NJE

NYE should be a nice little earner. I used to play in a local covers/function band and we used to get a minimum of £200 each (5 of us). We did the new years celebration on our local town square and there were 6000 people there and because of all the extra gear we needed we were on about £350 for the night plus we got free booze and food all night wherever we went for the night. I would say free food, free booze and at least £150 each for a good nights entertainment.

very interesting banter going here, I would say this, I have owned 2 USA fenders now and both were stunningly built and far suppassed the quality of many other basses I have played with the exception of a USA Lakland, USA Sadowsky, and a custom Warwick. No Ibanez, Cort, or MIM Fender ever came close to the sound and quality of build of my two, but i know that is not always the case. I dont know what the new Fender USA basses are like because basically I have no desire for any USA basses they currently make, and the only bass they still make that I actually like is the Marcus Miller which is stunning and only made in Japan. My Roscoe Beck V, is a beautifully built instrument, and IMHO is better built than any Lakland Skyline, which even thought they are great basses I think are only just worth their secondhand value, ( I have seen mint used "proper" american laklands in the states for less as new skylines over here). My point (I think) is just try a few, its a personal thing, a lot of people on here may not like USA Fenders but, you may pick one up and it could blow you away both in sound and build. Personally I would never buy a Lakland Skyline (good basses but after playing a American one, no chance) but folks on here swear by them. Cheers and good luck

Really interesting to hear how people feel about "the one" and GAS in general. I think I am just a bit of a magpie and am drawn to new shiny things. I do love my current bass more than anything I have ever played before which is a big thing for me. I think I just need a second bass (not unreasonable) and I think that should be an all out Jazz with every bell and whistle on on it, whether it be Sei, Shuker, Sadowsky etc.... I suppose its a bit like finding your perfect partner (im talking people now) you find the one you love and want to spend the rest of your days with, but occasionally you have a cheeky second glance going down the highstreet (or is that just me too )

Hello everyone, Not long ago I picked up a new bass and for a couple of weeks I have been completely besotted with it. Everything was fine up until about 4 days ago when I started browsing the for sale threads here and on TalkBass. It got me thinking about the whole big question and probably the most important question any real man/woman has ever asked, "will I ever find the perfect bass"....... I have been GAS-less for over a month and was really happy, but now find myself wanting a new Jazz 5er and have been craving basses along the lines of Alleva Coppolo, Nordy, LowEnd Jazz, Elrick, and some custom UK instruments. I started seriously thinking about whether I should just keep changing basses until "the one" comes along, but then will I ever find that one bass that makes me go "thats the boy for me". Is it just the end of the rainbow I am chasing or can I actually find the bass that cures my GAS once and for all? So I started thinking "I will change my bass again" I will get something else and see if that is the answer and see if that will cure the dreaded GAS. I looked around and started pricing up some instruments, and then in a strange moment of quietness and calm I saw the bigger picture. I LOVE basses so much and as far as I am concerned knowing about basses and equipment is a important part of being a musician, knowing your tools and what is available to you I suppose. I have so much pleasure reading this forum and looking at basses and dreaming about what basses I would like one day and then it hit, if I got the perfect bass and cured GAS once and for all WHAT THE HELL WOULD I DO FOR FUN? I have so much joy GAS-ing over gear, if that was taken away I would not know what to do with myself, bcause with all the will in the world you cant practice all the time. My conclusion is this: I like GAS I want GAS and it will be a sad day when it goes and I dont want something new, because for all the money I spend and money I lose on gear I love it and love basses and I hope I never find the perfect bass because it would take away one of lifes little exhilarating pleasures.....the thrill of the chase! So there we have it, the ponderings of a bored office worker. Does anyone feel the same?

Hello, just to add my pennies worth, I would say that the other comments on here about getting a Lakland jazz were pretty spot on. They can easily be retro fitted with an east preamp, and they are superb basses. I tried a few fender 5 ers when i was looking for a new bass and found them very hit and miss. Some were great with no B problems at all and had cracking EQ, but some of the passive mexican 5ers were poor. I have a Fender Roscoe Beck which is superb, but getting hold of one is tricky and they are passive. I would definately try and find a Lakland JO5. Superb basses, traditional looking with plenty of guts. It does depend on budget though, if you can stretch to around £900 you could probably pick up a Used sei 5. good luck.

I have been all over the fancy interweb fandango and found another Roscoe Beck V for sale in the states but the dude will not ship. To be honest it is less than a day to the end of the auction and i need to wait to hear about my job before buying anything else, but it is $685 with 11 hours to go. I think buying another RBV is going to be the best bet (if I ever find one) and having J. Shuker build me a maple neck will be the most sensible option, (I would want to have one exactly as is) although a complete custom build would be awesome as I do love his work. This is the RBV for sale in the states....I would actually keep the colour and just have a new flamed maple neck built with binding and blocks.......it would look sexual! [attachment=12716:1541_1.jpg] [attachment=12717:2453_1.jpg]

A refinish could be an idea, but as I am very reluctant to mess with something that feels so right. Ideally as some have suggested it could be a Job for Mr Shuker. I would love something to go along side the Beck that feels very similar but with the pimped neck, black hardware, and some active EQ. It is very tempting. I will see how my interview goes and maybe just maybe if i get the job, I may put in a call and see what Mr Shuker can do for me......even the thought of it is making me shake with excitement.

[quote name='Bigwan' post='270922' date='Aug 27 2008, 12:43 PM']Apparently Fender had to ask Roscoe Becks permission to build Christain Olde Wolbers' bass! There's always the refinish option Nathan. You'd be hard pressed to get the same pickups in a custom build if you wanted it to be as close as possible. Missing my old RBV now...[/quote] I remeber reading that somewhere actually! I could never do anything to my RBV It is staying the same never going anywhere. I wouldnt risk ruining the mojo we share. I just want something to go with it, and maybe even put 2 band EQ in. Actually quite similar to the Valenti that was in the sale thread. you are right though, getting the pickups to give me a similar sound may be difficult. I am also liking the look of the RB 4 string thats still lurking around.....Everything is depending on whether I get my Job next week.

I was thinking Mr Shuker, and also Sei, but then the cheap side of me said look at warmoth parts and try it yourself! I am going to look into it because I really think this could be my perfect custom bass. I would have bought the original if I had known it was for sale in a heartbeat, lovely bass.

I dont quite know whether I have put this in the right place, or even why I put it up but have a look anyway. I was having a read through some old magazines the other day and came across Christain Olde Wolbers (ex Fear Factory Bass player and now guitarist) playing a custom shop Fender which more than resembled a Roscoe Beck. I then also noticed Fear Factory's new bass player Byron Stroud with the same bass and another very Rock looking fender V. Now I have a Roscoe Beck and love it more than anythin but have always fancied something black with maple board and matching head with block inlays and here it is, this is my perfect bass (with an additionof different pickguard) [attachment=12679:fear_factory_04.jpg] [attachment=12680:Byron.jpg] [attachment=12681:fearfact...feature4.jpg] [attachment=12682:6_r32739.jpg] I love the headstock, it almost looks like the flared 70's strat ones. I realy want one of these to go with my beck so now the descision is, who do I get to build it for me, or do I do it myself with parts?

I think that is possibly some of the best news ever... I have wanted a Wal for ages but never see 5 ers around, I may actually have the chance to buy my own Wal now. I would love to be able to build basses, i would go down there and work fro free to get some experience, if they needed and staff. I hope it works out.

As per the post previously all the details can be found on those sites, and it is very much Korean built ( ithink) with american electronics and bridge design. On a personla note, they are fantastic basses, really superb quality both the american and tribute versions. If your lucky you can often find a used american model for good money as they are not hugely known and used, but the tribute range is very very good. The electronics are great in these basses and extremely versatile, and perfect for so many applications, and perfect if you like having huge sound control on your bass withought tweaking an amp. Highly reccomended.

Hi, I am going to have to agree with previous comments. As you have such a good budget you are opening yourself up to a lot of possibilities. If you want brand new you are slightly more limited but if you are happy with a used bass you have a massive selection. I know for instance that there is are 2 stunning sei basses on here under £1000, but you could go Lakland, Fender, Status, Warwick, MusicMan, Overwater (if you are lucky enough to find a used one) .....the list goes on. My suggestion would be, use some of it to buy a ticket to London, go to the Bass Gallery and talk to Martin about your budget and try everything until something blows you away, you may be suprised what will catch your eye and feels right, It may even be something a lot cheaper than you expected in which case you are quids in. Good luck, and just try as much as you can, before deciding. Nathan

Just bought a lovely Ashdown Evo head from Alan (cant afford but hey..) Good comms, great amp, great price and it arrived super quick, so I am thoroughly pleased. Buy with confidence folks. many thanks, nathan

Hello, For those interested, and those who read this section, noirpunk bought my Superfly head, quick payment easy transaction and a all round nice chap, he also has a very nice leopard print bass...love it! Thanks again, absolute pleasure. Nathan

[quote name='noirpunk' post='267053' date='Aug 21 2008, 01:49 PM']Top man, Very good communications and friendly to boot. Very pleased with my Superfly, can't wait to give it a blast in the practice room. Cheers[/quote] My pleasure, will be leaving you some feedback now. Thanks again.

Hello, Just a quick word to say that Jon came and picked up my old/his new Warwick Streamer ProM today, lovely chap had a nice chat about basses and gear and it was an absolute pleasure during the whole process. Deal with confidence everyone, and thanks again Jon if you read this. Many thanks, Nathan

I have had exactly the same in the past. New basses have been nice but taking some adjusting to. My ray was stunning but still it never felt 100% for some reason, same with my Fender P, and Ibanez ATK. When the Roscoe Beck V arrived I was just in awe! it instantly felt like I was being re-united with an old friend, it was great. To be honest I am so so happy with it and glad I have found a bass for me, even thought the last bass I thought I would click with would be a fender V. So the question is, are you going to make an offer on the floral P?

[quote name='clauster' post='256639' date='Aug 6 2008, 07:19 PM']Someone paid for a subscription for my birthday three months and a bit ago and I still haven't had a copy! Or a reply from the subscription phone number when we phoned to find out where it is. Now that people are getting it free I'm even more p*ss*d off [/quote] Just want to say I feel the same. I took out a subscription months ago, the first issue I was due to receive never turned up, so I went to WH Smiths and bought a copy and asked them to put my subscription back a month. Next issue came out and I had to chase for a copy, called them up and they apologised and sent out another. A week later it turned up at my parents home with half my old address and half my new address which considdering one is in cheltenham and the other in wales was a miracle. So latest issue, 2 weeks after everyone else has received their subscription copy nothing has turned up. I called them last week, to chase AGAIN!!! and make sure they have the correct address, they say they will send another copy. It is now another week later and still nothing. I am seriously dissapointed in the service, so much so i am going to blast them on the phone in a minute, muppets!

Was flicking through a mag the other day and saw an advert for one of these, looks really interesting and i quite fancy one. Keep us updated as to when they arrive in the country, and if anyone gets one please write a review, would be great to hear a non biased opinion.

Hello, Welcome to basschat. Firstly good tunes, big Incubus fan. As you said its rock type stuff you are playing which will have some effect on the kind of gear you choose. I have played in rock bands forever it seems and have had a few amps in my time. I started with Trace Elliot years back and they were fantastic, and I have since had Ashdown and Epifani amps, and regularly used Ampeg and Peavey gear. I am currently just about to finish a Ashdown Rig which consists of a ABM 4x8 cab with Ashdown Evo head. I love ashdown because I find it simple to use sturdy and it has a good rock tone. At the moment you can pick up some really good Ashdown cabs and heads for very good money and around your £400 budget if you want seperates. Peavey is also worth looking at, as well as Gallien Kreuger stuff although not a lot of Gallien stuff used on here or ebay at the moment. If a bigger combo is what you are after then again Ashdown are good value as are Peavey and Gallien and all well proven rock type amps. Ampeg can be a bit expensive but occasionally deals can be found. As a guide i always look for used gear as your money tends to go further. Good luck anyway.

There are a couple of real heartbreakers in there I have always traded and sold instruments to get to something I felt was "my instrument" so rarely have I regretted selling but there are two in particular. My second bass was an Squier Silver Series Jazz Bass in dark red and it was lovely. I always wanted a jazz bass and was so happy when that came home with me. A few years later I got all snobby and wanted Fender written on the headstock of my bass so I traded it in for £100......sorry it still hurts. I traded it in for a Fender Precision, sonic blue with maple neck and board and that was angelic to play. Unfortunately at the same time I had an Ibanez ATK which sounded so much better and more versatile so a couple of years later I tried to sell the Pbass and no-one wanted it. It was mint but the fashion was for warwicks and Ibanez basses (damb you Nu-Metal), I swapped it for a £400 acoustic guitar. I love my acoustic and use it all the time for song writing so that is fine, but I really wish I had not let those two go, both were stunning to play. Ah well I only play a 5 string now so I suppose it worked out for the best.....

Hello, I could be very wrong here but would a external EQ pedal e.g. Sadowsky etc make a difference to output or is it just for sound? It may save you stripping out the electronics and wont hurt the orginal state of the bass for resale. Its an idea I know people have suggested it for passive basses, and I am thinking of getting something for my Roscoe Beck. Nathan

[quote name='project_c' post='264455' date='Aug 18 2008, 12:00 PM']I was told to buy rotosounds (which are by far the harshest, jangliest strings out there), with "if it's good enough for rock stars, it's good enough for you mate" thrown in as a comment.[/quote] I had that once, I wanted Ernie balls saying I found them gruff on the fingers and they dont last long. The shop assistant actually argued with me (they didnt stock ernieball) saying that all the best bass players in the world used them and you should too....I asked "name a few then" he got as far as Billy Sheehan and John Paul Jones.....So not really all of them then.