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NASH GUITARS? Thoughts?
- Thread starter Gbass75
- Start date
Had a Nash. Was disappointed in the quality. Poor attention to detail. No shielding, mediocre fretwork, different pickguard shape vs real Fender, bridge mounted weirdly high (north) on the body. Look at the photos to see that for yourself.
What production year?
I'm curious if there was a turning point. I bought mine in the last 3 years and they are well made.
I'm curious if there was a turning point. I bought mine in the last 3 years and they are well made.
The thing that always turned me off from looking at Nash was their seeming insistence on building period LOOKING basses with appointments that were somewhat outlandish. For example, the three I had a chance to try in VA all had DiMarzio Model P pups, obvious modern "c" necks, 9.5 radii, non threaded saddles on pre 70's bridges and 70's spacing on a 60's style J. I guess that is their thing to build the features you always (or never) wanted on a period looking piece? The DiMarzio pups really surprised me. It was like looking at a vintage bass that someone stopped short of installing a brass nut and BAII on. Sound wise, they sounded like their namesakes. I know guitarists that rave about them and the pup swap is an obvious fix, so I guess most of the cost lies in the relicing.
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Forgot to mention, also very unrealistic aging, IMO. If you are familiar with real vintage instruments the Nash stuff just screams phony.
Good comment I'll import from another thread...
To those who have issues... Don't buy one. To the people who like them... Enjoy
I know I am
To those who have issues... Don't buy one. To the people who like them... Enjoy
I know I am
That doesn't help those who are considering buying a Nash and have never tried one. Sounds like the OP is in that position.
I played a PB-63 today at the Great American Guitar Show which is held just outside of Philly. I'm always a little apprehensive about playing a P-Bass just based on the neck shape. While my main bass might be a Roscoe Beck 5 string, I tend to be far more comfortable with a Jazz bass neck when it comes to 4 string basses.
Anyhow, the PB-63 felt GREAT! The wear pattern on the back of the neck made it feel like I was perfectly at home. The bass was also set up amazingly well. Straight as an arrow and with excellent action. Tonally? It covered the bases very nicely. Aggressive fingerstyle tone? Check. Rolled off tone for Motown style grooves? Check. Carol Kaye style muted picking? Check.
As for the finish? This was a more lightly relic'd model in Charcoal frost with a mint guard. Not my absolute favorite color, but you know what? The playability, tone and PRICE of this Nash made it very attractive to me. I had a very difficult time walking away from this one today.
Anyhow, the PB-63 felt GREAT! The wear pattern on the back of the neck made it feel like I was perfectly at home. The bass was also set up amazingly well. Straight as an arrow and with excellent action. Tonally? It covered the bases very nicely. Aggressive fingerstyle tone? Check. Rolled off tone for Motown style grooves? Check. Carol Kaye style muted picking? Check.
As for the finish? This was a more lightly relic'd model in Charcoal frost with a mint guard. Not my absolute favorite color, but you know what? The playability, tone and PRICE of this Nash made it very attractive to me. I had a very difficult time walking away from this one today.
Yes... this is so.
I was selling two of my favorite basses to cover the cost of some family happenings... both of which have somewhat sadly resolved themselves.
That being said; I still plan to sell the basses, and would like to use some of the funds to build my "dream P-Bass."
Nash was a possible contender for the commission... and so, again, yes... I was/am looking for some honest-to-goodness, sincere reviews about the quality of the instruments.
I know there is always the risk of folks getting the dander up a bit with threads like these; and I honestly didn't want to cause folks to get into arguements, or become defensive about their gear... I know it can be a real point of pride for many of us.
I'd heard good things about the builder (not knowing too much about their history and evolving reputation), and had hoped to learn more.
For the most part, I've really enjoyed following the thread; and truly appreciate the many thoughtful responses... makes me feel like I'm getting my money's worth out of that Supporting Membership!
i do find it funny that it tends to be love/hate replies here. i'm in the love camp, for sure, but not a promoting fanboi; buy what's right for you. my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, but that doesn't make it universal truth.
Well... I think that, based on the many responses, I need to play a few Nash instruments before ever considering buying one (as it should be, no?).
And, of course, the sound and feel of an instrument should be the more significant factors when choosing an instrument... but, since I do play out (though, not nearly as often as I used to), the aesthetics of an instrument are also important factors for me... and, with that said, I struggle with the look of some of the Nash instruments I've seen (I've gotten picky about that kind of stuff).
I've also been talking to some other builders... J. Kallas among them... but, I fear he's going to be out of my price range for what I want.
I think, however, I've actually found myself a builder... I don't want to reveal yet, but I'm excited about the prospect... but, nothing is going forward until I sell my Ric and my other Fender...
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Thats my CIJ '62... I had some work done on it, and dropped in Lollars... it's a great bass... I'm just looking for something unique; and, parting with this one will help me to make it happen. My loss is someone's big gain!
I discovered Nah basses in '08 and was verty skeptical. After playing one, I bought one of the best "P" basses I've ever played. It'just a downright player, that one in a thousand off the bench. Right now, I'm struggling with selling it 'cause I don't get the calls I used to g or work. I ain't cash fat and can't stand it just sitting there. Playing mostly upright now and need to upgrade. But it's been painful to get to this point. Sigh...
Don't do it. Mines the One too...and after over 40years playing only One I've found
You'll hate yourself in the morning
