Lost deciding self christmas present...

[Moonvic]

Hi all,

I've been lurking in TB for some months and now, at last, I decide to write my first thread after getting lost and spending a great deal of hours with the search function. I want to get me a christmas present and am not sure about what to do... First of all, sorry for the long post, for my english and for the section, I wasn't sure of where to post. Let me tell you what I own and what bands I play in:

• Euro spector 4 (all maple) with tone pump
• Redwood NC Conklin 4 with Basslines ASB-4 pickups
• NS2000 Spector with (I strongly suspect) warped neck.
• Ampeg SVT-3 pro with a SVT-15E
• EBS Microbass-II and Bass-IQ

I play in 3 three bands:

• A fusion band called Fusió 36 (rumba mixed with some rock and contemporary music, Link Removed)
• A folk rock band called Cabo Norte
• A progressive death metal band I recently entered called Moonloop (Link Removed), which is increasingly getting local recognition.

I am not happy with either of the basses I have:

• I'll visit Jerzy Drozd shop tomorrow to change the preamp of my Euro Spector, for I really hate the highs it gives and it lacks bass response (the EMGs are helping on this, I'm afraid). I love the "quack" of them, though, when playing a la Steve Harris.
• The Conklin has no pre and its volume drops when the blend pot is centered. It has very low output and is currently my home bass for practising with the Microbass.
• I never use the korean spector. Plan to make a fretless of it one day, but not sure if it's worthy at all....

I am doubting between three options:

• A new bass: I've always wanted a custom bass, but options here in Spain, and in Europe in general are very expensive. I'm travelling to the US for a month with a grant in June and I thought it would be a good moment to get a custom instrument (and then save the shipping costs to Spain and avoiding taking a bass from Barcelona to NY for practising while in there). I have contacted many luthiers and most of them have been very helpful. I thank the active TB luthiers that have helped me via e-mail. One of them (Redeemer basses) is the best for building time and cost, though, and that is the one I would choose if I make the decision. I also have considered a Status S-2 (the Euro/GBP ratio is great for us now) and building a Warmoth with a Status neck...
• A 4x10. We don't gig very often. Transport is always an issue and don't know if using two cabs would justify the weight and room in the cars.
• Some effects: I feel I really need a compressor and a chorus and flanger would really be useful in my bands. A pedal tuner and a volume pedal would be nice, too. Which pedals to choose in this scenario is another issue, there seems to be a bunch of good options according to TBers tastes, especially in the chorus department.

So, what do you think would be more useful in my case?

Many thanks in advance and sorry for the long text. If option one wins I'll start another thread asking for help for a new custom bass... too many variables to deal with!!!

Vic

 

[BartmanPDX]

If I were you, I'd save up as much as I could and get Jerzy to build your dream bass -- something that can cover the wide variety of sounds you need judging by the styles you're playing.

I've had the privilege of trying a friend's Drozd, and it was one of the finest basses I've ever tried.

I'm not sure if you really need a 410 or all those effects, but I can't see you regretting getting a Drozd. Just go ahead and do it up right.

 

[Jeff K]

Moonvic, I don't know what to tell you about your bass dilemma. But I did want to compliment you on your English. You have nothing to apologize for. You write better than most of us here in the States. Good job, my man!

 

[Moonvic]

My reply comes a bit late but.. thanks for your thoughts! I was really thrilled with the Jerzy I tried at their shop but 2600€ is way too out of my budget... And my Spector has been aggied and repaired so now getting a new bass would be a bit of a luxury but... GAS is affecting me so much!