Musicman20

More guitar-related I'm afraid! Jazzmaster.

If you are still relatively new to bass, I really think you should leave it. The contours don't make a world of difference. The Classic Stingrays are fantastic basses; my Stingray Classic 5 is the best bass guitar I've ever played/heard/seen in my experience. It is the perfect blend of old and new. They are pretty expensive and basically a top of the range Musicman. PLEASE leave it as it is!

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1469488253' post='3098789'] Wasn't £949 the original RRP. I'm sure I saw that somewhere. [/quote] Yeah I think so. When I meant in terms of monetary greed, it was more in the sense that it could just be retailers thinking 'we can easy shift this at a higher price and thus make more profit'. Yep, business sense, I understand that, I am just very cynical when it comes to the way musical instruments are sold in this country. For another topic, but Reverend have the right idea with a 'no dealer/middleman' model.

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1469482213' post='3098761'] Its not unfair, politics or greed. If anything, going from 880 to 950 is actually getting off quite likely when considering the exchange rate to the states, luckily we are getting the Euro price, as and the euro has been depressed too, it seems that fender are soaking up some of the loss. The day before brexit, $1199 (the US price) was £800, today it is £913, so it is exactly the opposite of greed. [/quote] Unless you know the buying price then we will never know. I do think the situation is unfair but it's not for this topic.

Price rise is a bit unfair. But, let's face it, without going to far into politics, Brexit is already causing enough problems as it is. Could also be greed!

Oh yes the washers are the same on mine! Thankfully it seems normal and they work perfectly.

My opinion is that if you can earn properly to have a good quality of life (and I don't mean JUST scraping by, I mean earning what a normal career would offer or what you used to do) from music, you are very lucky. I'm glad some of us are able to do that...there is hope! Says the musician who just spent hours preparing for a DJ set with a friend, filled the room, made everyone have a fun night, and chose to do everything free of charge (apart from the bar handed myself and my friend about £40 worth of drinks over the night). Music is the biggest part of my life. I have too many hobbies but seeing bands/buying vinyl/hunting down new music/playing guitar/bass and trying to play music and write is everything to me. I do it for free because, well, I come from an underground punk DIY background despite not appearing like I do! However, if an opportunity arose that allowed me to earn from it and enjoy myself, without giving up 3 nights a week to a guitarist who probably doesn't have such a strict career, then I would take it without thinking! Glad some of us are living the dream.

Facebook shares, Instagram, not so much twitter as it is SO busy with junk. I like old fashioned flyers but I've not seen a band use them, apart from big bands advertising huge gigs, for some time. Miss the days of going 'flyering' at 12am and steering clear of the authorities.

They look decent to me. I reckon just a fret dress would sort it out. For that age, the frets are doing well. You could think about switching to 'bright' flats as well to maintain the life of them.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1469181728' post='3096348'] I'm warming to one of these. Just a quick one to owners concerning the finish. Where the nitro has been removed/distressed, is it bare (new) wood or some kind of clearcoat underneath? I watched a couple of You Tube clips last night and the bare wood looked a bit shiny when the demonstrator was flipping the bass back and forth. [/quote] It certainly 'feels' a little bare. I am not sure whether it is! I presume it has some sort of thin coating for protection.... Yet another weekend jam packed so no time for a quick play. BOOOOOOO!

One thing I will note, EBMM instruments ALWAYS lose value with modifications, more so than most basses. Why? Well a lot of it comes down to those who want one in the first place. I started getting into Stingrays because of the aesthetics and tone, but the other factor was the fact that the bass needs zero mods. I like them how they make them.

Usually a cover band is covering popular songs, maybe slightly shaking up the format of the song, and making a profit from it. I don't think I'd ever 'work' in a covers band unless I earnt a healthy amount of money from it. I tried it at 16 with a few older lads and it was fun, (mainly because we hit the wave of Brit pop/indie revival in the 90s) and I've tried it a few times since, but it never feels the same as writing music, recording your own music, and gigging it to people who enjoy your music. Writing with people you really connect with - that....is simply the best thing about being in a band.

The jack socket on a few of my basses is super tight. This is the same. I usually press on the control plate whilst pulling the cable out. I can see how the above might be done... Strange to see how the wear is so similar! On Maldy's pics, the rear picture shows a missing piece of finish on its own, with a 'smile' of darker colour underneath it. That is identical to mine. WEIRD.

[quote name='Spike Vincent' timestamp='1469003447' post='3094925'] They turned out to be hippies. [/quote] NEVER TRUST A HIPPY

Sorry yes it's Mexican made but obviously Fender are in the USA. This isn't a normal price rise, this is Brexit's fault....less said the better.

Order a 2EQ modern Ray 😁

Man, you might regret it! Andertons have announced USA products are rising in price.

If the guitarist suddenly decides to take full control, despite the fact YOU started the band, and YOU had the initial guitar ideas and didn't want to play bass this time. I'm still in said band but it won't last long....music is just dull so far.

[quote name='ozzy138' timestamp='1468925962' post='3094321'] Thoroughly recommend Bass Central......... Last time I was there I went in for strings but came out with a Spector...!!! So be careful.... 😃😃😃 [/quote] Think I might know the answer to this, but how exactly do you get one home?? I would love a new Musicman guitar as they are the same price in US dollars as they are £, but I wouldn't want it in the cargo hold. I'm guessing you also end up paying a bomb if they decide to add charges when you bring in it to the UK?

Oh wow, I had no clue Bass Central were nearby! Thanks both. I'll probably just browse and try a few rarer brands of guitar and bass that we don't see here, hopefully the new Musicman guitars and basses as well. Might be tempted with a Tech 21 pedal as their prices in the USA are much lower. It seems Bass Central have some amazing gear in.

I'm off to Orlando, Florida later this year, and whilst last time, I did not bother even looking in music stores, I might take a bit of time out this time as it won't be as rushed a holiday. Is it worth bringing back anything in terms of smaller bass and guitar technology? There are a few American-made pedals I'd like, and perhaps even a new micro amp if it has voltage switching. What is the deal with pedals? I realise standard Boss pedals take a 9V battery, but in terms of giving them power from a pedal board, (and forgive me for being stupid) are there any differences with pedals? Cheers

The closest I've got to thinking 'hey, this can get close to the Trace sound' is the Genz Benz Shuttlemax amps. Genzler make the new Magellan 800, which will no doubt also get close to that Trace sound if it is similar to the Shuttlemax.

The issue with Limelight doing a version is that he would probably struggle to get the same spec, including the Pure Vintage pickups, for the same price and hold the value.

I usually know within 30 minutes whether a bass will be right for me. If it passes that it stays in my collection. I've not had this much fun on a bass in years.

I'd be tempted by a 2x12. It is a shame the Genz Benz NX2 212T cabs aren't made now, but 'Genzler' now make a similar but more expensive version. As JTUK noted, the Aguilar DB212 is a lovely sounding cabinet. It is by no means light, or small, but it sounds fantastic.