hamfist Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 I recently bought a Tanglewood Overwater Classic Jazz from alcytes, which had already been heavily modified .... East J-retro USA Bart PJ pickups Badass II bridge I thought it a really nice bass, played beautifully, good tonal control although lacked a little .... "character" maybe. I really wanted to try a good hardwood body on the bass as they come with a fairly soft poplar body and I do love a bit of natural wood finish too. Discovered these amazingly good value Jazz bodies on the www ..... http://www.kitbuiltguitars.co.uk/parts/guitar-bodies/jazz-bass-style-ash-wood-body.html I ordered one, not expecting too much, but it's a bargain IMO. It's a 4 piece body, but that's not a problem for me. Good, hard Ash. The routings are clean and decent, although I obviously had to extend the neck J rout to fit the P pickup I needed. Still needed a bridge ground wire hole drilling, but I had the drill bit to cope. THe finish is the obvious place where they have saved money, as there really isn't much sanding at all gone on. But, any body will require a lot of attention to smooth anyway before any refinish so I don't count that as a negative either. There are also a few little knots and "imperfections" in the wood, but I think that gives it character ! Anyway, a few days later and my favourite Colron Danish oil and Briwax (both non-stained) finish, I was ready to put it all back together. Firstly, I think it looks a million times better and the mix and match of grains in the 4 piece body looks surprisingly nice IMO. But tonally, this has really brought the bass to life and it now has such a resonant "woody", articulate tone I am very pleased. At the moment I'm quite liking the red Overwater headstock, but if I do change anything on the bass it'll be a new neck as the OW neck is a 40mm nut and I do like them a bit thinner really. But the whole bass works so well as a whole I'll leave it as is for the moment. I'm interested what others think about the red headstock on the natural body. Here's some pics ... [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/overwater-main.html][/url] [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/overwater-body-front.html][/url] [url=http://www.ephotobay.com/share/overwater-rear.html][/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 I like the headstock! If you change the neck, you'll have start calling it 'Trigger's Broom' though :-p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 [quote name='skej21' timestamp='1401875237' post='2467652'] I like the headstock! If you change the neck, you'll have start calling it 'Trigger's Broom' though :-p [/quote] Thank goodness for Google ..... I see what you mean ! If I do change the neck, then the neck plate will still be Overwater ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Ooooooh! I could paint my own jazz body, attach the p neck I've got... hmmm! For that price it's damn tempting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 That looks lovely - you're right about the different grains. Good work that man ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mornats Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Is it much lighter now? Both of my Overwaters (Tanglewood-made ones) weigh 10 and a half pounds or more... By the way, we seem to have very similar tastes in basses... I have your old Yammy, have one of those Classic J's and almost bought your Ibby twice from each of its previous owners! (It's been in my flat and I've played it, it's a beauty.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madshadows Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 That's absolutely stunning John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1401906680' post='2468210'] Is it much lighter now? Both of my Overwaters (Tanglewood-made ones) weigh 10 and a half pounds or more...] It's actually a fraction heavier with the new body. It's all fairly academic though considering that the Badass on it's own weighs about 10lbs. [By the way, we seem to have very similar tastes in basses... I have your old Yammy, have one of those Classic J's and almost bought your Ibby twice from each of its previous owners! (It's been in my flat and I've played it, it's a beauty.) [/quote] Aye, we do seem to like similar basses. That's a pretty callous and hard way of telling me that you've already had your wicked way with my "baby" though. And thanks to all for your kind comments. Edited June 4, 2014 by hamfist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mornats Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 [quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1401916683' post='2468375'] That's a pretty callous and hard way of telling me that you've already had your wicked way with my "baby" though. [/quote] I plugged my lead into her too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 [quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1401916921' post='2468381'] I plugged my lead into her too. [/quote] you b@stard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mornats Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I'd love to hear some sounds samples as I wouldn't mind fitting some Barts and a John East preamp to my SB320. (Sacrilege that it is to mess with a classic...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 [quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1401991557' post='2469052'] I'd love to hear some sounds samples as I wouldn't mind fitting some Barts and a John East preamp to my SB320. (Sacrilege that it is to mess with a classic...) [/quote] If I get time I'll see what I can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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