Count Bassie

[quote name='Stu-khag' post='1044664' date='Dec 2 2010, 04:05 AM']I had one of them with original case. I wonder if they'll ever be popular again? sold it to one of my best mates for 200 quid. He's doing loads of gigs with it [/quote] Nice colors! Well I don't know if you'll find another like this with quarter-sawn Rosewood fingerboards (I think, yes?)... It seems like it was a transitional model, replaced by the newer Cruise, which is not as sleek. The new one is too much like a Fender in my book. The older one was more its own beastie.

Depends on the shape/style of the bass, fingerboard (Rose, Ebony, Maple,...), and hardware. But I've always like natural Walnut, and deep reds. I think they look sort of classic- not like "toys" (bursts, bright colors, etc. No offense!). Now, brighter finishes are cool too, and some are even classic as well in their own right. But in my gut I always hit the bulls-eye with the darker tones- woods and dark reds or maroons. I'm in a band that does large shows, and have a Midnight Wine Jazz Bass with a pearly pick guard and chrome hardware. Looks nice, and shows up alright with lights and a black drop behind us. I'm sort of looking for something with lighter colors for the show thing though; but my most personal preference is not for flash, but what I perceive as more 'soulful' colors.

[quote name='civictiger' post='1044571' date='Dec 1 2010, 08:51 PM']Interesting points.. I will be using both pick-ups, yes, so a clean tone and a MIDI tone And I will be keeping this bass til the death of me, it has a bit of sentimental value to myself. Clean tone for two of my projects Clean+MIDI for another project I guess I'll use my yamaha, I'll see if I can build up some love for it - it just feels so strange to play as om so used to my fender now! Maybe I'll get a cheap copy or something.. I'll see how my money pans out![/quote] You could get a cheep junker, play it a while. Then cut into it and install the MIDI jig, note the difference. Evaluate, "To cut, or not to cut". Also Squire makes some pretty good stuff if you've a mind to do something like add a MIDI triggering system. If you don't like the 'Squire' thing, rub off the decal on the headstock and replace it with a nice girlie pin-up water-slide decal!

[quote name='umph' post='1044464' date='Dec 1 2010, 06:05 PM']before you get spraying, i think you should get a bit more of a contour going on in the horn to match the other side, it'd look better. Looks quite good though![/quote] Not the first like comment I've had on that, and I agree. I've just come back from a friend's shop where I put it to a spindle sander. I added a little more 'scoop' to the inside of the upper horn and took off a bit of the lower, from the outside of the curve; a little visual "eq", if you will. Pix again before colors... and for the sake of immediate functionality I'll probably do a sealer coat and just leave it 'natural' for a while. Time is a thief, and I need to play the thing! Also this will give me time to get my courage screwed up for a run at a burst finish. Thanks for the comments all!

[quote name='Gust0o' post='1044402' date='Dec 1 2010, 05:07 PM']Can I get the knee-jerk out of the way, please, and then we can have some sensible comments? Good? Ok: HOLY f*** WHAT THE f*** DID YOU DO TO THAT POOR HAMER?! Thanks, Tim, here's your Caps Lock back. Can you please now commit yourself to the only option left open to you, and go for Gold Sparkle? That sh*t would be boss. I buy your comment on the thumbrest, and it's good to hear the adjustment to the shape is working out for you. Perhaps a lesson for the less daring, myself included, about being will to look at some fundamental rather than cosmetic changes.[/quote] I'm glad we got that of our chest! As far as daring and cosmetics, for me the horn is not only cosmetic, but proved a fundamental issue- and as meaningful as the thumb rest. Anyway I have considered gold sparkle, but I... dunno. That would have to be top-notch work, and it's kind of too [i]California[/i] for me. I'm not a splashy dude, and prefer red earth tones. I prefer Mountain (Leslie West) over Mot the Hoople... if you get my drift. But I appreciate where you're coming from. And the conversation isn't closed.

[quote name='lettsguitars' post='1043608' date='Dec 1 2010, 06:51 AM']that thumb rest looks frighteningly close to the e string. is it?[/quote] Thanks for the good word, lettersguitars. The balance is great, the new shape actually effectively negates any weightiness forward of the neck joint, pretty much. It's become more 'invisible' as an item to carry around, which is interesting. I'm only playing now, not carrying. Different, but seems good. The most advantageous difference physically though is that the upper horn no longer rests into my body. That was a bother. The thumb rest is close to the E-string but at a distance consistent with the string spacing. It's like resting your thumb on a rigid B-string, if it were a fiver. It's also close enough so that my "non-piano-player" fingers can easily cross string from that resting point!... And the little scallop in the thumb rest near the fingerboard is perfect for playing up on the neck (dub-style), the bass inclined at a sharp upward, near-vertical angle. More pix after adjustments to the shape, and I'm still interested in hearing color suggestions...

Thanks! I'm looking at a minor further adjustment on both sides, but this is "the look". Much better for playing now. Next is getting some color on it.

[quote name='MacDaddy' post='1042372' date='Nov 30 2010, 08:56 AM']If this were any other bass than a Hamer, I'd be saying cool mod, the SG shape is the way to go. But being a Hamer-phile - aaarrrgggghhhhh! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! [/quote] I do understand I'm not going to get 'kudos' from everyone! But it was a move based on functionality for me. I like the bass, I just 'adjusted' it... Also I have a low level of reverence for the conventional. Want a rule broken, I'm the guy.

Got an '83 Cruisebass- original model- a few months ago in relatively beat condition. Still integral and playable though, and cosmetics aren't usually my first criteria for a bass. But due to my 'special ergonomic needs' and the fact that I strap the instrument up differently than most, I've opted to lose the top bout/horn, pretty radically changing the look of the thing. Before: After, so far: Still considering the final line where the upper bout was, and color. I'm liking the suggestion of an SG shape here, and thinking about a deep red tone for color. Maybe a new pick guard shape, and I might even reduce the lower horn also, for balance' sake. Any thoughts?...

[quote name='flyfisher' post='1032041' date='Nov 21 2010, 05:56 PM']Thanks for that lead. I looked it up but the the commando 12 doesn't have a sliders for the tone controls, whereas the one I used did have. But searching a bit more, I now reckon I was using a 715 combo as it looks the closest to what I can remember on Google Images. The 200W rating would also explain why it put my 70 Ampeg combo to shame. I may have to start raiding my piggybanks for some gas cash![/quote] This one? 200w, w/ ext jack and DI. This is a later, upgraded model from the original 100 or 130w combo.

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='1035728' date='Nov 24 2010, 05:50 PM']I much prefer a Precision! Mine is dead lightweight, has the skinniest neck and is never dull and thuddy... Oh and did I mention it was a thru-neck and is active! OK I'm extracting the urine but it begs the question 'What defines something as a 'Precision' bass'? Does it have to be by Fender? Is it compulsory to be passive? Have the name Precision written on it? Is it the outline shape that makes it a Precision or the pup mounted on that body? Is it still a Precision if someone makes it in the classic P bass shape with the appropriate pup but makes it neck-thru? Answers on the back of a postage stamp. [/quote] Well, the original post was out to compare the Fender Precision and Fender Jazz. Beautiful bass though!

[quote name='mcnach' post='1034648' date='Nov 23 2010, 07:58 PM'][/quote] I'll be here all week...

[quote name='Mr Rabble' post='1034891' date='Nov 24 2010, 06:26 AM']One can prefer either a P or a J, but as a matter of fact the P-sound isn't dull by itself.[/quote] True. The sound of a Precision has a bulkier character, and it's not as 'lithe' a quality- not as nimble a delivery- as a Jazz. But the J doesn't have that hefty girth, or not as much of it. They both have the ability to put out a wide bandwidth of frequency, and I've often said "you can get anything out of a Precision". But they are different... Perceptions also will come from amp settings, strings, other context from personal experience.

[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.