ezbass

Yes, we do count them. Six it is. Loving the black on 'burst.

Don't worry about that, it's an easy job for a competent solderer with the right tools.

I had one of those, it was my second bass. I ripped the frets out of it for my first fretless, it was alright.

My favourite EB colour. 😍

I think you’re on to something about the ‘untrained’ ear of the audience here, but there’s also an additional way they might notice. If you’re comfortable with the strings that you’re using, you should be more relaxed and, by association, play better. I know that I feel more at home with my EB Cobalts and I hope that this shows when I perform.

Following a bout of P GAS and a brief tryout of same on a visit down south, I went P bass shopping, locally today but took my JMJ along to make sure that I wasn't buying just a bigger version of what I already had tonewise. To cut to the chase, the JMJ neck was better than the 3 Player series P necks that I played (1 x maple, 2 x Pau Ferro fretboard - the all maple neck was huge, not like the one I had previously tried) and the Seymour Duncan, JMJ pickup out 'precisioned' them all too, so I left P-less, but quietly smug. It's these instances that show what a fantastic piece of kit the JMJ, and the Mustang design as a whole, is.* *I must remember this post when the P GAS rises again, as it surely will.

I went P bass shopping today and took my JMJ along to make sure that I wasn't buying just a bigger version of what I already had tonewise. To cut to the chase, the JMJ neck was better than the 3 Player series necks that I played (1 x maple, 2 x Pau Ferro) and the pickup out 'precisioned' them all too. It's these instances that show what a fantastic piece of kit the JMJ is.

Yes, EB Cobalts. Before that, D’Addario XLs we’re my go to choice of strings. I’ve tried LaBella and Fender flats, but find that they don’t have same articulation as the Cobalts, more old school thud.

I tried one the other day, great feeling neck and what a sound! However, I'd suggest trying one to see if they work for you ergonomically, videos and sound clips won't tell you how one would work with your physicality.

Bargain! Top score!

Your first bass should be something that makes you want to pick it up. Playability is very important, but at this stage aesthetics are going to play a huge part too. Therefore, who’s playing do you like and admire, what appeals visually? Budget will then play its part and recommendations can be made.

In the past, I have been an inveterate tinkerer, mainly because of the peg basses don’t fulfil my needs 100%. However, I do less these days. I have a custom bass, which, outside of a little cosmetic change, is stock (I replaced the knobs and have a couple of sheets that fit under the clear scratchplate as the mood takes me). My needs change and being able modify an instrument to reflect these changes is great, certainly saves buying yet more instruments, plus, it’s fun to do. YMMV.

Acquiring new gear because it suits a new genre or band is my main thought process when it come to GAS. If I was honest with myself, however, I’d probably come to the conclusion that I’m just using that as an enabling mechanism, which I’m actually OK with.

Ah, I thought you already had the matching pair. Fair play to you, Sir. Possibly, either a Lumix G90 or, if I have a rush of blood to the head, a GH5.

And what would this be then? Camera gear, that other great GAS creator (I’m currently looking at replacing my 4/3 body).

This is BC, so I’ve FTFY.

Is that a Harley Benton? If so, given their weight reputation, kudos to you for remaining upright.

However, 2 x Jabba builds…

You will have a list of things that you know that you like: nut width, neck profile, scale length, body size/weight, tuner arrangement (4 in line, 3 over 1, 2 + 2), pickup selection and general tone. Once these are sorted, it’ll be Martin and John’s expertise that’ll help you come to a final design and configuration. I’ve not had a Sei built, but I’ve had custom basses and guitars made before and the ‘mistakes’ I made were falling for aesthetics over ergonomics. Yes, you’ve got to want to like the look of it, to want to pick it up and play it, but it has to work as a physical tool first. Martin and John are serious people and they want a good product out there with a satisfied customer, if you come in with a similar attitude, it’ll be golden.

The osteopaths and chiropractors in your area must love you.

Ah ha! I thought I recognised it from the English Rock Ensemble (I think that was the name).