You could just update in this post with anyone out and Richard can pick up after lent? Let’s see how busy the Easter bunny is this year! If I’m lucky I might get myself a packet of mini eggs!
I am still wary when a seller says recently setup by “insert name of local I’ve never heard of”. Just because they charged money for it doesn’t guarantee they’re any good at it. At least that is easily fixed though if they haven’t broken the truss rod.
The modification that can really ruin a bass is a bad paint job and sometimes that’s hard to see in photos
Cars are a really good example on how you can make it worse. Lots of modified cars end up having reliability issues. Not saying it’s the same for guitars because they’re not as complex mechanically, but I wouldn’t risk it for the same principle.
I don’t know him personally but Anthony Jackson was reported to use higher action on his latest fodera. Victors is low but that’s so he can accomplish his playing style that hes made a career from. As I said horses for courses and there’s no right or wrong. I just find that it affects my tone most of all and you can’t disagree with that 😆.
The volume knob can’t change your sound, it’s either quieter or louder. Of course it’s horses for courses but if players like John Patitucci, Anthony Jackson and Janek Gwizdala think raising action has an affect, it probably does!
I’m not a scientist so could be wide of the mark but IME higher action impacts the vibration of the string. Does this help sustain and frequency range? I’m not sure but I think it might.
I see strings as similar to tyres on a car, they are the contact patch so have the biggest impact.
I prefer a medium action. IMO higher action enables more warmth and fullness in the note compared to lower action which is easier to play and gets a bit of that sizzle/ Slapback that I associate with late 70s/80s sounds. So for me medium is the compromise but when I play a bass with a setup either side of that it changes my sound and note choices completely. Janek Gwizdala documented going from being a super low action player to high and then benefits he gained from doing so.
Unless the one is timing, then it’s a bit of an issue for James Brown.
You’re right but wow how did they not notice! I recorded a video where I was a tone out on one note and the whole band was looking at me 😆
Yes that’s definitely been an issue with vintage Fenders, and there’s the slightly weird situation where despite there being lots of dealers now, they compete by charging highest prices - often with a tag line of you’ll never find another like this - for the mass produced item they’re selling 😂