Bridgehouse

[quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1487968816' post='3244754']
While perusing CallowHill Basses site, looking into a bass I came across a rather relevant statement regarding custom orders. The whole site is interesting and the builder is very matter of fact. Here he's explaining how a custom order from Tim Lefevbre happened. It's worthy of a complete read IMO.

It's here http://www.callowhillbass.com/lafave

" [i] The initial request was that it be a vintage ’51 that cuts more, and maybe fiesta red or something. That was it. That’s all that was asked for.

On its own, that request doesn’t really warrant any attention and it certainly doesn’t require a new model. Buy a cheap ’51 reissue and stick a pickup in it that has a little extra midrange character. Problem solved.

I should point out that THAT is actually how all of the top level professional’s order stuff from me. “Uh, I want a five string and uh – I don’t know, maybe blue? Just make it cool.” There are no laundry lists of garbage with agonizing details about nut material and exact pickup placements and magnets. I swear half the guys who order like that just want content to cut and paste for when they sell it at a loss on TB a few days after they get it. [/i] "
[/quote]

Yep, that's how I feel about the custom thing a bit, actually...

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1487945761' post='3244436']
60's style Jazz options -

Fender Custom Shop
Sadowsky (modern take - stunning quality)
Xotic (modern take - awesome)
Flea 60's Roadworn Jazz Bass - 60's styling, great colour, amazing pickups (You'd save a fortune)

I wouldn't go all out. Most expensive does not mean better. I personally wouldn't go with a custom builder, apart from Fender.
[/quote]

More good choices, and more to try out... hmmmm

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1487931357' post='3244208']
We're not at 'expensive' until you start looking at a Fodera Anthony Jackson Hybrid........or a 17th Century Orchestral double-bass

Si
[/quote]


Presentation II - $35,000...

Crikey - this thread is turning into some proper expensive instrument porn now! (not that I'm complaining!)

Choices, choices..

[quote name='Defo' timestamp='1487880688' post='3243902']
Dingwall? They do some v expensive models which look and sound stunning.
Other thought was a Roscoe?
[/quote]

Yet more research for me to do

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1487880120' post='3243892']
How about treating yourself to a holiday in the States too?

https://www.gbase.com/gear?minyear=1960&maxyear=1968&minprice=&maxprice=&near=&daysago=&q=Fender+Jazz+Bass
[/quote]

You know, if CITES didn't scare the hell outta me...

[quote name='Burns-bass' timestamp='1487876967' post='3243850']
It took me about 5 years to find a vintage Fender pre CBS bass I wanted. I reckon in that time I had about 10 70s Precision and Jazzes trading up over time.

As people will tell you on here that some vintage Fender basses are great, but some are absolute dogs!
[/quote]

And I am keen to avoid that... I know I've been lucky with my 74 P - I almost need a proven good 'un- which is asking a lot, I know..

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1487873771' post='3243816']
You have the option of almost any bass you want, great position to be in. If I was looking to drop £5k on a jazz bass, I'd either be looking out for a really nice custom colour 60's original (likely to be located somewhere other than the UK, so prepare to buy without trying).....or first port of call would be a Stenback I think. Maybe a USA Lakland and some spare cash.

Si
[/quote]

You're pretty much where I am at I think.

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1487871041' post='3243790']


Right you are.

But to be fair, some players also need to actually own various basses sometimes to see how they get on with them once the initial honeymoon period has ended.

Buying second hand, especially here, is a great way to experiment at home and then lock down what you want/need without loosing any cash.
[/quote]

Yeah you're right. Anyone got a nice 60s Jazz they don't want any more?

It is indeed a fantastic problem to have, and I have no intention of rushing in.

I do take a lot of he comments about customs on board - I'm not sure I could guarantee that I could spec something exactly right for me.

I need to play a lot of basses I think..

[quote name='GuyR' timestamp='1487802144' post='3243157']
GaryDay has a very nice looking 66 jazz bass in black with matching headstock. Looks a good buy for £6k. Happily for me, I have 3 pre cbs jazzes, all pretty much original, other than the odd screw or missing cover. I always buy on approval subject to taking them to see Martin Petersen for a second opinion/check over. No genuine, confident seller would object to that. I am always open to the purchase of another pre 65 jazz and have never regretted a vintage purchase. If you are careful, nor will you.
[/quote]

I'd love to get a pre-CBS Jazz, but I suspect I don't have the budget for a good-un, specially if I wanted a non-sunburst.

Will check out the 66 Jazz..

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1487771725' post='3242662']
Wal!
[/quote]

This was another option I did think about - but I know nothing about them really....

Guys - great advice, thanks!

No intention of rushing into this - visiting some of the aforementioned establishments is a must, I do agree.

I do have a strong temptation to complete the holy trinity I must say..

[quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1487724943' post='3242268']
Half ?? With that kind of budget you could get anything you want built. Half again should easy get you another vintage Fender.

Serious money you're talking.
[/quote]

Sold a lot of gear.. very tempted by some of the mid-60's transition Jazz's I've seen...

[quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1487721580' post='3242251']
Here you go

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EX-PINO-PALLADINO-FENDER-JAZZ-BASS-STACK-KNOB-1961-VINTAGE-FENDER-BASS-WHO-/391434650065?hash=item5b2352c1d1:g:xfwAAOSwopRYhkWi"]http://www.ebay.co.u...fwAAOSwopRYhkWi[/url]
Vintage,jazz,lot of money ticks all boxes
[/quote]


Beautiful - maybe I should clarify - perhaps not quite that much money.. Let's say half that amount

I've made the transition over from widdly-little six string things to the proper world of low end, and now have a jam night/bluesy rock covers set up and an offer for a startup covers/original band.

Collection so far:
2016 Stingray
1974 P

I'm playing the '74 P a LOT, and loving the vintage vibe.

Having committed to the instrument, I've sold off 2 rather high end guitars, and one vintage, along with a high end guitar amp, and now have ££'s for a third bass.

My initial thoughts for options are:-

- Vintage 60's Jazz (if I can find one, I'd go for a special order colour with matching headstock)
- Custom build

I did toy with the idea of a Travis Bean - but my recent thread suggests they are as rare as, well, you know, the sit-on horse droppings. And I'm not really convinced.

If I'm honest with myself, the Jazz is where my heart is - I just get on so much better with vintage instruments. Dunno why, I just do.

Anyways, what's your thoughts? Mad to go for a 60's Jazz? Would a custom build be more satisfying long term? What would round off the collection?

Thoughts greatly appreciated!

I'm hearing great tone, but heavy, expensive and not many of them...

I should be considering something else I reckon. I do have a very strong draw to a 60s Jazz to round out the collection... a TB would be about the same sort of money...!!!

Great opinions and feedback folks!

There are of course other options, but I wanted to understand the general feel for them...

Thanks!

[quote name='prowla' timestamp='1487102624' post='3237184']
Not sure of your location, but as I mentioned there was one in a shop in London a while back.
[/quote]

I've had a good browse around but I've not seen one for sale in the UK at the moment...

Lol! Thanks all.

I may well be going mad. Having said that, I've played a big-assed low D whistle made out of aircraft grade aluminium - and they need a proper good rubbing to warm them up to get them to concert pitch. And I've played one in a field where I genuinely thought my fingers were going to stick to it..

Chances are I wouldn't get an opportunity to try a TB to see if I liked one either - thought I'd gain some opinions before I started looking. It might take a while to even find one (let alone a good one) first tho!

I appear to have developed GAS for a TB2000.

Weight aside, are they worth the pursuit, or am I going slightly mad?

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1486731427' post='3234167']


I had a period when I used active PA cabs (classic wedge on a pole type) - and the fact they're not cuboid really really got on my nerves...
[/quote]


I prefer 90 degree angles as well..

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1486729327' post='3234149']
I was thinking more about a rack (not ribs).. My beer lives away from potential electrical entanglement..
[/quote]

I must admit your (sensible) comment did cross my mind. I'm using a Helix Floor Unit at the moment but I've eyed up a Kemper, or even rack mounted solutions as well.. the BF would at least allow me to get them off the floor or not suspend them on a bar stool or chair..!

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1486728800' post='3234142']


And its a much more useful shape for putting things on the top
[/quote]

Like a pint glass you mean?

[quote name='stevie' timestamp='1486726182' post='3234104']
You've looked at the specs of the RCFs?
[/quote]

I did - but it doesn't offer much more than the FR800 and crucially it's bigger (6" taller) heavier (11lbs more) and rates at 45hz -3db.

Was concerned about getting it in the car and lugging about which is what put me off the Line6 L3's.