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I'm gonna' have to backpedal on this a bit, as it's not across the board as I thought it was. The last Fender I owned with a maple board was an American Deluxe PV, and it was not a one piece neck, so I went to the Fender site to figure this out...
So it looks like only the American and American Deluxe (I assume due to the graphite rods) have maple fingerboards instead of one piece necks. The Standards (Mexi) still have the skunk stripe and one piece necks. So I guess the best answer to your question is "when they started using graphite on the American series basses".
Also, the 'skunk stripe' eventually became a 'marketing component' and they included that design feature on most of their basses for a long time, even ones with RW boards, from what I understand. So, you can't really assume that a Fender bass with a skunk stripe has a 'one piece neck' (even the maple/maple ones).
So Vic, I think it was MUCH earlier than you think, since even the maple board basses had skunk stripes for 'the Fender look', as far as I know.
Chef
In Memoriam
All three of my '72 Fenders have a stripe.
All of my early G&L's have a stripe (1980-1983).
So, Fender wasn't the only place Leo did that.
All of my early G&L's have a stripe (1980-1983).
So, Fender wasn't the only place Leo did that.
Hey Guys,
I just wanted to share something... I just got home from hangin' with Jimmy and Sebnem at the Hip Kitty Jazz Club in Claremont, CA... We went there to deliver the trans red LM5 to a spectacular player who was also there at NAMM.
When we got there he was playing a 6-string Jazz (of a different brand) and an Ampeg Baby Bass through an SWR 410 (I couldn't tell what head was in the rack case)... We were a little late so Jimmy handed him the bass on his first break. Anyway, the difference in sound was just mindblowing! The room was filled with.... Bass. Just pure, even, deep cutting bass. This thing sounded like a fretted Baby Bass - Huge!
Jimmy and I were just super excited to say the least (and I was pumped up to play right then and there) then he put it best when he said, "This is why I put in 12 hours a days for 7 days a week. This is what I do it for."
And I'm sure we're all glad he does it.
I just wanted to share something... I just got home from hangin' with Jimmy and Sebnem at the Hip Kitty Jazz Club in Claremont, CA... We went there to deliver the trans red LM5 to a spectacular player who was also there at NAMM.
When we got there he was playing a 6-string Jazz (of a different brand) and an Ampeg Baby Bass through an SWR 410 (I couldn't tell what head was in the rack case)... We were a little late so Jimmy handed him the bass on his first break. Anyway, the difference in sound was just mindblowing! The room was filled with.... Bass. Just pure, even, deep cutting bass. This thing sounded like a fretted Baby Bass - Huge!
Jimmy and I were just super excited to say the least (and I was pumped up to play right then and there) then he put it best when he said, "This is why I put in 12 hours a days for 7 days a week. This is what I do it for."
And I'm sure we're all glad he does it.
- Oct 17, 2006
- 731
- 21
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Aguilar Amplification, Dunlop/MXR
Yesssssssssssss. I'm very glad. After 8 months with my LM5 I'm still in love. It's most definitely the best bass I've ever owned hands down.
Had a fun Bass Get Together yesterday at my rehearsal studio with MikeX, what a great player...
Here is a pic of what we had to play with..... he also brought his AC5's, and LG and LM.... both amazing basses!
Here is a pic of what we had to play with..... he also brought his AC5's, and LG and LM.... both amazing basses!
Sweet! Man, that Aguilar DB stack looks beautiful.. nice vibe with the A-C 'vintage' look. Cool! I really like those DB112's. A bit big and heavy, but just warm and punchy and fat! Those cabs powered by a Thunderfunk 550B always ranked at the 'top of the class' with J Basses at all our GTG's.
Okay, I just went thru 20 pages of posts because I had selected "no email notification" because I don't have an AC and didn't feel right lurking.
I came back because I got curious.....From what I got out of my speed reading, you're all saying that AC's now are heavier, a tad wider, slimmer, and a tad elongated?? Or these are proto's and we're not sure if this is the new AC of the future?
The weight would certainly make me think twice about buying an AC. I'm a little person. not much more than 5"2" and not much weight on these bones. My Fender Custom Shop weighed in around 10+ and it was a bit heavy for me.
Also, I was wondering what the string spacing is on the 5-strings? AC's are 34" scale?
Go easy, I'm a noob. (I got incredibly thick skin for a girl.)
Where's that flame suit that Vic mentioned? I might need one.
okay, ready.
I came back because I got curious.....From what I got out of my speed reading, you're all saying that AC's now are heavier, a tad wider, slimmer, and a tad elongated?? Or these are proto's and we're not sure if this is the new AC of the future?
The weight would certainly make me think twice about buying an AC. I'm a little person. not much more than 5"2" and not much weight on these bones. My Fender Custom Shop weighed in around 10+ and it was a bit heavy for me.
Also, I was wondering what the string spacing is on the 5-strings? AC's are 34" scale?
Go easy, I'm a noob. (I got incredibly thick skin for a girl.)
Where's that flame suit that Vic mentioned? I might need one.
okay, ready.
Hey Guys,
I just wanted to share something... I just got home from hangin' with Jimmy and Sebnem at the Hip Kitty Jazz Club in Claremont, CA... We went there to deliver the trans red LM5 to a spectacular player who was also there at NAMM.
When we got there he was playing a 6-string Jazz (of a different brand) and an Ampeg Baby Bass through an SWR 410 (I couldn't tell what head was in the rack case)... We were a little late so Jimmy handed him the bass on his first break. Anyway, the difference in sound was just mindblowing! The room was filled with.... Bass. Just pure, even, deep cutting bass. This thing sounded like a fretted Baby Bass - Huge!
Jimmy and I were just super excited to say the least (and I was pumped up to play right then and there) then he put it best when he said, "This is why I put in 12 hours a days for 7 days a week. This is what I do it for."
And I'm sure we're all glad he does it.
Yohann,
I'm flattered by your comments. Can you be my publicist?
I'm thrilled to get the LM5. I'm glad you guys were happy with the way it sounded, but I'm sure you weren't nearly as happy as I was to be playing it. It's what I've been searching for for years - it has the most solid, focused J-tone of any bass I've ever owned. It plays incredibly well, the B string kicks ass, and it looks great too! I was a little concerned about the weight, as was Jimmy, but it was manageable for 2 sets.
About my rig: it's a Kern pre and Crest CA-9. That room was tough to EQ (huge midrange void), but I got it dialed ok after a couple of sets.
It sounds like Jimmy has made them a bit wider top-to-bottom and just a bit thinner, although I'm not sure about the elongated bit (he said he changed the headstock slightly, maybe that's it). However, I'd wager someone who's not a J Bass devotee wouldn't notice the change. For someone as small as you, it probably does bear to remark that the average J Bass body is fairly large relative to more modern designs.Okay, I just went thru 20 pages of posts because I had selected "no email notification" because I don't have an AC and didn't feel right lurking.
I came back because I got curious.....From what I got out of my speed reading, you're all saying that AC's now are heavier, a tad wider, slimmer, and a tad elongated?? Or these are proto's and we're not sure if this is the new AC of the future?
The weight would certainly make me think twice about buying an AC. I'm a little person. not much more than 5"2" and not much weight on these bones. My Fender Custom Shop weighed in around 10+ and it was a bit heavy for me.
Also, I was wondering what the string spacing is on the 5-strings? AC's are 34" scale?
Go easy, I'm a noob. (I got incredibly thick skin for a girl.)
Where's that flame suit that Vic mentioned? I might need one.
okay, ready.
All of Jimmy's Jazz basses are 34" scale and 19mm string spacing at the bridge.
Regarding weight, it sounds like Jimmy favors slightly heavy ash for his LMs. However, I think he uses medium or even light alder for his LGs. I have an LG5, and it's a very reasonable 9.5ish pounds. I bet if you contacted him and told him you'd need something a little lighter, he'd help you out. He may not go Sadowsky light, but it couldn't hurt to ask! Jimmy's very helpful, and I'm sure he'd do everything possible to make an A-C that would work for you.
Okay, I just went thru 20 pages of posts because I had selected "no email notification" because I don't have an AC and didn't feel right lurking.
I came back because I got curious.....From what I got out of my speed reading, you're all saying that AC's now are heavier, a tad wider, slimmer, and a tad elongated?? Or these are proto's and we're not sure if this is the new AC of the future?
The weight would certainly make me think twice about buying an AC. I'm a little person. not much more than 5"2" and not much weight on these bones. My Fender Custom Shop weighed in around 10+ and it was a bit heavy for me.
Also, I was wondering what the string spacing is on the 5-strings? AC's are 34" scale?
Go easy, I'm a noob. (I got incredibly thick skin for a girl.)
Where's that flame suit that Vic mentioned? I might need one.
okay, ready.
Hello!
First, remember that the increase in weight is only involved with the LM models, which are meant to emulate a late 70's J Bass, which for the most part, are boat anchors. I have one of the older, lighterweight ones, and it totally, completely kicks butt at under 9 pounds. The LG's (the 60's oriented alder/RW models) are very lightweight... mines not much over 8 pounds, and also sounds great.
I would hope that Jimmy would still offer a lighterweight option to the LM's. More weight does change the tone a bit, but IMO, not necessarily for the better... personal tone goals there. I'd never, ever consider an instrument that was over 10 pounds or so at this point. Many of my gigs are 5 sets+.
The string spacing is the full, standard 19mm at the bridge, and all A-C's are 34" scale... 4's or 5's (except of course, for those little short scale models).
Wonderful instruments, but they are 'full size J's with large bodies and a somewhat wide neck profile (there is quite a bit of wood between the outside of the B and G strings and the edge of the board).
Wonderful basses. If you are really concerned about size and weight, and still want a great J tone and instrument, the Sadowsky NYC's with the single coil option are also great, they are really lightweight (the bodies are routed to reduce weight, have a downsized J body (that 'dinky' sort of design...nice!), and a slightly 'smaller' neck profile.... 34" scale.
All great stuff.
K
Thanks Hollow Man and KJung for the info. I'm curious at this time only. I just spent all I had on a new custom-build Don Grosh PJ 4-string, which is due shortly.
But, I am missing 1 bass from my collection and that is a 5-string. Hence, my curious nature.
But, I am missing 1 bass from my collection and that is a 5-string. Hence, my curious nature.
Ryan...!
what a cool hang bro! I had a blast and your gear is hands down, some of the best in town..lemme know if you guys are playing close by so i can come out and hang again. My Aguilar demo was awesome...GC aint got nothin on you bro! haha
Congrats on the new Pbass..Its a sweet bass for a killer deal!
Peace!
Mike X
what a cool hang bro! I had a blast and your gear is hands down, some of the best in town..lemme know if you guys are playing close by so i can come out and hang again. My Aguilar demo was awesome...GC aint got nothin on you bro! haha
Congrats on the new Pbass..Its a sweet bass for a killer deal!
Peace!
Mike X
You're quite welcome, although Ken (KJung) is really the true aficionado of the folks who are building modern takes on Jazz basses around here.
About all I can do is encourage you to contact Jimmy. He definitely has a vision of what he wants his basses to represent, but he's also a great guy who really wants to make his clients happy. Please do call him and tell him what you want, and he'll help you bounce that against what he can do.
I can't remember if I posted this clip on this thread (apologies if I did already.. I recorded it based on a request over in the TC mega thread on the amp forum).
This is a bit of a different take on my LM5. It is recorded using the wonderful TC RH450/RS210 rig, and uses an EQ curve that was shown in a TC demo by 'BassIda' a while back (lots of mids and a bit of tube emulation). Pretty cool sounding to me... punchy, and a bit dirty/grindy. Just FYI.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
This is a bit of a different take on my LM5. It is recorded using the wonderful TC RH450/RS210 rig, and uses an EQ curve that was shown in a TC demo by 'BassIda' a while back (lots of mids and a bit of tube emulation). Pretty cool sounding to me... punchy, and a bit dirty/grindy. Just FYI.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
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