Recent content by jim chapman

Some respondents have mentioned "inflation" as the culprit. But even at 10%, which it is not (yet) that would push a $900 P or J to a grand. not 12 or 18. Many of the newer prices are obviously far above that spread and the real cause is supply and demand. If you can no longer find a $900 Fender...

In 1967, before really big cabs were a thing anywhere but in the biggest bands, the largest amp you could buy in Canada was a Super Showman. Then Traynor came out with the Custom Special, sup[posedly the loudest anp in the world at the time, with an 8X10 cab. I liked the amp but not the cab so I...

Not if you knew how to use it, and your amp. Not as versatile as a Jazz, but not a one-tone wonder, either.

I don't care what Fender sales blurb said what. I've played several of both over the past 55 years (and driven a lot of old cars, too) and if the P is basic Chev, the J is a mid-range Oldsmobile at best.

Good for you!! I am continuing my search for '51 to go with my first-year Bassman.

Still looking for a Serenader bass.

In 1964 I had a Bogen 50-watt PA amp running through a homemade cab with a 100-watt Jensen 15. It actually wasn't a bad rig but I saved my shekels and upgraded to a Gibson Atlas Mk IV that was less than stellar and then traded it for a much better Fender Bassman head and a locally-manufactured...

Summer, 1964. At barely fifteen I’ve decided I want to be a rock musician and the first order of business is to find a bass and an amplifier. My friends are forming a band and I’m in if I can find some bass gear and learn to play it as quickly as possible. I have very little money but I find a...

That's the real deal, brother. Congrats! Don't let it go!

Pete Traynor! Great amps, bought my first one in 1966.

I sold a very nice but professionally=refinished '55 a few months ago for $8,000 CDN and I believe that was a fair price on both sides. I can't imagine paying $25,000 for one unless it came out of Leo's basement. Just sayin......

Harmony H-22! Had one in 1965, have one now!

I was with Ronnie for a few months in 1971. Things were rockin' until Kris K. called one day and said he wanted Ron to come with him on an extended vacation in Europe. Ron cancelled an upcoming tour of western Canada and didn't come back for quite a while, by which time we were all into...

No, I just realized I was incorrect about that. The neck on that bass was original to the bass but a local luthier shaved the neck to the size and shape of a Jazz (actually, even a little slimmer- he was a violin maker, too, and knew just how far he could go. He refinished the body and headstock...

I am lucky to have several vintage and unique basses but this one wins the title of My Favourite Bass hands down. It's a Line 6 Variax 700 from the early 2000's. In addition to looking good (I think) it plays better than any bass I have ever played, and I don't say that lightly. It's a modelling...