NBD - Bruce Thomas Profile

Those of you following the Bass Meme thread will know that today is my wife’s birthday. It’s also the day my new bass arrived, oops! So apart from upstaging my wife’s presents it’s been a great day here. I’ve only checked it over and tuned her up but I think that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. She’s light (8lbs 6oz according to the bathroom scales) which is what I expected as they all seem to be around this weight according to other reviews. She’s well put together in salmon pink and tort with the 60s style ridged saddles on the bridge and flat top knobs. If you’ve got Geddy’s BBBB book, page 39 has an original for comparison. The neck feels very similar to my Ibanez, which is a good thing. Not quite as narrow at the nut as a Jazz but shallow around, making it fast to play. Also has an Ebony board, which is an added bonus as far as I’m concerned. The pickups sound rich and warm and it’s well setup already. Nice touch - it comes with a note to say that Bruce is signing copies of his book and one will be forwarded on to me once they get them. It also came in a fairly decent gig bag. I’m not saying it’s as good as an American P but it’s one third the price! I am saying that after a year of looking, it’s better for what I want than any of the MIMs I tried. Weight and neck are a big factor in that and obviously all the MIMs I played came in heavier. But also the pickups sound much fuller in the Profile. I doubt I’ll change them.
Negatives: the finish on the neck is a bit rough in a couple of spots. I can’t see it but I can feel it. A quick run with scotch pad will sort that out. The tuners are probably the weakest link in the hardware. I may also change out the nut as it doesn’t look like it’s been cut that well. These are things I would probably do anyway as I prefer the Hipshot Ultralites. Anyway, for under £500 I’m happy as Larry!

 

Yes, apparently it’s based on his ‘62 that was stolen in the 80s. The pickups are Bass Centre custom wound to match his original.

 

Yes, and I’m dressing sharper too!

 

I spent a good amount of time with it last night. Played through about 15 songs. I swear I played better. Not just the New Bass Effect, I was less sloppy and clanky. Maybe it’s because pulled our some old tunes I used to struggle with and I’m an improved player now. Who knows? One negative, which @chazolson warned me about was it is a bit neck divey. Not massively, but enough that I’m definitely putting ultralights on it in the future. Really happy with it though. I played around with my Rumble settings too. It seems to like everything at 12 with the vintage tone on. Add a bit of gain if you want it a little driven. That’s about all it needs.

 

I had no idea where it came from but it’s a phrase I’ve heard and used since I was a kid in the 70s in the South of England. I actually assumed it was something to go with an American TV show.

 

I’m as amused as Alice by this!
I’m going to start adding names to all emotional conditions from now on.

 

“Play it and enjoy it” And not even in a sarcastic voice!

 

Hmm, good observation. It looks like it’s maybe 4 or 5mm (about 5th of an inch) further forward. What difference would that make? Anyone know why they would do that?