cameltoe

[quote name='BassBod' timestamp='1384272724' post='2274700'] Your Spec sounds a lot like the Bravewood that me and Happy Jack owned…a very nice bass indeed. [attachment=148284:DSCN1155.JPG] [/quote] Can I have it?

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384214665' post='2274212'] Honestly, I'm not trolling, but those specs are no guarantee of anything at all really. And neck dive with a very light body will probably put more strain on your wrist, forearm and shoulder. [/quote] No, you're quite right- some basses just have magic in them, some don't. No rhyme or reason for it I guess. I have got the GBR640 tuners on the list to counteract neck dive though, which they do.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1384208897' post='2274130'] All of those things are important, but can be mostly be changed after the event if you want., albeit at a cost If the neck is too large in any dimension it can be reshaped , and refrets are straightforward . It's also quite possible that even if those things weren't ideal on first aquaintance, the O.P could learn to like them . That has happened to me before now. on a few occasions . I bought a bass a couple of years ago without ever playing it that had vintage -style small fretwire that I had overlooked as a detail and it felt wierd at first but now I love it. . I could have sold the bass or got it refretted , but I accepted it and went with it. That's just one example. You are right about buying without playing beforehand being a gamble , Nige , but are the consequences really [i]that [/i]serious? People are inquisitive by nature , and the next bass always holds the greatest promise. My advice to the O.P would be to check out some off-the-shelf basses before ordering a custom bass if at all possible , because he could very easily find something that fulfilled his needs and desires just as well for less money . A new Am St Fender Precision with Custom Shop pickup now fitted as standard would be my first recommendation , and then take it from there . They aren't reliced , but if they feel good , does it really matter? [/quote] I also love vintage fret wire, after it feeling weird at first. Now it's something I definitely look for. I had an Am. St. (2005) that I just didn't get along with. It felt too engineered, and I couldn't really connect with it. Everything felt hard, cold, lifeless- although it was very good, I hardly played it because of this. On paper (to make it easier), my design would look something like this: Extremely Lightweight body, with slim profile- (like my roadworn). Possibly ash. SD SPB1 pickup Vintage Bridge with threaded saddles. Gotoh GBR640's 1.625, possibly even smaller nut width. (1.615, similar to my Jazz bass) Soft V profile, from 1st-7th/9th fret, rounding out to slim C shape. Vintage fret wire, dressed down to flat top profile 7.25" fretboard radius Maple neck Nitro paint Colour not really important, but the AV '57 in White blond transparent has always floated my boat. Mild relic'ing on body, slightly heavier on neck- not really for looks, but so it feels more played in and comfortable, and so I'm not afraid to take it out and use it. Everything on that list I've tried and liked above the alternatives. I guess what you guys are trying to say, however, is all put together in one instrument, would it still amount to an instrument that felt really good to me? I don't know either. In theory yes, in reality I realise I could pick up a bass tomorrow with none of those attributes and absolutely love it. Hasn't happened yet though.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384208232' post='2274120'] No I am not. I have been on the same journey as you, I know what it feels like, I bought and sold basses before what I have now. Warwick or Fender Jazz?, Warwick or Fender Jazz? Warwick or Fender Jazz? I played quite a few of both. I ended up with a gorgeous 1983 USA Fender Standard Jazz. Romance took me there. I adore it, I stare at it, and when I strap the bastard on I forget I'm playing it. It's not perfect, it needs a side shim, fine adjustment with the neck pitch, I had to level the frets, the tuners are slightly different to each other, it has a little dead spot on the G, it's a very simple, slightly faulty bass. But it facilitates my music in the right way. I didn't know I wanted it, I just fancied buying it when I saw it on here. It was an wonderful accident motivated by a romantic association with childhood lust for a Fender. So no, I am not trolling. I am trying to get you to think about the source of your desires so you have a small chance to get what you REALLY want. Perhaps you would simply prefer measurements and assumptions. [/quote] Nope, I just understand what measurements tend to work for me, and which have flared up tendonitis in my left forearm to the point of not being able to play without it feeling like I've broken my arm and the bones are rubbing together. I have agreed with most of what you have said, and I've taken on board the part about a perfect bass finding me. So much so that I feel it's probably a better idea to wait, and let something find me. Everything you get from your jazz is what I'd like to have.

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1384207918' post='2274115'] Those ones that speak don't have to be custom or expensive. I bought something mid range in 2005 and despite buying a couple more since, it is the one I pick up and the one I love. [/quote] Absolutely true, and lucky you!

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1384207918' post='2274115'] Those ones that speak don't have to be custom or expensive. I bought something mid range in 2005 and despite buying a couple more since, it is the one I pick up and the one I love. [/quote] Absolutely true, and lucky you!

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384206908' post='2274101'] Not a rule, just a philosophical proposition. It's got nowt to do with finding a bass, it's about finding oneself. One should ideally play THROUGH an instrument, not ON it. It's a lot easier to find a bass to play on than it is to find oneself through it. If a bass is decent, one can find oneself through it. The best bass is the bass you don't even notice you're playing. Or am I just being a preposterous ol ****? [/quote] But it does contradict what you said earlier, about how a true musician should be changing their gear constantly, in line with their musical inspirations and requirements, or however you worded it.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384206908' post='2274101'] Not a rule, just a philosophical proposition. It's got nowt to do with finding a bass, it's about finding oneself. One should ideally play THROUGH an instrument, not ON it. It's a lot easier to find a bass to play on than it is to find oneself through it. If a bass is decent, one can find oneself through it. The best bass is the bass you don't even notice you're playing. Or am I just being a preposterous ol ****? [/quote] I agree with all of that, and that's what I'm hoping to find. If its not possible from Bravewood or Fender CS, then maybe I'll get lucky like you did and have a bass speak to me one day. I've felt I've been very close with previous gear, but there have always been 1 or 2 issues that, in a dream world, I'd have designed differently. Which is why I was thinking 'custom'. Is any of this making sense yet?

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384207008' post='2274102'] I don't need to. I can read between the lines. The same lines I wrote myself [/quote] You're basically just trolling now, dude.

That's very good advice, thankyou. A slim 1.625, possibly ever so slightly narrower! Interested to feel the neck profile of the Nate Mendel precision.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384204691' post='2274062'] Are you sure? [/quote] Yes. Show me where I say I need a good bass to improve my playing.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384204167' post='2274049'] There is no such animal as 'the ultimate bass'. For there to be, you must be a constant. If you are any sort of musician, your musical motives and inspirations, and your equipment requirements, will be changing over time as you journey along your musical path of learning and expression. If you feel your basses are inhibiting your journey, that is one thing. Thinking a new bass will speed your journey is quite another. [/quote] That's not really what I said now, is it? I don't think I once referred to wanting this bass to improve my playing, so I don't really know where you got that from. As much as it's been fun debating with you the pro's and con's of ever needing to buy any bass ever again, I feel it's not out of the realms of possibility to buy something with an eye the long term. My brother in law being a perfect example. He hasn't spent nearly as much money as I have while I've been messing around buying, selling, chopping, changing. If he sold his Rick tomorrow he wouldn't have lost hardly anything. How long have you owned your 1983 Jazz? Will you ever sell it? Am I not entitled to feel the same way about an instrument? I know what works for me as a player, through trial and error, and I'd soon like to buy a [b]very[/b] good example of that instrument that will hopefully overcome some of the niggles I've had with the craftsmanship and certain specifications of off-the-shelf models I've owned in the past. Sure, my musical 'motives and inspirations' have and will change over the years, but i'm not the type of guy that will suddenly decide I need to sound like Stuart Zender so I'll have to go buy a Warwick. Maybe you are, but i'm more about just being myself when I play. I'm not saying this will be the last bass I will ever buy, just one I'd want to keep for ever.

[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1384088052' post='2272560'] ...I would also like to replace the 3 I currently have, with one really good one. [/quote] [quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1384179326' post='2273575'] Best advice I've ever seen here or anywhere. Why do we think owning more stuff will make us happy? [/quote] I want to own [i]less[/i] stuff, just better. Bear in mind- i'm talking about my dream bass here. I think I've now put in enough bass playing hours to deserve a top-end instrument that I can cherish for many years to come, that will still be looked after, taken out of it's case and played frequently long after I've given up the gigging life. I don't think there is anything wrong with that- this is not irrational GAS. This is a long-term plan to replace my three mid-price Fenders with one, ultimate bass, drawing on all the things I've liked and not liked in my previous basses. I've not found myself suddenly lusting after a Stingray for no reason. The only question mark, is how can you make a decision without playing the two options I've listed, as both would have to be custom-made? That's the idea of this thread, to gain as much info as possible. Bravewood are local to me, but I've never seen one in the flesh. CS I've played and liked, but are almost £1000 more than a Bravewood and not hand made. I like handmade, knowing someone's crafted that from scratch just for me- it makes me feel warm inside. Like I said in my original post, I have a good idea of what I like and don't like in a bass now, but that doesn't guarantee anything. Some basses look good on paper but don't feel right. And vice versa. I could just wait, as recommended, and when finances allow, maybe take a trip to Camden and see if something vintage-ish speaks to me. Played in instruments feel far more comfortable to me. None of my current basses, as reasonably good as they are, will gain heirloom status with me, I want one that will! Either that or they'll have to bury it with me! My brother in law plays bass. He once gave me a piece of advice I felt was good but i never followed- Once you've played bass for a few years, you've done your time with cheaper basses and you've decided playing bass is for you and you [b]will[/b] stick at it, don't bother with in-between basses, just go straight to the top and buy a good one. It'll save all the messing around. He did this and went and bought a Rickenbacker 4001 which is the only bass he's owned for the past 15 years. He'll never sell it, and I'd like to think he's got me on his will to take over the ownership if he snuffs it! I'd prob trade it for a P bass though.....

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384085999' post='2272530'] So why the need to replace your Roadworn? [/quote] No, the part about me 'just fancying a new bass' was entirely accurate! But then how many people who buy and sell on here really [i]need [/i]a new bass? I would also like to replace the 3 I currently have, with one really good one. I agree, it's probably better to play as many as I can til one speaks to me than rush a decision.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1384048065' post='2272333'] It seems to me like you just fancy a new bass And looks seem to be one of the main driving factors. If you really want to buy your 'perfect' bass, you need to PLAY a whole bunch of basses. Eventually you will find one that floats your rubber duck. It will attract your attention because it looks ace and you feel compelled to pick it up, then you will find it feels so lovely and gorgeous in your hands and magical notes and flowery phrases seem to flow from you, like this is the best you've ever played. You will get a sound that will make your belly tingle, a sound you've never had before. Anything else and it's not the perfect bass for you. Then give it 12 months to see if, really, you just fancied a new bass. [/quote] I agree with most of what you said, except looks are not one of the main driving factors in my decision making, in fact I've repeatedly tried to draw the conversation away from looks. Yes I'm attracted to Bravewood etc because I've seen pictures of his basses and read his process for building on his site, but the purpose of this thread is to find out how they both feel and play in comparison to each other. Feel is what it's all about. When i bought my roadworn, I went into the local shop to buy a Classic 50's that had been brought in especially for me. I tried it, liked it, and hated the look of the same-but- beaten-up pink version sat in the rack. before I pulled the trigger though, the owner convinced me to have a go on the Roadworn- Ohh mama! That was that- deal done. I do think the relic'ing looks bad on some Nash basses, but the main reason I'm put off is the off-the shelf assembly of unknown parts. At least with Fender CS I know it's good fender parts, and the Bravewood is completely hand made, for less than both!

[quote name='risingson' timestamp='1384012488' post='2271908'] Thomastik flats, I really can't stand them. Everything I'd want about a flat wound string just isn't there and I found them 'uneven' sounding across the strings too. I know I'm in a minority with this one! I think a lot of other people can get on with them because of their lower tension but it's something I really didn't like about them. La Bella 760FL's are what I like in flats. I never got on with DR's. Lowriders I found a little on the dull side and High Beams were okay, but not worth the price. I'm yet to try Sunbeams yet but unless they completely trounce D'Addario Nickels then they won't be worth it either. D'Addarios are still my favourite round but they just don't last for more than 2 gigs with me! [/quote] I find DR Sunbeams to be far better than D'Addario's, but they are twice the price. They are lower tension, smoother, and if like me, you like the sound of a played-in string (which I suspect you don't if you change strings every two gigs), they just stay in that sweet spot for ages before dying. I seem to get a bit more punch from my amp when I use them. I usually only use Sunbeams, Fender Nickels, or D'Addario Nickels depending on how desperately I need them and how skint I am. I have just bought a set of the balanced tension nickel D'Addario's that I'm looking forward to trying- the floppy E-string problem is no more I hope! I heard Fender Nickels and D'Addario's are basically the same string? The local music shop tells me both are made on the same production line in the same factory. No idea if it's true, but would be interesting considering some on the thread seem to like D'Addario and not Fender. I've always found them to sound fairly similar. I once bought a set of Stagg strings because I was desperate, and took them off after one rehearsal- I could hear and feel the core rattling around inside the winding. Never again.

My brother in law has a 4001, I've used it a lot. I find it very comfortable to play and can get the action crazy-low, however I can never get a sound I like from it. It's either wooly, or twangy. It doesn't seem to be able to do that right in the mix, kick-drum frequency that you get from a P bass.

Road worn!

Slim necks

Fat necks

[quote name='Noisyjon' timestamp='1383846958' post='2269960'] Just beware that if things go wrong with that brand of instrument maker in Redruth then expect no help from him unless you're prepared to do something like air the dirty laundry in public to get proper attention and a response/result. That's what I had to do to get my custom ordered £1,500 bass's manufacturing defect sorted. A sad state of affairs and I can not recommend them to anyone. A sour taste is putting it mildly. I feel more like smashing up & burning that bass most of the time rather than playing and enjoying it. My advice is go second hand and try the thing out first. That way you know what you are buying and you won't lose any value if you decide to sell it on. Good luck! [/quote] Yes, I read your post whilst searching and to be honest, that's where my doubt lies. I've read his 12 month warranty on the website, it seems he bemoans the fact that vintage/second hand instruments are sold with no warranty so why shouldn't his. I have to say where yours is concerned, I'm surprised at the response you got. I can't say it doesn't cause me a bit of concern. I'm glad you finally managed to get it sorted. Besides the obvious bitter taste, now the truss rod rattle has been sorted how does it feel and play? As I stated in my first post, I know if somethings not right with the CS, a fault, or even if a part isn't how I described I wanted it, I'd have come back. I'm worried if the bravewood isn't quite right i'll be lumbered. It's a risk, but I'll have to think further before I make any decision.

[quote name='police squad' timestamp='1383836167' post='2269787'] Yes, he takes £400 up front. He's in Redruth so not a million miles from you. [/quote] Cool, thanks. He's got some seriously good looking stuff on that site.

I think it says a lot that no one has really mentioned Custom Shop. I'm very, very tempted by Bravewood. I may need to get in touch with him. If it takes 9 months then I can get the order in now, and save up in that time. Does he require a deposit?

That is lovely. Aside from the customer service issues, and how the relic'ing feels and looks, what are they like to play? My Eureka bass moment came when I first played my Roadworn. It just felt right in a way I can't describe. My American Standard was a very good instrument, but I didn't feel any kind of connection with it, as such. It was more like a very well engineered tool. The RW felt like my arms had grown a bass, if that makes any sense at all. I'm hoping to achieve that same feeling with my next bass.