4000 Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) Hi all, Well, as the final nail in the coffin of what has been an appalling 2011 for me, I'm going to have to move my recently received custom built Rim Marseer 4. I waited a year for this and in normal circumstances it would have been well worth the wait; it's a great bass, one of the best I've owned. However as some here will know I have a couple of prolapsed discs, the one in the neck affecting my arms and shoulders, causing some nerve issues. I have a problem with the placement/shape/size of the upper bout on many basses, the worst being the classic Status shape and the Fender Jazz bass, in that they exacerbate my nerve pain problems. I can't float my right arm either for the same reasons (i.e. I need to rest it on the body), so the upper bout has to be just right for me. Unfortunately I've found that the Rim falls into the Status/Jazz bass category, so I've no choice but to sell/trade. Robbie and I have considered reshaping but the upper bout was chambered to lessen the weight, so there's not much we can do there. Plus I need some wood where there isn't any above the fishtail, which is impossible to fix. I did try a Marseer before ordering but it's a problem that doesn't manifest immediately; it does however become very problematic once it starts, hence the quick sale of my Roadworn Jazz a year or 2 ago. I do want to emphasise that there is no problem with the bass at all. The bass is wonderful and I'd love to keep it; if not for this issue there's no way I'd be selling (I'll add here that Robbie is fantastic to work with and I'd love to do it again someday) . However I'm simply finding there are very few basses that I can now play (thankfully I have no problem - yet - with my Rics). So, the spec is as follows: Chambered flamed maple body with three-piece flame/rock maple/flame through neck, honey buckeye facings, purpleheart accent and name badge and macassar ebony board. Build quality is excellent. Passive custom Rim pickups by Aaron Armstrong wired with 4 way Dingwall switch (neck/both series/both parallel/bridge). Output is huge for a passive bass, easily the loudest I've owned, especially in series. The tone is thick, fat and growly. It does a fabulous dub tone with the tone rolled off, but is equally at home with modern stuff - or rock - if required. Very versatile. Of course there's room for a preamp of your choice if that's your bag. The build thread is here on Basschat: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/9653-rim-basses-in-progress/page__st__600"]http://basschat.co.u...s/page__st__600[/url] It comes with a high quality semi-solid Protection Racket case and a minitorch for the "glow in the dark" side markers. The only issue is a small ding on the neck (see pic) which doesn't affect playing and would be easily fixed; this happened when I took off my straplock-equipped strap and the straplock caught the neck. Otherwise it's exactly as I received it just a few weeks ago. Weight is pretty near bang on 8lbs, string spacing is approx 16.5mm but is adjustable. Action is currently very low. I was hoping for the neck to be similar to that of my Alembic Triple O and that's how it turned out. The neck itself is a very comfortable C-shape and the fingerboard radius is 12". If you've played a Series or Mark King Alembic this is very similar neck-wise. Balance is perfect. It cost me £1800 and I'm looking at £1450 ono. Would prefer pickup but postage could be arranged at cost. If you're in London or Manchester I may be able to drop off/meet up on my next trip down. As for trades, as you can see from the reason I'm selling there aren't that many things I'd be interested in, for ergonomic reasons. Would possibly do some sort of a trade on a Sei Flamboyant, Singlecut or Original (4 or 5), with possible adjustment either way depending on what it is. Would be interested in getting either my old 4 string buckeye Sei (Moonbassalpha?) or my Flamboyant 5 (Ziggydolphinboy?) or my Sei Melt (currently in the Gallery) back, with a probable preference for one of the former 2. Anything over 9lbs is probably out. Also may, repeat [i]may[/i] consider a Rickenbacker 4001 from '72, a newish thinner-necked full-width inlayed 4003, a Warwick Dolphin Pro 1 or Streamer 1 (pref earlier model and must be no heavier than 9lbs), a lightweight Jaydee MK, or maybe a a GB Rumour 4/5, all with any necessary adjustment either way, although with the exception of the '72 I'd probably be looking for cash on top my way. Oh, or possibly a less-than-backbreaking Les Paul Custom in black or a PRS McCarty, or anything Alembic basswise that doesn't require a chiropracter or a huge sum of money on top. I may be interested in a Status Streamline too but I'd need to try one first! Happy to answer any questions, send any pics and interested parties are welcome to try at my convenience. Pics: Edited January 12, 2012 by 4000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShergoldSnickers Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 I can vouch first hand for the quality that this bass exudes. I cheekily had a go on it when I collected my fretless RIM Marseer from Robbie not long ago. Normally, fretted basses feel awkward and just wrong after playing fretless basses for so long, but not this one. It just begs to be played, and is effortless in the way it feels under the fingers. If I had the money, I'd be first in the queue. This is the first fretted bass I've given a second glance to in 30 years. It looks stunning and plays as well as it looks. I can vouch there is nothing wrong with the bass, and I know how utterly gutted Shaun is in finding it aggravates his condition. This is a grandmother selling bass at a way more than fair price. So, get those grandmothers sold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haimesy Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 [quote name='ShergoldSnickers' timestamp='1325583542' post='1484555'] I can vouch first hand for the quality that this bass exudes. I cheekily had a go on it when I collected my fretless RIM Marseer from Robbie not long ago. Normally, fretted basses feel awkward and just wrong after playing fretless basses for so long, but not this one. It just begs to be played, and is effortless in the way it feels under the fingers. If I had the money, I'd be first in the queue. This is the first fretted bass I've given a second glance to in 30 years. It looks stunning and plays as well as it looks. I can vouch there is nothing wrong with the bass, and I know how utterly gutted Shaun is in finding it aggravates his condition. This is a grandmother selling bass at a way more than fair price. So, get those grandmothers sold. [/quote] Hi Shaun....Hope all works out ok with back & basses......Top man to deal with...Good luck John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Hi Shaun, Sorry to see this advertised under these circumstances. Hope things pick up in 2012 and you find a happy medium between back and bass. Gorgeous and very unusual looking bass and by all accounts they are fantastic basses to play from what I've read. Good luck with the sale. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Absolutely stunning - wow! I'll get ovr with the streamline asap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Really sorry to hear about your circumstances. Hope 2012 gets better for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giblett123 Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 You must be gutted, I've followed the build on this and its a thing of beauty, someone is going to love it! Hope you find one that doesn't cause the same problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Thanks to all for your comments and thoughts, they're very much appreciated. It's heartbreaking for me to have to let this go; I really do love it, and worst of all I feel like I'm letting Robbie down as he's done such a great job on it. The build quality is up there with my Sei Melt and the neck is just great IMO. What's more, it appears to be far more stable than probably any other custom/boutique I've owned; it came with a great setup (although I've since lowered it a tad more - I can't help it! ) and has not budged at all, which is unusual so early on IME. As above, I'm open to sensible offers. Maybe one day I can get another with a couple of ergonomic tweaks; I'd be more than happy to do it again and I'd recommend Robbie's work to anybody. I'll add that I don't prefer any of the basses mentioned as possible trades (in fact I prefer this to the Warwicks, Jaydees and GBs and like it every bit as much as the best of the Seis), it's just that ergonomically they're some of the only things that work for me. Loz, look forward to you bringing the Streamline over (or I can meet up with you if you like). Drop me a PM. More pics: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overwater#1 Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Very sorry to hear about this Shaun! I hope you manage to get something sorted that works well, and things pick up for you this year mate. Can't believe we've still not crossed paths!! Hope to do so soon....All the best, Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Me too Matt, all the best!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 4, 2012 Author Share Posted January 4, 2012 Forgot to mention, the scale length is 34" and the neck is graphite-rod reinforced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonBassAlpha Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Holy cow Shaun! That is a beaut - I must have missed the build on that. I'm really sorry, but I'm not quite ready to move the Sei on yet, but you've still got first dibs if I ever do... Best of luck with the sale, this deserves a happy new home. Jules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 An opportunity to own a Marseer! Wow what a bass. I wish I had the money spare because I'd buy it no doubt at all Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 4, 2012 Author Share Posted January 4, 2012 (edited) Cheers Jules, it's a great bass. So good in fact that after getting it back out earlier I started trying desperately to get past my arm issue, but unfortunately I can't; within minutes it was back. I'll reiterate that I have the same problem with many basses, the worst being most Fender types - Jazz are the absolute worst, P not so bad - and the classic Status shape, which is a complete no go for me (I don't even bother picking them up!), so anyone who can play those basses comfortably -almost everyone then! - should have no problem at all with this. Shame about the Sei, but let me know if you ever do (of course it's bound to happen when I've got no money!) Edited January 4, 2012 by 4000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 4, 2012 Author Share Posted January 4, 2012 Peter, you can always make an offer.. Good to hear from you by the way, long time no see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KuzBass Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Bump for a gorgeous bass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 5, 2012 Author Share Posted January 5, 2012 Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 [quote name='4000' timestamp='1325717768' post='1486720'] Peter, you can always make an offer.. Good to hear from you by the way, long time no see! [/quote] The only offer I could suggest at the moment Sean would involve a trade with my Clover and my ACG Graft. Money is thin on the ground. It truly is a lovely bass, Robbie has woven his magic well. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 5, 2012 Author Share Posted January 5, 2012 Thanks Peter. We'll see how things pan out over the next few days as I've had a couple of interesting offers. BTW, will have to meet up again sometime and chew the cud. Sadly I'm missing Moffat again this year by the looks of things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Lush! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Not sure if its an option for you but are there not straps available that could allow you to take the weight of the bass around your waste in some way. I have a dvd by Alain Caron where he has the usual shoulder strap but also a 2nd strap from the bridge end to his belt. I'm not sure exactly how it works but it must allow him to balance the bass better for fretless work whereby it sits a little higher. The advantage might be that for yourself it might take some of the load from the neck area. Might be worth looking into before selling a gorgeous custom bass that you are obviously very attached to. There has to be other options on this theme i would have thought. There might even be a patent opening there for whoever comes up with the best option. HAve you tried contacting a specialist strap mfr who might offer some help. Shame for you to lose this bass No matter what happens all the very best. Cheers Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KuzBass Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 [quote name='dmccombe7' timestamp='1325850233' post='1488646'] Not sure if its an option for you but are there not straps available that could allow you to take the weight of the bass around your waste in some way. I have a dvd by Alain Caron where he has the usual shoulder strap but also a 2nd strap from the bridge end to his belt. I'm not sure exactly how it works but it must allow him to balance the bass better for fretless work whereby it sits a little higher. The advantage might be that for yourself it might take some of the load from the neck area. Might be worth looking into before selling a gorgeous custom bass that you are obviously very attached to. There has to be other options on this theme i would have thought. There might even be a patent opening there for whoever comes up with the best option. HAve you tried contacting a specialist strap mfr who might offer some help. Shame for you to lose this bass No matter what happens all the very best. Cheers Dave [/quote] It makes sense to me. Once I saw on talkbass.com something of this kind, I think it was a Skjold, with some additional straplocks and the weirdly looking strap, but the owner was stating it helped a lot to solve the problems of the similar kind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 6, 2012 Author Share Posted January 6, 2012 Unfortunately it's not the weight of the bass that's the problem, or how it sits on my back/neck. It's the shape and how that causes my arm to sit, because I have to rest my arm on the body (for reasons mentioned earlier). If the body isn't the correct shape, that's what causes the problem. My Alembic Triple O, which I had to sell because of its weight (approx 11lbs or so) which affected my prolapsed lumbar disc, didn't cause any arm problems whatsoever; in fact apart from the weight it was fantastically comfortable and my right arm loved it. This is only 8lbs but causes the aforementioned problems. My Jazz was approx 9lbs and also did. My Statii were similar weight but were excruciating to wear. I could wear a 4 pound bass that's the wrong shape and have the same problems. I was just born lucky! FWIW, I went through all the strap issues trying to save my Alembic (my dream bass), but to no avail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted January 8, 2012 Author Share Posted January 8, 2012 Trade pending. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShergoldSnickers Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Good luck with this Shaun - whoever trades is getting a first class instrument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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