Musicman20

I really think its a little unfair to brand someone as 'paranoid' because they dont want their personal possessions and any other details on a website. I think that is just being cautious. I like the trust on this site, but it would not be hard for someone to become part of Basschat and cause havoc. I stopped listing my gear because it changes so much (although Im happy to stop now), because the signature was too large, and because there was a lot of information about expensive instruments. I dont think Ive deleted for sale posts, but if someone wants to that is their choice. I can see the advantage of a back catalogue of prices, but CONDITION makes a massive difference.

Im sorted! [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-only-vintage-1981-stingray-2010-rare-pink-classic-stingray-695627/"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-only...tingray-695627/[/url] The 1981 Ray. Good job, because the 80s Fenders never really appealed to me.

Anything decent from 81?!

[quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1155075' date='Mar 9 2011, 11:16 AM']I'm sure I ordered around the same time as you, which is even more confusing. I guess waiting all this time, then being told I may have to wait a further few months is a bit demoralising. I hope you enjoy it once you get it. The only worry I have is living with the thinner neck, since I'm so used to my chunky ray neck.[/quote] Hi dude I ordered mine early October, and according to my PMs, I think we discussed the one you were going to order late November. Id imagine 4-5 months is the minimum wait at the moment, but sometimes like with the more usual models, it can be less than 3 months. All depends on what is on order etc. Ive enjoyed the wait, as it made me realise how much I want it and let me (finally) sort out my finances for everything. Dont worry about the thinner neck. The Sterling neck is between a P bass and a J bass if you ask me. Its VERY fast, but you wont get cramps from how small it is. Itll be worth it

Agreed on the Sadowsky Metro basses....I just could not see how they were worth £1600+!

I get the distinct impression they are VERY busy over there. Mine were 5 months ish...which is longer than normal, but a good sign that they are selling well.

Sorry man it doesn't look like a Ric to me, but I wouldn't expect that for £250. Let us all know the outcome.

Yes the HH HS has exactly the same H bridge pup...exact sound. Each bass varies slightly so wood etc affects it more I say it just adds more to it! YouTube HH Stingray and one chap plays anything from Metallica (position 2) all the way to the classic position 1 H and position 5 neck H (Amy Winehouse track). The H or S at the neck is warm, chunky, woody, yet not muddy which was important to me.

I really want to try this with any 8x10 that's available!

Never played a Sabre but Id be tempted to stick with the design of the modern Ray double pickup basses. Ive heard the controls on the Sabres are a little odd. Im the same as you with regards to 'wanting a Ray' back in the day. Then I got one and it really did blow my mind how amazingly individual it sounded, perfect construction, etc. Rays are not in fashion at the moment, but Ive noticed them becoming more and more popular again. A P is what I grew up on, but the Ray is 'my sound' if I had to choose one, then P, then J. Plus a Ray with flats is brilliant. Still cuts through but more subtle. Im also in agreement with the rosewood board, which is against the 'grain' (hahah!) of the norm....everyone associates Rays with maple but I am more at home with rosewood. I like the sound of G&L basses, and ive tested a few, but its not the Musicman tone...it never will be, (and vice versa!).

Me neither hahha! A family photo is due as I havent even got pics of the SR5 HS yet, in fact none of my latest! Big thanks to Darren and Chris at the Bass Merchant for being so helpful with these basses and fantastic pricing. Pics coming soon...probably the weekend!

Is you cabinet 4 or 8 ohm? I know Markbass amps seem to just open up much better at 4 ohms. Sometimes they can, but not often, sound a little congested at 8 ohms. Depends on the cabinet as well though. It tends to be, what you put in, you get out.

I dont bond with Gibson basses, they dont suit me or feel right for me, but I LOVE the Grabber/Ripper shape and tone. I tried a Warwick and didnt like it that much, which was a shame. Very very well made. My biggest disappointment was the Rick 4003. Didnt do anything I expected and I hated the neck.

I really am looking forward to this one! My Sterling 5 HS is also coming with it. Double whammy!

Im sure ive heard of requests to delete sale price from buyers before. I think sometimes it is due to privacy. Some BC'ers are not comfortable with anyone knowing their spending, and that is fine with me. I always keep the sale price confidential if Im asked to. I also agree that prices can rise and fall. I wouldnt dream of selling a good example of a modern Ray below £750-£800 but it happens all the time. Eventually trends come back, and I do agree that it is acceptable for the prices to rise should the buyer not have any problem with this.

Not so much choice nowadays in that area and the internet has basically took over! If you are buying new, buy with confidence from a bass specialist like the Bass Merchant. Electro used to be my prime shop until about 5 years ago, then I realised it was a little pricey.

Nice sounding amp, thanks WOT. Im quite looking forward to getting mine...there must be a LOT of bottom end in there!

Ohhh, good timing! My Vintage Sunburst/Tort/Rosewood Big Al 5 SSS is in the UK right now and will be with me from the Bass Merchant on Thursday!

Im sure itll be great once its finished. I think despite the recession, bass builders are still busy! Ive been waiting since October for Ernie Ball Musicman orders, but I dont mind as it gave me time to save for some of them.

Can definitely see where you are coming from, but it may be a 'space' issue? Its good to check the items history and not pay more than they did, if possible (excluding upgrades etc).

I think if you are ordering new, or have the choice, no point in not undertaking the multi pup. I was cautious, but now I'm very happy. My single h 2eq is brilliant! Simple and classic. The Ray 5 HS is great, and allows you to have 2 typed of single coils, and can get into mm/fender combination territory. The HH Ray 4 which I am awaiting, is just a different flavour. From the demos, I quite like the neck H, chewy and fat sounding. Position 2 is really aggressive like a jazz meets a ray. Dont worry about room to play! ALL give you exactly the same traditional bridge H tone.

I think that's normal...my ex lm3 was super quiet though.

[quote name='mr_russ' post='1152514' date='Mar 7 2011, 02:17 PM']I didn't really get on with the SR5 HH I had in the long term and much preferred the older (early 90's?) single H model I had a couple of years earlier - really miss that bass. Am I right in saying the SR5HH with the bridge pickup soloed is wired in series, I remember really enjoying the single H SR5 with the pickup set to parallel - having this tone missing from the double pickup model was probably all that made the difference for me, possibly over the magnet material. The DJ5 I've had for the last 3 years or so has been fantastic but I certainly would like an SR5 again someday.[/quote] 2008- Ray 5s are all wired in parallel. Sterling 5s are all in series apart from the single H model which is exactly the same as the old Ray 5 eg series/parallel/single coil and ceramic.

I totally understand why people like Lakland 5ers, but I've sent 3-4 back with really poor budget bass type flaws. Bad neck pockets, poor pickup routing, very very heavy weight combined with bad paintwork etc. £1000-£1200 for a bass like that was just plain odd. My Ray is really well made, and the paint is very very clean. I still like Laklands but I don't like their prices for what they are. I think it's their factories latest QC though.