NBD - Shuker JJ Burnel Zenith (50th Anniversary Limited Edition)

[hiram.k.hackenbacker]

Today I made a 440 mile round trip to collect a bass that has just been completed by Mr.Jon Shuker.

It's a bit too late to take any photos, so that will have to wait until tomorrow.

It's similar to the one below, but the neck is narrower and more figured, it has different knobs, is #8 of 10 and is signed by JJ.

Pick-up's are in house built, as are JJ's now.

 

 

After years, probably more like decades, of avoiding Precisions because I found the necks a bit chunky, in 2021 I decided to order a JJ Sig with a J neck (build thread here).

I have since used this exclusively in my main band and Queen tribute and it's been absolutely faultless.

The Zenith promises to be equally as good and almost unbelievably, it seems to be lighter than my first one.

Thanks once again to @Dood for turning my gaze towards Jon's basses in the first place (I'm sure Jon is a member here, but I can't remember his tag).

Whilst at Shuker HQ, I also saw the two pieces of spalted maple which will form the top of my next Precision build and they look stunning too.

If any of you are looking for a quality hand built Precision (other models are available) that won't require a second mortgage, give Jon a look at Shuker Guitars.

Edited September 6 by hiram.k.hackenbacker

[Lozz196]

Aaaaaarrrggggh, want one!!!!!!

 

Looks amazing, I’ve seen these on the Shuker website and have been seriously tempted, the resolve is weakening…….

[hiram.k.hackenbacker]

7 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

Aaaaaarrrggggh, want one!!!!!!

Looks amazing, I’ve seen these on the Shuker website and have been seriously tempted, the resolve is weakening…….

I can confidently say that I don’t think you would be disappointed Lozz.

[danbanbass]

Lovely looking bass, cue the fender hating mob…..

[hiram.k.hackenbacker]

17 minutes ago, danbanbass said:

Lovely looking bass, cue the fender hating mob…..

Bring it on 😎

[hiram.k.hackenbacker]

A few photos of the actual bass. 

This one weighs just 6.7lbs!

My other one feels like it's made of lead in comparison weighing in at 8.2lbs 😂.

 

 

 

 

 

[chris_b]

Nice one.

[Dood]

Absolutely and utterly beautiful!! Congratulations! You’re a lucky man!! 

 

I was smitten when I played one of Jon’s JJ CarbonLite models with the carbon fibre necks. A bass that if I could have, I’d have bought then and there, it was just delicious in every way. That man has golden paws. 

 

I’m hoping to one day have a Shuker P, I’ve a bunch of ideas that I’ve had lurking in my noggin for a while, that would also suit the viewers of my reviews too.  

 

Brilliant news @hiram.k.hackenbacker, I’m chuffed to bits I was able to help in a small way and your new bass is just what you’d hoped for 😊 I love to see others happy and winning at bass  

[kwmlondon]

Yummy!

[JohnDaBass]

Handsome absolutely superb.

I'm a real fan of Jon Shuker's work having visited his workshop to collect a great job he did for me.

[walshy]

Looks absolutely class and Jon has built a couple of basses for me in the past, they were outstanding and both still going/gigging well

[geoham]

What a great looking bass. No doubt you're going to have a great time gigging with it!

 

Having spent five days with Jon in his workshop a few years ago, I know how good he is what he does and how much pride he takes in doing things properly. 

[Jack]

I thought these were all sold, or was that the carbon fibre ones? How's the neck dive if its so light?

 

...asking for a friend... 

[hiram.k.hackenbacker]

11 hours ago, Jack said:

I thought these were all sold, or was that the carbon fibre ones? How's the neck dive if its so light?

...asking for a friend... 

 

The original plan for the 50th Anniversary Zenith was just five, but as soon as Jon announced them they were gone.

I think he had to get the nod from JJ for another 5, as he was ultimately going to have to sign them all.

As I had already enquired prior to extra five being agreed, I had my name on one should JJ agree.

 

You may be talking about the carbonlite which @Dood referred to above. I think there were an edition of 25 and sold out before I knew they were a thing.

 

Regarding the balance, it's a weird thing. Obviously the body is chambered, which is how it's so light overall.

Sitting on my Levy's strap, it doesn't move, although you can tell that there is weight at the neck end.

However, because it's so light overall, as soon and you hold the neck, that sensation disappears completely.

 

I have a lot of basses and I've had an awful lot more, but I'm completely won over by Jon's work.

#3 is in the works. As soon as I get some photos of the top wood, I'll start a build thread.