Musicman20

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='852644' date='May 31 2010, 02:37 PM']BurritoBass has hit the nail on the head as far as im concerned. Its been nice buying new basses but ive focused to much on having something new and not enough time appreciating what i had.[/quote] +1 Perfectly summary of what Ive been upto!

[quote name='Clarky' post='852602' date='May 31 2010, 02:00 PM']You are of course right, although as many of us tend to look at basses as objects of desire (almost like works of art) I think GAS is hard to kill off (witness recent tide of enthusiasm for the MM Big Al). I have too many basses and some of them I have bought purely on looks (Thunderbird) or because of BC-inspired, misplaced enthusiasm (fretless Precision; I am rubbish at fretless so why???). TBH, my 72P and Nash Jazz could cover everything I am likely to need, plus I have Sid as my 'beater bass' for skanky venues where all the gear is thrown into a big pile in a locked cupboard (if you're lucky). I would like a nice 5-string (I am after an Alembic) for variety but it would be a luxury and absolutely not a necessity. As regards rig, my Mesa Walkabout sounds fab and is a portable version of the warm, tubey sound I have in my head from a whopping great Ampeg or Orange valve rig weighing several times as much. No need to change that all. So I think I'm agreeing with you [/quote] Haha, I know something with catch my eye, but that 'different instrument' I craved for my 30th (which was almost a custom) ended up being part Ray 5 and part Big Al 5. I think for me its time to spend money in other areas of life now though. I want to concentrate on playing and writing with the originals band now. Obviously Ill never leave this place, but I must resist GAS! Especially of the Amp kind. I almost thought of selling the Orange rig, then I plugged in and realised it was an insane idea. I too nearly went for a fretless, and I think for now Ive got enough on my plate to concentrate on. Maybe a few years down the line ill try my skills at fretless, and see if I can get my skills upto a decent level on it.

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='852591' date='May 31 2010, 01:46 PM']I think that after a frenzied period of buying, selling, trading, etc., we all find our personal "nirvana" at some point. Mine is Status basses for the main part of my playing, and if I need a more traditional instrument, a Fender Jazz does the job just fine. I've been through a long search of wooden basses & arrived back at the passive Jazz bass after trying active Jazzes, Super Jazzes (they're all fantastically made & well equipped, but somehow miss the mark!), Music Man Stingrays, an ACG, Precisions, etc, etc. At the end of the day, if I'm not using a Status bass, the Jazz will do just fine. As for amplification, my rig has been a gradual evolution over 25 years from cheap Laney gear, through lots of Trace Elliot, Ashdown, Mark Bass and finally onto Genz Benz. I don't really GAS for amplifiers. As long as they're reliable, light weight and faithfully reproduce the sound of my instruments, I'm not really fussed.[/quote] I agree Rich, we hit a tonal nirvana, then we move on, only to want it back. I think Im a Fender/EBMM fanboy for a reason; because they work for me. I also agree a little with the super-jazz. Ive tried some, (although nothing as good as a Sei/Overwater as Ive never had the chance) but for me, a passive Fender Jazz IS the Jazz tone im looking for.

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='852573' date='May 31 2010, 01:24 PM']Musicman20... I understand your frustrations, but I also believe that both Darren at the Bass Merchant in Colechester and Strings & Things (the official importers) would have done backflips to have your Classic returned and swapped for a perfect one, if only you'd wished to, and a big part of me tells me that perhaps you were too quick triggered in deciding to return it for a refund. The comment you made about 2 or 3 band EQ is a totally different matter that maybe you should have elaborated before making your decision to buy one, after all EBMM has been offering 2 EQ stingray 4's as special order for ever, just to satisfy the old school types. Finally as for the mutes, trust me, it's nice to have a bridge with them on, but any bit of foam will do and it's way easier to replace in case it wears out whereas the EBMM mutes are difficult to source and you need to undo the blades from the bridge to fit new ones. I slide a 1/4 inch of foam on and off at the bat of an eyelid on my basses. P.S.: I told you not to click on that link, didn't I? [/quote] Thanks, I agree. 100% happy with S&T and Bass Merchant and how they dealt with it. It was a case of 'heck, I've sold two REALLY good standard Rays for this, do I really want to wait or should I just leave it for now?'. As you can see, im still confident in EB as Ive got two incoming and it wont sway me away from getting more EBMMs. The two I sold on here were such high quality basses in terms of QC I was a little shocked about the Classic I received. My girlfriend could see how much it stressed me out, with it being the most expensive bass Ive ever ordered, so she just advised for now I should leave it, and perhaps replace it with a standard Stingray 4, which I am 90% sure on now. The 2EQ sounds amazing, and I see why people like it. But, as I could not find a 2EQ around here to test, and the Classic colours just sucked me in, I had to give it a gamble. I agree, its more the traditional Stingray tone, but I grew up on insanely fast and melodic modern american punk, and they all had that cutting 3EQ tone. So, now I know what to order for a standard Stingray....stick to what I love. I agree on the mutes. Its much easier to source some foam! I think the mute material is that type that will need replacing, so Ill just stick to a normal ol' Ray with some foam! Cheers

Hi all With all my buying/selling, I think Ive reached a point where Im struggling to find anything thats better. Its almost like I expect there to be something I should be looking for, but it isnt there. Ive decided to stop once my orders arrive, and enjoy and gig what Ive got. More practice, less GAS. I tend to find when I use my gear I realise how much I like it. There is one thing left; a 'void' where the Classic Stingray sat for about 24 hours. I sold 2 great Stingray 4s for that, and owning two was definitely overkill. But, I still think I will fill that void with another standard 3EQ white Stingray with maple board. Mmmm. I also discovered that more exotic manufactures just dont work for me.

Ok, so Ive tried finding a RW Jazz in Fiesta Red for a decent price, and so far they are far too highly priced. More than the American Standards in some cases. So, Im probably going to give up! I have found the RW P in Fiesta Red for a great price. Why the massive price difference?!

Ok, so Ive had some time to calm down from the disappointment I had a week or so ago now. My mind is a little more open to what these nice basses can do! I notice a few things after listening to this demo (which is yet again another great demo from Ed): 1. There is little point getting a rosewood board when you have splashed out extra money for the flame/birdseye maple neck. If its not all maple, it doesnt look as 'stunning' with this model. It doesnt grab my attention like the very aged yellow maple Ive seen on these Classics. 2. I should have plugged mine in. I never had chance unfortunately. In a blind panic about a few problems it had, I made sure I didnt 'use it' if it was having to go back. 3. Following from point 2, I realise after this video that I prefer the 3EQ.... Dont get me wrong, I like the 2EQ punch, but I miss that complexity in the mids that the 3EQ gets you. I found I can make a 3EQ very 'old school' and vintage with a little EQ taming, but that 2EQ just doesnt have that really aggressive 3EQ tone that I personally grew up with. This makes me realise yet again that listening to any internet discussions on 2EQ vs 3EQ (unless there are tone examples as per our very own Linus) is pretty much null and void until you LISTEN yourself. Everyone has different tone goals, and grew up with different sounds in their own head. Mine was the 3EQ, so Im pretty much 100% sticking with it. Back in the late 90s when I bought one of my Rays, everyone said 3EQ is the optimum setup, but now it tends to be 2EQ that gets the vote. Im sticking to my guns on this now instead of experimenting; the 3EQ is right for me. 4. This means I cannot get another Classic. Ah well. Im going to stick with a normal Ray from now on. 5. The colours look very different in every single picture I see! The Vintage White I had for a day or so was stunning, nice and 'yellow' and creamy. The pics Ive seen of the Powder Blue are not as nice as I imagined. The Mint Green/Coral Red look great. 6. The only thing Im really going to miss is the mutes. But, Im sure I can get around that. Ive never used them before, but I really did fancy having a bass with them. 7. Dont let my experience put you off. Ive owned a few normal Stingrays and they were flat out amazing in the QC department.

Hi everyone Ive managed to start fiddling around with the top end again, as per how Ken (KJung) did a few weeks back. Now, Im not one for massive high end anyway. A nice sweet treble but with a warmth is what seems to work for me. Anything else is just a little 'piercing'. I do think TC have pretty much nailed the high end on this amp. But, I do think the addition of being able to tweak this for whichever bass/band setting/user requirements is a very good concept, and I would still like to be able to open up that high end. Its a good option, even though personally I wouldnt use it that often. Im going to try out the compressor 'settings' that Uffe sent out soon. I must admit before this amp, I never used compression, but Im finding a few clicks on the Spectracomp can have very nice results. Im really enjoying just trying new things out. I have a full rehearsal tonight with my originals band (very complex modern punk...) so I will be seeing how things go with the TC amp. The main guitarist has been away teaching in India, but now we are ready to get going as a full outfit again and I think he will be very impressed with this TC gear! I will make sure he tries out a Polytune (whether it be the App or the Pedal itself!).

As yet I've resisted clicking on it. I'm gutted with the 'problem' mine turned up with if I'm honest; I'm still trying to fill the void with another bass ! I think i'm going to wait a year or so then try again, just to make sure I get a 100% spot on example. Let's face it, they arent cheap so I do expect it to be nigh on perfect.

Can we have pics of the RW P bass then?

I like everything from the thumpy P Bass with flats, to the growling J Bass/Stingray with rounds. I used to like a lot of treble, but Ive grown to prefer the highs at more 'normal' levels now. Im not one for the 80s high treble tones if im honest. A little zing is great, especially on a Jazz/Stingray, but too much just cuts through the mix far too much and blends with the guitar. Thats all IMO.

Hmmm, for me, it would be the LH500. The Genz probably wouldnt sound half as massive. Nothing against GB, but they have very strange way of rating their wattages. I tried a 900W GB Shuttle 9.0 into a 4 ohm cab, and was no louder in reality than the TC RH450. Very strange. The Genz pre is also not as 'biting' and rock n roll as I required. I could get hardly any 'tube' sound out of it. Maybe I expected far too much. If you want a very clean, hifi, precise tone, the GB Shuttle 9.0 will do it and save your back. But disregard the 600W, because it wont feel like it. Its loud, yes, but not 600W. In your scenario, id go for the LH500. Well regarded amps. I used another bands through various cabs on tour which was used night after night. Sounded huge, and you can make it sound pretty growly. I must admit for the price I was impressed. Very loud, very durable. Through an 8x10 it sounded amazing! Another option: If you go secondhand, get a MB LM2/3 and get a Sansamp pedal like the VT or BDDI and you will have Ampeg like tube grind in a tiny lightweight loud amp. In certain bands I like a quite a rock n roll tone, and the Markbass with those pedals is fantastic. IMO, of course.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='851959' date='May 30 2010, 05:42 PM']A Jazz will be on the cards once i get back off holiday. I might hang on to the Ray34 though.[/quote] Do tell! Have a nice holiday.

[quote name='cameltoe' post='851811' date='May 30 2010, 01:53 PM']Modern Music in Truro, Cornwall sold it to me for that price. It was in the shop for a few months at £899, beautifully set up by the owner of the shop. He also had a sunburst one in previously. At first I didn't want the Road Worn- I played it, loved it, and he offered it to me for £799. It was still a bit too much, so I started looking at the Classic 50's series. He got a couple of those in for me to try, I didn't love them as much as I loved the Road Worn, which is when he went away to look at his books and came back to offer it to me for £699. This place has RW Precisions for £699- by far the cheapest I can find. [url="http://www.guitar.co.uk/guitars/bass/2419-road_worn_50s_precision_bass_while_stocks_last"]RW[/url] But you're after a Jazz, and these seem to be a touch more expensive. Can't find them for under £800 Wonder why that is? Aren't Jazzes and Precisions from the same range usually roughly the same price? Maybe it's all the great reviews the Jazz has been getting pushing up the price.[/quote] I don't mind paying 750 for the jazz but anything near £800 is a bit over budget! Thanks for the info I'll look around!

[quote name='Alfie' post='851729' date='May 30 2010, 11:49 AM']Usable dimensions are about 30cm by 28cm, you should have no problem fitting the F500 in. For my gig last night I had a Fender volume pedal (those things are bulky), two large leads and a couple of effects boxes. You should definitely get one, it has probably been my most satisfying acquisition this year- it's really light and comfy and I trust my bass in it more than in my hard case.[/quote] +1. Excellent kit. Expensive but miles above the quality of something like a Warwick. Pockets should fit an F500.

IMO, a true vintage belter of a Jazz or custom shop (Fender) is the only real deal Jazz bass. Nothing else sounds like a Jazz bass like a Fender, despite what problems they may have.

Where can you pick up a Roadworn for £699?! Id be quite tempted by the Fiesta Red Jazz! PM me if you prefer. I was after another Jazz or Stingray to replace the place the Classic Ray was supposed to take. £699 seems fine to me and I can use the other Fender cases.

After trying out the previous American Series, giving up (this was a fair while ago) I came back and found the current 08-10 onwards are some of the best Fenders Ive played, obviously I imagine a really nice 'real' vintage (not reissue) would probably be awesome, but I cannot justify it and Im wary of buying vintage instruments....(I would find it impossible to trust whats orignal!). My current Jazz is fantastic. The S1 Jazzes were not to my liking, although they still felt nice. The S1 was, IMO, a bit odd. I tried Metro Sadowsky's and could no way justify their current prices. Compared to the Fender 75 Reissue in the store, the Sadowskys had no 'bite'....not for me Im afraid. I think the pricing is ridiculous....guitarguitar are selling some for over £2,100! For a Metro! Lakland Jazzes have great necks, but everyone I tried had poor QC...maybe I was unlucky. They also weighed a huge amount. MIJ basses are great but if they weren't USA pickups I'd want to upgrade; the MIJ sound great but a little thin compared to the USA versions. Might have voted for 75 reissue but I'd want it in another colour. I do like natural, but I'd want Olympic White or sunburst. Custom shop Fender would be awesome, but out of my range. I would like a Roadworn, but as I mentioned previously in another thread I think the price point is too high. I still have not got over the honey moon period with my new Fenders....good stuff! Hopefully tomorrows 'wanted era'.

[quote name='Wud' post='850539' date='May 28 2010, 06:53 PM']Can anybody confirm if they get different results when flicking between the polyphonic mode and the normal mode. I saw a video review and the reviewer showed how a string that shows as fully in tune in the polyphonic mode will show as sharp or flat by quite an amount when you check the same string in standard mode. Anybody see this on their unit?[/quote] The standard tuning mode is extremely accurate, and although the Polytune mode is very accurate, it's not AS accurate. Your ears probably won't be able to tell.

Id definitely like the RW Jazz, and Ive heard they sound excellent. BUT, I still think the prices are too high considering you dont get the new fender hardcases. You can actually pickup a new American Standard for cheaper on certain websites.

After all the messing about taking it to be fixed etc and waiting for the shop to pay out you may as well just get another; it's not your problem. It probably is a fairly easy fix but something that shouldn't be needed on a new bass.

Send it back, personally I agree with OTPJ as that nut doesn't look right. Ask for another or a refund.