Musicman20

Think the publicity shot is basically 'if you have money to waste on girls and hotels, you can buy an overpriced Fender'.

I agree though that the Jazz is nice. Love a rosewood board with pearl blocks, (not keen on maple with black blocks). That does look like its a little bit special. The P looks a bit 'meh'.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1325672172' post='1485802'] Meh. They look like the Jap fotoflames. [/quote] +1. The P bass looks VERY boring. They should have given birdseye necks, better colours, a better pickguard, and a quality set of PJ pups on the P. I really don't like the flame body with white guard on the P.

As most MIJ/CIJ/whichever basses are only available second hand or imported, the supply/demand has pushed the prices to ridiculous levels. I had a great P Bass which was MIJ. 60s reissue. Great bass, lightweight, but the pickup wasn't that strong, especially compared to my American Standard 2009 P Bass. I would say they are great, BUT, at the right price. They aren't as good as the new American Standards, but they are good! Whether its better than a MIM is difficult, as the price difference/setup difference applies. A good MIM will be better than an average MIJ, etc. Both of them, unless they are loaded with USA pups or boutique pups, will need upgrades to get the sound right. My advice? If you want a Fender, but don't want an American Standard, get a Squier CV and put new pups in it.

Oh heck! My goto Ray 4 H has had one truss rod tweak in 6 months, and that was because it had been gigged with a lot, and in very different temperatures throughout Summer to Winter. If a neck has quite a heavy birdseye/flame figuring, I've heard this can lead to the neck being less stable compared to standard plain maple, hence the recent Sadowsky and Musicman 'roasted' option. You could ask Shuker...

[indent=1]Sounds like its going to be a sucess for EBS! I'm glad they kept the price quite low.[/indent]

Sounds like it isn't a typical PJ, and the new 2010 Deluxe Fenders haven't been out long enough for it to be one you've wanted for years and years. I'm kinda hoping its quite radical. The Big Al came out around 2009 ish I think, is it a Musicman Big Al?

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1325454385' post='1483372'] I haven't, and probably never will because if it goes wrong, it's black market and you're on your own. [/quote] Yeah, I've warned him about this. No doubt its just easier to get it from the UK.

It will be a switchable voltage type. More than likely a Genz (when the new Shuttle comes out) or an Aguilar TH500. All of them are tiny, and light, and work here with a flick of a switch.

Hi Has anyone done this before? A friend is interested in ordering a new amp and as they are so small and light nowadays, he wants to take advantage of the fact they are 50% cheaper (some of them) over in the US. I've told him to use the Duty Caculator, comes out much cheaper than the UK price. Thanks

I noticed the Dingwall. Couldn't hear it at all, well barely. Not sure if I'd just prefer a simple 5 string P bass/passive myself. It looks quite cool but on Dave it looks tiny!

...and he can assemble these?! That's a beauty! Just get one of those.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1325338494' post='1482259'] I think everyone should try exercise. i was never unfit, and never really bothered, but glad I did, shifting gear is a doddle and my endurance is great for longer sets and more exuberant energy on stage. plus 1 to you MM20 [/quote] Cheers! Agreed, I didn't bother, but I'm glad I have started. Plus, once you start, I find you get stricter on making sure you get through it 2-4 times a week. If I don't I get annoyed with myself. Having a lighter/easier to move cabinet is always a plus, but now I just don't seem bothered. Its a case of teamwork with ALL of our gear.

PJ 5 in Sunburst....woah

My friend has a Hot Rod P and he never uses it! Ever! That one up there is a stunner.

I know the touchy subject of weight always comes up on bass guitar related websites. It seems we cannot escape the fact that most basses, due to size/construction/materials, are always going to be 'fairly' heavy. Unless we pay a premium or buy a smaller/purposefully lighter bass, I'm guessing the average is between 9-10.5lbs. Stingray basses are never going to be super light, but I am lucky with the fact most of mine are either under average or average weight, (my Ray 5 HS must be around 8.5lbs...it is SUPER light for how big it is). I was practicing with a Sue Ryder P before I sold it on, and that wasn't that comfortable. I did get a touch of aching in my back. I used to own a USA Precision Deluxe (old model with the humbucker and questionable pre-amp) which I just couldn't use because it was around 12lbs. I think I've actually started to understand part of why I was getting mild back ache. I don't luckily have any injuries, so I am doubtful this applies to everyone, but you know what has cleared it up? Exercise and keeping fit. 12 weeks ago I started doing regular exercises 3 times a week, which includes plenty of back and shoulder exercises with a fairly heavy weight. At first, wow did it hurt. I have never been overweight, but I have never really taken my fitness seriously. As my current band has two very active and fit members, I took the plunge. I felt kinda lazy and lethargic compared to the other two, and one of them is ten years older than me, (I'm 30). You know what, it has worked. I have gigged long sets with most of my basses and had not one twinge. I find I can lift PA gear and drum equipment no problem. I have more energy in the day and I now want to eat better, which again gives me more energy. I've barely been ill the past 4 months or so (apart from now right on NYE!) and I never really get that mid day lull at work when I want to just sleep. Gigs are more fun as well, because I'm full of energy. I'm not saying it works for everyone, because my back is thanfully ok, but exercising and building muscle in back and shoulders has definitely helped. One other thing to consider is that my drummer had a small/benign tumour in his back and had an operation in his mid 20s ( he is the same age as me). He had a weak back for a few years, and he said all he did was build the muscle back up and see specialists. As he is active and keeps himself fit, he can lift heavy gear no problem.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1325208430' post='1481073'] [size=4][color=#222222][font=Arial]Hi Mark, if you're ordering I'd get a couple of 3TS M5V's with Nordstrand pre amp and pickups.[/font][/color][/size] [/quote] +1!

Black would definitely be a no-brainer for most normal players (I'm just odd and always steer clear of it). Would no doubt look great. One of eachhhh!

[quote name='poptart' timestamp='1325191129' post='1480835'] Hi all - Lulls nearly ready to land - should be in the next week. I am also very excited and have sold several of the shop basses before arrival! The Signature JAXT4 Keff Ament basses will be great - I am just getting an order in now but can't decide from the following options - help needed!! - Gloss clear polyester finish w/ chromed aluminum JA pickguard (swamp ash body/maple neck/maple fingerboard) [/quote] This sounds great!

[quote name='BurritoBass' timestamp='1325172085' post='1480528'] Gas is great if you like the thrill of the chase but a real pain when it just becomes habit. I don't want to return to how I was [/quote] +1

Flats are becoming popular again. I would use Strings Direct, or one of the large stores like GAK. Bass Direct probably have some and will no doubt do free postage!

Would love to be able to pop to BDirect more often but it would mean an expensive journey followed by a hotel and probably an expensive day anyway buying something! Then the girfriend would want to go to the nearest Topshop etc, and you see where I am coming from! These Lull's look fantastic. Would love a 5er/PJ/Sunburst/Rosewood. Passive.

Name and shame! I can't stand music stores acting like that. It's almost happened to me before, although not on that level, (PMT Music Leeds, hopefully they sacked him).