OutToPlayJazz

Indeed, Mart The S2 is actually a better bass than the KingBass if you want an honest opinion, Chris. I've had two KingBasses (4 and 5 string artist models) and they're just ergonomically wrong (especially if you're in posession of a bit of a belly! ) But the construction is the key here - The KingBass is a simpler single piece body with the top pressed on, whereas the multi-laminate S2 body gives a much richer, multi-dimensional sound. The different pickup placement makes a difference as well. As I said in my other post, there's nothing better than an S2

[quote name='Chris2112' post='878308' date='Jun 26 2010, 05:54 PM']Just so you have a better idea of what I was talking about, here are a couple of cheeky pictures I snapped... Simple, but beautiful. Still....must...hold...out...for...a...kingbass! [/quote] Nice... Bolt on in satin finish with a curly walnut top. Rather like mine... Sounds as if you're wanting to buy that bass, Chris

If you like the Ibanez basses, you'll not go far wrong with a new SR500. It has the Bartolini pickups & three band preamp. Massive value for less than a Mexican Fender Jazz. Have a listen to the sound clips of them on thomann.de......... Rich

[quote name='martthebass' post='877881' date='Jun 26 2010, 12:45 AM']Stop it Rich, you're making me want one now and I need a fretless more than I need another 4string fretted.[/quote] Hehe! Offer me a grand for the Funkmeister & I'll go and buy an S2-Classic fretless, mate

The usual rule of thumb is that the neck will bow more as you add thicker strings. Thinner strings will straighten the neck as they have less tension to them. Being as you're detuning, there may not be much of a difference. If you're in any doubt, take the bass to a local luthier to be re setup.

Lovely looking bass, Andy I picked up my first serious fretless this last weekend & I've been practising hard ever since. You'd think I'd find it easy as a pro double bass player, but you really have to be ultra clinical with your left hand technique on these things. So I know where you're at at the moment, mate - Lots of mwaah going on here too!

I really need to write that book of Jazz standard bass lines this summer - I keep threatening to do it, but I really need to get it done! If you need any charts and suggested recordings, just let me know. Most of mine are just chorded, so not heavy on the reading side. On the "laugh" side of things though - Jake, what the hell is that on your head?! I thought we pro bass players didn't do hair?

That's second hand electronics for you, sunshine - Can't give 'em away!

I'm still very impressed with the new Am.Deluxe series Precision. There's the original punch there with so much more tonal variation & power. I'm still sold on this one.

Heh! Nice similie, Chris Yes, I still haven't found anything better than an S2. Even though I always keep the odd wooden bass around (50th Anniversary Jazz & fretless Iceni Funkmeister at the moment), by far the bulk of all my playing is done on S2's. The instruments never get anything but praise, from sax & trumpet players commenting that they can hear every overtone from the bass, thusly making pitching so much easier, to MD's saying how wonderfully rich, full and detailed the bass sounds. I guess this is why I can never settle with a Precision bass - The sound they make just isn't defined enough compared to what I'm used to! I've also played a lot of top end basses from JayDees to MTD's & Sadowskys and nothing else seems to be able to compare to the mighty S2. There really is nothing better made and nothing has the same playability as a Status. Played with gentle tactility there's a full bodied growling tone, but dig in hard and there's a snappy howl to be found as well. The S2 model in particular is the bass that Rob got right first time - The only real improvement to the instrument in almost thirty years has been the 3-band board 302 which makes the bass even more hifi-sounding than the original. Pure class!

Your description of how it plays sounds a lot like all of my Status basses I'm sure someone will snap this one up and end up with a great bass - I really like the look of the Matrix Series 2 in the for sale section at the moment. That looks like a really nice example. I had a pupil who had one many years ago in cherry gloss finish. I'd snap that one up if you want one.

The bass playing equivalent of Vogon poetry. I managed 34 seconds before I went clinically insane and started to eat my own feet!

Sounds great, Paul - A real Jazz with attitude feel to it. Congrats!

Always wash your hands thoroughly before you play. There's actually nothing wrong with the neck, just your sweaty hands

I have Elixir rounds on my fretless. Jaco city on the back pickup!

I've been using the Fender Platinum lead for about 5 years now. Seems pretty well indestructable so far. Not bad value for £40. I also had an Elixir for about the same money, but that one died long ago. Strangely, I bought a couple of generic £10 leads with moulded ends a few years ago and they're still going strong...

I'm assuming that most desert islands don't have electricity, so I'll take the cheapest of my double basses and rip the top off, so I can use it as a boat to escape

Agreed, Clarky - Hand pick a nice American Standard and you won't go far wrong. They're excellent basses all round. Also, have a look at the 75RI models, whether used Japanese ones or new American. They seem to have the smoothest sounding pickups & 70's pickup spacing gives you that little extra bite.

As others have said, the electronics package is excellent. Basically, a G&L is a HH Stingray on the cheap. You don't get the Stingray image & instant recognition, so values are naturally lower, but they are excellent value for money, great sounding basses. If you're thinking of something like an L2000, make sure you have a look at the Warwick Corvette $$ first. Yes, they're more expensive, but the electronics package is very similar & you get that massive punch from the Warwick.

If you can cope with the relic look, go for the Road Worn Jazz. It's a serious bass with 200% of the classic JB sound we all crave. Then again, you're almost in the proximity of an Iceni Funkmeister. Just got a fretless one with the aero pickups & it's a serious super jazz. While you're in the super jazz territory, you're in the price realm of used Sadowsky Metros. The world really is your oyster with that money in your pocket.

Being as I usually travel solo, I never leave the car with gear in it - If I'm unloading in several trips, I'll [u]ALWAYS[/u] lock and alarm the car between trips. If I'm at a venue for more than one evening, I always pack down and take everything home, rather than leave anything to be lifted overnight.

You'll usually not go far wrong with a Fender Jazz fretless. They're a good workhorse and sound great. I've just picked up a fretless Iceni Zoot Funkmeister with aero pickups, EMG preamp & the most beautiful thin neck you've ever seen. Even has brass inlay lines! Stunning

Did a mammoth (nope, not the wooly variety) trip to Bristol yesterday to do a trade with Duncan. A true gent who assisted ably in changing my Funkmeister back to it's original fretless neck. Many thanks for your hospitality & assistance, Duncan Rich.