spongebob

First NBD in ages today, following my 18 month lay-off from playing. Didn't turn out permanent as it turned out..... Grabbed a lovely Miami Blue P-bass. I was wanting class, and simplicity - and this is just the job. One issue - it's got a blemish under the lacquer of the third fret. Nothing over the lacquer, so it's a wood thing, I spoke to Guitar Guitar straight away. They were very helpful - their explanation is that due to the current environmental laws in the US, when a tree is felled for manufacturing purposes, they have to use every part of the wood. Years ago, they'd use the best bits, and chuck the rest....nowadays, not the case. He did offer to get pictures of all of the other in stock, and I could have it replaced. However, this being a factor in modern production, others could have similar flaws, if not more. The chap said even the Fender press shots have them at times! He's going to send details to Fender for their take, but I can guess what will come back.... It doesn't really bother me - it plays like a dream, it's faultless. Quarter turn of the truss rod, and the action is just where I like it. Just looking for thoughts on this - anyone had similar experience? The shop seemed genuine and helpful - I guess I'm just looking for validation from the BC community! It looks worse in the picture than in the flesh.....am I being over-anal here?

Got the P incoming today.....went for it as it's a little different, but not to OTT.

I've got Credit Card ache just reading this. Good choices.....happy playing!

Much deliberation, but I've opted for a Miami Blue Pro 2 P....should be here tomorrow. Main reason was ease of maintenance, returns policy, and an easy bass to sell if all goes wrong!

New AM Pro 2 P's are tempting me at the mo. Looks lovely.

Recently back in the BC loop, so just learning of this now. I send you my best wishes... really good luck to you my friend.

Well, the Marus bass is definitely off the menu. From all the excellent posts, I really can't see a point in the one I was looking at. Still haven't bought anything - got the P ready to go, but I can't stop my Ricky itch (although I've had a load before.....and I know a P is the 'sensible' choice overall)......I know what ever I do I'll regret it!

Looks like it's back to the separates.......

Interesting stuff. I used to put a Rumble 500 head into a Rumble 1x15 cab....actually found that better than the 2x10 combo! Hence the interest in a powerful 1x15 combo. Had a Trace 715SMC years back, monster heavy, but monster loud from a 1x15 combo! Guess I'm always chasing that......

You're probably right! I guess I am looking to save a few quid if poss, and maybe try something different as well. Guess the issue is, seeing a nice one in Bass Direct, it's only £350 cheaper than a big F. Still a saving, yes - but I think after reading some posts, that the quality just might not be on a par with a Pro 2. I'm wanting something to just live with - after a break from playing, I'm done with all the GAS and mucking about. Decent bass, decent amp, job done. I'm not being flashy about the saving - I'm in no way, in any way, by any means financially sorted - but when it's this much on a bass, I want to get it right long-term, rather than save in the purchase, and end up with buyers remorse every time I see it. Still not sure, though!

I spoke one retailer, and they reckon that the Ashdown 1x15 combo is more than adequate. Hard to find stuff about these things, given how new they are. I do prefer a 1x15 over a 2x10, hence looking at the Laney - but it just may be a bit heavy for me!

I'm looking plug and play, TBH. My last Ricky I spent a fortune installing a 3-pickup mod amongst other bits. When I was finished, I was unhappier, and poorer than when I started. And it still didn't sound right!

I have looked at the Ashdowns - the 15 (1x15) claims 300w, as does the 210. Hard to find any 'real world' experience of these online. The Rumble 500 pushes 350w, so the Ashdown is lower on that point - although I'm not sure how much difference 50w actually makes overall! Nothing worse that getting a new amp and finding it struggling in a band situation. Had that years back with a Markbass 112, Had to hastily add another (pricey!) cab. I'm looking for an all-in-one solution to be as powerful, light, and compact as possible.

Hope so.... praying the colour is OK! I'm trying to keep the cost down. I think the trouble with the Maruszczyk is the price is just too close..... My problem has always been I like the classics. Had Jazz basses, loads of Rickys, and a couple of P's. Nothing else has ever grabbed me! Just need ease of maintenance, easy to EQ, passive....hence looking a P shapes.

I've got the chance of a good discount on a new US Miami Blue P......

Very true......been browsing the classifieds for a while, nothing has really turned up.

In the market for decently priced, powerful combo. Came across the Laney R500-115. Looks good on paper. I'm a sucker for a 1x15....although it's heavier than I'd like. So many of these combo list one level of output, but usually its only with a cab attached. This lists as 500w....sounds plenty, and I can't find any info to thr contrary? Any experience of these? Guess it's one of these, or back to a Rumble 500....or the Ashdowns (although only 300w?).....just looking for light and the most powerful!

Many thanks - but I get confused with anything over 4 strings!

I did look at Lakland a while back. A a bit of a traditionalist - for years, it was a Ricky or nothing. However, I never really got what I wanted from them (on the whole), and if I were to go down that route again (and the prices are just mad at the mo), I know I'd end up with the same results.

Pricing is definitely a factor. They still represent a saving, but not that much overall. Factor in a supplied hard case with Fender, and the difference is even less.

I do keep an eye on Mark's stock.....last few months, nothing has really come up that's grabbed me. I'd rather go used, but even on here, the right thing hasn't shown itself.

Part of my returning to playing, after a year or so off, I'm quite keen to change my approach to bass, tone, just go in a different direction. I'm pretty much most probably going for something P-shaped.....had a few before, but always as backups. Now I fancy more of a plug and play idea, as before I spent years going for a sound I never quite found. I know the Maruszczyk basses got a lot of love on here a while back....120-odd pages in the main thread! A lot of the content is far from recent, and it got me thinking.....are these instruments still held in high regard? My dilemma has pretty much come down to a US Fender P, or a Maruszczyk. Buying blind! The US Fender comes in at less than £400 more, and that's my problem. It's pretty close....and I'm a little swayed by a name brand, rather than the unknown. I've checked our some of Adrian's videos, and like the sounds he gets...Nice and growly! Any thoughts?

Sounds good.....that's actually where I've been looking. Had a year off, want to restock, and just fancy a total change to get me interested. Hence the interest in the brand. Heard some YT stuff, and it sounded better than most basses I've owned at twice the price!

Bit of a thread revival, but I was looking at the possibility of a Maruszczyk bass, and this read hasn't exactly inspired me with confidence. The saving of a few hundred pounds over say, a Fender, is enticing....but not if such issues are common? I have read online about a few QC gremlins. One thing I'd always say for Fender, when I bought a NOS bass some years back, they replaced a warped neck and couriered it back to me. They were great.

Love RG. Good example of guitar soloing whist the rhythm section does its thing. Same as Free....I love it when there's a drop out....puts a real emphasis on what's driving the band. In my last trio, I would play a million notes and play all over the fretboard during solos! I think both approaches work, can't go wrong with either. I guess one would be rock solid, whist the other can be more experimental, and spontaneous. I love some of the Hendrix live stuff where Jimi solos, but Noel and Mitch go bananas as well!