Cosmo Valdemar

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1413898068' post='2583274'] IIRC he's no longer taking custom orders. He's still building basses, and if you like what he's made then there is a possibility to buy one, but nothing to individual customers' specifications. [/quote] That was my understanding too. The thread I'm thinking was, I believe, concerning one of the last custom orders he took on. I recall that throughout the lengthy build time, CT deviated on numerous occasions from the original spec, without asking the customer, simply because he felt like it. Amazingly most of the responses on TB seemed to suggest the OP should just shut up and deal with it as if it was part of the deal with CT.

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1413809815' post='2582124'] You're living not so far from me...once my stuff arrives in the UK, lets set something up. [/quote] Sounds good!

[quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1413829827' post='2582517'] You don't need luck. Just money. Lots of. [/quote] Having followed various build threads on Talkbass, I would suggest that a lot of luck is needed after placing an order with CT...

I bought a 424X to fill a 'versatile workhorse' role. I was so impressed I bought another one. I'm continually amazed at rehearsal how good these basses sound and play. I did consider going for the more expensive 1024 option at some point but if I'm honest there's nothing about the 424 that leaves me wanting. And if anything, I find the 424 does a more convincing impression of a P bass than it's posher sisters.

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1413796459' post='2581863'] Nice score, for many years I was in the market for one but ended up with the real thing. I'd love to try one at some point just to see how close they get. [/quote] You're welcome to come over and try it - if you bring the real thing along! Mind you, saying that, I would hate to try a real on side by side and discover mine isn't really all that!

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1413623048' post='2580201'] Mercedes builds Mercs in China. So why not manufacture Fenders there as well. Becoming a boutique guitar builder , based in California, is not what Fender is all about. Fender's were created to be the Ford model T of the guitar world, affordable by Joe Public everywhere. [/quote] +1

I think bringing back some half decent colours to the range would be a start...

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1413574592' post='2579842'] The necks aren`t particularly deep, at least both the one I had, and Bens (Cosmo) weren`t. These are really great basses, they are probably the most aggressive sounding modern Precisions that I`ve played - they have a real snap to them. [/quote] They are definitely large necks, but still very comfortable and not clubby. If you are fine with P bass necks normally you're unlikely to have any trouble. A thing of glory, the 50s P bass neck!

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1413546957' post='2579372'] Ha! Baby sick colour... I like that colour a lot, with a white/mint pickguard probably. But I'm at a red period in my life, so... [/quote] I always thought the blonde would go down lovely with a nice red tort... But mint would be lovely too.

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1413540758' post='2579252'] Absolutely great basses...but from memory of my buddy's FAB bass they did not have filter based electronics. I am a little surprised you can achieve the "wah" effect. [/quote] It wahs like mad! A real squelch of a sound. It's exagerrated when you move the toggle switches. I'll try and capture it when I make a recording.

I had the 'honey blonde' (babysick) model. It looks much nicer in real life, I promise! Probably my favourite Fender Precision you can buy. I didn't get on with the pickguard, it was like fingernails on a blackboard. But that's easily changed! Oh and be aware, the neck is fairly massive. But brilliant.

Sound clips coming soon, hopefully!

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1413486512' post='2578860'] No one seems to know... and the FB page of the ex L42 guy doesn't appear to say. Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone..?? So, apart from the sentimetal element, which does seems a shame, we only know that Immigration didn't let her in. A bit of a non story on those details..IMO. As someone said above..something is not quite right here. [/quote] It does seem very odd. Surely she would have gig tickets of some sort, or order confirmation, that would verify her story? That would surely make it difficult for customs/immigration to have her detained, surely?

A good friend of mine has a Broadneck 5 string, from the days when it was a standard option rather than an astronomically expensive custom shop job. It's an astounding instrument to play - it truly feels like it has been hewn from some ancient oak tree, extrememely vibrant and responsive to play, although heavy and somewhat eceentrically balanced. It sounds like a Thumb and that has proven to be a bit of a marmite thing over the years but to my mind it's an absolute classic and one I would love to own one day.

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1413290937' post='2576754'] That's some serious replication going on there. I'm just not sure about the point on the bottom of the body. [/quote] That's there for a reason - Alembic originally started out modifying and repairing instruments, and one of the most common 'injuries' they saw were snapped headstocks as a result of basses basses being balanced against a wall. The point design ensures the use of a proper stand. But the tone! Seriously Ash, you would love it - huge, piano-like with a load of growl and sustain. I'm going to try and figure out how to make a little recording and upload it.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1412973811' post='2573871'] I remember trying these out on the Fernandes stand at the Frankfurt Trade Fair in the early/mid 80's & being totally blown away by them. [/quote] It does seem to be an astoundingly close replica. A couple of obvious differences I've noticed are a rosewood fretboard instead of ebony, and a standard brass nut instead of the adjustable Alembic nut. I'm amazed they got away with it!