razor5cl

On this topic - how do the various vintage BBs compare to the 734a in terms of feel or sound? I've been looking online at BB300s and BB450s lately and the 450 in particular seems like it would have a fairly similar tone. I've also been lusting after BB1200s online and whilst that only has a P-style pickup the few videos I've seen of people playing them, the tone sounds so growly and fierce, exactly like a newer 734.

Had my BB734a since my 21st birthday and it's served me so, so well. Every time I catch myself lusting after another bass I just think about how perfect it feels in my hands, how good it sounds, and how much I love it, and that wards off the GAS for a while longer! Literally everything about it feels perfect to me - the way it balances, the shape and feel of the neck, the way it looks, the headstock shape, the finish. And the sound is perfect too, I love the way it growls and has real depth to it but also a nice bite. I always play mine in active mode with both pickups on, and sometimes a smidge of onboard EQ. I like a bit of bass and mid boost and a touch of treble cut. Perfect, snarling growling roaring goodness. I actually quite like how the transparent matte black finish looks - the marks and wear show how much you play it! Hah. Only reason I bought another bass is that I need something pointy to play on stage. Otherwise I'd never need anything else! Maybe one day I'll own a vintage BB too, now that would be grand wouldn't it...

I've actually been wanting to ask this exact question for a while now! Remember lusting after this crazy fretless Explorer-shaped thing for a long time before it eventually sold on Reverb: https://reverb.com/uk/item/82270994-pete-back-custom-made-fretless-bass-1983 Googling it reveals some blog posts which have more information about him. Seems like a little-known luthier who made some really high quality instruments in his time.

I would absolutely LOVE to see a pic of this one day! Sharkfins are my favourite thing in the world and I just love how they look, LEDs would be absolutely killer I reckon

Anyone got more info about that rather fetching Peavey Unity? Google seems to not return much but apparently they're very nice basses indeed - £350 for a USA-made neck-thru in a very very snazzy gun metal grey colour seems like an absolute steal.

A ringing endorsement indeed! Fair old drive for me but could be worth it definitely! I did surface this one on my travels and it seems perfect to be honest! I'm only a stone's throw from Harlow indeed

Unfortunately that is almost the exact opposite site of London for me, I'm nearer North East and that's South West 🤣 nonetheless I'll have a look, worth a bit of a drive for a job done well!

I did see that thread however I was a little bit concerned given that the last post was almost 10 years ago! I'll have a Google of some of the names in there anyways though, cheers.

Hi all, apologies if this is the wrong forum to post this in but I tried searching for previous threads to no avail. I've got an absolute behemoth of a bass head, a Peavey Mark VIII XP 600W from the 90s I believe. Used it in rehearsals and for several gigs, but now it makes a horrible buzzing sound when it's on. Sounds like maybe a grounding issue? The strange thing is that you get the hum whether a bass is plugged in or not, and muting my bass or using my tuner makes no difference. It's not loud enough to be heard at playing volume but as soon as you stop then it comes on. I also previously had an issue where the amp would cut out entirely if the bass EQ knob was turned past a certain point so that probably needs looking at. Seeing as it's unlikely to be something I can fix myself, anyone got any suggestions for someone I can take it to in or near London?

Interesting - a Spector is on my long list of basses to try for sure... There's just something about the body shape that feels a bit naff to me though. The BB shape is classy and restrained but still cool, and the headstock is amazing too I think. Spector bodies just feel a little "eh" to me right now. Would love to try one soon though!

My BB734A was my first "proper" bass and I love it, played my first real gigs on it, my first recording was done with it too and the combination of the split and single coil pickups together just sounds magic, no other bass seems to really manage it. I originally wanted a Fender Aerodyne but after trying one at Wunjos the guy just happened to bring me the Yamaha as a "cheaper" alternative. I remember the feeling I got immediately when I plucked a note, it just sounded like the thing absolutely sang to me. Even to this day no other bass has given me the same feeling of that growl and punch. Made an account here and eventually was offered to buy one in lovely condition from a Scottish BCer whose username now eludes me - this was almost 7 years ago! Not sure if it's the pickups, electronics, or the body and neck woods/construction (5-piece maple/mahogany neck eh?!). But it's an absolute delight and so comfortable to play (unlike my pointy Jackson which looks the business but is about as comfortable as a Moroccan prison). Used to love perusing the Yamaha BB thread although it's dormant nowadays. I've only ever played modern Yamaha models - which are the best older models? Looks like the BB3000 is a popular choice

There's such a thing as "low" gain? That term doesn't feature in my vocabulary 🤣

Forget to run your strap through your lead and you might die, or suffer an even worse fate.....your bass will cut out mid song! Learned this one myself after treading on my own lead and pulling it out at one too many rehearsals. On stage it could even be a clumsy guitar player!

I'm seeing Fields in a couple of weeks for the first time and I was really excited, all of my mates said that they're bloody brilliant live and that Carl is a killer frontman.....I hope this doesn't shatter any of the illusion of excitement for me just yet!

My band is Äxe - unholy old school black/speed metal slaughter with plenty of classic heavy metal and crust punk influence. For fans of big sunglasses and huge Marshall stacks (and of course filthy driving bulldozer bass too 😄). Been together about a year, released a demo in May and played 2 gigs so far. 2 more coming up, writing new material all the time, and looking forward to conquering the rest of London, then the UK, and soon the world! https://unholyaxekution.bandcamp.com/album/warriors-of-the-death-raid A couple of live videos from our last gig: