Musicman20

I used to LOVE the older Trace 4x10s. Super super punchy.

Which, in a roundabout way, proves that even to the diehard 'bass tone' seeking experts, a good well designed 4x10 is STILL a very good choice. Despite all the engineers saying they aren't that great. I wish I'd kept my HS410.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1348431492' post='1813613'] I've never heard of mid 90's MIJ's ever being coveted, let alone referred to as the Holy Grail. In fact, there's probably 100 on ebay right now, not exactly the Holy Grail?? [/quote] Basschat and many other forums hold the MIJ Fenders in very high regard. All I was saying is that they are good, but worth no more than usual. Hype comes to mind.

Well, they have gone up...but the current S&T stock can be bought at the old prices if it was bought pre-price rise to them. A Bongo 5 HH used to be around £1400-1500 new. Now, they are £1800+.....

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1348429696' post='1813566'] The original JV Series Squiers are an interesting case in point, and a is model I know well because I bought one when they came out. It was my first really good bass, and is very close to my heart, but they were never worthy of the kind of kudos they enjoy nowadays. They were ( and still are ) very nice relatively inexpensive Japanese guitars, but nothing more than that . If they have a nostalgia and rarity value to them nowadays then good luck to them and those that own them , but they command a price grotesquely in excess of their worth as a tool for making music with. I had the Jazz Bass that I bought new for about two hundred quid and the Precision that I got secondhand for thirty quid ( yes, thirty quid). Nice basses, but nowhere near as good as a 2012 American Standard. [/quote] I must admit I agree with this, but on my part I'm a bit intrigued by the whole mid 90s MIJ basses being 'the holy grail'. I had one as my first real P bass (a 62 reissue). Very well made and solid P bass, but the tone wasn't as strong as the latest MIA P basses, and I don't agree with the price they command. £400-410 is enough...the rest is just nostalgia and people creating a buzz about a bass that is good, but not totally amazing. My 2009 MIA cost me well under the price they are now as it was a closing down sale, and it is flat out the best Fender I have played/owned....I want it to be the P bass I keep forever. I'd love to hear a MIA P from 2012 and cf it to a 1960s model....im sure this could be organised. My 2009 is that good that I've craved a maple boarded version since I've had it. I've currently got a MIA Jazz to match it (2011), but I want another P just to feel I've got the option for that grindy smooth maple board the new ones have. But, I can then see myself wanting the maple board Jazz and having all four. Not stupidly priced so it is possible, but its a case of getting 'good uns'.

I've just listened to the above video demo on a better/louder setup and it once again shows for me that the Aguilar DB tone is IT...for me. The Berg HD seems to have a dip somewhere in the mids...a lot more very very full low end, less low mid punch, and a fairly ganky high mid. Something doesn't gel with what I like...with that Jazz is seems VERY hollow. The Aguilar DB112 just punches right through with that low mid kick...even the Jazz doesn't seem scooped with it! The DNA cab just sounds bland to me, and looks (from the video) very 'thrown' together despite the high price tag. I just need to stop whinging and buy a set of DB112s to go with my DB212...so I've got everything covered.

Wow! I love the Reflex in White. I'm seriously tempted to pick up a Bongo as well as my other Bongo order before the price rise hits and they are £1800+

The MB speakers can handle that pistoning. Despite the cabs having a voice you can love or hate, the speakers are quite high end apparently.

Cool info Gaf, cheers. I'm glad there are some hands on experience results going into this to help the OP. Those MB speakers really do piston! But I agree they punch very well for their weight and size.

The DNA sounds quite 'thin' and the Berg has a nice sweet high end, but I'm guessing that huge low end it provides gives you a slight hollow mid scoop which I was picking up. Again, I think the DB clenches it.

Touchy subject! I had times when I considered saving for a nice late 60s P, but to be honest, my 2009 American Standard is the perfect P bass, and I've played a fair amount (although I am not a vintage enthusiast so my knowledge is limited). I don't trust the market on vintage instruments and I haven't got the time to research it, so I think for now ill stick to the modern Fenders and the innovations from Musicman. The one thing that winds me up is that you still have to search for a good Fender...at £1050 that is ridiculous.

[quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1348352354' post='1812751'] Just heard from Alan via email. Turns out he's fallen off a ladder onto concrete and nearly died! Hence he's been off the radar for a while recuperating. [/quote] Oh my word! I hope he's ok.

[quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1348346875' post='1812709'] I'm surprised about that, they're usually pretty quick to respond. I'll drop Alan a line and bring his attention to it. [/quote] I think he's been away so seems I was just impatient haha.

Just buy another Bongo before the price rise

Great idea...Id like to see it/hear it in use. I'm half way between a traditional/modern player. I love a nice Fender, but then I play a Musicman Big Al and realise how much further we have come. The same goes for amps. I love my old fashioned tube amp (Orange), but the wonder of the TC RH750 grabs me everytime I use it. Technology is wonderful. I'd be lost without my iPhone 4S.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1348327126' post='1812392'] I've got a white Musicman Reflex bass and that looks like a toilet with the lid down . Great bass, though. [/quote] Pics! Love that bass.

Nice in Burst or Pelham Blue.

Seafoam Green

Aguilar DB. I've not found anything as good. The tone is spot on. I really don't care about weight anymore...Im through with chasing light. If its light, bonus, if its not, but sounds fantastic, then I'm happy. Lightweight nowadays applies a lot more to amps for me...as usually I use backline cabs. If I need to shift one of my cabs I just get someone else on the other handle.

I asked for a quote on two basses, on two occasions, and I still haven't heard back from Synergy.

I've noticed Mark is taking on a lot of new cool manufacturers like Rob Allen...and lots of brilliant pics on Facebook. I'm guessing he has the leading shop for bass in the UK now, and perhaps even Europe?!

Perhaps I'm being over critical, but they come across as pretentious to me. I'm a classic two finger or pick player, so maybe they don't apply to myself as much, as I can't ever see myself learning 4 finger technique. I am not a jazz player either. Probably the least rock n roll thing I've seen...and I LOVE digging in when its the right time, and I prefer a medium action anyway.

Voted P, would rather have HH Ray.

I still have massive respect for TC even after the wattage fiasco. My 750 and RS210s are fantastic. As are the pedals, etc.