bubinga5 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) Im posting this to give props to Martins work..i know why 7string, sshorepunk,Urb and others dig these instruments Some have seen this (and ive waffled on about this bass) ..but here are some proper pics..this really is the most capable bass ive ever played..Light as a feather,everything about says play me.. I play alot of funk/jazz and it is so in its element when it comes to this stuff...fast gospel runs are so smooth to play,and no matter how fast you play the bass (with the U Retro) it will give you the cleanest punchy sound...., digging in funk gives an amazing tone like you wouldnt believe, and fast fingerstyle disco just makes you want to play more.. What i love the most is the vibrato sound it gives...just something else.. the original passive tone is great through the Agy, but when you flick the switch and EQ it right, it just makes you smile...i recently have been jamming with some seasoned jazz musicians and they adore the tone of it..., ive gigged it 3 times and bass players have asked what bass it is..dont all bassist know about Sei..?? Ive heard people say on here that high end custom basses help you play better, and its true! ive played Sadowsky, F Bass, Nordstrand, Skjold, and this bass. (ok maybe just for me) has got something else...Always amazes me how talented people like Martin are??..how do they get to this level of there craft????????? Boggles the mind...Passion and years i guess.. I wouldnt give up this bass for any AC.. I would love to play some of you guys non jazz SB's.. Thanks Barrie..you sold me more than you know.. PS...i really dothink ABS make the best bridges of all of them.just superb..there is no direction i cant adjust my strings... Edited August 22, 2009 by bubinga5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarnacleBob Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Ooooh, a bolt on with a nice shallow cutaway heel, lovely! And more knobs than a porno! What's the weight like on this? I love a Jazz type body but most are quite large for my slight frame. BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 i think its about 8 BB..weighs less than my 4 string Fender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 A proper jazz Nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) Martin's a superb bass builder. There are very few basses I've played that I like anywhere near as much as his. I currently have 2, and will get more in the future. He just seems to nail pretty much everything for me. Design, weight, balance, playability, sound; it's all there. Plus he's an absolutely top bloke. Glad you're loving it! Edited August 22, 2009 by 4000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Beautiful instrument ! The Sei's are really top class. I was looking at them a fair few years ago but at the time a lot were headless and I just couldn't get on with a headless. But a couple of weeks ago I bought a 5-string Jazz fretless (second hand) from the bass gallery and have been so impressed with the quality, sound and playabillity of this instrument. I just love playing it to the extent that it's difficult to put it down. Now I want to get a single cutaway 6 string built - I'm hooked I love that shallow bolt on design you've got there ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugbass Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 That bass looks awesome! Is the Sei J`s in the same pricerange as AC/Sadowsky NYC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingray5 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Exceptional looking bass, B5! Years ago I remember seeing something on TV that followed the building of a Sei Bass for a pro female bass player. I can't remember the programme or indeed the name of the bass player (Gail Ann...? Yolanda...? Aired maybe late '80s, early 90's? any help here welcomed) but I have to say, since seeing that programme and how Martin Petersen came across even then, Sei Basses have always been my #1 bass to aspire to. Seeing the pics of your Sei Jazz has just further reinforced that aspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 [quote name='Stingray5' post='577513' date='Aug 22 2009, 12:48 PM']Exceptional looking bass, B5! Years ago I remember seeing something on TV that followed the building of a Sei Bass for a pro female bass player. I can't remember the programme or indeed the name of the bass player (Gail Ann...? Yolanda...? Aired maybe late '80s, early 90's? any help here welcomed) but I have to say, since seeing that programme and how Martin Petersen came across even then, Sei Basses have always been my #1 bass to aspire to. Seeing the pics of your Sei Jazz has just further reinforced that aspiration.[/quote] I remember this program S5, but like you i cant remember who it was, ive got a feeling it was Yolanda Charles.. Yeah same price range as Sadowsky NYC's not sure about AC's but there way overpriced IMHO.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Yep, it was Yolanda. The bass was a Flamboyant 5, cocobolo top on maple with ebony board IIRC, with a Bart MM in the middle and a KA hot Jazz by the bridge. There was a feature on it in an old guitar magazine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingray5 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 [quote name='4000' post='577564' date='Aug 22 2009, 01:55 PM']Yep, it was Yolanda. The bass was a Flamboyant 5, cocobolo top on maple with ebony board IIRC, with a Bart MM in the middle and a KA hot Jazz by the bridge. There was a feature on it in an old guitar magazine.[/quote] Nice one, 4000. Thanks for that. I did remember it was a Flamboyant style bass which was typically what caught my eye. Off to the vaults now to dig through a few old guitar mags -- unless you or anyone else knows the particular magazine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Seis are up there with the best in the world If someone gave me a big hunka cash to buy another bass with, I'd buy a Sei. Difficult to get over the astonishing attention to detail that Sei's have. Just brilliant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Love the Sei Jazz5 look ...just wondering what final combinations to go for.. The two white J5's on here recently looked the business so I think I'll go for a paint job this time..but you're right, his attention to detail is superb so possibly a shame to cover up some woods... Decisions, decisions... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Stingray5' post='577581' date='Aug 22 2009, 02:19 PM']Nice one, 4000. Thanks for that. I did remember it was a Flamboyant style bass which was typically what caught my eye. Off to the vaults now to dig through a few old guitar mags -- unless you or anyone else knows the particular magazine? [/quote] I've just checked and it was Total Guitar, Issue 6 May 1995. I have a really bad b&w photocopy of the article. If you have a copy I'd love a decent scan (assuming you have a scanner of course). Wonder if there's a copy on ebay? EDIT - just checked, and there's everything but. Blast. Edited August 22, 2009 by 4000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 Is that URB's Sei jazz for sale at the gallery? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 If you mean on the website, no. Urb's is a 4 with spalted maple facings. The amboina one on the site is very nice though! Of course there may be something in the shop that I don't know about...I hope not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I've spent more time lauding Martin's work on here and elsewhere than I really care to think about - it's good to have another chance to say it though - Martin is really up there with the very finest builders in the world. Bubinga, your J looks stunning and it's great to see some really good photographs. One of the most attractive features for me is the weight - all the Sei Jazzers I've owned and played have been incredibly light (but very resonant) instruments. Further lovely features are the sculpted heel and very slender neck (up to around 4-6th fret). I'm fortunate enough to have both a Sei and an AC Jazz (and a ludicrously heavy mid '70s Fender) and I'd say that each has its merits. IMO, Martin's take on the Jazz is much closer to that of Sadowsky than it is to Fender (lightweight, downsized body, generally a more 'modern' tone). The AC take is really quite different and the aim is to produce a more traditional instrument that retains many of the early Fender build features. I've heard some players suggest that an AC jazz feels like a superb example of a played-in vintage Fender. I haven't played tens of early to mid sixties Fenders personally, but from my limited experience, I'd say there's something in this. On pricing, I don't think there's much in it between Sei, Sadowsky and AC (though new ACs are relatively hard to get hold of in the UK and you'll pay a dealer premium). The difference is really in the detail - I enjoy both modern and more traditional features so currently have the three Jazzers to cover a broad spetrum (the AC is more like a '60s Jazz so the Fender covers the '70s styling, feel and tone). It's great to have a choice and all three basses get as much time as I can give them (not enough really!) - there's certainly no 'go to' bass and the Sei certainly holds its own with the AC and (I suppose it's a 'vintage' now) Fender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 [quote name='purpleblob' post='577467' date='Aug 22 2009, 11:40 AM']Now I want to get a single cutaway 6 string built - I'm hooked [/quote] Oops, nearly missed this! I should have said 'buy mine' - it's up on for sale at the Gallery now (and I'm sure that Alex will do you a deal!) - it's a lovely bass but the board is a little too wide for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingray5 Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 [quote name='4000' post='577691' date='Aug 22 2009, 05:30 PM']I've just checked and it was Total Guitar, Issue 6 May 1995. I have a really bad b&w photocopy of the article. If you have a copy I'd love a decent scan (assuming you have a scanner of course). Wonder if there's a copy on ebay? EDIT - just checked, and there's everything but. Blast.[/quote] Ah, sorry, I don't have that particular issue of Total Guitar (I was mainly buying 'Bassist', 'Bass Player', 'Guitarist', 'The Guitar Magazine' at the time). That said, I checked through my old 'Bassist' mags and found a short series that started back in 1995 (Vol. 1, No.3) when they featured 'Guitarist' magazine's 1994 Bass Of The Year, a Sei Flamboyant 6 Headless (this was before 'Bassist' was launched). The bass in question was actually won by a lucky 'Bassist' reader (named in the article - maybe a current BC'er?) who gave a few requirements to Martin Petersen then had to sit back and wait while his bass was built. The series follows it's build across subsequent issues and finishes up with the final review by Roger Newell in the February 1996 issue. Others may well remember this and have copies but for those who don't and are interested to see this series, let me know and I'll scan the various pages and upload the images. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 (edited) I remember that competition and mentioned it to Martin when I placed my order for Sei. Turned out that the person who won it had to sell it later on. Edited August 23, 2009 by 7string Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshorepunk Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Glad to hear you are enjoying the Sei, mine is working well for me in regular giging band, it's more rock based, but it still does a great job. The one you have, has a U-retro? Next step for me is a J-retro, just need some adjustments making to the regualr set up to make it work for me (need LED switch) The 5 string fretless mentioned earlier, is possible Paul Turners old bass, that was made around the same time mine was, they were both made for Mr Turner and are very early jazz models Cheers Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 [quote name='Stingray5' post='578248' date='Aug 23 2009, 03:29 PM']Ah, sorry, I don't have that particular issue of Total Guitar (I was mainly buying 'Bassist', 'Bass Player', 'Guitarist', 'The Guitar Magazine' at the time). That said, I checked through my old 'Bassist' mags and found a short series that started back in 1995 (Vol. 1, No.3) when they featured 'Guitarist' magazine's 1994 Bass Of The Year, a Sei Flamboyant 6 Headless (this was before 'Bassist' was launched). The bass in question was actually won by a lucky 'Bassist' reader (named in the article - maybe a current BC'er?) who gave a few requirements to Martin Petersen then had to sit back and wait while his bass was built. The series follows it's build across subsequent issues and finishes up with the final review by Roger Newell in the February 1996 issue. Others may well remember this and have copies but for those who don't and are interested to see this series, let me know and I'll scan the various pages and upload the images.[/quote] Ah, I remember it well. I also remember getting something through from the Gallery saying I hadn't won. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 [quote name='lozbass' post='578071' date='Aug 23 2009, 10:11 AM']Oops, nearly missed this! I should have said 'buy mine' - it's up on for sale at the Gallery now (and I'm sure that Alex will do you a deal!) - it's a lovely bass but the board is a little too wide for me[/quote] If it's the one on the web site - I did give it a play when I was at the gallery and was very tempted (beautiful instrument), but am somewhat hooked on something like [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?s=&showtopic=34261&view=findpost&p=356567"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?s=&sho...st&p=356567[/url] and also would be interested in maybe getting it hooked up for MIDI as I have an Axon AX100 I use with one of my guitars. Be nice to trigger it from bass if this works well enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obi 2 kenobi Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 [quote name='bubinga5' post='577326' date='Aug 22 2009, 04:41 AM']Im posting this to give props to Martins work..i know why 7string, sshorepunk,Urb and others dig these instruments Some have seen this (and ive waffled on about this bass) ..but here are some proper pics..this really is the most capable bass ive ever played..Light as a feather,everything about says play me.. I play alot of funk/jazz and it is so in its element when it comes to this stuff...fast gospel runs are so smooth to play,and no matter how fast you play the bass (with the U Retro) it will give you the cleanest punchy sound...., digging in funk gives an amazing tone like you wouldnt believe, and fast fingerstyle disco just makes you want to play more.. What i love the most is the vibrato sound it gives...just something else.. the original passive tone is great through the Agy, but when you flick the switch and EQ it right, it just makes you smile...i recently have been jamming with some seasoned jazz musicians and they adore the tone of it..., ive gigged it 3 times and bass players have asked what bass it is..dont all bassist know about Sei..?? Ive heard people say on here that high end custom basses help you play better, and its true! ive played Sadowsky, F Bass, Nordstrand, Skjold, and this bass. (ok maybe just for me) has got something else...Always amazes me how talented people like Martin are??..how do they get to this level of there craft????????? Boggles the mind...Passion and years i guess.. I wouldnt give up this bass for any AC.. I would love to play some of you guys non jazz SB's.. Thanks Barrie..you sold me more than you know.. PS...i really dothink ABS make the best bridges of all of them.just superb..there is no direction i cant adjust my strings...[/quote] Very nice. Whats the string spacing at the bridge ? Which manufacturer is AC ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 [quote name='sshorepunk' post='578749' date='Aug 24 2009, 07:22 AM']The 5 string fretless mentioned earlier, is possible Paul Turners old bass, that was made around the same time mine was, they were both made for Mr Turner and are very early jazz models[/quote] Interesting you should mention that. Whilst looking through a forum on TB I came across several pictures that looked identical to the bass I bought - it was owned by fretless bob at the time and he mentions it was purchased from Paul Turner - so it could be the one. Whilst it looked identical even showing a chip on the headstock he seemed to indicate that there was quite a bit of wear on the body - mine didn't look too bad (or maybe my eyes are not so good nowadays). Either way it's a great looking instrument and plays real nicely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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