simon1964

[quote name='ahpook' post='164645' date='Mar 27 2008, 05:29 PM']i'd go for the 201...[/quote] +1. I've got a Gotoh 201 on my fretless Precision. More substantial that the Fender bridge, but looks better than a Badass (IMO). They're also a lot cheaper than the Badass.

[quote name='onehappybunny' post='159305' date='Mar 17 2008, 11:30 PM']If you were looking for views on the MB Jeff Berlin combo you could p.m. Simon1964, as he bought one a few months before I took the plunge. I'm not selling but if you want to try it out (at non-neighbour annoying levels) and are around Guildford any time just give me a shout. Cheers Stu[/quote] The MB Jeff Berlin is a fantastic bit of kit. As Stu has said, it suits the motown / blues sound perfectly. My Jap Precision sounds amazing through it. On its own, its great but add a 2 x 10 cab, and you really do have a very flexible set up.

[quote name='The Funk' post='159439' date='Mar 18 2008, 10:22 AM']Not really in the same league - these are more boys' toys that you really don't need and that really are sad (but are secretly very cool). [url="http://www.overkilldesign.com/products.php?productid=4&image=1"]http://www.overkilldesign.com/products.php...d=4&image=1[/url][/quote] Now I have table GAS!!

I've had one of these for a couple of months. Its not really a multi-effects pedal in the sense of the Korg, Zoom and Boss offerings. What it offers is amp modelling with decent compression, and one or two additional effects (chorus, synth and octave). To be honest, the effects are not much to write home about. But the modelling is very good, and the compressor is very usable too (as good as a lot of stand alone compressor pedals in my view). I tend to use mine primarilly for the compressor and tuner. The pedal is in reality the EQ and effects section of the Line 6 Lowdown amp series. If you want dozens of effects, something like the Zoom B2 will do it better at less price. Where the Line 6 scores highly is that it is, IMO, much easier to programme, and much easier to tweak presets. If you want one or two basic effects with some reasonable amp modelling, its fine. If you want a pedal with loads of effects, you probably would be better with the Zoom, Korg, or similar.

[quote name='bass_in_ya_face' post='156838' date='Mar 13 2008, 04:51 PM']Colin Moudling (XTC)[/quote] +1 - pleased to see him get a mention. Very underrated player (and a very underrated band).

The P bass sound really does come into its own live. I've played basses which cound great played solo, or in low volume rehearsals, but which get lost in a live mix at a gig. But a good Precision just seems to sit well in any mix.

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='155918' date='Mar 12 2008, 12:36 PM']Bruce Thomas?[/quote] +1 - hugely underatted Most of my choices have already got a mention: JJ Burnell Bruce Foxton Jim Lea Paul Simenon

[quote name='Sergeant_Stagger' post='156437' date='Mar 13 2008, 12:33 AM']Hey, Just bought a new 5 string (the Ibanez RoadGear 905) and wondered what anyone else thought of them. I've been a four string player for quite some time and thought it was time to make the transition to 5 string, saw this bass on sale by a friend of mine for 200 quid and thought it was worth it. The Seymour Duncan Basslines pups are nice and warm, and the body has a beautiful finish. Was wondering if anyone else has had any problems or good reviews for this bass? And I also beg the question - was it worth it?[/quote] I used to own the four string version. They're really well made, very versatile, and as usual with Ibanez, very good value for money. The 900 series has basslines pickups fitted as standard - the cheaper models came with Ibanez Pickups. If yours is the ''FM'' version, it has a mahogony body with a flamed maple top. As you say, they're very nicely finished. The FM isn't made any more - I think the current 900 series only comes with a solid ash body, which I guess will have an effect on the tone. £200 is a very good price if its in good nick. I think they were about £450 new when I bought mine. I reckon you've got a good deal there.

+1 on the suggestions for a Badass. They really do make a big difference on a P. And I would stick some EMGs in there (I'm not personally a fan of SD Quarterpounders). And purely for cosmetic reasons, fit a tort or black guard.

[quote name='karlbbb' post='153745' date='Mar 8 2008, 08:34 PM']Thank you all for the suggestions! Can anyone find any data for the string spacing of a few of the suggestions? I'm not sure if I have a brain today and can't seem to find any. Particularly the OLP MM32 and the Ibanez ATK305 and SR505. Cheers, Karl[/quote] The ATK305 is 17mm at the bridge and the SR505 16.5mm. Full specs are on the Ibanez site here: [url="http://www.ibanez.co.jp/world/country/frame_canada.html"]http://www.ibanez.co.jp/world/country/frame_canada.html[/url] I think the OLP is 16.5mm - my old OLP MM3 was, and I assume the string spacing is the same

Some good suggestions above. I've just bought an Ibanez ATK305. They're certainly worth a look. I've never got on with 5 strings before, but this is really playable, and very versatile.

[quote name='Pikefloyd' post='150294' date='Mar 3 2008, 01:05 PM']Yes, I have one, couldn't be happier, no GAS for almost a year now![/quote] +1. I've had one for just over a year, and its a fantastic bass. I've got a US Jazz, CIJ Precision, and until recently had a Stingray. IMO the $$ is better than any of them. Both humbuckers can be independently run in series, parallel, or as single coils. It also has a passive/active option. In terms of versatility it really is second to none - I can get everything from a Precision sound through to more modern (typically Warwick) sounds. Build quality is excellent as well. One word of warning - the neck is typical Warwick, and as such does divide opinion. I love it, but you do need to play one to check it suits you.

[quote name='birdy' post='148980' date='Feb 29 2008, 02:55 PM']Guys, I could be wrong but I am pretty sure that the '7' on the neck relates to the model rather than an actual date. I think JUN 64 is as close as it gets to determining a date. The 'A' is then the neck width etc. So it could be your birthdate after all!! Steve[/quote] Yes - 7 is the model number not the date. All Jazz bass necks from the early 60s are stamped ''7''. Precisions are all stamped ''5''.

[quote name='onehappybunny' post='146146' date='Feb 24 2008, 07:37 PM']Well, eventually took the plunge and got a the Jeff Berlin 151p combo First impressions are very, very good. Lightweight (obviously), loud, with a wonderful 'proper' rounded, deep but well defined bass sound. Really, really pleased. One very happy bunny indeed [/quote] Glad to see you went for it! I'm still really pleased with my Jeff Berlin. I know exactly what you mean about the deep but defined tone. I've added a 2x10 traveller extension cab, bought from Nottswarwick on here. The two combined give a fantastic sound.

The MEC pickups on the Warwick $$ have switches which allow you to switch between single coil, parallel and series. Both pickups can be switched independently - so you can have one running in single coil mode and one in series, for example. I don't pretend to understand the whole technical background, but essentially the single coil mode gives a clearer (and quieter) sound reminiscent of a Jazz bass. The humbucking modes are fatter and more aggresive (on the Warwick, giving a sound between a Precision and a Stingray to my ears). The differences between parallel and series are more subtle, but noticeable, the series being a fatter, louder sound. Personally I prefer the parallel setting as the series can be a bit over the top and ''boomy''.

All good advice on shimming the neck. Here's a link to Fender's own set up guide, which has some useful info on setting up your bass (including their advice on how to shim the neck - about 3/4 way down) [url="http://www.fender.co.uk/support/basses.php"]http://www.fender.co.uk/support/basses.php[/url]

[quote name='Rumble' post='138808' date='Feb 12 2008, 12:54 PM']Hi guys & gals Do you think [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-Japan-62-RI-Precision-Bass-Alder-USA-Pickups_W0QQitemZ300198390625QQihZ020QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-Japan-62-RI-P...1QQcmdZViewItem[/url] is a good price? Ta[/quote] I think that's a fair price. If you're after a good value Precision you won't beat the CIJ re-issues. I've got one of the 70s re-issues and love it to bits.

I've never owned a Sandberg, but like Machines, I've played several in PMT in Birmignham. They always have a good number in stock. They've all been fantastic to play, and the Basic looks a cracking bass for the money.

[quote name='umcoo' post='137857' date='Feb 10 2008, 10:50 PM']I would say the order goes.. Made in America Made in Japan Made in Mexico Squier However, it all depends on how YOU like the instrument. I sold a MIA Precision for a MIJ Jazz and I'm very glad I did.[/quote] +1. That's the general view on the heirachy, but you will find MIJ Fenders which are just as good, if not better, than MIA. And one of the nicest Precisions I've owned was a Mexican Standard - fitted some Quarterpounders in that and it was a cracking bass. Fenders vary a lot, so it is essential to try before you buy. Also, if you've decided on a Jazz, check out some of the other manufacturers eg Lakland, Sandberg etc. They have some really nice takes on the Jazz design, and arguably are better value than American Fenders.

Not sure what price range you're looking at, but I've just bought an Ibanez ATK305. Really nice growly tone - very similar to my Warwick $$, and very good value for money. My only gripe is that the string spacing is a bit tighter than I would like (around 17mm), but otherwise its hard to fault for the price.