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Following a niggling problem with my left arm that will take a long time to heal, I am thinning the herd, no point in keeping them laying there untouched. For those of you who are not familiar with Fclef, they are an American boutique whose ties with Fodera go back a number of years (for instance, Fodera NYC line has been produced for some time by the same people as Fclef's, and also as dealers). They make tremendous, high-end basses, and are well established in the USA, although still less this side of the Pond. Expect to pay Sadowsky NYC prices, starting around 4,000 USD for a 4-string like this one, 20% VAT, 4% import duty, plus shipping to the UK.... for a total equivalent to more than £3,750!! To get an idea of their quality, the guy in the following link paid 5,200 USD for a new 5-stringer with a couple of options in 2013, and he had a discount too!! https://www.talkbass...guitar.1255640/ On Youtube you can see several videos of Tamas Barabas (Tomika here on BassChat), Marcus Miller, Federico Malaman and others playing Fclef basses. Or listen to the extensive audio library at the website: http://www.fclefbasses.com/mod-FileShare-category_display-cat_id-1.html What we have for sale here is a Jazz FCLEF 4 CUSTOM SERIES in Black nitro, vintage neck with white binding and pearloid blocks, designed to look and sound as a '70s Fender Jazz clone when in passive mode, and as a slightly more modern take when active. Full size ash body, slim maple neck, Seymour Duncan Custom Vintage single coils in '70s position, 18V Fodera / Mike Pope 2-EQ preamp (Michael Pope is the guy behind all Fodera preamps: this is a very transparent piece of kit, it adds a touch of hi-fi without changing much the tone of the bass: volume / tone control working both in active and passive, pan, treble cut/boost, bass cut/boost; gain trimmer in the electronics cavity). Pickup bell cover included (only placed on top in the pictures as I have misplaced the screws... sorry). Set with a very straight neck and low action. Standard 19mm strings spacing adjustable by 0.5mm. 4.4kg / 10lbs. Comes in a black tolex case (Warwick, I believe) with black velour interior, with keys, in good shape and in full working order (handle, latches, hinges....). The bass is 100% original and with very light signs commensurate with normal use: a little tarnish on the bridge pickup polepieces and some patina on the tuning keys, the customary scuffs on the headstock, a very little knock through the finish the size of a nail's head on the bottom edge of the body, and in general some grazing/swirls/light scratches really only visible at an angle (on the pickguard and here and there on or behind the body, as a light buckle rash), although all superficial and nothing affecting in any way the sound or the playability. Overall purely minor cosmetic factors to be expected on an instrument that is not new anymore and has seen light use, not abuse. Excellent neck, fingerboard and frets. Price is £1,700 1,375 SHIPPED to mainland UK (excl. some remote postcodes), paid with a bank transfer like I usually do here on BC, please. I will only post through the UPS website, as most couriers and all the agents like Interparcel do not insure musical instruments above £1,000 (and in order to fulfil UPS requirements, it will be shipped without batteries, please have your 2 x 9V ready). That makes is £50 for a mainland UK tracked and insured shipment (excl. some remote postcodes and some islands): because of the hefty insurance, the real shipping cost is actually higher but I will absorb the difference in order to remain somewhat competitive. Sorry, no trades considered. BassChatters with an established history and reputation / feedback on the forum but living outside the UK (although in EU) may contact me, otherwise this is strictly a UK sale. The bass will also be very soon on eBay in order to appeal to the largest possible audience. You can find my feedback at the bottom of the page. Thanks for looking. Claz

WITHDRAWN

*** SOLD ***

ON HOLD

That's very nice, with the Flea bridge typical of the period.

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[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1507341312' post='3384899'] Im surprised this hasn't been snapped up. F Clef's are awesome Jazz basses. [/quote] [quote name='KUSKU' timestamp='1507372797' post='3384999'] I give the reason to the partner I have 2 Fclef of 4 and 5 strings and are great bass. [/quote] Thanks guys. Anybody taking the time to go through Tamas' videos would realise why they're terrific. Just to confirm their cost, here's the link to a post where the seller paid USD 5,200 for a new 5-string in the USA, so excl. international shipping, VAT, taxes.... On the one hand he added a couple of custom options like block inlays, on the other hand he had an artist discount!! [url="https://www.talkbass.com/threads/fclef-bass-guitar.1255640/"]https://www.talkbass...guitar.1255640/[/url]

[quote name='Quatschmacher' timestamp='1507394127' post='3385219'] The grain on the body is phenomenal! It's got to be the nicest figuring I've ever seen on a MM bass. [/quote] Thanks for your words. The lacquer on the body has remained particularly clear still after all this time, and it allows the grain to come through in all its beauty.

[quote name='drewk_ie' timestamp='1507239439' post='3384239'] Still a stunning looking bass, deserves a free bump! [/quote] ... and it sounds great too Thanks.

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1506688429' post='3380442'] I keep looking at this , always wanted a early stingray in this scheme [/quote] "let the dream begin, let your darker side give in...." "let your fantasies unwind, in this darkness which you know you cannot fight..." LOL There's no cure for GAS mate, you know? Tell me about it.....

[quote name='ian147' timestamp='1506638265' post='3380167'] Thats a beautiful bass! Wish I had the money... might be one someone would regret selling tho [/quote] Thanks mate. I already know it will be missed, but I have no time to use it, so somebody should. I am scaling down / thinning the herd.

[size=5][size=5]For those of you who are not familiar with Fclef, they are an American boutique whose ties with Fodera go back a number of years (for instance Fodera NYC line has been produced for some time by the same people as Fclef's) and also distributed in Japan under the BottomWave brand. They make tremendous, high-end basses, and are well established in the USA, although still less this side of the Pond. Expect to pay Sadowsky NYC prices for a new one (starting around 4,000 USD for a 4-string, plus shipping, 20% VAT, 4% import duty....). [size=5][size=5]You can hear an extensive collection of sound clips (around 50-60) taken with various settings at Fclef's audio library:[/size][/size][/size][/size] [size=5][size=5][size=5][size=5][url="http://www.fclefbasses.com/mod-FileShare-category_display-cat_id-1.html"]http://www.fclefbass...y-cat_id-1.html[/url][/size][/size][/size][/size] [size=5][size=5][size=5][size=5]Alternatively, on Youtube you can see several videos of Tamas Barabas (Tomika here on BassChat) and others playing Fclef basses[/size][/size][size=5].[/size][/size][/size] [size=5]For sale here is a Jazz FCLEF 4 CUSTOM SERIES in nice, shiny Piano Black, with white binding and pearloid blocks, designed to look and sound as a '70s Fender Jazz clone when in passive mode, and as a slightly more modern take in active. [size=5]I just do not play much anymore, so I am scaling down.[/size][/size] [size=5]Full size ash body, slim maple neck, Seymour Duncan Custom Vintage single coils in '70s position, 18V Fodera / Mike Pope 2-EQ preamp (very transparent, it adds a touch of hi-fi without changing much the tone of the bass: volume / tone control working both in active and passive, pan, treble cut/boost, bass cut/boost; gain trimmer in the electronics cavity, instructions supplied). Pickup bell cover included. Set with a very straight neck and low action. Strung with (old) DR 45-105. Standard 19mm strings spacing. 4.4kg / 10lbs. Very good balance without neck dive.[/size] [size=5]Comes in a [/size][size=5][size=5] black tolex case [/size](Warwick, I believe) with black velour interior, with keys, in good shape and in full working order (handle, latches, hinges....). The bass is 100% original and with very light signs of use: a little tarnish on the bridge pickup polepieces and in general some grazing/swirls/light scratches (mostly behind the body, as a light buckle rash), although all superficial, absolutely nothing through the finish, and definitely no chips.[/size] [size=5][size=5]Price is £1,700 plus shipping, paid with a bank transfer. I will only post through the UPS website, as most couriers and all the agents like Interparcel now refuse to insure musical instruments above 250 quid. That makes is £50 for a mainland UK tracked and insured shipment (excl. some remote postcodes and some islands).[size=5] PLEASE no trades, they'll be politely refused.[/size][/size] [u][size=5][u]BassChatters with an established history and reputation / feedback on the forum but living outside the UK (although in EU) may contact me, otherwise this is strictly a UK sale.[/u][/size][/u][/size] [size=5][size=5][size=5][size=5]You can find my feedback at the bottom of the page.[/size][/size][/size][/size] [size=5][size=5]Thanks for looking.[/size] [size=5]Claz[/size][/size]

[quote name='drewk_ie' timestamp='1506320728' post='3377791'] Stunning bass, I too was contemplating making an offer last time round... GLWS [/quote] Thanks mate

Stunning!! That's quite something, GLWTS

I bet it sounds fantastic!!! GLWTS

[quote name='Jebo1' timestamp='1505648560' post='3373306'] Looks like a lovely bass. I nearly bought this earlier in the year but couldn't scrape together £1500. Can't scrape it together now, either! [/quote] Thanks

The 3-EQ is a different thing altogether. I had a '95 3-EQ, but with a chunky neck, and there is general consensus that the 3-band is not equal to the 2-band plus mids control. In other words: the 3-band and the 2-band, both with everything flat and on basses with same woods combos (and strings) have quite different voices. Definitely more mids in the 3-EQ, even with mids flat. Cheers

[quote name='Orbs' timestamp='1505549019' post='3372692'] Great price for such an awesome bass, GLWTS... [/quote] [quote name='andysg42' timestamp='1505557276' post='3372783'] Great bass . Had one just the same . Year as well . Bought from soundwave bass Romford . These are rare pre Ernie ball 4 plate through body stringing . Started bridge strung bridge not long after this . Think they were made by charvel after musicman went bust . Great build quality . Best pre Ernie ball stingray I've had , and have had a few . Best of luck for the sale . Won't be around long [/quote] Thanks guys. I've had a dozen 'Rays, from pre-EB to standard/current production to Classic, from every single decade from the seventies to today. The warmth of the pre-EBs has been lost, and although the Classic is warmer than a standard Stingray, it doesn't sound so thick and focused like the pre-EBs I have had and played. I still own 2 1989, and they are diffferent beasts, more aggressive and "in your face" than this, which is much more balanced. But nowadays I play so little that I prefer to let this go to someone who can really appreciate it.

[size=5]For sale is a 1981 Pre-EB Music Man STINGRAY in Natural, 100% original, with its original Music Man leather strap and hangtags. Comes in a modern Music Man standard hardcase.[/size][size=5] This doesn't need any presentation, it's iconic as it gets, in the classic Natural / black scratchplate configuration.[/size] [size=5]I just do not play much anymore and cannot justify leaving such a beauty in the corner. Typical pre-EB sound, much warmer and full bodied than later years' production, with that twang that made the Stingray so appreciated. Strings through body, chrome battery cover, non-epoxy preamp (that stopped in 1978-79)... all the pre-EB works.[/size] [size=5]I am the second owner, the previous one bought it new in 1981. We discussed pots dates, serial numbers... and he confirmed that he never modded it or got to replace absolutely anything, not even a screw (apart from the strings, of course). Currently set with a rather straight neck and low action (actually the lowest I have ever found on a pre-EB), and I've had no problem in tweaking the trussrod.[/size] [size=5]Excellent general condition for a bass that is nearly forty years old. The body and the neck show the occasional little ding/knock/swirl here and there, but to be honest I have noticed them only when inspecting the bass for the sale, never jumped to my eyes (or fingers) before. A couple of scuffs on the headstock's edge and a little tarnish on knobs and pickup polepieces. Bridge still nice and shiny. The fingerboard bears a little bit of mojo, with the very thin upper layer / lacquered tint showing a little chip on the top side around fret 15, and being slightly frayed on the lower side, all of which is well visible in the pics. Again: [u]what you see is not a piece of fingerboard wood missing, [/u][/size][size=5][u][size=5][u]the chip (or the frayed lower edge) [/u][/size]it's only its very superficial laminated surface, only a few tenths of a millimeter thick[/u] and - like everything else mentioned - does not affect playability in any way, they're only cosmetic factors that can be easily rectified by a luthier, if so desired.[/size][size=5][size=5] There's a little fretwear on the first few frets, although plenty of life left in them. 4.7 kg / 10.5 lbs.[/size] The original Music Man leather straps has seen better days but still nice to have as part of the package, together with the original hangtags. The Music Man hardshell is the standard black current one, with latches and hinges in full working order. [/size] [size=5][size=5]You can find my feedback at the bottom of the page.[/size][/size] [size=5]Thanks for looking.[/size] [size=5]Claz[/size]

I have the same in black, and I vouch for every single word Miki said: tremendous quality basses, Mike Pope / Fodera preamp, good '70s Fender Jazz clones in passive (with a Master Tone pot as well) and very Marcus-like when active (especially with DR strings), hence a beautiful touch of hi-fi if needed. Very low action achievable. In order to have a good idea, listen to samples in the audio library in the Galleries at www.fclefbasses.com GLWTS, worth every penny.