Musicman20

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1367836615' post='2069946'] Wow.... there is NO way a MM bass should struggle in this regard. If there is anything about them, it is that the EQ can cut glass. [/quote] Ay!

The Stingray is hands down the best bass guitar.

I gotta say, the black P is actually quite nice: [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU7zfPZBd9c[/media] Black isn't usually a colour I go for...but with that yellow maple neck...nice! £830 for a nitro Fender, with a proper rather suave case!

I've noticed a fairly big rise across most brands, but Fender are starting to price themselves in the boutique zone now. I realise they will always have high end custom basses, and their original vintage basses will always command a lot of money, but c'mon, almost £2k?! There is one on a thread on Talkbass (new 74 Jazz) where the bridge cover was fitted on an angle! I'd expect perfection for almost £2k!

[quote name='VTypeV4' timestamp='1367534827' post='2066758'] +1 on that.. IME the 400w model is the pick of the bunch, wish I still had mine. [/quote] Agreed.

I had one of these. Got about £450 for it second hand when I sold it...it was almost immaculate even after 10 years of gigging. These retailed for about £1,000 back around 1999/2000 or earlier. Superb amps.

Ridiculous price.

My current thinking is the Genz may not be as stunning to look at, but it looks like it is a little more rugged, and I might be less worried about taking it to rougher gigs. We shall see.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1367412283' post='2065279'] They really are a different class of company . A lot of builders would have had it out the door already and your money in the bank , but Roger is a true fanatic when it comes to quality control . I had dealings with him myself back in the Nineties and he is a thoroughly decent man . [/quote] This fills me with confidence, should I ever go down this route. I do kinda wish EBMM had a custom shop, charging big bucks but producing custom built Musicman basses.

[quote name='phsycoandy' timestamp='1367409749' post='2065228'] Yup it worked out a damn site cheaper than one from GuitarGuitar [/quote] I bet!

[quote name='Dave Vader' timestamp='1367403205' post='2065097'] Or you are an originals band and you need to write interesting catchy material with input from everybody. That takes longer you know. [/quote] Yes, been there done that for 75% or so of my musical life, but once you hit a point, and you are ready, then weekly or bi weekly rehearsals, just because the guitarist hates his home life or job, and wants to drink/smoke a lot, are not an excuse for many rehearsals haha.

Sounds great! Personally, I wouldn't opt for that Ampeg PF. I think the Aguilar TH350 would be right in your tone zone, (plus acting as a FANTASTIC DI). I hope they get it sorted asap...insurance can take a while but at least you had it.

[quote name='spacey' timestamp='1367400533' post='2065048'] Those with a few years under the belt know that all learning is done at home to the record, no made up "improved" guitar solos and no made up drum fills. The band only needs to come together to break the mojo of gigging, the material is learnt at home to the record in two or three blocks. These are things that take 30 years to learn. [/quote] Agreed. Cannot STAND huge rehearals. Absolutely no need, unless you are a professional band doing it for a living, OR it is highly complex.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1367318091' post='2064027'] Sounds like you are wanting employees rather than band mates. 2 gigs a week (+ rehearsals) is impossible for a great many people. [/quote] Totally understand you wanting a great reliable line up, but I agree with FM here. It sounds like you are asking too much. I've batted off 6 or so bands recently because they made me feel like I was auditioning for a job. Auditioning? For a really straightforward band?! Requirement that I MUST have a suitable car! C'mon, say that in somewhere like London, and people won't apply. I wouldn't ever consider taking 2 days out of my week for rehearals, unless I was obviously doing it on a professional basis. As a musician, I'm more than happy to have very few rehearsals, practice to the music at home to save cost/time, and just gig.

Unfortunately if its a Rev A or B, this is common. It's even happening with Rev C's!!! I'd get Ampeg to sort it...it's a known issue.

Nice! From seeing recent prices of Fodera's and the ever rising prices of Sadowsky Metro's/Fender USA basses, I bet this was actually a pretty reasonable price. Do you have to deal with import duties? Or is it through a store?

Ay. Its a tough call between this and the Genz NX2 212T.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1367265098' post='2063480'] OK, but... why? Are you suggesting that some basses are more [i]audible [/i]than Fenders? Surely you could 'disappear' any bass in the mix if for any reason you didn't want to be heard? [/quote] I agree, Bongo being one of them. Incredibly clear and precise.

Also, if you are looking at it from a budget perspective, id opt for the £400.00 Gallien MB500 over the Ampeg PF500. Check em out The MB cabs and the Neo cabs from GK are quite well priced.

I'd opt for the Ampeg Portaflex cabs. Alternatively, depending on your budget, if you want the 'ballpark' Ampeg tone, the TC RH450/750 and RS cabs can get you there (and do a LOT more), or alternatively, the Aguilar TH500, (again, it will get you a good classic bass tone, and a LOT more).

Guys - mistake of the post...silly me. Of course I meant the bridge....whooooops.

[quote name='The Bass Doc' timestamp='1367227997' post='2062681'] So, many years after inventing the Precision, Leo was still 'getting it right' [/quote] Ay, no denying that the P, J and Ray are where its at, (although variations work for me as well, more so on the Ray variation). I just think the P is a little boring compared to the Ray... I do think the evolution of the Ray is important through. My current HH Ray, 3 band Eq, is just flat out stunning. Versatile, and the best single H tone I've heard.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1367223627' post='2062628'] To me the original question is just one of those bollocks clichés that musicians come out with, without having first put their brains into gear. Along with "Leo got it right" "Jaco didn't need more than 4 strings" "there's no money above the 5th fret" and so on. You could say that you can make a precision bass do the job in most music that has the need for a bass guitar, but there is at least as much music around that has no place for the electric bass guitar and that excludes the P-bass as much as any other. [/quote] Ay, a sensible and modern approach to the topic. I agree. It is, at the moment, 'fashionable' to use a Precision bass, (I realise they are always popular, but you know where I am coming from). It is also the time for flatwounds and getting that 'oldschool thump that only a P bass can do'. Every day a new topic appears on Talkbass saying they rediscovered the P bass, and that they will probably only use a P bass from now on. A P bass does work as an instrument, and can nail a classic 'bass guitar' sound on a recording. BUT, and this is a big but, it is just a simple bass. I own one, and it sounds great, but my word, they can get boring after a while. Cool as they are, and try as you might, they won't get you a super tight, aggressive and middy bridge pickup tone. I still personally think the Stingray is much more versatile, and much more exciting to play!

The black MIA sounds fantastic..the MIM is weak, but then again so is the MIJ. In fact, the MIJ sounds the same or worse as the MIM. The MIJ basses have great build quality but the elecs always need an upgrade...and in this market, may as well just get the MIA.