GreeneKing

Nicely put Steve

+1

[quote]I forget who it was but someone had a bass listed here and subsequently won it himself under another username lollol[/quote]



We need names.

The one time I gave some git -ve feedback because he sold me a very 2nd hand amp as new I got into the cycle of him giving me -ve because I gave him......

It ended up with retracted feedback just to preserve my 100% record. Best when buying to let seller provide feedback 1st - doh.

The vast majority of eBayers are good, and there are some bargains still to be had but 'let the buyer beware' as per usual.

A good question.

I have 3 and I obviously like them.

For me it's 80% about the tone, that I love. Ric tone is not just a 'one trick pony' either but it's certainly not an ultra versatile do everything well bass. I love the nasal, clanky treble especially the way it sits in with the neck pickup as opposed to by itself.

The build quality is good, sustain also. There's something about the whole '50's American car design' about them and the fact that they've changed so little but still do their job so well.

They take a little effort in terms of they're not maybe the easiest basses to play but I find myself picking mine up as my favourite 4 string everytime. (ACG being my preferred 5)

My 4003 has the Vintage Tone Control and I wouldn't be interested in a modern 4003 without it, although it can be retrofitted.

My two 4001's are C series basses and so have that vintage sound too.

Why are they so expensive? They are made in the US with US electronics in a small family firm. As to the price of the older models, you could ask the same question in relation to say Fender or Gibson basses.

Idiosyncratic yes and I understand why not everyone likes them but mine keep shouting 'pick me up, play me' which is great.

Peter

This is a real bargain. I paid £650 for mine and that was a steal!

Peter

Sorely tempted to reply to your title question:

'A Precision bass guitar'

but I won't.

Possibly foam or maybe coil springs under the screws.

Hehe, that sounds familiar. I'm not throwing away money on Instruments, I'm just re-developing it!

Not a problem, pleased to help

I know you said you're open minded John and I know you don't like Bongos but Zoot Custom Fretless 5 with Audere pre?

Peter

[url="http://www.axesrus.com/axeknobs.htm"]http://www.axesrus.com/axeknobs.htm[/url]

C, 6th one down?

Buy it and fit it, problem sorted?

[quote]yammy trb p 5 thru neck[/quote]

Very sweet basses, or at least mine is.

I've crept up to 14, which is pretty amazing in a subtle OCD kinda way.

I need to sell some basses (4?) but letting any go isn't going to be easy.

I find it much easier to find good reasons to keep any particular bass than to sell it.

I'm no 'pedal head' but:

The Microbass II is really what everything else grows from.

I have 2 basses inputing to it, one passive and one active via two channels with a variety of tone options including tube sim and the ability to combine the channels.

It has an effects loop too and a headphone socket so it can be used as a small practice (pre)amp.

For more info:

[url="http://www.ebs.bass.se/2007/microbass.htm"]http://www.ebs.bass.se/2007/microbass.htm[/url]

I especially like the sweepable mid on channel B (passive input in my case).

The Bass Distortion pedal is new and is an Exar which is certainly, from what I've read, similar to the Jaques pedal. I think that pedal uses the same case and upgraded componants although the Exar seems well put together to say the least. It's quite a soft distortion/fuzz to my ears. As to what kinds of sounds? Hard to answer that one. It sounds really great with the chorus.

I think you know Alan that I don't have your problem.

I of course have my own

What are your 3? Do you have a P?

Manflu strikes and I'm bored.

Nothing very exciting bit it does what it says on the tin etc.

I decided to grab my board and put my pedals on it. I'm not using the Zoom at the mo but it's a great pedal.

[quote]The MXR Bass Auto Q is a great effect[/quote]

+1

I'm a bit surprised it's still for sale.

That looks a steal.

[quote]using just the front to run the bass in mono[/quote]

Just the back

Steve

Excellent answer and interesting post.

Peter

That is absolute bliss. I love the 5 piece body. I also know you'll be over the moon with the finished article.

Peter

Great basses especially the ACG. Seeing a lefty ACG is I find very disorientating:)

Beautiful wood, and a great piece of work from Alan. As per usual.

Peter

[quote]Next time you are up bring one along I have played my friends 70's Rick but don't get on with it at all a newer one would be good to try.[/quote]

It'd be a pleasure Alan

Peter

Sod the scratchplate, the gold's a no no IMHO

Seriously, I can't think of a scratchplate that'd go with that colour. Not my cuppa at all.

No offence meant, just my gut reaction.

Peter

Stew

2 tips

Slacken the strings.

Sit on the floor, put the bridge between your feet, the back of the body/neck against a knee and gently but firmly push the neck straight while adjusting the rod.

This will take the strain off the trussrod.

If this doesn't make it free-er take it to a luthier.

[quote]so there's somewhere to comfortably put your right hand, and they've got a winner on their hands.[/quote]

My thumb rests on the top of the pickguard and then travels on the E A and D strings muting those above.

It means I play close to the neck but use of the switch/controls sorts that out for me.