BlueMoon

Depends. The ones I used were screwed in. For extra security I put epoxy on the threads and in the cavity as well before final tightening.

If it is a bass that you have to regularly adjust the truss rod (assume neck heel Fender type), then yes. I have neck inserts on a bass where that was the driver. Fairly easy job for a competent DIYer. As @PaulThePlug said, I didn’t notice any difference in sustain or tone though.

Some of the older Blade basses can be on the heavy side, if that is a consideration. The newer ones less so.

Yes. Top notch quality, Japanese boutique basses. Thin, fast necks generally. Most are provided with an active preamp, which is killer (DFBP-3). They have two main lines, one more reasonably priced (e.g. CJ-4 or 5) and one with exotic woods etc. Most are lightweight……..around 3.3 to 3.5 kg. They are up there with Moon and Atelier Z by comparison.

All American Alien Boy - Ian Hunter. Jaco handled the bass duties with a wide range of styles. I don’t particularly like Ian Hunter, but this album just hits the spot for me every time I listen to it.

Same thoughts!

I guess Macca would be a an obvious candidate if he were interested in a sideline business venture. He’s shrewd, so maybe not.

Not sure who makes these new ones, but I had a Blade Tetra that was a great bass. I think they were made for Levinson in Japan by Tune Maniac.

Wise advice. I’ve been in a similar situation, played nice, and it has not always been reciprocated. As I gained more experience (and got older) my “being nice” hat is based on “if it suits my interests”. Sounds nasty but sometimes it’s a jungle out there.

They are impressively loud and clean sounding amps. Good score!

“Now” - Paul Rodgers. Jaz Lochrie fills the low end with some great fretless playing. Rogers’ backing band on this album is particularly tight.

G&L L2000 in red sparkle MIJ.

Nice one…..enjoy (again)!

Ian Hunter - All American Alien Boy (1976). Jaco just getting started. Fabulous mix of classic soloing and some tasty minimalist playing from the master.

This ^^^^^^^ I place a saucer containing a generous amount of it and close the case for a few days. If you are careful, no vacuuming and the smell/damp is reduced/gone.

And I bet he could make it sing!

Yamaha make consistently good basses at each price point. Much like Toyota; totally dependable, but seen by some, as a bit dull. The MIJ examples are truly superb instruments. I just scored a MIT BB2004, which is a very nice instrument. If I had a gripe it is the general lack of interchangeability of the pickups of older versions. Run-of-the-mill replacements normally don’t fit the Yamaha body cavity.

That sounds like a good deal. Greco Ricky copies from the 1970’s were pretty much the top of the heap back in the day. Arguably, they were so good that Rickenbacker took action to stop production, hence the term “lawsuit basses”. Prices are creeping up over time. I’ve seen them go for up to €1000 in Japan, so your “all in” price seems favourable. Whatever, the quality of the Greco instruments is outstanding. A Chinabacker is a poor comparison if you don’t want hold out for a 2nd hand 4001/3.

Outrageous. Why indeed? Are they waiting for MRIC to come and collect the skip(s)?

Welcome to Basschat, Matt! Typical shipping costs to Europe from Japan to Europe with EMS should be in the €160 (gig bag) to €200 (hard case) range. Factor in (1) the purchase cost (should be free of local Japanese tax), (2) the shipping cost (see above, based on dimensions and weight), and (3) customs/import/VAT. (This normally runs to around 30% of (1) + (2). if you are offered, or elect for, shipping via UPs, Fedex, DHL etc, then this can be upwards of €300 of declared value. Usually it’s faster than EMS. Good luck…….I hope it goes well for you.

Totally agree. Great players, vocalists, writers, arrangers, producers, studio engineers…………….the list could go on!

Must be something in the “Basschat water” 😁

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