EssentialTension

[quote name='Mr. BassmanPT' timestamp='1393611824' post='2382623'] ...should the fingerboard make a perfect curve? (see the pictures) [/quote] [b][quote]My fingerboard has a "flat spot" under the E string. What gives?[/b] You may have seen some bass fingerboards with a sharp rise or beveled edge that runs the entire length of the board, between the A and E string on some basses. It is called the "Romberg Bevel." That shape is a throwback from when big fat E strings crawled the earth -- the bevel gives more clearance for that string to vibrate. With newer string technology, it's no longer a necessity and many luthiers and builders have phased it out. Some folks prefer it, some don't; it's probably just a matter of what you're used to, but no biggie IMHO. - [url="http://www.gollihurmusic.com/faq/15-FINGERBOARDS_FOR_UPRIGHT_BASS_WHATS_TO_KNOW.html"]http://www.gollihurmusic.com/faq/15-FINGERBOARDS_FOR_UPRIGHT_BASS_WHATS_TO_KNOW.html[/url][/quote]

[quote name='njr911' timestamp='1393490251' post='2380803'] I'm a badge snob that also drives a Skoda Work that one out! [/quote] I had the badge nicked off my Skoda. Work that one out!

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1393486226' post='2380764'] That wasn't a passing of judgement on Skoda E.T. It was an admission of being shallow. [/quote] No such judgement taken. I too have to admit to preferring Fender on the headstock but it wouldn't in the end stop me buying or playing a Squier.

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1393447302' post='2380515'] Some of us just can't get past the "Skoda' badge. Guilty as charged M'Lud. [/quote] I've had nothing but Skodas for 14 years now and I really wouldn't and couldn't waste my money on an inferior but more expensive Volkswagen.

What is this thing 'status updates'?

[quote name='Clarky72' timestamp='1393430392' post='2380219'] These are the only pics I can get from the guy. I was wondering what the heel looks like too to check it out properly. It just feels a bit suspect so far... [/quote] If seller doesn't want to provide those extra pics then that's reason for suspicion. It's odds on that's not a Fender neck.

[quote name='odysseus' timestamp='1393440914' post='2380399'] I wouldn't fancy having that bloody great thing hanging round my neck for an entire gig.... [/quote] In which case you had better buy this one instead: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/doug-wilkes-twin-neck-headless-bass-guitar/281274352459?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222006%26algo%3DSIC.FITP%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107083358%26meid%3D5114748692449036193%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D20140107083358%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D281272290787"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/doug-wilkes-twin-neck-headless-bass-guitar/281274352459?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222006%26algo%3DSIC.FITP%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107083358%26meid%3D5114748692449036193%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D20140107083358%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D281272290787[/url]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1393196161' post='2377330'] Why not? [/quote] I was tempted to agree BRX, until I started seeing it as a giant pickle onion fork.

... and here is Pino's long scale Decade next to a short scale Decade:

... and here is Pino with a Lakland:

Well, Jas, they all sound pretty good to me but I think I'd pick out the GHS and the TIs as my preferences. I tend to have neck pickup on full, bridge pickup on c70%, and tone about half way back.

Two bands and a family, so it's first in the diary wins.

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1392473700' post='2369154'] Elvis had one too? [/quote] Yep!

It doesn't have to be a tort guard:

Lovely colour.

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1392972708' post='2374716'] The thing that I always think about in these threads is "does anyone actually think we've got [i]worse[/i] at building stuff in the last 50 years?" Thats just an insult to the skills of the modern luthier. [/quote] Victorian buildings have a tendency to look better and to last longer than modern buildings. Same goes for mediaeval cathedrals. Anyway, do you really think that luthery skills have changed very much in a mere fifty or so years? But I do hope the poor things aren't too insulted.

From what I can see in those pics the TF wins.

Anyone who thinks that what matters is fingers or pick doesn't understand music. The P bass will have wider spacing but the most important thing is to learn to play the instrument you have. After that you can to play a different one.

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1392916505' post='2374174'] In the 70s a friend of mine had a pre-CBS Stratocaster that was really chipped and worn and because of that was only offered a fraction of the price of a new Stratocaster in part exchange in guitar shop. The Stratocaster was then refinished before being put on sale (at a price well below a new one) because no one wanted 'roadworn' (or tatty as they were called then) guitars back then. In my experience it was the 1980s when people started get really excited about the pre-CBS thing. [/quote] So we had rather different experiences of the 1970s.

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1392907553' post='2374030'] In the 70s no one cared less about a bass made in 1960 and most musicians if they could afford it would have bought a brand new shiny 1970s one. All those vintage basses and guitars were left for the poorer musicians and the roadworn ones were placed at the back of the shop or refinished so they could sell them. Where did this mania of 'old is gold' come from? [/quote] This doesn't fit with my 1970s experience at all. In the 1970s Pre-CBS Fenders were both valued and sought after. Specifically I played with a guitarist who had a Pre-CBS Strat but didn't gig with it because of its value.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1392892078' post='2373813'] Nope - it was a factory extra. [/quote] So down the stairs was a waste of effort?

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1392891361' post='2373801'] ... with dodgy intonation ... [/quote] You mean the dodgy intonation on my old Hofner was not because it had been dropped down a flight of stairs?