HowieBass

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1390291673' post='2343540'] Ok but the screws are at a steep angle so I can't set them level I'll measure my p bass strung length and set the jazz saddles to match as a rough start Intonation is spot on though [/quote] I mean the saddles in the photos of your bass bridge have the saddle height adjustment screws set at unequal heights meaning the saddles themselves are not horizontal, maybe set that way to try to prevent sideways string movement (as I suspect the bridge baseplate doesn't have those shallow channels in it). This is my bridge... [attachment=152899:DSCN0992 (small).jpg]

I wonder how many of these budget line basses come from the same factory? Wondering now whether to pull the trigger on a J&D P bass or the Aria STB-PB equivalent for about £30 more? Damn GAS!

I've just checked my Squier Active Deluxe Jazz and the saddle intonation adjustment screws and string hole locations look to be in the same place as the bridge on your Fender. All of the long saddle screws angle down slightly, with the G the most affected, the only difference is I set my saddles horizontal (the bridge has shallow channels for the saddle height screws to run in).

Those saddles look way out of whack! Was it like that when you got it? Amazing how some people have basses set up!

I'm not after another Jazz but I'm just wondering if the workmanship and playability of the J&D Jazz extends to their Precision bass clone... http://www.dv247.com/guitars/jandd-yc-pb-4-string-bass-guitar-black--201637

You're saying you don't need a 'beginner's tool' and you don't like the idea of buying a budget bass new from a shop; sounds like you'll be better off buying secondhand from on here. If you know what sort of bass you're after (eg. passive or active, 4 or 5 string, 1 or 2 pickups) and know a few manufacturer's names (eg. Yamaha, Cort, Peavey, Squier) then you just need to either ask for real world feedback from here or do a search online for reviews by owners... some basses come up consistently well thought of (eg. the Squier Vintage Modified range, the Squier Active Deluxe Jazz to name a few).

Remember, it's not what you've got; it's what you do with it that counts! Now, where have I heard that said before...

Looking at Sadowsky 5 string basses online and it's definitely got the right tuning peg arrangement (4 over 1) and the logo is in the same place too, bridge looks rectangular which I think means it can't be a Lakland.

Learning what you can and can't do with your left and right hands is probably what instils a playing style for all of us; I suspect that when people come up with bass lines for material (where they have input) they play to their strengths rather than their weaknesses, so what is easy for some is difficult for others and vice versa. The main thing is to have fun whilst you're making music.

For anyone getting rid of old computers that contain working hard drives, make sure you scrub them of all data or physically destroy them to prevent some unknown person collecting personal information. I've just taken an old laptop to my local recycling centre and used 'Darik's Boot and Nuke' (that you need to run from a bootable CD) to destroy everything on the hard drive http://sourceforge.net/projects/dban/?source=pdlp

This is a good place to start http://youtu.be/3EZEFj0CM-g

+1 for Genz Benz - I have the CTR500-210T, very happy with it and although I haven't tried a Roland Cube I'm pretty sure the Contour combo would be ideal for you for gigs in small venues especially with an extension cab to give you the full 500 watts (if needed).

Yet another Lottery win fantasy *sigh*

Signed; over 45,000 now.

Unless you get a wide necked 5 string bass you'll find the string spacing a few millimetres less than with a conventional 4 string bass. Now this might not be a problem but there again it might, it depends on your playing style (I'm thinking of slap in particular) - some people find they just cannot get along with narrow string spacing and many others are turned off by wide necks. Doubtless you'll want to try both 4 and 5 string basses but I can't ever imagine a decent player losing a gig because they don't have a 5 string bass with a low B or a high C.

I also recommend a Jazz (some VERY good Squiers to be had) and would suggest that having a new instrument to get to know well might encourage you to devote more time to playing; which can only be a good thing. You only live once (as far as we know), enjoy yourself!

Probably using Hermes courier service. Good job it's not a Precision or I'd be tempted!

I think that's all Michael Hedges - when he's had people like Michael Manring accompany him on (mostly) fretless bass, they're usually visible on stage.

Likely as not this has already been linked to elsewhere, but just in case... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRjiMN2qJHI

Great looking bass and, as I know from experience, Squier (Fender? Ok, probably the Cort factory) are turning out some great instruments these days!

One advantage of the Genz Benz Contour combo, over some other combos, is that the speaker is connected to the head with a proper Speakon connector, which means that should either the head go wrong, or the speaker, then you can still connect what still works to something else. The head also, though not designed to be removable, seems to be of the fully enclosed metal chassis type so could, in a pinch, be taken out of the unit (and used standalone or sent away for repair). Obviously not as flexible as a proper detachable head combo, nor as flexible as a separate head + cabinet, but for the money it's a great package.

This says 1.6 ounces http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Accessories-001-0660-090-Chrome-Vintage/dp/B002HF483G

Not keen; it's a little like faking an antique. I prefer genuine patina.

You won't go far wrong to nail a few of Derek Forbes bass lines from his Simple Minds days http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZs_l9hF8IY&list=PL9059BD611EA7E4A5&index=1

If you can afford it you could drop one of these bad boys in http://www.east-uk.com/index.php/bass/j-retro.html