Chris2112

I work shifts, so being in a band which regularly rehearses would be a nightmare to arrange and playing live would similarly be difficult to arrange. However, I gave up on live music years ago so it's not something that bothers me. Instead, I'd rather just play with people who work for the same organisation as me, it's fairly large and there are plenty of people who play instruments so getting a few guys together to make music isn't really a problem.

[quote name='4000' post='1261562' date='Jun 8 2011, 06:16 PM']Yeah, but I prefer his cliches. And his tone. Jaco was a fabulous, creative player, no argument here; a giant amongst electric bassists (although certainly not the only one). However I have to agree with Wombatboter overall. I never liked his live solo playing; always found it disjointed and not very musical (to my ears). I really don't think he comes across as much of an improviser; his written solos are far better.[/quote] And herein lies the truth, that Jaco never was much of an improviser. He could improvise if he wanted to but he always came back to those licks we know, progressions he was familiar with. That was where his sound lay. He much prefered being able to write a solo out, and being able to take time in the studio to get the best cut. For example, the legendary solo in Havona is, IIRC, three separate takes spliced into one. Jaco was really more about composition and arragnement than playing. He even said so himself, when he remarked that that ill-fated steel drum album he had composed was the best thing he had ever written. I get the impression he spent far longer writing and arranging than he did just playing bass, and that he found that much more enjoyable too. It simply happened that he had learned to play bass to a good standard, so that was where he stayed! FWIW, I thought Joe Zawinul was a better composer, although having Jaco onboard in Weather Report was a boon for them since Anthony Jackson turned them down!

I have always loved Jaco, but I've never liked Portrait of Tracy. It falls completely flat after about 30 seconds.

[quote name='steve-bbb' post='1261492' date='Jun 8 2011, 05:30 PM']please please please please please.... if you must indulge in technical excess, then do it with some flare and expression [url="http://&quot;%20&lt;a%20href=&quot;http://youtu.be/hEtZpLk1jjc&quot;&quot;%20target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://youtu.be/hEtZpLk1jjc&quot;&lt;/a&gt;"] <a href="http://youtu.be/hEtZpLk1jjc" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/hEtZpLk1jjc[/url]</a> i thank you [/quote] That was pretty crap as well to be honest, plenty of aimless noodling but played to a small audience than Dream Theater would entertain.

It'll probably be just as naff as the rest of them, and Myung still won't sound as good as when he used a Tung bass, and Petrucci won't sound as good as when he had an Ibanez bass. Same old, same old...

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='1260386' date='Jun 7 2011, 10:08 PM']It's good to hear that the 'special one' is in good hands [/quote] I could never sell it, it's far too good. Looked after religiously, as fresh as the day I bought it from you. It still looks brand new and sounds incredible. Best bass I've ever bought!

[quote name='Clarky' post='1260684' date='Jun 8 2011, 07:58 AM']Likewise, I may be wrong but I assumed they were cheap, good quality copies of Western brands but essentially flouting copyright/patents. Not something that should be encouraged in a legitimate bass forum IMHO Besides I prefer the semi-clad ladies in the figleaves ad [/quote] I assume it pays the bills. Where you spend your money after is up to you!

One of those Sandbergs would seen an ideal compromise, Precision shape neck and body with a humbucker at the bridge for big Stingray sounds.

I've just sent payment off for a Series II now. Should be with me within the next week, hopefully. Back to Status basses again!

My ACG is fairly lightweight considering it's a singlecut. The weight doesn't really seem to matter though because it balances so effortlessly. It's definitely best headed bass I've ever had as far as balance goes.

[quote name='BottomEndian' post='1259552' date='Jun 7 2011, 12:16 PM']As a rule, no and no.[/quote] As a further consideration, if you're just looking for a passive rock bass, ACG are probably a little bit exclusive for that. Not to say Alan couldn't make you an amazing bass but surely someone else could do that for less somewhere.

The closest thing to sounding like a Wal that is not a Wal is an ACG, IMO. I reckon it's down to the filter based preamp, which allows you great control over the midrange of the bass. Get one with the RFB pickups, roll back the treble using the dual band control and you're there, making that burpy, midrange heavy sound that made Wal so famous. Nothing else even comes close but you can do a poor impression if you have a Bongo bass. It'll get you somewhere near the sound you're after, but it won't fool anyone.

That is something I noticed when I got my first Status, they certainly demand a delicate touch to extract the best from them. They'll show up every imperfection in your playing and your touch just by virtue of their construction, every fluff is amplified and every rattle comes through crystal clear. Settle into them and get used to it though, and you'll find that there are few basses which can sound as good. See the below video for a very good recording of what a Status bass sounds like (and some incredible playing): Listen to those sharply defined lows, the ever-present mids and the bright, musical highs. Each note is so well defined it can take some adjustment of your playing to get the best from them. By comparison, a wooden bass with old strings is a comfy pair of slippers! However Machines, I'm sure you'll find a suitable Status in future, although I suspect it won't be a Stealth!

EBMM aren't really the company to pioneer new things now. Just look at the success of the classic Rays!

[quote name='cetera' post='1258561' date='Jun 6 2011, 04:34 PM']It looks better, particularly on a Jazz bass...[/quote] +1 Jaco had the right idea!

Yes, at least 10 years old I'd reckon. These must have been one of the basses hit by EBMM's copyright actions.

Sounds like it would be worth speaking to Alan at ACG to see what kind of bass he could make for you. Maybe something simple and elegant like a Graft bass would suit you? And he can tailor the electronics to suit you too, depending on what you want. If I was buying new (as I had planned to recently) I'd be going to Alan.