ezbass

I'm officially a member. NSSBD thread here

NSSBD! Thread here

This was meant to be posted on Saturday as I selected next day delivery, but between the supplier and the courier, it actually arrived this morning (potential for another thread, all on its own). Anyhoo, there's a back story to this purchase, so bear with me. Last March, just before the world went to hell in a hand basket, I had a video for David Byrne on Saturday Night Live come up on my feed, playing Once in a Lifetime with his Utopia ensemble. As a DB/Heads fan I watched and noticed the bass player using some sort of Hofner-esque short scale affair, sounded good. The next video up was from the same SNL programme with DB playing Toe Jam with the same guys, except the bass player had swapped to a shell pink, 5 string of some description; it sounded incredible. A very quick search on Google for the player, then images to see if I could find out what the bass was, revealed it was a short scale, Serek, 5 string. Now, I heard good things about these basses already, so I thought I'd investigate the price - yikes! However, by this time, my interest was piqued and so I trotted off to my local Guitar Guitar to try some short scales to see if this was something worth pursuing. I tried a Gibson double cut, an Epiphone, a Gretsch and Fender/Squier Mustangs, including the JMJ signature. I was hooked, there was definitely something to this resurgence of SS basses. The 2 that impressed me the most were the Gretsch (good playability and tone and an absolute bargain) and the JMJ, which was in a different league to all the rest. Rather than diving straight in, I thought I'd ponder a bit - then lockdown arrived. After the first lockdown ended and GG opened up again, I needed a new tuner and, as my car was in for a service just round the corner from the shop, I went to buy it in person and also try the JMJ again to see if it had just been a momentary whim; it hadn't. I decided to move my Maruszczyk Jake L on to facilitate financing the new purchase and put it up on commission sale at The Bass Gallery (where it is available should you, dear reader, wish to purchase it https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/443414-maruszczyk-jake-l-in-fiesta-red-reduced-to-£775/ ). I tried the Vintera and a couple of vintage Mustangs while I was there, the Vintera was the best, but not as good as my memory of the JMJ (I also tried a Wilcock Mullarkey, which was brilliant, but beyond my budget). Then... lockdown 2 arrived, coupled with my moving to Scotland, where I'm in temporary accommodation with just one of my basses (Rob Allen MB2) for low end company, the others being in storage and the pause button was hit, again. Well, we all know this lockdown has been tough and I finally snapped and bought a JMJ anyway, without waiting for the Jake to sell and it finally arrived this morning. A quick play and everything was in order, just my usual set up required (it wasn't bad out of the box to be honest, just not my preference). I'm really rather pleased, my only complaint being, if you're going to put modern, albeit 'aged', Hipshot tuners (nice touch), why not put a modern, hex head, easily accessible, truss rod on? Having to take the very well fitted neck off (twice) is a PITA! Also, if you're supplying a SS bass, provide a SS gig bag, not something that is way too long. Will I become a SS devotee? Time will tell, but early indications are good. Enough waffle, on with the show...

This is what prompted me with my post, I even accidentally typed 36 to start with.

9! or 27 if using 3 cubed.

I’ve run out of hyperbole when it comes to these builds. Therefore, 👏👏👏👏👏

White Riot - The Clash

No Charge - Tammy Wynette (dreadful song).

Give It Away - RHCP

Hunger Strike - Temple of the Dog

The Hunter - Free

That’s because he’s an all round good egg. I first met him at the Bass Centre when he and @Nickytwister were trading licks. Both really nice fellas.

Secret World - Peter Gabriel

A Boy Named Sue - J R Cash

Mack the Knife - Numerous

Maybe it’s like looking at a delightful scene and taking a photo of it, only to find powelines all over the sky and telegraph poles growing out of people’s heads. The brain seems to just filter this stuff out. Having my basses correctly intonated gives me a sense of satisfaction and I think I unconsciously enjoy doing it, even though I might harumph and act like it’s a nuisance. However, given that I’m not a soloist and the dusty end is just that, do I really need to bother with being precise? I don’t know, but I’ll keep on doing it anyway.

The Skatalites

My 2019 Jake L is as solid as a rock and light as a feather (it's also for sale - shameless plug https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/443414-maruszczyk-jake-l-in-fiesta-red-reduced-to-£775/ ).

Waiting for one to land tomorrow. It was ordered for next day delivery for Saturday, but Tuesday seems to be when DPD want to deliver it (premium delivery cost refunded by the seller).

It’s Raining Again - Supertramp

Atomic - Blondie

Artec pickups are great sounding and a flat out bargain. I used some of their P90s a while back and they are stunning and only £30ish for the pair. I'll definitely be using them again.

The End - The Doors