spongebob

Just wondering if anyone is aware of any guitar shops doing New Year blow-outs or big sales? It's a tough time after all to sell, let alone in January! I'm not totally looking, but I'm always on the hunt for a bargain! Looked at some sites, but they seem to be just the same old same old. I am a little worried about the VAT increase as well....could hit the high-end stuff a bit?

I bought a lovely 2009 MIM P with maple fretboard. Wasn't for me - sold to Tom1946 on Basschat! Basically, I'm just not a P man. The 2009 MIM basses are the business - great feel, lovely action, for the money, I've never played a better bass.

Thanks to all the above who've helped me out on this. Sounds like an e-mail to OBBM is on the cards!

I've always used kind of a 'whatever' cable between my bass and amp, never really been too fussed what it is/was as long as it worked! However, I've recently been reading about the importance of a good cable, and how much it can affect the sound. I'm playing a Ric 4003 or a Geddy Jazz through a Markbass 121P with New York Cab. Basically, I'm looking to buy a quality cable. What kind of brands/types should I look at, and what kind of price am I facing?

Has anyone got any ideas of good, well-stocked bass retailers in the Kent/Sussex area? I can think of Music Bay in Cheriton (nice place, not stocked too well...), and that's about it! I tend to normally buy online - but I was thinking of buying something a bit new to me, so would like to maybe do it through a decent shop where I can try out, and make sure it's got a decent set-up. Any ideas??

Many thanks for that. On the same note - will a USA intended-pickguard fit a MIM P, or is there fractional differences in screw placement, etc?

Hopefully an easy one here.... Where is the best place (online) to buy a replacement pickguard for a MIM P? E-bay has a quite a selection, but what are the other options?

Superb.....thanks, Doc!

The G string on my Geddy Lee Jazz is touching slightly on a couple of the frets. There aren't any neck issues or anything, it just needs the action raised a little. However, the Fender-supplied allen/hex key won't fit the Badass to adjust. Any ideas which size I need to sort this? I've tried a couple, but to no avail.....time to call in the experts! Please help!

I'm a fairly new convert to Fender, owning a Geddy Jazz and and my newest bass, a MIM P in Lake Placid Blue (maple fretboard). Had a Jag, but sold it, as I spent more time playing with the switches rather than the bass itself! I used to play Rics, but with multiple QC issues, I just wanted to play a bass out the box, gig it, and replace it off the peg if needs be. Obviously, the Ged is MIJ. Great quality lovely bass. I went for a MIM P, as it is my first P, so didn't want to spend the earth, in case I couldn't live with it. Between the two, I'd be hard pushed to tell any quality difference. Both are faultless. Out of interest, you can buy a new MIM P for about £400, but a new MIA is more than double. I'm not looking for another (no more P GAS....yet!), but for what I do (pubs, small dingy places, etc), is the price tag on a MIA worth the difference? Are you just paying for the MIA name? I play all mine through Markbass (121 combo with NY cab), and they both give me the tones I want. I love the look of a black P with a black pickguard.....however, if I was ever going to do it, am I off the mark to just stick with the MIM stuff?

I too was a Ric man for a long while. However, I bought a Geddy Jazz last year, after many years of swearing I'd never have a Fender. The Ged blew me away, one of my faves and I gig it all the time. Seeing as my Ric's never really gave me the tone, I started to GAS around, and suddenly fancied a P as well (all Rics now gone). Looked at the various locations of production...and ended up with a MIM in Lake Placid Blue with a Maple fretboard. Must say, it's a cracker. I'm not over-worried about where I take it, as it doesn't cost the earth, and just comes off the peg. My 'P' inspirations were Steve Hanley, ex-of The Fall, and JJ Burnel. The tone I get from the P and my Markbass set-up is a nice cross between the two! I too didn't know what to expect...after the horror stories....but for me it's a great, simple, use-able bass. A good bass is what it is, regardless of age and place of manufacture. Go for it, I'm sure you'll love it, whatever you buy!

Across a few years, I owned 4 Rickenbackers - 2 4003's and 4004's. I always thought, high-end, should be flawless. All 4 had issues - from the classic Ric problems, through to other more annoying issues. In the end I kind of gave up, and resigned myself to the fact that it was part of ownership! I used to read all the forums, and found I was far from alone. I now play a Geddy Jazz, and as of this week, a MIM P. Both came flawless - and the combined cost of less than 1 Ric. Use, abuse, whatever....and if one goes, get another identical one off the peg! In essence, I was just surprised that the QC on mass-production basses was so good....or maybe I've just been lucky!

Thanks guys! Good advice on there.... I've been away for a few days, hence the delay in response. I'm still quite tempted by the MIM P's - I've seen them for around £399. Any thoughs/opinions on the these? My biggest thing is weight - compared to the Ged Jazz?

I'm a bit worried abut the MIM Fenders..... I play through a Markbass amp....with a pick, but... after playing a Ged, the general action, bridge, and quality issues have concerned me about about the MIM Fenders!

I've recently been re-discovering some early Stranglers material, and just love the 'classic' JJ tone circa up until, and including, 'Black And White'. Thing is, I'm in the need for a back-up bass. I've currently got a Ged Jazz (love it to bits) and and a Jag (superb bass but not for me). Question is, do I go for another Ged to replace the Jag, and re-string with flats, etc, and have another option....I do love the feel, weight, and tone of the Ged. Or do I try to go for a JJ-type sound? If so, how do I do it? Can I re-create it with a MIM P? (Although they scare me a little...) I'm an ex-Ric man on a budget!