Grahambythesea

[quote name='grayn' timestamp='1475687668' post='3148004'] Why does it have a scratchplate, that's been shaped for a bridge pickup? Kinda cool though. [/quote] I agree it looks very odd, but perhaps there is a 2 pickup version to come? I get that it's Gibson meets Fender but why only Fender type body colours, this would look good with more of a Gibsonesque Tobacco Sunburst or may be a natural finish, assuming the wood is half way reasonable and not a lump of cardboard. White with a black scratch plate would be good too and probably more easily achieved.

[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1475524505' post='3146689'] For a rock band it is hard to beat a Spector. Queensryche, Alice in chains, Skid Row, Cannibal Corpse, Judas Priest and a host of other well known and iconic rock bands' bassist all used and still use Spector basses. I'd say you go for a EURO 4. It has PJ pickups, active electronics, slim neck, contoured body. They'd fit into your budget even new, but used they go around 800-900 GBP (or less sometimes) It will give you different tone options compared to your P bass. [/quote] With you all the way has to be a Spector, great woods and tone and the NS curved body shape is so comfortable plus it looks really cool. 😃

I thought they were a good looking bass when they first came out, but now may be its a bit dated, but not in a retro way. I really don't like the metal pickup surrounds, surely these are unnecessary?

I found the tension on Chromes quite hard going and the string gauges are quite a bit thicker than your average rounds. They didn't fit through the nut comfortably, but this probably wouldn't be a problem with a'57 P. However you might like to try LaBella low tension flats. A lot easier on the fingers, fit a narrower cut nut and I think have a bit more zing to them, although you may be looking more for that thud sound of the 60's!

http://www.bassplayer.com/Portals/1/StandardImage/042_bas1015_soundroom_ESP.jpg The more I look the more convinced I am that this is the Bunny Brunel revisited. Have a look at the ESP version (link above). At $1400 for the ESP (& presumably more for the Carvin version) the Gibson starts to look like a bargain!

It is kinda weird, Gibson buy up Tobias and shortly after let Mr. Tobias go off and start another company. Just imagine what Gibson basses would be like if they had kept Michael on and have him design the EB! We would not be calling the "Gibson Kingston" generic! We'd be raving about the innovative asymmetrical neck, the excellent pickups and paying probably double or triple what MTD sell them for because it would of course be made in the USA. I do wonder who runs Gibson sometimes.

Looks like a really good buy! How is it for weight in comparison to your other Jazz!

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/media/large/8/f/a/29f4a0ce83963c90d6aa5caae1985.jpg Well I'm going to disagree with you all. I quite like it! It reminds of the Gibson Bunny Brunell which seemed to have been made for about a week but is played by Kyle Eastwood (see link above for photo). Maybe slightly less pointed horns and simplified controls, but I'd be willing to give it a go.

Perhaps you should look at the chambered bodied Maruszczyk P bass on the for sale section (benebass). I think Maruszczyk would probably build you a 5string version..

There has been discussion on this forum about the different tensions between round wounds and flats which you probably notice if you switch. I suggest you try low tension flats, I like La Bella but others here rave about TIs but they are expensive.

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1471526367' post='3113679'] Some interesting responses on here. Never tried the La Bella low tension strings - are they as low as TI flats? Also, how do half round strings compare, tension-wise to round wounds and flats? Never having tried half-rounds.... [/quote]i'm afraid I can't give you a comparison with TIs, never tried them, the price puts me off!

I have found many basses uncomfortably heavy, may older bones can't take it, but I have Spector basses lighter and more comfortable to wear. Worth a try.

I found the tension difference really noticeable switching from D'Adario Stainless to Chrome Flats. Really didn't like them so changed to La Bella Low Tension Flats which are just what they say on the packet. They feel perfect just like round wounds but fantastically smooth. Use them on my fretless and will probably never use anything else. 'Fraid I have never used Dunlop strings, read somewhere they don't actually make them ( like many other string brands ) and as a result can be a bit variable, factories are switched on contract price.

Spector Spectorcore 5 fretless is 35ins scale and plays beautifully!

[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1470599164' post='3107027'] Yes, Spector has done some single MM Rebops. But the pickup is a lot closer to the bridge, so it's not in the SR sweet spot. (which is a pity because I'd already had one if it was in the 'right' place) [/quote]i think the Spector Spectorcore has a single H in the right place but it's not a through neck. Do you really think the through neck makes that much difference? The other advantages are the Fishman piezo bridge pickup and the price!

[quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1469884269' post='3101764'] Agree with this - it's not MIJ. I don't know a whole lot about early American instruments, but this could just as easily be 60s Italian or Cold War-era Eastern European. That maple fretboard's curious. You don't see that on many early basses. Jon. [/quote]

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1469385425' post='3097905'] Abba might not be your cuppa char, but Rutger Gunnarsson's bass work was amazing. Dancing Queen is a masterpiece. [/quote] I agree, didn't realise it until I saw the film of Mama Mia on which I am told Rutger played. If he didn't someone did an awfully good impression of his sound.

Chas Chandler

Didn't know about that album, interesting but still might be fun for others to have a go!

Looking at the original, at the Glasgow gig on YouTube, it's played finger style on a JD. Now that has really made my hands ache. Good band though.

Trade value with a shop is always lower, I know they need a mark up to stay in business but surely this defines "trade" value?

It occurred to me listening to Weather Report that next year is the 30th anniversary of Jaco 's untimely and tragic death. How about a tribute album with various bassists, particularly those renowned for playing fretless, to play their interpretations of tunes associated with Jaco. Anyone like to contribute suggestions of bass players that they'd like to hear on such an album? Any record producers out there who could take on this project ? Some my personal suggestions for artists would be: Kyle Eastwood Bunny Burnel Michael Mannering Gary Willis Pino Palladino Laurence Cottle Richard Bona

Spectorcore 5 has that single centrally situated pickup, but it is 35ins scale.