of those MIM's have been excellent too! The Roadworn basses are quite something else Made on a different "line" to other MIM's, using higher grade wood & components. Someone also suggested they were finished in the US.... Not 100% sure of that, but they really are superb ..... I know, that hasn't helped! lol EDIT: I really liked the aged colour on the cheaper one in Japan too Yes, import charges can be rather expensive, so you're right to bear that in mind....

Me again! On clicking that "3 more available" link It leads you to this one - bit more "roadworn" but another option? https://reverb.com/uk/item/7187550-fender-japan-jb62-62-vintage-jazz-bass-reissue-made-in-japan-1993-1994-vintage-white-1311

Just took a look at the for sale ad, and there's a "3 used available" button you can click on https://reverb.com/p/fender-jb62-62-reissue-jazz-bass-mij-aged-white Or am I being daft, and this is the same one? I can't comment on the MIJ '62RI per se - as I've not played one of these exact models. I have however, played several MIJ / CIJ Fenders, and they've all been really good basses Somehow, the necks on them feel lovely.... However, I have owned a Fender Flea Jazz, and just to add to your confusion - that was also a really nice bass, and yes, the Fender Roadworn series of necks also feel absolutely lovely.... sorry Again, I don't know quite how they achieve that "worn-in" or "played in" feel with the roadworn series, but achieve it they have I must say of the Fender Flea, it's the lightest weight Jazz I have played. (and I've owned 3 Jazzes, and played quite a few more) At first, I wasn't a fan of the stacked knob arrangement of controls. I know this arrangement has many fans, who would all quote flexibility of tone and control as being better - but I found it harder to get the tone I wanted as quickly as with the standard VVT arrangement of controls.... again, it's personal preference The MIJ bass is probably the more "collectible", for those with whom that is an issue. And IMO, it's a lovely aged white (I do like that off-white creamy colour some basses seem to go) Both have their plus points, it's just down to how you feel about each one Do you live near any other BC member who owns either one of these basses? Could you post an ad, asking for help / a try-out? Most BC'ers are very friendly, helpful sorts and would be only too willing to let you have a play of their Jazz As has already been asked, could you counter the sellers counter offer? Might be worth a try Just thought of a plus for the MIJ. If you didn't like a Flea Jazz and had bought it brand new - you'd lose money if selling on.... but you'd likely get more of your money back on the MIJ if you sold that on....