Count Bassie

[quote name='son of frog' post='1034671' date='Nov 23 2010, 09:17 PM']I have big lumberjack hands, but despite this i've always played Jazz, the thin fast neck is great... BUT! This last summer i played what was for me the best bass i've ever played, and i have no idea why, It is a Mexican 50's Style Precision and i just had to buy it, something about it, the neck was set unusually low for a precision, and the action is perfect, and the tone just blows your balls off, i really didn't expect this, It for me is perfect, and i was originally just testing it out as a comparison against a Jazz i was going to buy, Fender were obviously having a good day when they made this one, better than any USA standard i've played and better than any Vintage P Basses i've played, But since i have tried out another of the exact same make and model and colour, lol, and it was totally different... different action and neck was set in much higher... Its probably just Perfect for me, so this is sort of irrelevant... just putting in my two pennies... -Tom[/quote] Well thanks Tom, that was great... But it does go to show that with a company like Fender, you really do have to play 'em first! I played my Jazz tonight at rehearsal, strung with LaBella flats. Great bass- through my little Trace 715S combo the sound was present, deep in the right places, and very punchy. Everything I wanted to say was well-spoken and articulate, and in this regard a definite step up from the Precision I traded off for it. So there's my status on the subject...

"...Lord take me downtown_ I'm jus' lookin' for some tosh..." ZZ Tosh

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='1033739' date='Nov 23 2010, 07:00 AM']My whole life I have been torn between the two, I resolved that by getting one of each, so now depending on the mood, one week I dig the J and another week the P, I am also getting a P/J to see if that can marry the two into one do-it-all bass.[/quote] You'll end up with three pretty distinct personalities, but probably some cross-over between the three. A fun little quiver, probably!

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1033533' date='Nov 23 2010, 04:08 AM']Yeah, its nice see how each side of the Atlantic feels about them. Seems we aren't that different after all.[/quote] Right, true enough. Except for that "Tea" business!... ah, but yes, we now have a "Tea Party'!

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1033227' date='Nov 22 2010, 04:46 PM']I see this thread is also running on TB. It seems most of them prefer the Jazz bass for the same reasons. A lot of them mention the slimer neck.[/quote] Yeah I posted it there too! Just a passing wondering about trends in different places... and it's just such a basic question/running 'argument' I thought I'd throw it around. Won't matter, I'm into my bass, but it's been a question between the two for years, for many of the reasons expressed here- primarily tone, feel and looks. Been a good read so far!

[quote name='mrtcat' post='1032863' date='Nov 22 2010, 11:48 AM']Got both but don't play the P too much cos I'm really lazy and like to rest my thumb on the bridge pickup whilst fingering. I find I play tighter when I "finger" there as there's less movement in the strings and I prefer the punchier tone. Can't bring myself to de-face the P by putting in a thumb rest there as it would look odd. Other than that I love P basses.[/quote] Oh I always chop 'em! I make my own thumbrest and move the strap buttons. I'm with [b][i]Silddx[/i][/b] on some of his points there though, for example: -The balance and the way the bass hangs is, for me, lousy. I always have to re-hang to get them to a playable position. -I figure since they're not going to pay attention to the bass' condition as it leaves the factory, it easily becomes a platform for mods. Retain the essential look and charater, fit it to you. And it's a simple plank with a stick on it, strings and some hardware. An electric bass guitar is not generally something that fulfills my definition of a 'fine instrument', so little niggles, as you guys say, don't bother me much. I did have to actually re-set the neck on a MIM Precision once though; it was apparently screwed-on while tilted out-of-center with the rest of the instrument at the factory, so I bunged and re-drilled the holes in the neck, screwed it back on. It wasn't a convenient time for that project either, so that was annoying ... And the price tag- especially on the older ones- just gets right by me, frankly. A Fender is as plain and straightforward as it gets! And very much mass-produced. I do like the trad visual and aural aspects of a Fender however, having come from the old school myself- even though they are clearly built for someone other than me to play! I'm built too narrow and have too many small issues physically (nerve stuff, et al). I make it work well enough though- I spend a little for the chassis, etc., and bust out the tools and scrap-wood and finish her up. The original model Hamer Cruisebass is more my style really, but I've been attracted to certain aspects of the Fenders. I have a design of my own stewing in that mental pot in my head... and a shop nearby to execute it. Maybe spring will offer some time and space. Meanwhile, I'm digging playing my Jazz.

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1032841' date='Nov 22 2010, 11:32 AM']I`m with the P-camp here. For me, the sound of a P-Bass is the one that gets the job done in a band context.[/quote] Depends on the band, perhaps... which is part of why I did the swap. I'm doing a lot of old-school traditional Portuguese music, and although it gets fringe-funky and has some nice grooves, it's definitely, by-and-large, not rock and roll. Some of it almost leans a little more toward an African feel for the bass playing. Curiously note-y at times. Other times it's utterly predictable! But the "more articulate" thing the Jazz offers seems to suit.

[quote name='icastle' post='1032724' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:13 AM']I play both (not at the same time though 'cos that'd just be showing off!). The WAV neck is somewhat chunkier than the PB but because it's vertical the stress on your hand and wrist is different.[/quote] That's part of the reason I move my strap buttons- I can now get the bass into a more vertical position. I don't like extending my left arm with the palm facing up, it's just awkward and makes my forearm tingle...

[quote name='simon1964' post='1032800' date='Nov 22 2010, 11:09 AM']+1. I love the look of a Jazz, and love the tone of the bridge pickup solo'd. But I can't get on with the neck profile at all. The neck feels far too cramped for me. I've owned four Jazzes, and sold them all! And a Precision may sound a bit bland played on its own, but sitting in the mix, its hard to beat live.[/quote] Got to agree with the live-in-mix point. The phat voice a Precision has is definitely its own... I do consider adding or replacing a pickup, maybe the bridge p'up as I hardly use it. If the bridge p'up were a big humbucker I might get more use out of it- but then I might have to use a stacked coil for the neck... already I may do a stacked coil for the neck p'up to beat the hum, since I like to just use the neck p'up- it's not always present though. But I'd say that for me the negative of the Jazz Bass is that single-coil hum. I also have an '83 Hamer Cruisebass, which is P/J (DiMarzios). It's lighter/smaller-bodied than the Jazz, and there's a hugely phat, deep, crushing, punchy tone. Still not a Precision though.

[quote name='AndyTravis' post='1032699' date='Nov 22 2010, 09:57 AM']I have both, have owned loads... Main Fretted is a Jazz, My Fretless is a Precision. I think you can get a decent 'P' approximation with the neck pickup on a Jazz soloed, but you can never get the Bridge Pickup sound of a Jazz out of a Precision...if you get me? I also have a P/J if i can't decide.[/quote] I do- I like the bridge p'up solo'd as well. Woofy, but not a howler. Nice voice.

[quote name='icastle' post='1032691' date='Nov 22 2010, 09:50 AM']I'm a whuss - I can't get on with the PB neck profile [/quote] But you're an upright player. ? I have smallish hands, but can't stand the close spacing on a lot of 5-string basses- got rid of one for this reason. But the Precision isn't really that uncomfortable- I only notice it until I get into a line or a groove. But with the Jazz it's butter. I have noticed that the bigger neck is less an issue for me than where the balance of the bass is. I always re-place the strap buttons this way: Rear button goes up about 10" onto the back of the body. Forward button also goes to the back of the bass, either behind the neck joint or onto the lower horn (like Colin Hodgkison...sp?... a lefty who strapped on his RH bass upside-down, using the lower horn instead of the upper). But still, the Jazz is my neck. And I dig the sound...

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='1032665' date='Nov 22 2010, 09:22 AM']I don't - I have a jazz and a few precisons, but prefer to play my mustang. It has a skinny neck like a jazz, but shorter, & has a nice chunky precision tone & doesn't have too many knobs to twiddle & confuse me.[/quote] Interesting. I had a Squier Bronco a while back and it was a pretty good little bass.

Just interested in hearing what might be chimed in, if it lines up with Why I've swapped my Precision for a Jazz. I'm happy with my decision as the Jazz feels smoother to play, sounds more effectual with my present context, and just has that more articulate, complex quality I like to hear. I love a good thud, but I am more a detail-oriented person when it comes to sound, so the Jazz makes that happen. But if you're a Fender player and prefer the Jazz Bass, why?

Didn't notice this [url="http://www.matsumoku.org/models/ariaproii/bass.html"]link[/url] here, and as I've just discovered a CSB bass locally I happened on it searching around for info. No serial# info I don't think, though... I'm hopefully picking one up Saturday on my way to a gig.

Just picked up my new/old TE 1153-T cab, testing her out Saturday night at a little watering-hole. I shall report my findings of the 1153 as an extension for the 715-S... not reggae, but it'll tell me enough...

[quote name='sambassman' post='1010990' date='Nov 3 2010, 11:25 AM']i think you'd get a very rich, beefy tone out of it. but im not sure if the high end would cut through the mix that well though. thats why i got the 2 x 10 cab[/quote] Yeah, but you can get some highs out of 15s I find. Maybe the TE stuff has its own character... we shall see! Thanks.

[quote name='Count Bassie' post='1019590' date='Nov 10 2010, 08:21 PM']I am not, but you are welcome! [/quote] Okay, maybe I have good days...

[quote name='BigAlonBass' post='1019589' date='Nov 10 2010, 08:18 PM']You Sir, are a gentleman - Thanks! [/quote] I am not, but you are welcome!

[quote name='chris_b' post='1018506' date='Nov 10 2010, 05:38 AM']Here are some friends of mine playing Reggae. You don't need speaker blowing bass, just some solid low mids. [/quote] Pretty cool, nice blend of something there. Very tight bass, a tad busier than my approach but fun to listen to!

I got a call from a reggae band I play the occasional gig with (we used to work together a lot, things change), and I ordinarily have a pretty good phat cab to pump it up through... at this point I'm winnowed down to a Trace Elliot 715-S combo (Series-6, 200w w/ ext jack) and a Trace 1153-T for an extension cab. My question is, does this sound like I'm pushing it for a reggae rig? I'm pretty sure it's indoors, and I know the Trace stuff can handle it power-wise. But I'm concerned about [u]speakers[/u] here: I don't want to stress 'em, taking out all the mid-punch and giving some boost to the lows, like I know I'm going to do. It's got to be a big, blossomy, [b][i]round sound[/i][/b]. These guys aren't about volume, thankfully in this case, from the bass. It's going to be about tone above all- if I'm not rattling bottles at the bar it's alright. Think these little cabs will survive it?

Dude, that bass looks AWESOME!! I'm American so I have to use the word AWESOME!! But seriously, nice piece there, good looking instrument. And it sounds great! Very cool. Very cool. I'll say it again. Very cool.

[quote name='BigAlonBass' post='1018210' date='Nov 9 2010, 05:12 PM']Link, please. I can't find a "BAS" site anywhere, and I've got exactly the same problem finding stuff for my old AH350X. [/quote] [url="http://www.britishaudioservice.com"]http://www.britishaudioservice.com[/url] I'm pretty sure you'll see it, look for "Manuals" up top, click that, and then click the Trace Elliot logo...

Just so all you riveted readers out there can exhale, I found enough info on similar models on the BAS site to deal with what I might have to deal with. Yes, it's alright now, you can all go back to work... yes, thank you, have a good day...

Hi folks, I have this old AH250GP-11 amp here that needs a little sprucing up, and I can't find any documentation for it on the local go-to sources (i.e., BAS and TE site). Any of you vintage Trace enthusiasts (I didn't say fanatics) have a clue as to where I might find some hard-copy on this venerable old avatar of 80s-Flash boutique-ness? Thanks! Here she is...

[quote name='icastle' post='1016739' date='Nov 8 2010, 02:01 PM']LMAO - get out of my damn head Liam! I'm sat here halfway through making one now! [/quote] Hey, you know what you could do is...