Paul S

I am an idiot and have done it loads of times, so I guess it is idiot-proof. Screw back until tight.

I had one for a couple of years. A bit more on the neck - it is VERY slim and skinny, like the Geddy Lee bass, skinnier than your average Jazz bass. For me this was the best thing about the whole bass. Mine had a grounding hum - I didn't ever bother about it but some of the models did this. The next guy in the ownership chain sorted with a little extra shielding. . Vast array of sounds - front pup, back pup, both pups, in series or in parallel, active or passive. Some might say it is unneccessarily complicated. 2 band eq is IMO the weakest point of the whole thing with two strange rollers and rather vague centre indents. The looks won it for me at the time I bought it but, if I am honest, I would probably go for a Squier Jaguar now if I wanted that same shape - much more straightforward.

I think it is unprofessional and disrespectful to both other bandmates and the people paying to see you. With my former 'party' band I've played gigs where either singer or drummer, luckily not both, were pissed and I spent the entire gig waiting for the next train crash - missed verses, coming in at the wrong place etc. It puts the whole band out and makes everyone look cheap.

This is all rather encouraging! The serial number I was given equates to mid 80s Fuji-Gen. I have two other basses of similar provenance that are really nice so I'm really looking forward to picking it up on Tuesday. I just hope it isn't too heavy!!

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1358604821' post='1942064'] Although this deals with MIJ 80s Squier Stratocasters it's a fascinating read: [url="http://planetbotch.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/truth-about-1980s-squier-strats.html"]http://planetbotch.b...ier-strats.html[/url] Hope it helps. [/quote] Wow, complicated stuff. I just skimmed it but even so the convoluted variety seems endless. [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1358605396' post='1942078'] So if you have a E series with a great neck and it sounds good then you've a great bass. If I wanted something collectable and a bit special I would look for a 1st edition squier series JV. Otherwise, to be honest they all are pretty good- why did you get it for not much? Cos people look at the bit that say Squier and think that it's rubbish - ignoring the fact that a good one, and a good fender japan neck will be on a par with a new USA std one (IMO etc) [/quote] I will be collecting it on Tuesday, so hopefully in a position to know whether or not is is just a bargain, or an absolute steal

The massed brains of Basschat will know this. MIJ Squiers, mid 80s. JV, SQ, Silver Series and E series. What is (are) the difference(s)? Apart from the letters that the serial numbers start with, obviously. They seem to command different price levels - why? I just bought an E Series Jazz for not very much and wondered why? Just luck or are they really not worth much? Thanks!

I bought a Hipshot A style bridge from Kim. Very easy and pleasant transaction, arrived beautifully packaged all the way from Germany in not time at all. A pleasure doing business, sir!

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1358523631' post='1940841'] If fact, with the 3 volume/gain type controls you can make as sensitive or otherwise as you like, more so, perhaps, than other amps. [/quote] ^^This^^ Are we sure we aren't me?

Its on eBay now, with a reluctant postage option. Absolute bargain.

Technically they should but I reckon it is unlikely. Pictures are your copyright, your intellectual property. A couple of years back I saw a plant listed for sale and the picture was one of mine, taken of the same type of plant growing in my garden. I contacted him asking him to pay me for use of the picture or use his own pictures, he said 'prove it'. I contacted eBay, they didn't trouble me with a response.

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1358427703' post='1938911'] Stingray [/quote] Now I prefer a Sterling myself...

Time to report back. Superfast service from Matt at GB/Fender, 3 x LEDs arrived yesterday. Unfortunately I fell at the first hurdle - just opened up to see what was required and the old ones need de-soldering to remove and new ones soldering back in place. Beyond my shaky hands and limited soldering skills. I will pass it on to a mate who does soldering more than I do. Not sure exactly what is going on, though? Would all 3 fail if one failed? Plus they all seemed to glow blue very slightly when switched on but not enough to illuminate the inside. I am sure someone who knows what they are doing would be able to sort it out, anway.

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1358370676' post='1938152'] Thanks Paul, some decent, and well articulated ideas there. If I bought a Fender std P, would any std Fender Jazz neck fit on it. Are they all std sized heels and body sockets ? ie. everything interchangable, so long as I stick with Fender. [/quote] That I don't know, I am afraid. I suspect Life isn't quite that straightforward, but the Mighty Mite neck is good value and was a direct fit into my P-Body. I am sure many folks on here will have a handle on the broader picture.

A few randomn thoughts - this has become my favourite configuration now, too. Swapping necks is easy and the absolute sure-fire way of getting a P-Bass with a Jazz neck.. I bought a MIJ P Bass that had a Mighty Mite Jazz neck on it, albeit with tinted laquer. I swapped with someone for a clear laquer and it went on with no problem. It has become my favourite bass at the moment, especially with a P-Retro on board. Fender Jazz Bass Special and/or Power Jazz Bass Special (this is the active version). They are P shaped, P/J pups and a J neck. Nice. But I wouldn't necessarily say they sound P-Bass-like. My Power Jazz Bass Special is more aggressive, although that might be because it has a SPB-3 in it, which I am not entirely sure about. Thinking outside the box, as they look nothing like a P- Bass - a Hohner B-Bass or a Hohner Jack Bass or a B2A cricket bat can all manage to sound exactly like a woody old P bass and have skinny (ish) necks. you get a lot of bass for your money with those, too. A Westone Thunder (or similar) fitted with a decent P-Pickup - say a Wizard Trad - will sound like a P-Bass but have one of those lovely Westone/Matsumoku necks that are nearer Jazz sized.

Had the same thought myself - just 4 posts on this one thread. Seems a bit odd for an introduction.

Development - I just spoke to a gentleman named Matt at the GenzBenz service desk and he is going to send me one, gratis! Superb service.

Thanks for that! I will contact Genz Benz and see if they can point me in the direction of a replacement LED (not bulb- doh!) I bought it secondhand, so a warranty wouldn't apply. Thanks again.

Talkbass? Is that another internet forum type thing? Looks like I may have to. Thanks.

Paul Spracklin - South Benfleet, Essex

Different people have different experiences, it seems. I had the long term loan of a '98 USA Standard Precision and found it ok but nothing special. And certainly not a patch on my MIJ mid 80s Power Jazz Special which I would say is the nicest put together instrument I have played. I think you've just got to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince.

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1358078856' post='1932629'] we could even anounce the event at each gig and put a hat round,though that would be optional . [/quote] Like that idea.