overwater

Hi Geoff/Everyone, As has been stated, the XLR out from our current 3 band EQ (fitted to our Progress series, + some Perceptions and Hybrid basses) is an additional balanced output and can only be run directly into a balanced input. It is similar to that found on a Wal bass, although in our case the output is electronically balanced rather than using a transformer, but essentially has the same function of delivering a high quality/low noise signal direct into a desk or console... It is important that the XLR lead is wired correctly (not all are the same - though ours is the most common configuration). The pin-out for our XLR is: Pin 1 - Ground Pin 2 - Positive + Pin 3 - Negative - Yes - you do need a plug in the jack socket to connect the battery. Like most companies, we use a stereo jack socket to connect the battery via the negative side of the circuit with the barrel of a mono jack plug - so you can use a 'dummy' jack as it doesn't need to be connected to anything. However - you can also run both out-puts in parallel - one direct into a balanced input and the other via an amp/effects or whatever... If anyone has any further questions - please contact me directly ( [email protected] ) - or indeed our electronics consultant John East will be able to give further technical background, as he did most of the design work for this and most of our other circuits... Hope this helps! Chris

[u][size=5][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Meet The Overwater Team…[/font][/size][/u] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]If you’re within striking distance of Carlisle, we’d love you to join us anytime between [b]10am - 5pm on Sunday 25th September[/b] for our first ever [b]Workshop Open Day[/b]... [/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Take a workshop tour, meet our team, check out some instruments and find out more about how our basses are made - [b][i]and there will some special offers available on the day too![/i][/b][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Give us an RSVP on the event page of Facebook so we can get an idea on how many of you will be coming along:[/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1229735000412473/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular&action_history=null&source=3&source_newsfeed_story_type=regular"]https://www.facebook.com/events/1229735000412473/[/url][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]And for those of you who cant make it to our workshop - we'll also be streaming some of the event to Facebook Live, so make sure to tune in![/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Hope to see you there![/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Chris May[/font][/size] Overwater Basses . Atlas Works . Nelson Street . Carlisle CA2 5NB UK

[font="Calibri"][size="3"][color="#000000"]Only three days to go! Here’s a quick update to let you know it’s all coming together nicely! Along with Scott and Phil, we have confirmation that Paul Carmichael, Chris Hargreaves, Chloe Treacher, Spy Austin and Chris Attwell (plus band), will all be getting their groove on for the evening showcase… [/color][/size][/font] [size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]And the afternoon get together is looking good too – with a load of industry friends promising to pop in and hang out – even I’m getting excited! And, in the spirit of caring and sharing… we’ve decided to spread the love by offering some reckless discounts on the day. So, if you’re teetering on the edge of ordering that special bass you’ve been lusting after, this will be your chance to catch me feeling mellow and generous (if you talk to me nicely and maybe buy me a drink!)… [/font][/color][/size] [size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]See y'all there! [/font][/color][/size] [size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]Chris[/font][/color][/size] [size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size] [font="Calibri"][size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size][/font] [size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b][i][color=#000000]Inspiration Series…[/color][/i][/b][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]Hi Everyone,[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]Thought it was time to let you know the first of the new Inspiration Series are about to leave the workshop and several dealers should have them in stock within the next few weeks:[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]To fill in a bit of background - the [i]Inspiration Series[/i] is the first of a new range of mid priced basses we are introducing into the Overwater family and as stated earlier in this thread, they are designed to fit in between the more 'entry leval '[i]Tanglewaters' [/i]and the full custom shop basses - and while retaining all the aspects of construction quality, materials and playability of the full bespoke instruments - we are batch building to standard spec's, with a limited number of options such as finish and scratch plates and are available in in order to keep the costs down - available at the moment in 4 and 5 string formats with a choice of rosewood and maple fingerboards and 34″ and 35″ scale lengths respectively. [/color][/font][/size] [size=4][color=#000000]Check our website for [url="http://overwaterbasses.com/basses/inspiration/"]http://overwaterbasses.com/basses/inspiration/[/url] for specifications and please do get in touch if you have any questions or want to know where to check them out.[/color][/size] [size=4][color=#000000]Thanks,[/color][/size] [size=4][color=#000000]Chris May[/color][/size]

I had a few QC issues and wanted to make sure everything was right - so we put the breaks on a little and production 3 has been split into two (so effectivly 3 and 4).. The first shipment is of our new Aspiration Standards and Standard Plus's which are due any time now.. I think the the second half (including fretlesses, lefties and Elite 5's should be here in the new year.. Will keep you posted. Chris

[quote name='andydye' post='1347162' date='Aug 21 2011, 02:29 PM']Any plans for a 6 string?[/quote] We have discussed a six string and are working on a prototype and about to send bridge drawings to hardware manufacturer. I'm not sure when we will bring it out as a standard model - but we may well do it as a Special Edition in limited numbers in the not too distant future - will keep you posted.. Chris

[quote name='Mr Lizard' post='1337271' date='Aug 12 2011, 09:17 AM']I have a Deluxe 5 and it's the best bass I've ever played.[/quote] Thank you kind Sirs... And yes, we will be doing something in the mid-price J area in the not too distant future - but not quite sure what as yet! Chris

Hi Guys, Just to let you know I spent Tuesday/Wednesday at the Tanglewood warehouse with their Tech's going through Production 2 - just arrived. So anyone trying to get hold of one of the models that have sold out - now's the time to get on to your local dealer, or check the dealer list on the Tanglewater pages at our website - the first forty or fifty went off to dealers today, so should be on the walls for the weekend... This shipment includes some lovely trans' red four and five string Aspiration Deluxes (that should have been on the first shipment!) - and I know people had been asking for them - so again; check with your local dealer... And.... If you check our new SHOP pages on our site [url="http://overwaterbasses.com/shop-2/bass-guitars/"]http://overwaterbasses.com/shop-2/bass-guitars/[/url] Along with the usual strings etc. and several Custom Shop Overwater basses in stock - we also have the first of the new '[b]Special Edition' Aspiration Series[/b] (finished, assembled and set-up in the UK) - prices from £1095, plus a couple of pre-production models we've decided to sell - from £549!! [b]And forward news - the Special Edition Aspirations will be available through dealers in the Autumn.. [/b] Any queries, give Laurence or myself a call - 01228 490591, or drop us a mail.. Chris

[quote name='Machines' post='1312313' date='Jul 22 2011, 07:57 AM']Here's a sound sample I did a few weeks ago, it's quite basic but should give you the answers you're looking for. I think it starts with neck pickup then goes both, and bridge, all EQ flat. I don't think it sounds much like a traditional Jazz bass, it's far too hifi and you can't really get a passive style tone from it, but the clarity of tone is exactly what I got from my Progress (which I traded in for this and a G&L L2000). The EQ is very powerful for a 9v preamp (dare I say too much ?) and only minor adjustments can be made before it becomes overpowering. The centres for the treble pot and the treble boost switch are different so this gives a few more options. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=83871"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?act=attach...st&id=83871[/url][/quote] Just a quick point with regard to the out-put of the pre-amps fitted in the Tanglewaters - which are based on our UK pre-amps and designed by our colleague John East (of J-Retro fame); though in this case with a 2 band rather than 3 band EQ. These pre-amps have two trim-pots on one of the boards that can be accessed by removing the control cavity cover plate on the back of the bass. These trim-pots can be used to adjust the output gain of the individual pick-ups. The only thing to remember is that because you are accessing from the back – they work in reverse to a normal pot; so in order to reduce the gain – turn the trim pots fully clockwise (which takes them back to 'unity' and then increase equally until the desired output is reached – and then make any fine adjustments to 'balance' the pick-ups by ear so they are both of similar volume. This allows the individual player to set the output level of their bass to balance with the input gain of the pre-amp in their amp, desk or whatever. Any queries or problems – give me a call or e-mail us through the website +44 (0)1228 590591 www.overwaterbasses.com Chris

[quote name='ras52' post='1300810' date='Jul 12 2011, 11:38 AM'][url="http://overwaterbasses.com/basses/perception/"]http://overwaterbasses.com/basses/perception/[/url] is a bit skimpy on info, so I'm sure someone will be able to tell me, what's the string spacing at the bridge and the nut? Cheers![/quote] The 'standard' bridge spacing on a Perception is 19mm (.75") string to string and at the nut graduated 9mm/10mm on a five string and 10mm/11mm for a standard four sring and a six string would normally to be 18mm at the bridge and 9mm/10mm at the nut... However - as most basses here are custom built you can specify (within reason) and we have built basses with as narrow a 15mm (very tight!) and 22mm (very wide..). If you want further info' just give me a call - +44 (0)1228 590591. *Check our blog (news) on the web site ( [url="http://overwaterbasses.com/latest-news-2/"]http://overwaterbasses.com/latest-news-2/[/url] ) - we're just in the process ofdesigning Scott Devine a rour string J bass, with 17mm spacing at the bridge and narrower neck all the way down.. Chris

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' post='1293741' date='Jul 5 2011, 06:47 PM']EBMM have used Poplar for 'Rays/Ray 5s. I think only under solid colours (as it is kind of "Dull", grain wise) So it does have a precedent in its use as a tonewood. I don't think many people would readily diss a 'Rays tonal quality.[/quote] As a point of information - poplar has been used quite extensively over the years for bolt on instruments and comes in many varieties and used as a body timber by a number of companies - including Fenders amoung others.. Chris

[quote name='neilb' post='1286783' date='Jun 29 2011, 06:34 PM']Probably because there are loads of JJ models about, so Chris thought a PJ config would be more marketable?[/quote] [b]Got it in one! Though that doesn't preclude doing a JJ in the future... Chris[/b]

[quote name='MikanHannille' post='1285431' date='Jun 28 2011, 04:59 PM']Really interested on Artist. Would be very happy if there's a 5 for it. [/quote] Hi, No 5 string Artist planned at the moments I'm afraid - though the will be 5 string Elites in production 3 and probably a 5 string Standard Plus in production 4.. Chris

Hello All, Just a quick one to let you know we have just got out new web site on line.. We're planning this one to be much more interactive, with regular news updates, sound clips, video clips, plus featured player profiles and and interviews and linked to our Overwater Facebook page... See you there! Chris [url="http://overwaterbasses.com/"]http://overwaterbasses.com/[/url]

[quote name='Bassist677' post='1263406' date='Jun 9 2011, 10:52 PM']Ordered an Aspiration Elite 5 string from my local music shop but still waiting....and waiting. They have a range of 4 strings but no 5's as yet....Does anyone know if there any out there? And the limited editions....are they available yet....money's waiting! V frustrating. Cheers [/quote] Hi, Just a quick update - spent yesterday at Tanglewood HQ spec'ing production 3 - due in the UK in September/October and can confirm this will include 5 string Aspiration Elites, 4 string Aspiration Elite fretless's (with mahogany bodies to increase mid-range response) and left-handed 4 string Deluxes.. Plus two new models; the Aspiration Standard and Standard Plus - in five colours.. Should be easier to find as we've doubled the production run to just over 700 basses for the UK... Any further queries either mail me at [email protected] or contact via our new Overwaterbasses Facebook page.. Thanks, Chris

[quote name='sime17' post='1263725' date='Jun 10 2011, 11:04 AM']Me too - I'd have bought a contemporary j5 months ago if there was more of a colour choice. I played one and I was impressed, but the blueburst (tho quite muted) doesn't really do it for me, 3tsb would have clinched it, and I'd have liked rosewood board too. I know that they're testing the water with these products first before complicating the build with too many options, but I think just a bit more choice would help clinch a few more sales. But I think the worst thing about Overwater is the terrible lack of info. These Aspiration basses themselves seemed to take months and months to get to market and there was only the odd titbit of info in the mags. Their website is never updated - I'm sure it's cos th team is busy crafting their gorgeous top end stuff by hand, but it can't cost that much to get a geek* in to update the website once a fortnight surely? *- no offence to geeks natch.[/quote] Hi Guys, Have just seen this last couple of posts on the Overwater by Tanglewood thread, I thought I should perhaps try to fill in a bit of background by way of explanation as to why there is a limited supply of certain models and colour choices etc.. This project was a very long time in the gestation – but before I would put our name to it, I really wanted to make sure this series of basses was the best we could build for the money! We've not only designed a range of original basses, we also designed all the hardware, pick-ups and electronic to go on them, which has meant not only finding an appropriate factory for the instrument production (and build a relationship of trust with them), but we also had to find suitable manufacturers for all the parts. From initial design, to first prototypes, second prototypes, pre-production samples and visits to the Far East – this took over two years! Everything was done from scratch and it has been a steep learning curve for both ourselves and the guys at the factory and despite all our work, we still had some teething problems with the first production run, which had to be sorted out in the UK before distribution! As you probably know, we had a very successful launch at the bass show at Olympia in London in March, followed by our international début in Frankfurt in April and the general reception to the range from players, UK dealers and international distributors has I have to say, been beyond all expectation and everything except a few show samples was sold before it was even in the country! Although we specified a second production run at the beginning of the year – I did not want to put this into operation until we where absolutely sure we had 'got all the bugs out' and any problem areas with the first batch have been resolved. The second container is now on route and should arrive in the UK at the beginning of July and is essentially a repeat of the first run – but with some technical modifications and upgrades born out of our experience with the first production. So no new models or finishes are included in this shipment (and I don't think we have any Aspiration Elite 5's - which were designated for 'production 3' - though I will check on this next week when I get the manifest..). Production 3 – which I am meeting with the MD of Tanglewood on Wednesday to specify, will include some new finishes, some left handed models and a couple of fretlesses (which for sonic reasons, will have different body woods to the fretted versions). The Elite Aspirations will include new top wood options and probably some 5 strings. We will also be addind a new a new passive 'sub £300' Aspiration – which we have also designed and made prototypes for and sounds and feels great and which we're really excited about! Production 3 will probably be built in late July/August, for September shipping – so should be in the shops during October. I realise the progress may seem ponderous - but I would rather take a little longer and get things right, than rush into larger production at the expense of quality control! With regard to the 'Limited Edition' models – we are currently finishing a small batch of basses here in the UK workshops. These are hand finished and assembled in the UK, signed and numbered by myself – the first of which should be available and on out web site within a week or two. I hope this answers a few of your concerns – and yes we will try to update the web site a little more often! But if anyone has any specific queries, or questions about our UK built instruments – please don't hesitate to give me a call on: +44 (0)1228 590 591 Thanks, Chris May

Hello, I spotted this thread - it is one of our basses, but would say from what I can see it dates back to the late 80's - so over twenty years old. Although it is difficult to tell without seeing it in the flesh, it looks like it has either had some sort of severe trauma at some stage, or been exposed to extreem heat or cold - which ever, it looks like there may be some cracks in the wood as well as glue joints coming apart. If the owner would like to get it back to us, I could see if there is something that could be done - though I suspect it would need the fingerboard removing and replacing at the very least - but it could possibly be brought back, depending on what's happened to it.. Hope this is of some help, Chris May (Overwater Basses)

Hi Bilbo Sorry I'm going bald and need to stop the gleam off my head. The band is called the Claude Werner Quartet and were lucky enough to get an album deal at The Gateshead Jazz Festival which we'll be recording the next 6 weeks or so. The band personel are as follows: Claude Werner Tenor Sax, Composer, Arranger, Jazz Educator and Author www.claudewerner.com he's from Chile but lived Boston USA through his teens studied in NYC and moved here from Barcelona John Hirst Drummer, John did 4 years at Berklee and won the Steve Gadd award before winning drummer of tomorrow in 2007/08 Lloyd Wright studied at Newcastle College and has created a very individual voice on guitar, he did some workshops with Mike Stern a couple of weeks ago Laurence Blackadder Double Bass, studied with lots of great teachers including Zoltan Dekany, Phil Palombi, Mark Hodgson, Phil Donkin, Ian Crawford, Alan Collins and Claude Werner. Hope that helps. Cheers Laurence [quote name='Bilbo' post='1194928' date='Apr 10 2011, 07:07 PM']Lose the hats, guys, you're giving us jazzers a bad name. Any biog details? Not heard of the band and I am interested to know who the players are.[/quote]

Hi, Just to clear this up - brought to my attention by Martin: It is an old Overwater bridge (judging by the saddles dating anywhere from mid 80's, through to about ten years ago), but I can confirm the rest of it has nothing to do with any official Overwater instrument, from any period. Over the years, we have sold odd bridges, pick-ups, knobs and electronics etc. and obviously from time to time, they do turn up on things... Hope this helps, Chris

[b][u]Better availability of Acoustic Image in Europe…[/u] [/b] Hello to all upright players and doublers out there. Just to let you know that [i][b]Overwater[/b][/i] now have a full range of [b]Acoustic Image[/b] amplification back in stock and available in the UK. Also - European distribution ([i][b]Acoustic Image Europe[/b][/i]) - covering the EU and European free trade area, is now being managed from here in the UK – which should mean more dealers, improved availability, easier access to spare parts and faster resolution of any warranty issues. Check out [b]www.acousticimg.eu[/b] for dealer list and to download price lists… If you have any questions you can contact myself or Laurence Blackadder on: [b]+44 (0)1228 590 597[/b] or e-mail: [b][email protected][/b] Thanks, Chris May

[quote name='NJE' post='859681' date='Jun 7 2010, 11:27 AM']Hello, hoping someone might have some experience with this. I have not long aquired a Overwater J Series which has a 35" scale and am looking for a suitable hard case for it. I have a brand new Hiscox but the bass is about 1-2 inches too long for the case and I was just wondering if SKB or any other 'off the shelf' cases would fit before I have to have something a bit more expensive made. I know there are some really good gig bags available but I dont really trust them, although they will be considdered as a last resort. Thanks in advance.[/quote] Hi, We used to use the standard 'Gator' bass case - though they have changed them a bit since then, so you'd need to check with supplier... However we now supply all our 35" scale J basses with the bigger (pear shaped) 'EBP' Hiscox case - I can supply you one if you call myself or Laurence... Regards, Chris

[quote name='hubrad' post='812371' date='Apr 20 2010, 11:25 AM']As an Overwater fan and player, I'm quite excited about these - Having spoken to Chris, I'm looking forward to getting me hands around one sometime to see what a job it's been possible to do at the price. Everything he says suggests he's going about this the right way and wants more than just a cheapy with the name on the headstock. If the new models are anywhere even vaguely approaching the quality of the Progress and Jazz range they'll be sock-blower-offers! As someone said earlier, if you can get a good 5 string fretless into this price range.. we could convert more players to the path of fretlessness! [/quote] I have spec'ed a fretless Hugh - and that's another area where we needed to be specific; usually in a production situation, a fretless tends to be just a fretted model without frets - an after thought - like left handed (!). But we are looking at either walnut or mahogany (instead of ash) for the fretless body to help with that classic fretless mid-range swell... Chris

[quote name='Brother Jones' date='Apr 19 2010, 12:03 PM' post='811205'] Agree that the body shape is odd and very Peavey-like. I'm guessing it has something to do with trying to minimise the costs of the production process. The top horn, in particular, and the upper half of the body just look a bit too big for the bass. [color="#800080"][size=3]Just to clear up a couple of things here - firstly, can I refer you back to my longer post earlier on in this discussion - these prototypes should be seen for what they are; [u]a work in progress [/u]- and are only a first draft that probably wouldn't have been seen had it not been for Frankfurt... And to confirm - yes the body as you say is slightly too big - infact it's the 5 string version meant to be coupled with a 35" scale neck and has been scaled down for the four string! Bodies will also be more contoured in the final versions. My main concern with the first prototypes was to get the electronics, timber, sound and playability right - cosmetics will be sorted out by the time we get to production.. I have been working on revisions since before we went to Frankfurt last month and we should have the second set of prototypes ready within a month or so and either myself or Stu will post some pictures when we are happy with them... Thanks, Chris [/size][/color]

[quote name='cd_david' post='803212' date='Apr 11 2010, 11:18 PM']Hi Chris, Been watching the thread with interest and am very interested in trying these out, will you be stocking them at the Jam Factory? Would love to visit and catch up. Best wishes Dave Anderson[/quote] Hi Dave - Good to hear from you! We will no doubt have a few here - I'd like to be able to offer our own friends and personal customers a choice from here once we are in production - if you want to pop over any time, you'd be welcome as always.. But equally I'm certain there will be one or two dealers in Newcastle who will stock them too - looking at the current production schedule I think we will be looking a September in the shops - though we should have the final pr-production samples here by the end of June.. Chris

I did want these basses to be recognisably different from our UK handmade instruments – however both headstocks have been used by me before – so there is some continuity here. But as I said earlier, there will be quite a bit of re-working and refinement before we go into production and things will change, plus there are a couple of other models in the range not yet seen... It has already been decided that only the Overwater logo will appear on the front of the headstock on the production models. Prices will start around £329 in the UK for the passive ‘Classic J’ basses and around £449 for the active ‘Aspiration’ – raising up to around £899 for the ‘full Overwater spec’’ ‘Elite’ models.. Five strings and fretless will be available before the end of the year...