Blade basses?

[Brian18242]

Anybody played one of these? Look very nice! £399 seems like a good price!

 

 

[Brian18242]

Wonder if a standard fender 51 pickguard would fit? 

[warwickhunt]

'Blade' used to be a top quality Japanese manufacturer but I'd be surprised if this is the exact same outfit even though the name and logo look the same.  

[Brian18242]

The price point is really good but so little online about them. I pulled the trigger and ordered one 😜

[BassApprentice]

22 minutes ago, warwickhunt said:

'Blade' used to be a top quality Japanese manufacturer but I'd be surprised if this is the exact same outfit even though the name and logo look the same.  

Seems it is the same company https://www.bladeguitars.com/blade-history/blade-history

[Brian18242]

These basses have gone way under the radar. I will share my thoughts when it arrives 

[paul_5]

The best 5 string Jazz I ever played was a Blade. Superb!

[BassAgent]

I'm very curious too. I have one from 2001 which I absolutely love. I'm a big fan of Blades. I hope this one is decent too! 

[Brian18242]

They don't really offer a wide range of basses. However, I remember the brand featuring a lot in bass player magazine in the mid 90s. 

[jezzaboy]

I nearly bought a s/hand one in a shop years back but it weighed as much as a small planet. I know the old ones were well thought of.

[BlueMoon]

Not sure who makes these new ones, but I had a Blade Tetra that was a great bass. I think they were made for Levinson in Japan by Tune Maniac.

[Brian18242]

Not may Tele type basses on the market with a p pickup for that price so worth a shot! 

[Grahambythesea]

6 hours ago, Brian18242 said:

Wonder if a standard fender 51 pickguard would fit? 

Not with that lower cut away being right down to the end of the fretboard.

[Brian18242]

35 minutes ago, Grahambythesea said:

Not with that lower cut away being right down to the end of the fretboard.

Yep, Think I will need to use a standard template and make a custom Pickguard. It's crying out for a Tele pickguard 😄

[itu]

I am on the same side with @jezzaboy: all blades that I have tried (three 4 string and a 5 string) have been on a weighty side. Maybe they are good for heavy music. All had that Japanese quality feel. 

[BassAgent]

10 hours ago, jezzaboy said:

I nearly bought a s/hand one in a shop years back but it weighed as much as a small planet. I know the old ones were well thought of.

The "new" ones are very good as well. The older ones with the Fender headstock are even better but mine has a neck to die for. Great bass.