Sparky Mark

2 hours ago, Skybone said:

IIRC, there's only been 2 Ric bass variations that weren't maple through necks, the 4000 (set neck) and the 4080 (bolt neck).

 

Though it would be interesting to see (hear) if there are any variations in sound between the standard 4003 and the 4003W.

My 4003SW was definitely more resonant and brighter sounding than my matte black 4003S 

On 29/12/2023 at 18:37, MoonBassAlpha said:

Anyone have strong thoughts on the Seymour Duncan replacement pickups?

I've just acquired one with these fitted, but no point of reference.

They're both humbuckers,  so  at least it is quiet. The neck one seems to have quite strong string pull.

My 4003SW had the SD pups fitted when I bought it. The previous owner included the originals so I swapped back. To me the SD took something away from the classic Rickenbacker sound and eccentric output mis-balance between the bridge and neck pups. I'm perfectly happy with the Rickenbacker pickups and sold the SDs on here, making my 4003SW a bit cheaper too.

13 hours ago, Doctor J said:

Or does it lose zing because the body is not maple. Aaaaah, we enter the tonewood paradox!

Nowadays Rickenbacker basses are all maple through neck construction, so it's only the body wings that are walnut on the 4003W and 4003SW. I also hear more zing from my 4003SW and wonder whether it's due to the lack of the thick gloss finish that is used on most of the other colours? Saves a little weight too.

I've only just seen this incredibly sad news. I feel truly blessed to have received one of John's beautiful basses last year. 😔

24 minutes ago, AJC08 said:

This is a daft question. But online I get so confused with if these are actually active or not? Like are they active pups or an eq or what? Great looker though. GLWS!

The description already provided above says passive pickups and passive electronics, so not active.

Do you have the screw showing as missing from the G machinehead?

Grab yourself a Christmas stocking filler with £1,500 off! 

Where was it made please?

On 07/12/2023 at 17:08, Grassie said:

Hi all,

 

This might seem like an obvious question, but when it comes to amps I'm a bit light in the knowledge department. Basses - yes, I can chat all day, amps - not much of a clue to be honest...

So, my question: I have a GK MB210 II extension cabinet that I might need to buy a separate head for, as my combo has gone in for repair and might not make it back. Can I run say an MB series head through the cabinet (it's not a powered cab) or will it need a powered cab?

Any help/advice gratefully received and appreciated.

Cheers. 

Is your amp tech authorised by GK? If not and he can't establish exactly what's wrong then I'd recommend finding a GK authorised tech. It might still be affordable to have it repaired, maintaining your modular rig.

It would also be very simple to mod the combo into a cab that still matches your extension cab if the amp really is beyond economic repair. 

I don't know whether newer 3500 amps are different but my 90's mosfet version has quite a loud cooling fan so might not be suitable for low volume studio use. I gigged mine for 10 years before buying a Markbass LM3 but will probably keep it forever for sentimental reasons. Great amps.

14 hours ago, clarkpegasus4001 said:

That is an absolutely wonderful bass Sir. It's my YOB too (March 1961),  plus Im a huge James Jamerson fan. What I'd give to own this! but unfortunately it's way out of my current means. I do own a 1969 though. The best of luck with your sale. 

6 hours ago, oldslapper said:

Yup my YOB dream bass too! 
 

Special Christmas discount available to Basschatters born in 1961. 

Could be worth adding a full length photo of the front?

Just now, TheGreek said:

Is it a bargain because or despite you playing it? 😉😉

Good point, well made Mick. 

Apparently some bloke called James Jamerson played a 1961 Precision from 1962 to 1968 and it was beaten up something rotten but still sold for $68,750 in 2017. This is obviously a massive bargain as I've played it! 

SOLD- Price reduction to £10,500. 

The time has finally come after 10 years for me to offer up this beautiful example for sale. 

Description: 1961 Fender® Precision Bass®, featuring slab Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, and Sunburst finish. The bass is all original. Although the body finish has the normal chips and dings, the neck is in excellent shape. Both body and neck feature their original finish, and the lacquer on the neck is in excellent condition. The bass was mainly played prior to my ownership with flat wounds so the frets are in great condition. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard is a deep, rich, dark colour, almost Ebony-like. The neck is straight and the bass plays wonderfully. This neck is the typical "C" shape of the period, with the thickness measuring .781" at the first fret and .972" at the 12th fret. The sound is killer from this great example from one of the best eras of the legendary Pre-CBS Fender® Bass. At one point the owner of the bass (this was a one owner instrument), had the pots changed and these slightly larger pots required slightly enlarging the cavity. The original pots, both dated 304 6107, are now back in place. No other modifications, alterations, or other issues exist with this bass. The neck date is 4/61 and the serial number is 639XX. The bass weighs a very light 8 lb. 3 oz., making this attractive example easy on the old back on those long nights. The pickup set is strong and healthy, measuring a perfect 11.6K for the pair. The bass comes in its original brown tolex case. The case is in good condition for its age, but does show signs of wear. The leather on one side of one end is missing. All latches work correctly and pop when opened. Interior is clean without any odours. Thumb rest, bridge and pickup covers included.

I priced this with reference to a well known dealer's prices for Precisions dated either side of 1961 but happy to negotiate via direct message/phone with reputable Basschatters in possession of good forum feedback. Many thanks for looking.

Just now, Reggaebass said:

Thanks , never heard that before, I can see why when I look at that one 

Do a search for Fender target and clown bursts; there's quite a lot of info on Talkbass too.

6 hours ago, Reggaebass said:

I see what you’re saying there, I do look at the bursts colours as they vary quite a bit, the 75 he has doesn’t look very good to me, a 66 near me looks well sprayed I think 

That's a nice one. Some are so pronounced they call them target bursts.

16 hours ago, Reggaebass said:

He’s just put up a nice 63 Precision aswell, quite a collection there at the moment

It's another example of a burst with almost no blending between the black and the red. 

1 hour ago, Lozz196 said:

It’s most probably an easy thing to deal with, I had something similar with mine and Ashdown sorted it for me (bizarrely made a similar noise when the mute button was pressed). But I bought it new, if it had been used and played up like yours has after 2 days I’d more than likely want the seller to take it back.

^^^^This. If the seller will give you a full refund, don't hesitate to take it. He can send it to Ashdown for a check up and then sell with confidence. 

2 hours ago, rwillett said:

I shall no longer call myself old now, merely "Vintage"

2 hours ago, OliverBlackman said:

I was asking more for myself 🤣

If bassists hit Vintage status at only 30 years, I must be an Antique by now! 

On 19/11/2023 at 04:16, OliverBlackman said:

Is 1990 old enough to be considered vintage? It feels that way for me 😂 there’s also basses such as Wal, Ken Smith but yes all boutique stuff. Nobody wants a ‘90 Fender 

30 years old is generally accepted as the point where a guitar can be called vintage.

1 hour ago, BassAgent said:

Are those volume pots original? I don't think so.

Why do you think they are not original please?

7 hours ago, BassAgent said:

And still somehow the Jazzes from just before that (let's say 69-71) are particularly hard to find. When I found my 1970 Jazz (and overpaid for it) it was the only bass from that era I could find in NL, Belgium and Germany. Older or newer than that was no problem.

Sod's Law says that whenever you are wanting a specific year (YOB for instance) of manufacture it won't be available until you've bought something else. I was after a 62 and ended up with 61, 63 and 64. 

7 hours ago, Burns-bass said:

There’s very little that makes a pre-CBS jazz better than a new one. I wouldn’t attempt to apply logic here.

That's also true but pre CBS are more desirable to many simply because of the direct link with Leo Fender and a degree of rarity. My CS Pino is as good as any P I've ever tried but it's probably still only worth a third of my genuine 1961.