Recent content by chris_b

Are older basses coveted? That's not what I do. My main basses were made in the 2010's. I don't care when a bass was made as long as it sounds great.

Some purists have a problem with electric bass in acoustic bands, but IMO get the sound and technique right and everyone else will be happy.. I spent several years in an acoustic folk rock band and I played my Precision. Everyone was happy with that, even when we recorded. Most of the similar...

So is a cheap Jazz bass worth it? I occasionally play my $200 Cort GB35JJ jazz bass and while it's a good player. . . . the tone doesn't cut it. It's not a bad sound but it's not as good as my other basses and that bugs me. I added a Sadowsky preamp and that made the difference. I'm 95% of...

I'm not a fan of Rics. They do nothing for me. I'd suggest that as you haven't bought one so far then they really aren't for you either. Just accept and move on.

It's the wood and construction. My Metro is on the heavy side and not chambered. Germany are winding their own pickups. It all makes a difference and small differences mount up..

I played an NYC in a shop, and tried a used German Metroline with a view to buying, but so far nothing has come close to the tone of my Japanese Metro.

Change the tuners to light weight ones. If that doesn't work sell it. Life's too short for owning bass gear with issues. Owning a bass you can't comfortably play is crazy. Sell it and buy the best bass you can afford and appreciate the improvement in your sound.

To the OP. . . . I'm an old dog and haven't learnt any new tricks in years. . . . but I upped my game by buying the best gear I could find and that made my old tricks sound better than they ever did!

I've played an early 50's Fender slab and Pino Custom Precisions, several Foderas, a Roscoe Beck, a couple of Overwaters and a Sadowsky NYC Jazz. In the last 25 years I've owned 2 Wals, an early Lakland 55-94, a Mike Lull PJ5 and Jazz and a Sadowsky Metro Jazz. I have bought and sold a few other...

Buy your second bass first, and miss out on the bass that cramps your style.

Dots and blocks are as "tasteful" as I get.

My 55-94 was #102. One of the early 5ers according to Dan. A fantastic bass I played for about 13 years. It was my #1 for that time but sadly the weight (10lbs) got to me in the end.

I have the same thing developing and my solution was to set the bass up with a lower action and I don't press so hard with my thumb. I'm still playing my 35" scale 5 string basses with very few problems.

For more than 50 years I've only bought basses I've been able to try first, or can easily resell, for the same money. I've sold, or not bought, some fantastic basses. . . . because I didn't gel with them. For that reason I'd never order a bass to be made specially for me. I just don't trust...

Good move. IMO fewer, better basses is the way to go. Spending your money on quality gear will pay dividends every time you play and when you come to sell.