Musicman20

[quote name='jonsmith' timestamp='1351491580' post='1851667'] My understanding is that genuine tail lift has not been a problem on Rickenbacker basses manufactured in recent years (although maybe someone will come aliong that has had a recent problem). Besides an issue with a batch of Midnight Blue around ten years ago, I'm not aware of any bad paint jobs recently either. Out of interest, what is it about the necks that you are referring to? A friend of mine who is a bit of a guitar collector thinks that my Ricks (at least the ones I've owned from new) have the best finishes he's ever seen on a guitar or bass. They seem to be the bass everyone loves to hate, but I've never had problems with any of mine and three of them are my three favourite basses. Maybe I've been lucky. [/quote] I've played 3-4 over my 16-17 years as a bassist, (started when I was about 14). I absolutely LOVE the style of the Ric basses. I also think the tone is unique and fantastic. Everyone of them I played just seemed awkward. The neck seemed more guitar like to me, and I don't know why...weird. The last one I played was a new 2011 model in a store. Super cool looking bass, but the neck....totally weirded me out. I am not that fussy with necks either, but something felt weird. The tail lift seems to be very common. It would worry me enough not to get one...it depends on how good the UK supplier is with the warranty. I can't comment on the paintwork, only that it seems quite fussy. I'd still like one...

[quote name='iiipopes' timestamp='1350309814' post='1837090'] Especially now that RIC has gone to CNC for most of its production and changed to a UV-cured finish instead of the older CV finish, QC at RIC is the best it has ever been, and continues to get even better. If a player bashes a quality instrument in a thrash band, no guarantees. If it's treated well like the fine instrument it is, then as with my three instruments, all three now over 30 years old, a 320 JG, a 360-12WB FG ckbd, and a 4002, then I've had no problems except what I brought on myself. [/quote] Tail lift? Bad paintwork? I love their basses but the necks and the fact they won't sort the bridge problem just seems crazy.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1351440017' post='1851200'] couldn't handle the sparkle...... but I need to see what happens with this ... [/quote] +1. Cool history but its only a P Bass. Over engineering a P Bass ruins the fun.

The main reason I love Ernie Ball Musicman basses comes down to tone. If you don't love the Ray tone, I'd leave it be.

There is no excuse to not be able to change some tone with technique, I agree, but I don't see any harm with dropping the treble and boosting the mids...that is what it is there for...to change things a little. Having small changes to your onboard bass EQ won't make a massive difference unless you crank the bass...the crowd/etc won't notice a thing. The Sandberg EQ has got a lot to live upto for me because I personally think the Musicman EQ is the best onboard EQ I've used. Simple and effective, even on the 4 band versions.

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1351247699' post='1849156'] Why do you even need EQ? The sound is just fine with everything flat! [/quote] If its there, I like to use it....after using Musicman basses for years I like to be able to change the settings quickly.

Yet another Sandberg thread! Can anyone comment on the upgrade to a 3 band EQ? I am very much a fan of having control of mids, so to me the 3 band seems a no brainer. Does anyone own a Sandberg with the 3 EQ system? I am considering a VM4 or VM5 at the moment, and I have the colour/fretboard decisions out the way, but I need to consider the EQ section.

If you want a light bass, a Dano is a good choice!

[quote name='andyjingram' timestamp='1351164719' post='1848084'] Thanks. Because...? [/quote] It will be built in the USA, with a higher re-sale value, with better (IMO) aesthestics and tighter QC. Also, the DI problem is now sorted.

I am an expert in returns, unfortunately. GAK have always been pretty good with me. They picked up a 6 week old Markbass amp as I hadn't even checked it in that time. Turns out it had been packed badly by the UK distributor (luckily they don't use this distributor now) and the plug had taken a gouge out of the paintwork. If its within the 7 days you are MORE than within your rights to ask for it to be picked up/changed/refunded at no cost to you. If a store doesn't follow this they can get in serious trouble.

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1351094329' post='1847286'] I wonder what upgrades'll be done to the GL's? I've been after one for a while, might be worth holding on even longer and getting a mim if it's better. Can see prices of the CIJ's skyrocketing when word gets out they're made in an 'inferior' place for the same money. [/quote] Some of the older MIJ's are great, but after playing some modern Japanese Fenders, I wasn't overwhelmed. No doubt like many Fenders, once they stop them, the hype of how much they are worth sets in.

Wait for the new one...

[quote name='Protium' timestamp='1350759218' post='1843260'] Mastodon on the other hand... [/quote] Perils of using mobiles to reply in forums.

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1351016809' post='1846306'] [/quote] Lol.

Alan will get very close to Thomann. Ring Alan direct

Probably £3,000.

I used to dislike the plain boards but actually the more I see the more I like. Yeah this is Tobacco Burst.

Effin stunning

[quote name='Rumple' timestamp='1350633562' post='1841390'] Interesting as the extra pick-up must add a little weight, what colour is yours? maybe it's just coincidence but the solid coloured ones I've owned have all been heavier then the trans or natural ones. [/quote] This one is white, rosewood board, tort guard. It is a total stunner!

My 2011 HS SR5 is incredibly light. I'm guessing 9lbs at the most....

[quote name='Stealth' timestamp='1350601564' post='1841236'] TC 250 Combo will do it smallish light loud [/quote] + 1

I suggest the Gramma. I'm in a large apartment but on the groundfloor. I often play along to tracks quite loud, but always in the day and usually the weekends.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1350552324' post='1840317'] [i]if you don't want to sell, then don't... a few grand on CC's should be manageable, but maybe set up a fund and divert more into payng them off[/i] [i]if you can. Get an extra income and fuel the fund... gigs or lesson money..??[/i] [i]I wouldn't be selling now anyway... now buying, that is another question. [/i] [/quote] What JTUK said...+1 Life is for living. Unless its horrific debt don't worry about it. Everyone tells me to buy a house. I tried two years back and had a nightmare so I gave up for now. Yes, its sensible, but I live in the city and I might be asked to move offices once my Training Contract finishes. No point in buying for 18 months then moving 300 miles.