GreeneKing

Just got them in in time, this lot have been round to 'sus the joint'. Peter

Hiya Nik My original US Lakky went to Homer. Alan found it too pristine and valuable to gig with which I can understand. I'm not sure where it lies now. My JO5 went to Wales in exchange for the TRB5P.

Look what I found hidden under the bed It's such a beautiful day that I was inspired to take some pictures of my entire brood. Sadly I didn't have the opportunity to pose them properly in the sunshine. One of the tenents has some very dodgy sons with equally dodgy mates and knowing they had just gone out into town I didn't want them returning to this temptation, so I was in a bit of a rush. A standard MapleGlo 4003 Ric with Vintage Tone Control, a 1999 4001 Chris Squire signature and a 4001C64S 'Macca' bass that I've just strung with TI Jazz flats - it sounds superb. A Bass Collection SB320 P/J active, Warwick FNA fretless and a TRB5P Yamaha hidden in shadow. My madified Bob Glaub with Villex pups and Tone Booster, the tone on this thing is HUGE. My Sterling with Nordstrand that I'm glad to have back and a US Jazz deluxe. My 2nd SB320 Bass Collection, for sale and a stunning Yamaha BB5000 The Scousebass, Les Evan's made in Liverpool with U-Retro, my ACG Harlot singlecut and finally my Zoot Chaser custom fretless 5.

I suspect a lot are hidden away in a loft or garage somewhere, their original owner having died, moved on, changed direction in life. I bet if you set up a business locating these instruments (not just basses but all instruments) and did mass leaflet drops around some likely areas you'd liberate some valuable stuff, and of course a load of crap.

Maybe he could sell the bass for a good price and buy a more modern instrument that'll better suit his needs. Peter

I'm not sure but wouldn't 1974 make it a 4001? If the correct tuners are failing there must be a reason? I'd sort out why before devalueing a vintage bass with a different type of tuner. Edited to say Ah, I see that the bass aint original anyway.

I'm aware that my knowledge of electronics isn't what I'd like it to be so I've set myelf some learning targets for 'fun'. I was trained to work with 3 phase generators and suchlike and even that knowledge is pretty rusty. Ultimately I'm hoping to understand amplifiers and such stuff and maybe I'll build myself something useful.

[quote]Voltage = volume[/quote] Seems odd to me? I'm an absolute Amplifier numpty but surely current and therefore power come into the volume equation? Or do you mean Volume is proportional to voltage? That I can handle. I'm getting confused and I'm vaughly (sp?) aware of how complex the maths around this stuff can get

It's rather lovely isn't it. I spent enough on Ric's the past couple of months though.

Well, the VT999 is very useable. It is great for adding a barely discernable burble of valve warmth right through to a great overdriven metal riffing sound. For £45 including a power supply it'd be madness not to. Now looking for a cool sticker to cover the 'Behringer' label Peter

That's a fine collection you have there Nik. I especially lust after that Wal. Superb. Peter

I once asked the seller to email me a photo of the bass with that day's newspaper. He did and I own the bass

There are many that would say they prefer the 2 EQ compared to the 3. Early 80's 2 EQ sounds like it might take some beating

[quote]I could be wrong[/quote] Wrong? No, as per usual, quite correct. Peter

[quote]I MIGHT order one to see how they are.[/quote] Good, and for £45 bleedin' marvelous!

[quote]In your opinion.[/quote] Strange comment Pete didn't say it was anyone elses.

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

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.