carl0s Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 [quote name='MB1' post='1179757' date='Mar 28 2011, 05:14 PM']MB1. LOCAL NEWS! Monster, Monster , Monster! Just been in Johnny Roadhouses in Sunny Mancunia! I've just tried an awesome Active blue Contemporary J series 4 string, straight out of the box and im totally stunned by its build quality, overall look and sound! Active 3 band Eq (with pull bright switch) More Poke! than Poke Salad Annie!, nice maple board and nice satin feel to the neck and Soapbars! Definately one of the "Precious Things " of the shop! I realise this will introduce the Overwater name to a larger audience? but i really didnt think, they would be that good! ....Well Worth a sniff!. If i had the spare this definately, would not!, be still there!....[/quote] Hmmm. I might pop over for a look tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelwatmough Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 We were very annoyed that your order went wrong with us, we have sorted the problems with the couriers now, obviously that's of no use to you though. It unfortunately happens occasionally, we've had a pretty good run of deliveries being 100% fine but things do go wrong sometimes. Sad to hear it's put you off looking at the Overwaters. I'd definitely encourage you to take an opportunity to try one if you can at some point. The response from people actually picking up and playing them in store has been brilliant. And just to reiterate, the problems were at our end and didn't involve Overwater or Tanglewood. We are one of Tanglewood's biggest customers in the UK and have had a very long relationship with them. I'd hate to see a failing on our part be seen to be anything to do with them or indeed Overwater. Michael - Musicians Centre [quote name='Wiseoldfrog' post='1195601' date='Apr 11 2011, 12:31 PM']I'd just like to say that Chris May (head honcho at Overwater) PM'd be to find out what the issue was with my delivery problem to ensure such a thing doesn't happen again. The fact that he personally got involved in this just shows what great support I would imagine people can expect from Overwater. B[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Well I finally got to have a lunchtime noodle on one of these today, the five string Aspiration Deluxe in trans black which is in SoundsLive in Newcastle. Normally preferring larger bodied Fender'esque basses, I was somewhat surprised how well I took to the slightly smaller dimensions of the Aspiration. First impressions were of a very well made bass. The neck pocket joint was nice and tight (better than the joint on my Overwater J series) and the shape/finish of the body was very good. The neck profile was on the wide shallow side of things, and apart from looking very bleached white, was basically comfortable and playable. On the minus side, the neck has a particularly sharp feeling transition between the Maple and the Rosewood, the edge of the rosewood board was similarly sharp and uncomfortable, and the strings were sitting very high in the nut, making the first fret action uncomfortable. Sounds-wise, WOW! Setting the preamp flat and turning the pickup blend slightly towards the neck pickup gave a big fat warm P bass style tone. Cutting the mid a tiny amount added some nasal type drive to the sound. Rolling the pickup blend towards the bridge pickup gave a smooth but clearly defined tone not too disimilar to an active J bass. Playing around for five minutes and I had a tone I could live with on pretty much any gig. The minus points could be easily dealt with by a good luthier with a sanding block and some nut files and if I was in the market for a mid-range five string, then this would be on the list. For £699 I'd have liked the neck to be a little better setup and finished, but I am a perfectionist All in all, 9.5/10. If they bring out the Classic J series PJ version in a five string in candyapple red (Chris, are you listening ) then I'd definately be front of the queue! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 (edited) Just sent an email to one of the companies on the seller's list regarding the Elite 5. Exciting times Also, does anyone know if the Contemporary J 5 comes in Trans Black, or is just Trans Blue, because I've only seen the 5er in Trans Blue? Edited April 15, 2011 by skej21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomEndian Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 [quote name='skej21' post='1200651' date='Apr 15 2011, 01:37 PM']Just sent an email to one of the companies on the seller's list regarding the Elite 5. Exciting times Also, does anyone know if the Contemporary J 5 comes in Trans Black, or is just Trans Blue, because I've only seen the 5er in Trans Blue?[/quote] Not saying the Tanglewood website is pure gospel, but [url="http://www.tanglewoodguitars.co.uk/products/electricbass/overwater.html"]there's no Elite 5 listed on it yet[/url], even though Overwater's site says the Elite is 4- or 5-string. Also no Contemporary J 5 in black. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 [quote name='BottomEndian' post='1200666' date='Apr 15 2011, 01:44 PM']Not saying the Tanglewood website is pure gospel, but [url="http://www.tanglewoodguitars.co.uk/products/electricbass/overwater.html"]there's no Elite 5 listed on it yet[/url], even though Overwater's site says the Elite is 4- or 5-string. Also no Contemporary J 5 in black. [/quote] I had a feeling that they wouldn't offer the Contemporary J 5 in black... damn. Blue is just a tad 'in-your-face' for me. As for the Elite 5, one of the seller's in Overwaters 'suppliers' list has it listed for sale on their website... Hopefully the response will be good news and not a 'we have it listed but there's a wait of X number of weeks' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomEndian Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 [quote name='skej21' post='1200679' date='Apr 15 2011, 01:51 PM']I had a feeling that they wouldn't offer the Contemporary J 5 in black... damn. Blue is just a tad 'in-your-face' for me. As for the Elite 5, one of the seller's in Overwaters 'suppliers' list has it listed for sale on their website... Hopefully the response will be good news and not a 'we have it listed but there's a wait of X number of weeks'[/quote] Yeah, I noticed Bass Merchant have it listed... but with a picture of a 4-string. Fingers crossed for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 (edited) Just want to sing the praises of Bassmerchant. Hassled them like an annoying school child about the Aspiration series basses, got the information I wanted and then left it a while to think. Decided to buy one and really wanted to support a specialist bass shop that i have had a number of successful transactions with in the past, but found the item cheaper elsewhere. So I asked them about it and they offered me a price-match. Paid at 4:40pm today, bass was put in the hands of the courier as I was on the phone to them and it will arrive (if all goes smoothly) tomorrow. Contemporary J 5... Excited!! Edited April 18, 2011 by skej21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 [quote name='skej21' post='1203785' date='Apr 18 2011, 04:48 PM']Just want to sing the praises of Bassmerchant. Hassled them like an annoying school child about the Aspiration series basses, got the information I wanted and then left it a while to think. Decided to buy one and really wanted to support a specialist bass shop that i have had a number of successful transactions with in the past, but found the item cheaper elsewhere. So I asked them about it and they offered me a price-match. Paid at 4:40pm today, bass was put in the hands of the courier as I was on the phone to them and it will arrive (if all goes smoothly) tomorrow. Contemporary J 5... Excited!![/quote] Agreed, top chaps at the Bass Merchant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ead Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 [quote name='Musicman20' post='1204197' date='Apr 18 2011, 09:55 PM']Agreed, top chaps at the Bass Merchant.[/quote] +1 I bought my Aspiration from them and I thought they we very patient with me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 [quote name='ead' post='1204250' date='Apr 18 2011, 10:47 PM']+1 I bought my Aspiration from them and I thought they we very patient with me [/quote] My Contemporary J 5 just arrived... Beautiful out of the box and truly stunning instrument! Don't know who to thank really. Bassmerchant, Chris May and Tanglewood should probably all get a shout. CHEERS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 [quote name='JPJ' post='1199442' date='Apr 14 2011, 02:28 PM']If they bring out the Classic J series PJ version in a five string in candyapple red (Chris, are you listening ) then I'd definately be front of the queue![/quote] And I will be right behind you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sime17 Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 [quote name='Rich' post='1205013' date='Apr 19 2011, 05:58 PM']And I will be right behind you [/quote] Likewise but Sunburst... And 35" scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merello Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 (edited) Wee shot of a 5-string bass (Aspiration?) in Merchant City Music. Felt like a well made bass and had a confident maple board. I'd still rather have the 4 string but a brilliantly made bass. 5 string version of this? Edited April 22, 2011 by merello Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 [quote name='merello' post='1208619' date='Apr 22 2011, 08:16 PM']Wee shot of a 5-string bass (Aspiration?) in Merchant City Music. Felt like a well made bass and had a confident maple board. I'd still rather have the 4 string but a brilliantly made bass. 5 string version of this? [/quote] Yup. I have the 5er version of this. Truly brilliant. Looks a lot less blue in reality than in the pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sime17 Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 [quote name='skej21' post='1209050' date='Apr 23 2011, 11:36 AM']Yup. I have the 5er version of this. Truly brilliant. Looks a lot less blue in reality than in the pics.[/quote] Has anybody confirmed if these are 34" or 35" scale yet - listings and specs seem to disagree? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 [quote name='sime17' post='1209465' date='Apr 23 2011, 08:06 PM']Has anybody confirmed if these are 34" or 35" scale yet - listings and specs seem to disagree?[/quote] Measured my Contemporary J 5 and it's 34" scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sime17 Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 [quote name='skej21' post='1211872' date='Apr 26 2011, 06:17 PM']Measured my Contemporary J 5 and it's 34" scale.[/quote] Cheers dude - now I know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyparrot Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 [quote name='sime17' post='1212127' date='Apr 26 2011, 10:05 PM']Cheers dude - now I know![/quote] played that bass today at BM, great, waiting for the 5 string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 (edited) [quote name='greyparrot' post='1212131' date='Apr 26 2011, 10:06 PM']played that bass today at BM, great, waiting for the 5 string.[/quote] These basses are truly fantastic. For the price, you just cannot go wrong. Played 5 function gigs and 2 reading gigs since buying mine. It's the easiest few gigs I've had in a long time (reading is so much easier on a 5!) and the playability of the bass is outstanding. Well-built, comfortable and lightweight (whilst being substantial enough to feel like you've got hold of a bass!) Also, nearly everyone who's seen it has commented on how nice it is. 3 guitarists from different gigs commented on how smooth it was, and I feel it still has a subtle jazz growl. People also think it's a stunning instrument, particularly the inlays. My students have spent most of their lessons staring at it on the wall too lol. I've finished the rant. Just go and buy one of the aspiration series basses. Totally worth it. [quote name='sime17' post='1212127' date='Apr 26 2011, 10:05 PM']Cheers dude - now I know![/quote] No bother mate. Try one, buy one. You'll not regret it. Edited April 26, 2011 by skej21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitar.co.uk Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 Hello from another new Tanglewater dealer! We have only received one bass so far and are looking forward to another 4 around June time. Chris May has been in for a visit to give us the low down on everything, he seems to have big plans for the range. We've just taken some nice pics of the Contemporary J Series 5 String we have in stock, you can view them [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/merchymusic/sets/72157626467209239/show/"]here[/url]. More info [url="http://www.guitar.co.uk/guitars/bass/3856-overwater_contemporary_j_series_5_string_bass"]here[/url]. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louisthebass Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 [quote name='Guitar.co.uk' post='1213996' date='Apr 28 2011, 05:38 PM']Hello from another new Tanglewater dealer! We have only received one bass so far and are looking forward to another 4 around June time. Chris May has been in for a visit to give us the low down on everything, he seems to have big plans for the range. We've just taken some nice pics of the Contemporary J Series 5 String we have in stock, you can view them [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/merchymusic/sets/72157626467209239/show/"]here[/url]. More info [url="http://www.guitar.co.uk/guitars/bass/3856-overwater_contemporary_j_series_5_string_bass"]here[/url].[/quote] Tried one of these out at Guitar Works in Reading today & I reckon it gives the custom a good run for it's money. Chris May's done a great job with these basses - I love the tone on this bass, & would recommend this as a great working bass. Well done Chris! Cheers, louisthebass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Just been speaking to Chris May from Overwater. He's touring stores that stock the Tanglewaters, and called in to have a look. Thoroughly great bloke, and had some good stories to tell. Just waiting for some new stock to arrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoombung Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Well, I got to try one of these in a shop in Herne Bay today out of curiousity. [b]The good[/b]: Nice sound - very good, silent tone controls and good clarity from the pickups. Nice neck inlays. [b]The not so good[/b]: weighty, neck dive, lumpy body, sharp profile to the neck/fingerboard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomis Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 the j series looks nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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