LewisK1975

[quote name='pmjos' timestamp='1487600523' post='3241060'] Hate them, utterly pointless. What is there to discuss. Put paint on, pay to have it taken off again to make it look like something that it will never sound like. [/quote] Oh dear me, just when we were getting somewhere with the constructive discussion.

[quote name='markdavid' timestamp='1487597779' post='3241020'] Wow I had no idea Fender were so much in debt, seems strange considering how popular their products are , literally everyone I know that plays bass or guitar has a Fender, knowing this I am glad that the majority of my bass purchases have been Fender made (basses,strings,straps) , I may not be the biggest spender but it is nice to know that I have supported them in some way however small [/quote] Yep, wholeheartedly agree with this. Fender have their haters, and like all manufacturing companies, have had their problems, but I think we'd all be sorry to see them gone.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1487597223' post='3241011'] Obviously not many fans of historic race cars here then? They slot into the analogy perfectly, old and genuine complete with the battle scars fetch the most then there are people buying up standard mk1 and 2 escorts and minis just to relic them into 'recreation' or 'homage' race cars, they fetch huge money and business is booming making brand new replica parts, SU carburettors have just released a fuel injection system hidden inside old fashion SU carbs for example. There is a saying in the classic cars world, "of the 30'000 Lotus Cortinas built only 40'000 are still on the road", is that analogy not exactly the same as comparing pre CBS era fenders and new relic versions? [/quote] So, I haven't scrolled back to see which side of the fence you're on Pete, so correct me if I'm wrong, but what you're saying is that in the classic Car world (of which I know zero!), it's OK, but for guitars it's 'fake'? And really my statement was about the posts comparing artificially aged guitars to modern general consumer cars (which is what folks were referring to) being purposefully damaged and that being sold as a premium, which is ridiculous, IMHO!

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1487589057' post='3240891'] Indeed, the only analogy that really bears up re cars and guitars is choice of colour / finish To those who think otherwise, I await your photos of cleaning your bass or guitar in the carwash..... or reports of how often you take your guitar or bass out in the rain / hail / snow..... I had resisted replying to this thread before, but have decided to chip in. I wasn't previously a fan of reliced / roadworn instruments (but I didn't particularly dislike them either) until I bought my Fender Roadworn Jazz. Having owned several Fenders (and Jazzes) over the years - this was the one that made me fall in love with Fenders again - to all critics of them, I'd say give one a try! They are superb. So good I got myself a Roadworn P and a Flea sig too. They are all brilliant instruments. But you cannot overstate the relaxed feeling you get from playing a reliced instrument - I've gigged mint and great condition instruments and hated getting its' first "ding" or scratch. Even the fear of damage to a mint instrument makes me paranoid. However, Gigging with something that doesn't matter whether you get a scratch or dent is so liberating. As I said, finish is up to the instrument owner / buyer - if you don't like reliced fair enough, that's simply your choice. Moreover, I'd suggest the title of the thread should be "Is anybody getting bored of people telling everyone why they don't like roadworn instruments?" or perhaps "Is anybody getting bored of people telling them they don't like other peoples choices, and why it's wrong for you to like something I don't?" [/quote] +100000000, Case closed.

[quote name='Skybone' timestamp='1487593048' post='3240952'] I'm not a fan of flats. Tried them a couple of times, and they just sound dull to me, and they're a bit too expensive to buy just to find out you don't like them. I'll stick with the roundwounds thanks. [/quote] Whilst I agree for Solo'd Bass, I'm assuming (never having gigged with flats) that the real difference in fundamental tone becomes apparent in a band mix? Genuine question for those with gigging experience of flats!

I think the telling line among it all was when he said that he could play Charlie Watts drum parts when he is 70, but not Neil Pearts. That, however, is most likely true, and I get that.

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1487592361' post='3240937'] Hopefully someone can oblige. One thing (well..two actually..) to remember about flats : 1. They can generally be very high tension, though a few brands makes ones with less tension. The Thomastiks (TI's) one of the lowest tension strings out there. 2. When you put them on new, it takes (depending how often you play) perhaps a month or two for them to break in. [/quote] Interesting point with number 2. A certain Mr Steve Harris famously uses flatwounds and has them changed before every gig / session. I guess for him then it's about the feel of flats rather than the sound? Also probably helps that he no doubt gets them for free.

A good pace to start with the BDDI is with everything at midday, then set the level to unity when off/on and then play with the Blend control.

Yep, I find the guys in PMT Cardiff OK too, if you can get their attention, it's a busy city centre shop. Better during Weekdays than weekends.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1487589156' post='3240898'] Neil came across as even more self-important than I expected in that. [/quote] Yep, suppose you're right, never really considered it, but it was clearly his call that they stop touring. Still, they've done alright haven't they. I think they achieved something quite unique actually, to become soooo revered among peers and punters alike, to tour for over 40 years and sell out arenas and stadiums all over the world, never becoming what's considered today as 'famous'. Could just be a UK thing I suppose, but I wonder how many of, say, your work pals, who may only have a passing interest in music will have even heard of them? Never mind name a song by them. But I bet they've all heard of Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath for example. Doubt that could/would ever happen again..

Yep, bought it on Bluray when it came out. A top watch. The more recent 'Time stand still' is a different story though, actually quite sad to watch if you're a die hard fan.

I actually think the 2017 EB bass looks good, and it certainly has a decent spec. I guess it's really quite difficult for Gibson in the Bass market, Fender have essentially flooded the market over the years with their price ranges through from Squier affinity to Custom shop, all for what's visually the same design. Which means, pretty much anyone can have a Bass which[i] looks like [/i]the one their hero uses. I mean, from a distance, who could really tell a Black/rosewood Squier Precision from a Black/rosewood custom shop Fender, especially if they covered the headstock? YMMV!

Haven't been though the thread, and have only ever owned a few 5 strings, but I'd say that in the value for money stakes, the best I had was a USA Musicman SUB 5. The B string on that thing was just amazing. No noticeable difference in amplified tone from the EADG strings. And that is the key for me when dealing with 5 string Basses.

Yep, nice one, always great when something just feels 'right' straight away. Been thinking about putting flats on one of my Precisions (and Jazzes actually), but the high tension scares me! I did read on here that TI flats are relatively low tension, so might try them, have to wait until pay day though, they're pricey!

I think the cars analogy is way off guys. Please stop with that one. Battered looking cars have never been and never will be desirable. Put quite simply a Cars performance does not (usually) get better with age. A guitar's (usually) does. YMMV!

I'm sure a Bass exists that I like the look of less, but I can't think of any right now. To me that really screams home made by a 14yr old. YMMV!

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1487321739' post='3238870'] Certainly not [i]un[/i]known but a lesser known firm favourite of mine was a 70's band called Big Star. 3 albums released - #1 record, Radio City, 3rd album/Sister Lovers. Also been known to have a huge influence on such bands as The Posies, Teenage Fanclub and many more.... [url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Star"]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Star[/url] [/quote] [quote name='stuckinthepod' timestamp='1487326197' post='3238932'] Good documentary about them on Netflix if anyone is interested. [/quote] Actually just watched that!

Certainly not [i]un[/i]known but a lesser known firm favourite of mine was a 70's band called Big Star. 3 albums released - #1 record, Radio City, 3rd album/Sister Lovers. Also been known to have a huge influence on such bands as The Posies, Teenage Fanclub and many more.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Star

Surprised by how this thread is turning out. I know the OP asked for help, and advice has been given, but there's not much real encouragement going on here..which is not what I've come to expect from BC. I know some folks take this stuff VERY seriously, and thank goodness for the knowledge!, but come on guys, surely there's no harm in the OP finishing the cab off and seeing how it sounds? What's the worst that could happen? He'll definitely achieve the result of getting full whack out of his amp and who knows? He might really like how the cab sounds, other people might like it, other people might ask him to build them one, he might start his own business..... I for one commend Shrek on having a go, Well done matey!

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1487155851' post='3237534'] ..... It is slowly picking up the odd dick and chip in the paint.......................... [/quote]

Every time I try a bass with flats on, I always find the high tension unbearable. These might be an option to stick on one of my Basses for a trial. Then again I suspect Labella = expensive!

[quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1487081805' post='3236841'] They've been doing relics for 22 years. [/quote] Well there you go! Cheers!

[quote name='Cuzzie' timestamp='1487073543' post='3236723'] @LewisK1975 OI! I thought we said no negativity! Don't spoil my new present [/quote] Haha, sorry fella, enjoy your MarloweDK, it'll be a top Bass for sure. I think if we bring this back to the OP's original point, 'Is anybody getting bored of reliced instruments?', you can't ignore the fact that Fender have been doing the Roadworn stuff for pushing 10 years now? (think they started in either 2007 or 2008). We all know that Fender wouldn't continue making something that wasn't shifting units. So folks are still buying them 10 years down the line. Whilst I think the RRP on these is insane at the moment, to me they represent a good deal secondhand.

Like a few here, I've got the Fender Roadworn stuff, Precision and Jazz in sunburst, and the Flea bass. I do actually like the look of them, but for me what they do really well is (as has already been mentioned) feel like they've been played in. The necks are really comfy (to me anyway). I also like the nitro finishes on them. Also like Highfox mentions, if it does happen to get a 'new' knock or two, you ain't crying into your post gig kebab. I own a genuine '78 Precision (had for donkeys) and a genuine '75 Jazz too, also both great instruments in their own right and feel played in due to their actual age. For me, like I've tried to articulate, it's mainly about the [b]feel [/b]of playing a worn instrument. Does it really matter if that feel has been achieved via wear that has been done over many years, or 'accelerated' in a factory? I say not, YMMV! Just to add - I've also had a Sandberg VM hardcore aged, and to me that was the 'fakest' of the lot. A great bass?, certainly. But the relicing on those is purely about the look, they still feel like you're playing a brand new instrument. If I was getting another Sandberg, I'd be avoiding the relic models.