Terry M.

I was told that it's collectors rather than actual players that have contributed to the rising prices of old gear. No idea if that's the case or not but it would make a degree of sense if so.

You can still play exuberantly and overplay without digging in. In fact I think it's easier to 😊

These guys do ALL my set ups. Forensic is an excellent description of their set up work. I'm not sure how they achieve it but I'm glad they do. Martin and John are NOT allowed to ever retire 😂

Wow that's crazy 😂

Valid point 👍 My set up gives me the most comfort which in turn enhances the playing experience and inspires me without worrying about fatigue over longer playing periods.

I noticed that dropping from a 130 gauge B string to 120 along with my light touch and low action gave me NO less fundamental whatsoever. Just my experience. So it's been 40-120 for me ever since.

Low action has to work in conjunction with individual technique. Buzzing is generally accepted as TOO low unless it's a part of one's sound. I find buzz intolerable so the action needs to be low but just outside of Buzz City. It works for many people but again, technique comes into play. And then some basses are easier to achieve this than others. Lakland basses (for example) are great for low action fans. I don't use them but there must be a reason ramps are popular to those who choose them.

The 3 individuals you mention are just 3 individuals with an opinion. Anthony Jackson apparently uses a low action,as does Victor Wooton,as did Jaco Pastorius and countless others. Just do what works for you. It really doesn't matter what works for anybody else whether famous or not.

Absolutely true 👍

Hahaha some of the Ampeg B15s I've seen for sale look ready for the scrap heap. Not all of them to be fair 😂

I'll go as far to suggest that the fascination of old beaten up gear has given rise to the relicing fad we're currently witnessing. A brand new (expensive) bass made to look battered also escapes my understanding.

This is why I can't understand the prices of old Fenders. I've played a few in shops and it didn't help to clarify things for me at all. Everything definitely isn't for everyone.

Which is why I bought the Squier Affinty Active Jazz V. I almost feel like I'm being pranked. It's that good. Good choice on your part.

My unscientific theory is that this "fuller and rounder" sound with high action is achievable with a low action and a turn of the volume knob. I've never noticed a difference in tone before and after a set up where the action has been significantly lowered.

I'm right with you on this.

Just to flog the high/low action a little more,I've literally pulled Fenders from shop walls and returned them back after less than a minute due to the high action from I presume the factory. Both American and Mexican. I'm not the only one who's mentioned this and I wonder why they're shipped like that. Tonal reasons? Some say it hides less than perfect fretwork. I've no idea but don't like it so much.

That's actually an excellent point. Really is good to talk 😂🤔 So you're saying the Fender S-1 is technically possible on a Lakland? That would be my preferred choice.

Also loving the 3+2 headstock design keeping it looking real neat.

Very interesting. One day I'd like to understand the science of this a bit more. I'm now a die hard low action slinger and enjoy my tone but it's good you're also happy with yours.

It really is an excellent feature for Jazzes. Is your switch a mini toggle or? The Fender S-1 switch I particularly liked due to the unobtrusive nature of it.

Could this be because playing with a higher action facilitates digging in which will affect dynamics leading to fuller sounding notes as opposed to the opposite? I'm more inclined to suggest that tone is affected more by dynamics rather than string action but I don't claim to be an expert on the topic.

Do you mean it was noisy and clanky? I forgot to add that I like my action as low as it can go BEFORE it enters Clanksville Central.

Thinking of adding a series/parallel switch however 🤔

I don't know how I forgot to mention my recently acquired DJ5 has the Aeros fitted. I was contemplating the possibility of adding an East preamp until I plugged it in. No way am I messing with this factory formula. The Aeros are serious pickups!!!

Okay cool this is interesting. The reason I like a low action is based on my attack.I barely graze the strings and therefore turn the amp up a bit more to compensate. Also facilitates slap and pop techniques. I've honestly never considered how my tone may be affected but I've definitely heard this before 👍