Paul S

[quote name='richh' timestamp='1485086413' post='3220962'] Thanks, the Vista Musicmaster looks good - is this a current production model though, or would I have to buy a used one? I don't mind either way, but I can't seem to find that model available as a stock item in the UK [/quote] The Squier 'Vista' series was a short run of models made in China during the late 90s for just a couple of years. They have since achieved something like cult status. I had a Vista Musicmaster and it was very nice - better, in fact, than a Fender Musicmaster I owned. But I still preferred the Squier VM Mustang - it was every bit as well built as the Vista Musicmaster but, I found, easier to play and with a slightly less aggressive pickup. Also lighter and with a narrower neck, which suited me. Of all the short string basses I have owned, which admittedly isn't that many - I think 6, it was my favourite.

I bought Shure SE215s - at the time they were getting the best reviews and I am very happy with them.

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1485017387' post='3220464'] (I think it is the next thing I will do...) [/quote] No, resolutely collection only.

Drummer in my band is a massive fan. Last year he hosted one of those house gigs that Francis does. And is off to see him tomorrow, too.

Don't encourage me, Pete! (I think it is the next thing I will do...) Incidentally, will your country band be gigging at all in early March? I may find myself near Hull again that week.

Another Elfin popped up on eBay, collection only from Llanelli in Waleshire. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TANGLEWOOD-ELFIN-BASS-SHORT-SCALE-ELECTRIC-RIGHT-HANDED-NO-RESERVE-/232212914663?hash=item3610f7e1e7:g:3uEAAOSwNnRYg0Ed"]http://www.ebay.co.u...uEAAOSwNnRYg0Ed[/url] Shame it is so far - I might have been tempted, just for the novelty factor!

It would make sense to buy before you try as not everyone likes them. It would also make sense to buy one that was either cheap or held its resale value, in case you don't get on with it or want to get a better one. Which one? Take your pick: [url="https://www.thomann.de/gb/short_scale_basses.html"]https://www.thomann.de/gb/short_scale_basses.html[/url] If you are comfortable with Fenders then Squier do some remarkably good SS basses. The Jag is good. I had a VM Mustang that was actually superb. If you like fun and funky it is hard to beat a Danelectro Longhorn.

[quote name='JellyKnees' timestamp='1484739801' post='3217912'] You dislike Zappa because he was [i]too smart???[/i] You must be loving the current geopolitical shenanigans in that case... [/quote] [quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1484741324' post='3217938'] If I was in your band, I'd do that to you too, if I knew it would get on your wick [/quote] That's another thing about Zappa fans, they are just sooo militant....

hah! I feel that old some mornings....

Why not PM a mod and ask?

I dislike Frank Zappa. Far too smart and tuneless for my taste. I happen to be in a 4 piece band with 3 Zappa fans who constantly quote lines from Zappa songs. Usually the same f%^&ing ones, every f*&^ing week. I believe there is a small possibility they do it on purpose

Another fave for me, but not best and favourite, is 'No One Came' - love that pulsing rhythm. Sums up some of my gigs. http://youtu.be/luVXf9UpCiM

[quote name='Bass Culture' timestamp='1484730227' post='3217778'] It's been said before but a lighter weight version of the SMX would have the potential to put a smile on a lot of us older players faces... [/quote] +100

I've had lots of Precision basses pass through my hands in the past 8 years - couple of MIA Fenders, couple of MIJ Fenders, a Silver Series Squier, a basic affinity Squier, a couple of non-export medium scale MIJ Fenders and a couple of JV Squiers. The two I have kept are JV series Squiers - one an early Fender logo, one a bit later. Both are absolutely fabulous bass guitars. The later one I find is a better bass - as close to my perfect 4 string bass as is possible, I think.

I think it must be because I came into bass playing late in life so feel I need to catch up with all these different basses I didn't see first time around. However, I have decided I feel strong enough to resist!

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1484586793' post='3216543'] Thanks. That particular one was made to order especially for me. At the time Simon did have some demo models that he would take to the various trade shows and would be a bit cheaper than a full custom order, but I haven't seen him at any since about 2005, so I don't know if he still has "stock". When I last enquired, about 5 years ago, that particular bass, made new to order would have cost just under £5000. I have no idea what the current prices are, but I doubt they have got any less expensive. [/quote] Thanks for that - I feared so - too much for me to spend, even on something as nice as those.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484585032' post='3216521'] Hehe. It's me, Jack. [/quote] No, you are an impostor. I've seen 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'....

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1484573630' post='3216396'] [/quote] That is an astonshingly beautiful bass. I just had a look at the website and could see no prices - how much do they cost? Are they made to order?

Thanks for that Jon. I find myself drawn to the Cimar, although the last thing I need is another 4 string bass kicking around the place.

[quote name='BassBus' timestamp='1484508432' post='3215977'] Black Night or maybe [u][b]Sweet Child of mine[/b][/u] or maybe Highway Star. I don't know. There's only one way to find out... [/quote] I think that was Guns and Roses.... I guess Child in Time? Anyway, I can't just have one. Highway Star, from made in Japan. The Gold one. http://youtu.be/h_eSq56zXEU Burn. First time I saw them was on the 'Burn' tour. Nice live version here, before Coverdale had his 'makeover': http://youtu.be/t4fDCwDiWJQ Ted The Mechanic, my favourite from the Morse years. http://youtu.be/E3Dr9ZCBclk

When I first clapped eyes on a picture of a Westone Pantera deluxe X790 I knew I wouldn't be happy until I found one. They are very rare beasts and I waited 3 years until one became available for sale - in Holland! I actually go to Holland a fair bit by car so was able to pick it up. In terms of how it looked and the build quality it was everything I had hoped it would be. Trouble was I didn't 'bond' with it. I kept it for a couple of years hoping I would grow to love it but it just didn't happen and have since sold it. And lost a shed load of money. Say lar vee, innit.

Takeharu bass - doesn't look crap at all. Not cheap. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VERY-RARE-1970-s-MIJ-TAKEHARU-TAKEKARU-Bass-Guitar-Comes-in-ORIGINAL-Hardcase-/172486708376?hash=item2829024c98:g:xnwAAOSw9GhYel5M"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VERY-RARE-1970-s-MIJ-TAKEHARU-TAKEKARU-Bass-Guitar-Comes-in-ORIGINAL-Hardcase-/172486708376?hash=item2829024c98:g:xnwAAOSw9GhYel5M[/url]

Cimar bass - worth doing up? Not for me. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cimar-Electric-Bass-Guitar-EZRA-PARK-/282326050509?hash=item41bbf1a6cd:g:viYAAOSwt5hYek7y"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cimar-Electric-Bass-Guitar-EZRA-PARK-/282326050509?hash=item41bbf1a6cd:g:viYAAOSwt5hYek7y[/url]