Paul S

I was sacked last year by a band I was a founder member of after 4 years together - one of two bands I was in at the time. But rather than being upset or angry I found it to be quite a relief when it happened as I had been getting increasingly pissed off with the singer, who over the 4 years had gradually become a complete prima donna. I'd had a gutful and was contemplating leaving but when do you decide to jump ship? Difficult call but in the end the decision was taken out of my hands when we had a rather silly finger wagging barney just before a gig (As I recall I threatened to chuck him off the fire escape) after which he said 'him or me'. The other guys chose him, as he is a rather good front man and I am 'just the bass player'. They haven't found anyone to replace me yet, which gives me a small amount of satisfaction. I have moved on and am back to being in two bands, with a third in the offing. Things work out in the end.

In the dark world of Shadows appreciation groups there a number of decent names. Two local ones are the Five O'clock Shadows and Rich Clifford and the Saddoes.

I had a Jaguar bass for a while - it has the same neck dimensions as the Geddy Lee Jazz, should you fancy a different body shape option. Also the Precision Lyte has a similarly shallow and narrow neck. Both are smaller than a standard Jazz neck. A good many Peaveys have very shallow and slim necks, some I believe are top quality instruments. If you can find one, a Peavey Fury has a similarly shallow and slim neck, but with a P-Bass configuration. I tracked one down courtesy of Flat Eric and it is lovely. Inexpensive to buy but really nice quality instrument

Bought some strings from Ted for a good price, arrived promptly and beautifully packed. Wouldn't hesitate to do business with him again. Thank you, Sir!

I wonder what improvement there is over a Mighty Mite neck? I have a MM Jazz neck on a P bass and it is great - I'd say better than a MIM Fender neck, which is the lower cost option from Fender. The USA necks are substantially more.

I have this one at home [url="http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/160666857537?var=gv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=65&ff19=0"]http://compare.ebay....&ff14=65&ff19=0[/url] which is fine for home use for seven basses. I'd guess not such good quality as the Hercules, though. Same thing about standing away from the wall.

You might find a Westone bass within your budget. A Thunder/Thunder 1A/Thunder Jet or Spectrum. All decent, well-made instruments, eminently gig-able basses and better than anything else you'd find for £100 IMO. A Thunder Jet bass went on eBay recently for under £70, for example. I have a Thunder Jet bass with Seymour Duncan pup and a P-retro and it is a monster. The lower end models aren't fashionable and don't fetch anything like their worth secondhand.

All interesting stuff - thanks guys. Keep those suggestions coming!

Dingus - thanks for that. I wondered. Stingray Pete - too heavy, sorry!

Er, yes, 2 grand is more than I had in mind. Fender Roadworn maybe a good starting point. But I guess it is like everything else - I kept trying P-basses until I found one to settle on. Or two, actually. I like the idea of the Geddy Lee one but even that is a tad heavy. Question - do Aerodyne Jazz basses sound like Jazz basses? I've only ever heard two at gigs and they both had so many effects it could have been anything.

I have this on my mind so will post it now, despite going on holiday Monday. I sometimes get GAS for a Jazz bass but all those I have tried are too heavy. I just had to move on a beautiful E series MIJ Squier Jazz that sounded and played like a dream but at 10lbs was just too heavy for me. Are there any models that are nearer 8lbs out there? ta!

TC Classic 450 plus Barefaced Compact/Midget does the job for me set well below halfway. Loud heavy rock band with volume level set by drummer when not going through the pa.

Aw shucks, what nice things to say. Ciao Ago

Pleased to be the first to leave feedback for Agostino, who bought my E Series Squier Jazz. Nice friendly chap to deal with and a very straightforward transaction. A pleasure doing business, Ago!