Musicman20

[quote name='elephantgrey' timestamp='1472042738' post='3117931'] It has a mids knob, but only a switch for the mids frequency. [/quote] To be fair, it's enough....otherwise you'll be tweaking forever.

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1472040187' post='3117907'] VAT on used goods is chargeable on the gross profit made not the full sale value. EG buy in a product at £1,000, sell at £1,500. Profit is £500 and VAT payable is 20% of £500 = £100. [/quote] I know there is no point me moaning, but I think paying VAT on a product that has already attracted VAT is just insane.

What exactly is ex-demo about them?

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1472030763' post='3117756'] How do you draw the line? When is it respectable to make a profit on something in life, and when is it wrong? If you do a gig in your town do you charge less than if you're driving 20 miles? If you get a lift to a gig from a mate, do you waive some of the money you'd be paid, because it's not right you should make anything out of it above what you'd normally get? If you were doing a gig in the pub across from your house, would you do it for free, as it cost you nothing? I'm not saying you dislike any profit being made in anything, but provided all parties in any deal are happy, what's wrong with profit? Some folk on here split down their basses and sell the parts separately as that way will get more money. Is that wrong? [/quote] As you've guessed I don't see a problem with profit generally, it is more the 'quick profit for basically nothing' I dislike. I come from a musical background of playing for a minimal amount to cover fuel, or sometimes £0. It's part of the modern punk DIY underground ethic, which I think is a great thing. What I don't like is the bands spending lots of time and maybe even their own cash on fuel, hotels (if required), food, etc, for a fun gig opportunity, for the organiser to then walk home with £500+ for basically putting flyers on facebook and taking advantage of people's good nature to play for fun. All depends what it is. A band who are obviously there as a 'job' is different, e.g. a wedding band set to play for a long time, songs that have been requested, it is a 'job'...so to speak. I've played in a few covers bands in my time, and not made huge amounts of cash, and I didn't expect to....I was there as a 'job', and fortunately for me I enjoyed it 95% of the time.

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1472031130' post='3117759'] I got some aggro on a sales thread (not pm!) a week or so back. I bought a cab at £550. I sold it on straight away at £650. The price was negotiable, especially somebody making it easy, coming to collect. In between buying and selling it, I drove 240 miles to collect it. I drove 260 miles to deliver it. I spent over 12 hours (mainly looking at exhausts on the M6) between buying and selling. I spent pushing £90 on fuel. So for my 12 hours of efforts, I profited by just over £10. The guy who publicly gave me a hard time wasn't so keen on it when it was originally up at £700, from the original seller. OH, and I sold it straight away because I'd misjudged how big it was. So, stupidity on my behalf. [/quote] That seems absolutely fair...and you are very detailed and upfront about it. It was more to cover very extensive costs.

Personally, I don't like to see anyone making a quick profit on here, especially if the seller sold it due to circumstances out of their control (e.g. sudden change of circs in life...whether good or bad). It certainly makes me feel completely opposite to how great the recent 'giving a bass to charity' thread has been...that is the side of humans I like to see. I can understand there are overheads for retailers, and no doubt someone bought it and it went straight to Bass Direct as they may not have liked it, but I also think the asking price of £1600 is very steep. If it sells, fair play. I don't like to see instruments bought on ebay then flipped on here for a profit. I've seen one or two people do it a few times, but hey, if they want to do that, that is for them to decide. The way I see it, I don't owe anyone an easy way to make money. I personally have a dislike for the typical aggressive businessman trying to make money at every opportunity. Of course I'm not saying anyone on here is like that, but that type of personality just does not sit well with me. Money isn't everything. A good trusted character is a rare find.

[quote name='elephantgrey' timestamp='1472022506' post='3117672'] Basically your looking for an overdrive or preamp. I use a zoom ms60b to simulate a sansamp bddi (but with a MIDs frequency knob) [/quote] Luckily you now get a mids knob on the new V2.

Seems Bass Direct have some now....

Want.

You know what is great, how Koko looks at it and almost knows what to do with it, knows to strum the strings, inspects it...fascinating !

I really like the Sunburst version as well, I should add.

I would love a simple passive Fiesta Red precision, normal scale, warm vintage pickup capable of growl if used with a plectrum, passive, rosewood board...I'm sure that can't be too expensive a build? Not now...maybe early next year.

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1471947481' post='3117128'] Also, anyone out there got / played one of these and a Roadworn Jazz? How do they compare? Are they similar build quality / sound / playability etc? [/quote] I played a Roadworn Jazz a few years back now...in fact I think I tried a few. I wanted one, and I should have gone for it. The wear and tear is very similar in terms of how it 'looks', but obviously the pattern is different and I think the Flea is a heavier relic. The feel is very similar. The worn in neck feels great, except all of the hardware is new, as you know. The differences? The rather fun v/t/v/t and the absolutely superb pickups....it really is one of the nicest passive jazz tones I've personally experienced. Oh, and I love Fiesta Red, but faded Shell Pink is amazing.

If you are keeping your main amp, then yeah, get the smallest/lightest one you can. All GK amps should be able to cover any genre as they are quite growly/trebly as they are, and taking that away is no problem...just use the EQ (lower the high mids/treble, boost the low mids) and if you need any more tweaks, use an EQ pedal to perfect it. It's adding sheen that can be a problem (e.g. the Tonehammer 500 - great amp, isn't really known for it's crystal clear sheen).

FYI - I have 2 band and 3 band Rays, 4s and 5s, and one Sterling, a 5HS. There is a small difference, in tone...small. It s mainly ergonomics. Ray - 2eq vs 3eq - well, at the time when I first got into Musicman basses (I was around 14/15, so 20 years ago!) barely anyone wanted a 2eq Ray when buying new. They came out roughly 1987, so I think it must have been a case of '3 band is now the standard' and the fascination with 2 band eqs had not really kicked in. Then, as with a lot of 'original designs', it seemed the players wanted to go back to 2eq. The Classic Stingray is a perfect way to get a 'high end' Musicman with classic appointments, yet modern build techniques. I like both! I don't see a problem with either of them.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1471888259' post='3116746'] If you like the MM sound get one... but get full fat. [/quote] This I agree with.

If you like cool colours... See the purple Sterling in the For Sale section!

Yes they DO sound the same, which is good, same core tone. The H Sterling gives you series/parallel and single coil switching. Once you go HH HS on either model then that changed. I think the Sterling pre-amp is SLIGHTLY tweaked....from the Ray 3 band EQ....I think.

These are great guitars. I picked up an Epiphone Casino Inspired By John Lennon model from Andertons a few years back. End of the inspired by models for now, so they bought a huge batch and it a HUGE bargain for the customers. Lightweight, Gibson P90 pickups and switch, few other nice touches, and a proper Epiphone Hardcase to fit. I love it, and it is the cheapest bass/guitar I own...even at it's normal retail price. P90s are lovely. Enjoy.

[quote name='Jenny_Innie' timestamp='1471725719' post='3115421'] I have different rigs for different situations. Here's one of my fave ones though. This is the amp I have in my new house - chosen especially as it fits in with the decor and doesn't scream "GUITAR AMPLIFIER". Someone thought it was an old radio the other day. It's actually a Gibson GA30RVS all tube, class A 30 watt 2x12. It's is just the best, warm clean thing that you ever did hear. Louder than my '69 Vox AC30 (and that is house demolishingly loud). It has the most wonderful stereo reverb. They're getting a bit rare now. I love it to bits. [attachment=225932:IMG_5457.jpg] [/quote] WOW!

I'm quite surprised about how negative some of the reactions are. I could never think of dating/seeing/living with someone/marrying someone who isn't interested in music. It's not just a hobby to me, it influences every single day of my life. That isn't just playing, it is buying vinyl, going to see live bands, researching bands, bass, guitar, etc....the whole lot. I am not married, but we have been together for perhaps almost 9 years! We have no desire for children, only to work hard and enjoy ourselves as much as possible. Luckily, she loves music, and she would never tell me to sell or move anything. I have a room with the gear in...it's not as bad as it was as two large cabs have gone. She also has use of the room as she has started playing bass again, and picked up a super cool Gibson SG Bass from Thomann which I gave a good check for her when it arrived. Her main hobby is patisserie/exploring food and trying new recipes, and I 100% back her and encourage her to buy new books, equipment, etc. No one should ever stop you doing something you love. Music is THE BEST stress reliever IMO, even beats running and exercise.

Limelight.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1471727034' post='3115441'] Yes, especially as in last months Bass Guitar Mag Bruce was interviewed and stated he had small hands - so strange he chose the Precisions with the widest necks known to man. [/quote] I have small hands and I prefer a large neck normally...well, chunky P bass....but then normally I can get on with any neck, guitar or bass, after a bit of time. When I started, I told my tutor and he basically said all I needed to do was learn to stretch my hands a little, and it worked! I don't know whether it helps for my guitar playing...can't tell!

Yeah you can't go wrong with that offer. If I had acted quicker I would have opted for a 1x10 when they first came out. the only thing I would possibly miss is the option of extra sheen from a decent HF horn/tweeter/whatever. I don't use it that often, but I really like it on a new set of nickel strings on a Stingray....sizzlllllleeeee!