thebassist

I've had two. My one recommendation would be to ask for Brazilian rosewood for the fingerboard and in the likely event he says he doesn't have Brazilian rosewood I'd go for ebony. My Bravewoods played beautifully well and sounded brilliant too. I will mention too that I don't regret selling mine because I have since decided that I don't like the relicing. I'd buy another but I'd want it 10/10 condition.

I reckon you should ask him mate. I know his web site says he doesn't do left handers, but it is still worth an email.

I've had two Jazz Basses and moved them both on very quickly. They were very, very good basses but, and I know this might sound weird, but I always felt a bit fake playing them. I would certainly buy another one but I'd want it 10/10 condition - no ageing.

You're 100% right there. I've been trying to focus on that very thing when practicing over the past few days. I have decided to definitely go with a 5-string over a 6 now. I'd love a Fodera but my budget will stretch to a Ken Smith - I just need to play a bunch and find the right bass.

When I get the 5 I intend to use it exclusively for a long time to try to get used to it as quickly as possible.

I'm pretty sure that I'm going to go with a 5. Thanks all.

Hi there, Anyone got experience playing a Fodera Emperor 5 Standard? I'd really appreciate opinions? [url="https://store-dqm62m0n.mybigcommerce.com/emperor-5-standard/"]https://store-dqm62m...ror-5-standard/[/url]

[quote name='Acebassmusic' timestamp='1389603795' post='2335893'] To hopefully add to the good ponts made above here's my 10p worth I made the jump to 5 string about 15+ years ago and have not felt the need to move back to a 4. I have picked 4's up and had a noodle but it just doesnt feel right anymore. Like others have said its not all about the extra low notes, it can be different tone, ease of playing a riff, full length thumb rest etc How hard it is to switch? I think it can be dependent upon what your left hand technique is currently ie: if you play a 4 with your thumb either over the top of the neck or "in line" with the neck then you may struggle to reach and place your fingers correctly. If so, a change to positioning your thumb in the centre of the neck, pointing "across" it will ease things. It may take a while to get comfortable with, but it's worth working on. A 5 or a 6? Depends on what you want to do. 6 gives you lots of options. I played a 6 exclusively for 5 years but went back to 5 as I am more comfortable on a 5, didn't use the C much etc. I found it harder to move from a 4 to a 5 (extra than from the 5 to the 6 - might have been the E string point of reference that initially threw me off. [/quote] Thanks a lot for your views. Very interesting indeed. And I see you've got a Fender FMT Jazz V. I had the IV version of that - wish I hadn't sold it!

I've had two Bravewoods and they were nice - I loved them for the very short time I owned them but I moved them on very quickly. The faked worn look isn't for me.

I'm leaning towards a 6-string. I've no experience of either and do like to solo so the more options the better maybe.

I was thinking about that. A 5-string strung E-C.

I've recently joined a jazz fusion band and after our rehearsal this week, one of the guys asked whether I'd ever played a 5 or 6-string bass. I said no and he suggested I at least try one out - he wasn't being a dick or anything and I must admit it's got me thinking. I've been playing for nearly 20 years now and a lot of bassists I like play 5 or 6-string basses (Matt Garrison, Evan Marien, Scott Devine, Christian McBride, John Patitucci, etc., etc.) but I've alway gone with the theory of "if 4 was enough for Jaco, 4 is certainly enough for me". Anyway - I'd be very interested to get other bassist's views and experiences on this? For those experienced with 5 and/or 6-string basses would you stick with a 4 in hindsight? Or, would you never go back to a 4 now? How easy or hard is it to switch? Would you go to a 5-string first, then to 6? Stick with a 5? Or go straight to a 6 maybe bypassing a 5? etc., etc.

I've heard good things about the Tanglewood/Overwater J-style basses.

[quote name='dan670844' timestamp='1389017027' post='2328790'] To me if you had to cover all styles of music if you had a jazz, precision and a ray you could do anything. [/quote] I totally agree with this part. I've currently got two Jazz Basses and will be buying a Precision Bass at the end of this month. A 2 band EQ StingRay will come after that. I much prefer a passive bass nowadays.

How long have you had it? Maybe you could contact the previous owner to see if they know?

Found this FYI all. Mind you, I'm not confident I'll be able to get this in 10 days. I wouldn't be able to put a timeframe on it but I reckon I'll need at least a month with this piece. http://trinityrockstore.fabermusic.com/Havona-Grade-8-Bass-b1014.aspx

Absolutely brilliant. Thanks a lot.

I've pretty much got Birdland now. Havona is so, so hard - I'll try my damn hardest but I'm not confident on this one at all.