BassAgent

Thanks! I bought it a few years ago from Andy Baxter's, just after Scott Devine was there and was very impressed with it. I didn't know that when I bought it, though, but he was right. It's possibly the best Jazz I've ever owned (or even played?). Better than the Celinder Skarbee bass I had.

This would be my advice too.

Just to have choice, I've also ordered the Richter Ultra Comfort Ergo strap. That should arrive tomorrow.

I'm not surprised. If Fender's goal was to acquire Leo's workplace and his name and likeness, it's not more than logical that they don't "need" the G&L stock. They won't sell Fender-branded basses with G&L branded bridges and MDF pickups, anyway. It's a lot cheaper to sell or dispose of that stuff than to try to re-purpose it.

But if it includes 40s RnB and jazz it's double weird. Ska and blue beat evolved from RnB and mento being squashed together. I bought the book anyway🙃

It was probably originally sunburst. CAR was a custom colour in those years AFAIK, which would have meant it had a white pickguard. But it looks amazing! Love the wear on the neck, and the fact you have photos of the original owner add to its mojo. Enjoy that beautiful instrument.

Took both my USA Lakies for a swing last weekend with my ABBA tribute. Still can't get over how incredible these two basses are.

Found it! It's Johnny Heartsman. Bay Area blues artist.

Well, best gear is an ex aequo between a childhood dream and a vintage gem. First off a bass I've wanted to own since I was 12 (which is over 20 years ago): a walnut JB5 Custom by André van der End, a Dutch luthier. It popped up on a Belgian website and shortly after New Year I drove there to pick it up. It's heavy, it doesn't play as smoothly as my Lakland JO5 but I love it. Amazing feeling to own that bass now. I've replaced the black hardware with chrome since buying it. The other one is the 1973 Mustang I bought from the original owner. Excellent condition, excellent sound. Took it on tour to Germany in May and it fit perfectly into the Northern soul band sound. I don't think I've bought bad gear this year. Maybe the Optogate that I still haven't figured out how to use yet.

That guy with the Strat...I know that photo. At first I thought it might be Buddy Guy, but it isn't. It also isn't BB King. I have to google this extensively.

Thanks for the idea David I have considered that; the seams are slightly off and I can feel the pressure of the strap on my collarbone. I've ordered a Gruvgear today, also because of the availability and length. Very curious.

I broke my collarbone recently and although it's healed (yay!) and I can play again (yay!) I still struggle with straps. I used a regular strap on a rehearsal yesterday and it doesn't feel great. The metal plate is still in my left shoulder and it presse a bit against the skin. I'm looking for a soft, comfortable strap. I have a Mono Betty, but the ends of that aren't at all durable so I don't want another one I need padding, but I don't need stretch. I was looking at the Levy Comfort Strap, the GruvGear Solo and the classic Comfort Strapp. Any experiences? Am I missing one?

If you ask me, the JMJ is peak Mustang. But this is pretty too. The logo is a bit too small for me, but the dakota red one looks very tasty.

Yep, agreed. The original colour is still visible under the control plate:

Proud owner of my all original Mustang from 1973. Bought it from the first owner and sounds the absolute business.