dave_bass5

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='910949' date='Jul 31 2010, 09:00 AM']Given the above, you just need to ask yourself if a minor cosmetic issue bothers you enough to take it back. And that will be your answer![/quote] Thanks. If it is just that then I guess I can live with it. As long as it's not going to effect the tone then I guess it's not a big deal.

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'm just a liitle bit annoyed tha at this price point they couldn't even get this right. The strings seem fine on the neck. It's the neck pup itself that sitting a bit too far up on the body. I checked my CVJ and that's perfect. Now there is a gap in the pickguard at the bottom of the pup so if I was to move it there wouldn't be a need to alter the pickguard at all. But yes, it sounds fine. I'm not sure if not having the strings over the pole pieces will effect the volume or tone as I've not had this problem before.

So, tonight i noticed a large gap at the end of the neck pup on my new MIA Jazz. I figured it was the cheap pickguard as its a slightly different shape to the stock one. So i put the stock one back on and its better but then i noticed the pole pieces on the neck pup dont seem to be in the right place. The bass sounds good and its not something that ive noticed when playing so im not sure if i should try and move the pup, leave it as it is or try and send it back. It kind of defeats the idea of having adjustable string spacing if i cant really use it, although im happy with the way its set up at the moment. It seems like a simple job of moving the pup down by a few mm. There is ample space to get it in the new position without any routing, and there is a big enough gap in the pickguard to not have to get that cut out. Pretty poor QC though, combined with the fret gaps ive already posted about this bass has more issues than my Squier, albeit minor ones. Comments? [attachment=55375:IMG_2114.JPG] [attachment=55376:Fri_23_J...010_2089.jpg]

[quote name='mashup' post='910670' date='Jul 30 2010, 08:48 PM']Is a purpose built fretless, like the VMJ, always going to sound better, because it's built for the job?[/quote] This is the reason i started this thread as i also wasnt sure but it seems that this price point there is no advantage other than i guess its cheaper to buy the bass already de fretted.

Cheers guys. Sounds like i should keep the CVJ. Michael, Thanks for the offer but my mind is made up to go fretless and I'm not too good at waiting. I might see if there are any necks for sale on here over the coming week, for less than what its going to cost for a re fret but if nothing turns up by Friday I might pop over to the gallery with the CVJ.

Ive got the double one of those and i hate it. I always just use one shoulder strap but the way the Fender is designed the exposed metal clasp sits right on my shoulder bone and its bloody painful, even with just one bass. Its a nice bag but i dont use it to carry my bass around in. The Ritter ones are much nicer and more comfortable IME.

I like JD's bass lines but im not a huge fan of Queen. I can listen to them but never really do these days. So, not knowing too much Queen history i'd like to ask how much of JD's baselines were his own? By that i mean how much influence did the other members have over what he did? Im just wondering if maybe his simple, but of course very effective bass lines were a result of Brian and Freddie wanting him more in the back ground. Just asking and no disrespect to JD at all.

I look forward to it.

[quote name='Rayman' post='910330' date='Jul 30 2010, 03:11 PM']Yup, it's more Precision than Jazz.[/quote] Definitely wider than a Jazz. This was the only thing stopping me from getting one a while ago.

Hey Michael. Great song and very nice playing. I get the M Karn references, although i would add your playing sounds in tune so different from Karns ;-) Actually it reminds me more of the Ultravox/Gary Numan with Pino sound, although the bass is less prominent. I dont think it needs proper vocals, it perfect the way it is.

Cheers Bob. yes, the neck plays perfect for me. I even like the glossy finish. I guess the thing thats bugging me is having to pay around £100 for a bass thats not worth much more.

After getting my MIA i don't think ill need my CVJ any more. I was planning on either selling it or keeping it as a back up (probably the latter) but after just replying in another thread i had the idea that now is a good time to try fretless. Ive always wanted to try it but could never justify buying a fretless as my main bass, and as i only use one bass it didnt seem worth buying a bass i wouldn't use for gigs. now i have a cheap spare i think ill give it a go. what i cant decide is should i go ahead and get it de fretted (probably looking at around £100) or try and swap it for a VM fretless on here? I like the feel of the neck and the way the CVJ looks so im tempted to get it de fretted but im wondering if the VM jazz offers anything that makes it a better fretless (other than it not having frets ;-) comments and suggestions welcome.

My CVJ is a very nice bass if you like that sort of thing. Tone wise its just not for me (it has Wizard custom wound 74's in it at the moment). It plays beautifully, and build quality is very good. In fact its one of the nicest basses ive ever played. I just find the tone is a bit soft, even with the better pups. Im seriously considering getting it de fretted though. Its a nice bass but i dont think ill ever need to use it again, but i have always wanted a fretless so this seems like a good one to mess with. Hmmm, think ill start another thread about this a is have questions to ask.

Definitely shim the neck. Very easy to do and there is a great sticky showing how to do it in the repairs forum.

Worst bass for me was a Squier P bass special 5 string. The neck was so wide i really couldn't play it and it put me off 5 string basses for a few years. Biggest mistake, well that would be my DJ5. Never liked the tone of it, even with the pup's changed.

[quote name='rmshaw37' post='908594' date='Jul 28 2010, 08:02 PM']right i'll get on with the making of the first sheet, i'll pm those interested when its knocked up. i have a squire affinity jazz pickguard for shape, will that be the same shape on other jazzes? or would i need to get a template off each?[/quote] Well i have a PG thats come off my MIA i could send you to use as a template if it helps. I would need it back but in no rush. One thing to be aware of is some basses have the trussrod adjustment at the body end of the neck so the PG would need a cut out for that. My MIA is like that but my CVJ isnt.

[quote name='samuel' post='907535' date='Jul 27 2010, 08:13 PM']hi mate, would be very interested a pickgaurd for a fender jazz, drop me a pm thanks[/quote] Me too. I like a black PG on my MIA Jazz but i would welcome something a bit classier and not as shiny.

We used to rehearse at a place called the Warehouse in Hoxton back in the 80's. On a few occasions L42 were in the room before us and even though they were on the way up they seemed really nice, down to earth guys. I also remember Mark being on the Tube and being very impressed (i was playing keyboards back then). He has never been an influence, but i can appreciate his talent.

Nice one Gareth, good luck with it all.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='907544' date='Jul 27 2010, 08:18 PM']Straps locks, normal strap pins and a Levy's strap going in the post tomorrow. Unfortunately i don't have the screws. Also sending some Fender strings that i got on my CV Jazz last month, hardly used and will fit a P fine. EDIT: Just found the Dunlop screws although one head is a bit damaged.[/quote] Just posted the above, good luck.

I'll be the first to say visit the gallery in camden town. In London it's THE bass shop. Not always the cheapest compared to online but they have a huge stock and some very nice higher end basses. You can spend hours there. Alex is the guy who runs it and will sort you out. Good luck.

Straps locks, normal strap pins and a Levy's strap going in the post tomorrow. Unfortunately i don't have the screws. Also sending some Fender strings that i got on my CV Jazz last month, hardly used and will fit a P fine. EDIT: Just found the Dunlop screws although one head is a bit damaged.

Im pretty sure i have a set of Dunlop strap locks (both parts) she can have if its any use . PM the address and ill send them out in the post if you want them.

Unless you can try both/all on the same bass im not sure you will get an accurate picture of how they sound. I have both a CVJ and MIA and each bass sounds different so no idea how much thats down to the bridge. I do prefer the Fender HMB as it allows you to alter the string spacing As BB said, the CVJ holds its settings, thats all i can say as well.