DaytonaRik

[quote name='JPJ' timestamp='1389280791' post='2332298']
Im surprised no one has mentioned the Spector Rex bass on this thread - far superior to the Epi ones imho and still retains the classic t'bird shape whilst offering a lot
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I'm not sure re the aesthetics...it's not quite a T'bird in the same way that a Jackson Rhoads isn't quite a flying vee! That said, I have no doubt they're a fine instrument in their own right.

[quote name='Bassmonkey' timestamp='1389281659' post='2332318']
Wondered if this was one of the ones you were referring to. I am pretty pleased with it. Does feel very long though, not too heavy, a bit of neck dive but pretty diverse spectrum of sounds. I'm hoping that the non-pristine state of it will stop me fretting about damaging it when playing. Keep on looking mate, something will come up.
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Not a problem fella...these things happen. I was thinking the same re finish i.e. I'd not be to precious about it I remember when I swapped from a Patrick Eggle to a Firebird...it felt HUUUUUUUGE! I was constantly playing everything a tone higher!!!

Yeah I know - I was in talks with him about that exact one

Can't see much wrong with this tbh!

I prefer natural wear - it's trés cool, but there are risks (and expense) with buying a 30+ year old naturally worn high-end instrument! IMHO 'Relicing' allow you to own a modern bass with arguably better quality control and manufacturing techniques at a realistic price without fear of dinging your new pride and joy - any marks will contribute to it's worn appearance!

It's the super cool place only known to select few

Guitars are currently charged a duty of %3.7, plus VAT and don't forget to add VAT onto the carriage too...although quite how this can be justified is beyond me!!!

And after a few beers at 11:00 Joe Punter isn;t going to notice too much...unless they play as well! However, that's not an excuse not to get it as close to perfect as you can.

I tend to listen to the song over, and over, and over...then work out the starting note and go from there. Once you know the track inside out and back to front working it out is much easier than trying to learn a song you don't know that well.

just scored a bit of a bargain - a used but fully serviceable full touring spec flight case for my Ashdown 2x10 cab for £30! There's a pad in the top so it may take the combo with a bit of tweaking If not, I'm sure that there's space in there for my mixing desk - lovely!

Gotta love bargains like that

[quote name='Ed_S' timestamp='1381220811' post='2235833']

Settings - just as it came back from last rehearsal:

Passive, Shape, Valve Drive, EQ, no Compression, no Sub-Harmonic

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That's exactly the same (within a notch on two sliders) as the EQ settings on my ABM 500 combo...does it share the same EQ but with a different power stage to the 500?

[quote name='martin8708' timestamp='1378674253' post='2203192']
If I had a spare £3k to blow . I keep going back to the Mike Lull JAX T4 Jeff Ament in Cardinal red at Bassdirect .
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Yup - I keep looking at that and wondering what else I can sell!!!! I'd take a T4 if forced!!!

In the real- world...

Well gigged Gibson Thunderbird IV
Sandberg California TM4 hardcore relic in black

Have you thought about using a software based approach akin to GarageBand? There are a few good usable amp tones on there. You can share files to iCloud and both work on your parts without ever meeting up. It does require a couple of Apple devices though...just an idea.

The latest one near me is a studio rather than a standard...main differences I can see are a set not through neck and a different bridge...does anyone have more info re them? Worth a look or just an imitation?

Cheers Shaggy - I'm off to take a look at it one eve this week. I'm concerned re neck repair but I'll have a good look and post some pics on here for comments. It also has the original case, albeit a little tired! There was mention of it belonging to a famous muso but no provenance so I'll take that as urban legend! I can get the '93 for a great price and it's has no neck issues, some lacquer cracks/crazing along the neck laminates and some serious gig mojo! There's another near me that I'm waiting on details of...just have to sell some guitar gear now!!!

Lovely! I was lucky enough to find a NEO 2x10 that had been factory fitted with blue-line drivers as an extension to my 15" ABM combo. Still giving serious consideration to a 1x15 cab and a rack head though.

Interested in a few out there...one is a pretty beaten up '93 but only superficial markings. Another is a 79 but it's had a neck break at some point. Guy is looking for £1300 which obviously reflects the damage but is it worth a punt? Would peeps steer clear or take a look? I know it depends on the break/repair but from the shots I've been sent it look on first impressions to be a good job.

Should a '79 have a tri-point bridge or bridge/saddles? Area around the socket looks good

Very similar to my Omen Extreme IV in shape and electronics although I suspect the Schecter ceramic p/ups are not as good as the EMG's the California is sporting - nice one!

[attachment=150904:IMG_0880.jpg]

A friend has a vaguely Explorer/Thunderbird-esque Washburn Stage 8 string - octave tuners are at the body/bridge area. I've never seem one before or since.

Well Jon has my initial thoughts and is going to come up with a few options for me to consider.

I'm a bit hesitant regarding estimated completion dates but what the hell!!!

Would be nice to have the first relic'd Shuker!

As well as giving very strong consideration to the Sandberg (off to Bass Direct to a try a few next week!) I've dropped Jon a line regarding a relic JB to which he replied that he's interested in making as it's something he's never done before.

The question is - is it morally wrong for me to ask Jon to take a sander/chisel/a.n.other tool of destruction to one of his wonderful creations?

Could be tempted - not bothered about the Friday but Trujillo and Harris in one weekend - hell yeah!!! G/F's idea of a nightmare though...win/win!!!

Cheers Mike,

that's pretty much exactly what I had hoped to hear as I'd been advised against the TM as a rock tool and to look at the PM instead. My only debate now remains over the neck pick up - tapped hum bucker, jazz or split precision? I'm loving their hardcore aged finish...just a shame it's a 5 month wait!

It doesn't need to be the most versatile of instruments but a cracking rock tone is a definite must - think Duff and you'd not be far from what I'm after

All,

I guess like the title says!

As well as hankering for a T'bird I'm also considering a Sandberg relic. I admit to preferring the aesthetics of the J-bass, especially the positioning of the controls and I'm not a fan of the P-bass control area of the pick guard on purely cosmetic level.

As I'd predominantly be using the bridge p/u in a rock band are there any issues with using either in that scenario?

I currently play a Schecter Omen Extreme IV as my main bass and seem to find the sounds I want well enough but having decided to make the switch to bass a permanent state of affairs I'm looking to upgrade in the very near future.

Comments, opinions and advice appreciated.

Rik

Just checked out the Mike Lull T-Birds....hubba hubba! Sadly well out of my pay-scale