Basilpea

Yes I'm now the proud possessor.  I had to go a long way north of Watford to get it (luckily before the lockdown), but the trip was well worthwhile.  Loving every minute of incarceration now.

No problem.  In common with all Warwick basses (and all other sensible ones), the dots are on the fret positions.  I know this is important as I've had the same problem myself in the past - can't imagine why anyone would want the dots in-between the frets on a fretless bass??

Sorry, I forgot that.  Now posted.  It's difficult to photograph this bass, because of the high gloss finish all you get is reflections of me holding the camera (phone).IMG_3556.HEIC

Only bought this a few weeks ago, then found an MB2.  Condition is as new in original packing as sent from Germany.  Plays well, it has the original strings supplied but deserves some better ones.  Mirror finish (makes it difficult to photograph).  Thomann's current price is £925

I've had problems on certain gigs with hearing myself, particularly when the rest of the band are full-on.  I bought an earbox (offer £89 Guitarguitar) which does make intonation much easier.  I have now bought a foldback speaker for myself to connect to my amp to see if that is better than the earbox and am about to try it this week on a regular gig which I know is usually problematic.  I'll let you know the verdict.

Now going on Fleabay, probably will be sold by this time next week.  I'd rather sell to Basschatter so if you're hovering, make me a sensible offer.

                 NOW SOLD 

Selling this lovely Corvette Pro Series 5 String Fretless active/passive bass as the string spacing is not ideal for me (16.5mm) .  Very good condition apart from a couple of dings on the inside of the the upper & lower horns (see photos).  Plays really well.    Will post to UK address or discount for collection of £30.

• Ash body 
• Ovankol neck 
• Wenge f/b
• MEC pickups
• MEC two band eq
• Warwick bridge and tuners
• Weight 4.3kg/9lb 8oz
• Ovangkol neck with Ekanga veneer stripes, 4 laminations
• Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard (fretless)
• Just-A-Nut III 
• Bodywood (Topwood / Backwood): Swamp Ash body 
• Pickups: Active MEC ;Dynamic Correction; J/J pickups 
• Electronics: active MEC J/J pickups with active MEC 2-way electronics 
• Pot layout: Active: Volume / balance / treble/bass stacked 

spaci

OK, thanks.  The Lines are a dealbreaker for me I’m afraid, I just find them too confusing as I’m used to just a few dots (or nothing on the upright).  Looks a nice bass, I’m sure someone will love it.

Are there markings on the side?  Dots? lines? on fret positions or in between?  Any idea how much it weighs? (Oak is heavy stuff)

Thanks 

3 steps to heaven - Eddie Cochrane

Georgia on my mind - Ray Charles

I'll be your baby tonight - Bob Dylan

JOURNEY UPDATE

I think we're on the home stretch now.  After checking out the Rob Allen (and a fair few others) I think it is going to end up as my No1 bass guitar (5 string).  The MB2 just seems to fit the bill perfectly for me. I don't believe I will ever get the one I want on this forum or ebay/facebook etc so I guess I'll have to bite the bullet there.   

The No2 (4 string) will most likely be between the Shuker and the Joker B ( the configurator is online now and it's brilliant).  I'm going up to see Jon in a couple of weeks time so I will make the decision after that.  

Next will come the Double bass upgrade, but that will be much easier (although a lot more expensive) - I will go and see Adrian Warwick and ask him what he recommends.

I'll let you know how it all finally pans out.

Thanks so much for all your help guys, the benefit of your experience has saved me so much time and hassle - and probably a small fortune.  Hope to meet some of you at the next Bass Bash and buy you a pint.

On 11/02/2020 at 09:12, obbm said:

Could I humbly suggest the Spector CTB Fretless.  Being 85% chambered I guess it would count as semi-accoustic. 

 

Thanks for the recommendation, it looks a nice bass but not sure if it comes in 5 string 34" scale.  I have to say the modern finish and the general style are less appealing to me than the traditional simplicity of the Rob Allen.    These sort of comparisons are really helping me to realise exactly what I'm looking for.  Thanks for your input.

Sold Thomas my Aguilar cab  - flawless transaction, he paid cash and collected the same day.  Thanks Thomas.

In practical terms you're probably right Frank, but many would say that, like most things in life, it's all about the journey, not the destination.  Although I do have to get something sorted out in a reasonable timeframe before the Corvette 5 does some permanent neck & shoulder damage.

My pilgrimage continues, albeit an enjoyable one.  After trying an MB2 very kindly facilitated by EZybass (what a nice guy) I am certainly smitten, he also threw another option into the equation

Also following up the Rick Turner Renaissance option mentioned earlier in this thread.

Anyone know where I can try one out?

 I think this journey may be longer than a lifetime, but maybe that's just how it should be.

Thanks for the heads-up Frank.  It looks like a lovely bass - shame about the fingerboard, but that could be sorted.  Unfortunately the deal killer for me is the side markings.  I had an Ibanez with this confusing array of lines & dots on the side and couldn’t get on with it.  I like just a few strategically placed dots......or nothing.

16 hours ago, Frank Blank said:

@Basilpea I gave you the wrong user name yesterday, it’s @Andyjr1515 who builds stupendous basses.

Thanks Frank, I did look it up and I thought that might be the case.

23 hours ago, BigRedX said:

I don't either a Rob Allen MB2 or a Shuker Artist, but I have tried both, and I would go for the Rob Allen every time.

Shuker make some very nice looking basses, but I have yet to play one (and I've played a fair few) that I even remotely liked the feel of. It could be just me because everyone else seems to think they are great, but as someone who has tried them and cannot got on with them at all, I ought to point out that they are not for everyone, and you should most definitely try before you buy.

 

That's interesting - can you remember what it was about the Shuker that didn't work for you?  I ask because I'm going to try one, and I might need to focus on whatever you found problematic.  Thanks

7 hours ago, Storky said:

I’ve got a fretted one and a fretted mouse. I’m in Redhill if you wanted to try?

That's really good of you Storky, but I'm like a fish out of water on a fretted bass now.  Luckily EZBASS has offered me a try of his fretless 5 which is right up my street so I'm going to him soon.  Thanks for your very kind offer though.

6 hours ago, chris_b said:

The Overwater Expression and Hollowbody series might be worth a look.

Thanks, looks a nice bass, a good possibility but a little on the pricey side.

3 minutes ago, charic said:

Go with the Shuker

The voice of experience?

2 minutes ago, Mykesbass said:

Jon posted pictures of a new one today - stunning!

I know, it was love at first sight.

2 minutes ago, Frank Blank said:

Calling @ezbass

Thanks Frank, great to meet up today - thank you so much for taking the trouble to come over with the Mouse - I am deeply in your debt.

I'm thinking about buying an MB2 5 string fretless but really need to try it first, California is a long way to go.  Any suggestions as to where I can try one somewhere in the UK?  I'm down south (Surrey) but could travel for a few hours to find one.  Also looking at Jon Shuker's Artist bass.

This could be just what I'm looking for but I would have to try it to know if it fits the bill.   As you are in Italy and I am in the UK I can't see that happening.  What a shame.

6 hours ago, TheGreek said:

Spectorcore???

Thanks, nice idea, but I don't think it's available without the fretboard lines.