NJE

[quote name='jassbass' timestamp='1423226357' post='2682433'] I don't really need one but so tempted to get one [/quote] I have had one just over 2 weeks now, and I have to say it is one of the most enjoyable and playable basses I have ever owned. I wont even say it is good for the money, it is just a great bass. I would say it is easily as good as my old classic vibe precision and it cost a lot less. In fact it is better than my old 2013 American standard Jazz. I just cant believe they can make good basses for so little money, I enjoy playing it more than any of the more expensive basses I have owned, plus it is very light.

I just bought the same bass and was considering fitting a Nordstrand P5 pickup. I read a lot on talkbass and people there are reporting much of the same when changing the pickup on this bass, its slightly better/different but certainly not the massive change people expected. I still might go for a Nordy and a new wiring harness when I have some more cash.

I searched and couldn't find any feedback for Miracle (Julien) and couldnt find anything, so time to start a feedback thread. Julien bought my Roscoe Beck V, he was a superb buyer, great communication and he speaks superb english. I would glady do business with him again and can reccomend him as another trustworthy member fo this forum. All the best, Nathan

Thanks everyone, I am really thrilled and it has been a really positive start to the year. Even selling my main bass didn't cause me too much heartache. I was going to quote replies, a lot of them made me chuckle, but there are too many Some mixed experiences with the playing, I guess a lot will depend on technique and style, I must admit I do have a general issue with anything being around my hands when playing, I don't even like long sleeves, but I am sure I will get used to it. I got an evil look when I suggested not having a wedding ring so perhaps something thin and light might be in order. Its good to know that you get used to it quite quickly, it feels rather alien to me at the moment having never worn rings before. I thought if there were a lot of people saying it caused damage to bass necks, I might have tiny excuse to get a pre-relic'd bass. I don't think I can use that excuse now though.

I got engaged a couple of weeks ago and today I have been sorting my fiance's engagement ring out. While we were in the shop the subject of wedding bands came up and it got me thinking whether an engagement ring will get in the way when playing. So, to all the married ladies and gentlemen out there, does you wedding band get in the way when you play and has it caused any damage to the neck of your bass?

For some reason (probably lack of money) I have GAS for some pretty cheap basses at the moment, number 1 is this: [attachment=181359:Squier_by_Fender_Vintage_Modified_Precision_Bass_V_MN_OW.jpg]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1421323321' post='2659795'] I have a friend who is a VERY busy London 'session' bassist with some big pop acts, he often can be seen out with his Squier.......yes it's a JV, and its a backup to his '63......but still, no-one tells him not to use it because of the name on the headstock Si [/quote] I think Andrew McKinney who plays with the James Taylor Quartet uses a JV a lot as well.

I should have put my comments in context with my situation which is basically a 'hobby' bass player. In the bands and venues I play in it won't matter. I know that professional players have a different set of expectations put upon them, my very best friend does session work and writing and there are certain instruments he 'must have' for certain jobs and a lot of the time they do need to have the right logo on them to be taken seriously.

[quote name='No lust in Jazz' timestamp='1421316544' post='2659669'] Agreed and this is a view I share, but I think that its great to have the range of options available - we're not communists. [/quote] I agree completely, I think it has got to be one of the best times for bass players in terms of amount of gear available to us at high and low price points. The quality and diversity has just got better and better even compared to what was available to me when I started 15 years ago. I just think there are a lot of people out there (myself included) who have spent a lot of time concerned with what brands they are using, as if someone at a gig was going to walk up and say "sorry mate that bass isn't good enough, your a fraud, please leave". If I had the money I would spend a fortune on basses, I love Mike Lull stuff and Sadowsky, but no-one will look at me any differently for turning up with a Squier.

I wouldnt say I have ditched Fender, but pending payment my main bass after today will be a Squier Deluxe Jazz V. It was always my 'back-up' bass and basically never got used so a few weeks ago knowing my Fender was for sale I started to use it exclusively. I can honestly say I dont know why I thought it was only good enough as a back-up, it is an incredibly good bass and not just for the money. I have had far more compliments on its looks and sound than most of my other basses. The construction is very very good and the neck it very nicely finished. The machineheads are a bit heavy and unrefined but they hold tuning. I did replace the bridge with a Hipshot and converted to classic passive jazz wiring but thats as far as the mods have gone. After selling and buying far too many basses over the past 15 years I have learnt one major lesson (it may not apply to everyone) and that is, no-one gives a flying crap what bass or rig you have. Most people wouldnt really notice at a gig whether you have a 6k Fodera or a £160 squier as long as you sound 'bassy' thats all that matters. Most of my band wouldnt know whether I changed bass or not as I just sound like me when I play. I am even GAS-ing for a Squier P5 at the moment. I just tell myself; play something you feel comfoirtable with and can get a decent sound out of, it doesnt matter what the logo is. I once owned a very expensive Overwater J5, a guitarist walked up to me and said "not a bad guitar that mate, why havent you got a Fender, are they a bit too expensive for you".

We have all been there, stick with it! Little and often was the key when I started playing but I know that isn't always possible. Play with a lighter touch and turn up as well, you tend to play harder if you can't hear yourself. Takes me back to when I started, I remember doing 3 nights in a row, two hours a night when my fingers were still hardening up. By the third night I blood pouring out of my two plucking fingers because the blisters under my blisters had popped. I can stick needles through my finger tips now.

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1420728067' post='2652668'] My 'rules' for being in a band are fairly uncomplicated. 1) Don't be a dick 2) Practice 3) Turn up on time You're welcome [/quote] That is the simplest and best set of rules for being a musician in my opinion. I am also a firm believer in bands being run as a dictatorship, and that too many opinionated people can ruin a good band. Oddly I am never really the dictator, I give my opinion when it is asked for and I am listened to but often overruled. The band leader in one of my bands owns all of the kit, the rehearsal space, gets us well paid gigs, picks the songs (most of the time) and its a case of, 'do it my way and do it properly of f*@k off' basically. I like it, everyone knows where they stand and if your a knob and don't work hard your gone.

That looks like someone has taken a Sterling neck and built their own body to replicate the old Stingray limited edition with the flame top. The pickups dont look right either, I thing the standard Sterling 34 has the new pickups with the built in sloping thumb rest bit, they dont look like normal Stingray pickups. I would stay clear, you wont shift that on IMHO.

I have always thought that as well as a Squire or cheaper backup bass I should also have a 'proper' bass. For the past month I have been using my Squier 5 string exclusively as my Fender Roscoe Beck is for sale. I have to say that I don't really miss my 'proper' bass and may just get another Squier. I don't know why I feel like I should have something better as to be brutally honest, if it plays well and sounds good, what does it matter, the folks in the crowd couldn't give a monkeys what you are playing. Its also quite nice to be complimented on your playing and sound when you are using a budget instrument.

Check out Cut The Funk, great band, great bunch of chaps. Their album Weekend Coda has been on heavy rotation at my house for over a year. http://youtu.be/wWiThA4r5uY