knarleybass
Commercial User
Someday I would like to get one of those Headless ones in a 5 string. I have a secret fascination with them since I saw Mark King play "Something About You" on one, it sounded pretty amazing.
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Status Basses
- Thread starter T-MOST
- Start date
I have serious ergonomic problems with the classic Status contouring (I've owned 4, 3 graphite-necked Energys and a 2000) in that if I play them fingerstyle I get some sort of RSI/Carpal tunnel thing going on (although I do get that to a far lesser extent on most basses with a forearm contour, even Fenders). I sold them all for that reason (amongst others). They're very good basses though, assuming you like that tone, which is very distinctive. I like the necks on them.
They also vary a great deal weight wise depending on model etc. My Energys were very light; my friends old Series 1 is definitely heavy. My 2000 was somewhere in the middle. I recently tried an old first-generation Stealth 6 and expected it to be light, but it weighed a ton. The new ones are supposed to be very light however.
Heya,
here are some notes on my Statii:
- Series 1, bolt-on, fretless, headless
That's an instrument to keep. I love the combination of graphite neck and wood body. Soundwise, this bass is by far not so hifi-ish as you might expect. It has this "mmwhaaah" you'd expect when picked smoothly somewhere in the middle between the PU's. Plus you get an incredibly funky "nöcknöck" sound when picked hard close to the bridge. I really like the *hard* fingerboard, even slapping does not sound strange on this fretless.
- Empathy 5-String, neck-through
Soundwise - a funk machine. One of those basses that cry out loud for thumb-guidance. Deeeep growl, bass fundament plus hifi brightness - what you'd expect from an all graphite neck. The Mark King sound ;-) Endless sustain. Tuningwise it's incredibly stable - humidity changes, temperature drops ... so what!
Although - i sold this one for a Zon .... it was too hifi for my band.
Both of them are really good instruments, extremely low action without buzz. And they are heavy - plus, you have to like the neck. Both have very massive necks - so you have something to play with. Reminded me of old precision necks - so, don't expect a modern shape (MTD, e.g. ...)
But: if you can get one --- DO IT!
Tom
here are some notes on my Statii:
- Series 1, bolt-on, fretless, headless
That's an instrument to keep. I love the combination of graphite neck and wood body. Soundwise, this bass is by far not so hifi-ish as you might expect. It has this "mmwhaaah" you'd expect when picked smoothly somewhere in the middle between the PU's. Plus you get an incredibly funky "nöcknöck" sound when picked hard close to the bridge. I really like the *hard* fingerboard, even slapping does not sound strange on this fretless.
- Empathy 5-String, neck-through
Soundwise - a funk machine. One of those basses that cry out loud for thumb-guidance. Deeeep growl, bass fundament plus hifi brightness - what you'd expect from an all graphite neck. The Mark King sound ;-) Endless sustain. Tuningwise it's incredibly stable - humidity changes, temperature drops ... so what!
Although - i sold this one for a Zon .... it was too hifi for my band.
Both of them are really good instruments, extremely low action without buzz. And they are heavy - plus, you have to like the neck. Both have very massive necks - so you have something to play with. Reminded me of old precision necks - so, don't expect a modern shape (MTD, e.g. ...)
But: if you can get one --- DO IT!
Tom
Hi, I presently have 3 (and a Musicman Stingray replacement graphite neck):
S1 4 string, fretted (only 8.6lbs -3.9kgs)
S1 5 string, fretted (only 8.6lbs -3.9kgs)
S2 5 string, fretless (ash body hence 10.4lbs, 4.7lbs!)
I've found some of the ash bodied basses a little on the heavy side, but you can always choose your woods when ordering.
They all sound great: back pickup finger style is very barky, growly and 'tuba' like. My 4 string has the earlier more singlecoil like sounding pickups and is very hi-fi and Jazz like when slapped. The other two have the newer humbucker type tone, which in my opinion isn't as good for slap but is great for finger style.
I can take the actions way down below 1.5mm without problems-the necks are so straight! And Rob Greens' customer service is absolutely second to none.
S1 4 string, fretted (only 8.6lbs -3.9kgs)
S1 5 string, fretted (only 8.6lbs -3.9kgs)
S2 5 string, fretless (ash body hence 10.4lbs, 4.7lbs!)
I've found some of the ash bodied basses a little on the heavy side, but you can always choose your woods when ordering.
They all sound great: back pickup finger style is very barky, growly and 'tuba' like. My 4 string has the earlier more singlecoil like sounding pickups and is very hi-fi and Jazz like when slapped. The other two have the newer humbucker type tone, which in my opinion isn't as good for slap but is great for finger style.
I can take the actions way down below 1.5mm without problems-the necks are so straight! And Rob Greens' customer service is absolutely second to none.
I took delivery of my Kinbass Artist just last month...
I think Status basses are an aquired taste....for sure if you are a die hard Mark King fan then you are happy with the distinctive tone of these things.
Having never 'conventional' basses all my playing life - a spur of the moment decision resulted in my visiting Status Graphite and trying one of these things out of curiosity..I was sold !
As someone mentioned earlier - their service is excellent - Rob & Dawn Green couldn;t be more hospitable if they tried - they had basses setup as I'd requested prior to my visit etc. etc...I selected the Cocobolo facings I wanted, and a cup of coffee and 2 hours chatting later I had ordered a fully loaded Kingbass with LEDs etc..
I then had the job of justifying the budget increase to my wife.
What the hell - I collected it in person 10 weeks later and I am not dissapointed in the slightest. It's superb to play and a visual delight !
Weight/balance is again not "conventional" - yes they are heavier than they look (wood choice depending of course, I have a walnut/cocobolo combination) - and the ergonomics of arm/hand position adjustment has to be considered as the whole "scale" positioning is left shifted somewhat and it took a while to adjust when playing when not looking at the neck.
I'd echo what the other guys are saying in this thread also - and it goes without saying it's the ultimate slap bass.
So my advice would be to go try one before you decide - ensure you are happy with the distinctive sound & feel of the bass - if so, secure the extended overdraft and enjoy the excellent customer service.
I think Status basses are an aquired taste....for sure if you are a die hard Mark King fan then you are happy with the distinctive tone of these things.
Having never 'conventional' basses all my playing life - a spur of the moment decision resulted in my visiting Status Graphite and trying one of these things out of curiosity..I was sold !
As someone mentioned earlier - their service is excellent - Rob & Dawn Green couldn;t be more hospitable if they tried - they had basses setup as I'd requested prior to my visit etc. etc...I selected the Cocobolo facings I wanted, and a cup of coffee and 2 hours chatting later I had ordered a fully loaded Kingbass with LEDs etc..
I then had the job of justifying the budget increase to my wife.
What the hell - I collected it in person 10 weeks later and I am not dissapointed in the slightest. It's superb to play and a visual delight !
Weight/balance is again not "conventional" - yes they are heavier than they look (wood choice depending of course, I have a walnut/cocobolo combination) - and the ergonomics of arm/hand position adjustment has to be considered as the whole "scale" positioning is left shifted somewhat and it took a while to adjust when playing when not looking at the neck.
I'd echo what the other guys are saying in this thread also - and it goes without saying it's the ultimate slap bass.
So my advice would be to go try one before you decide - ensure you are happy with the distinctive sound & feel of the bass - if so, secure the extended overdraft and enjoy the excellent customer service.
I've two S2 6 string, one fretted one fretless, both headless
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Ordered them directly to Rob Green, incredible sound, the low B string is awesome, every note are deep, precise and full (no dead spot), i've made some reccordings with the fretted one and it's just perfect.
I've just sold my custom shop warwick streamer jazzman to buy my new S2 neck-through 4 string (blue and headed)...
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Ordered them directly to Rob Green, incredible sound, the low B string is awesome, every note are deep, precise and full (no dead spot), i've made some reccordings with the fretted one and it's just perfect.
I've just sold my custom shop warwick streamer jazzman to buy my new S2 neck-through 4 string (blue and headed)...
Status are great basses, though could be an acquired taste for ergonomics and neck profile. I just put my Kingbass Standard out to pasture - loved it, but it was time to move on.
Last year I was lucky enough to find a, literally, NOS T-Bass on ebay with the flight case. First year of production (2 digit serial number) '95, minty mint in Sonic Blue. Hadn't played it much lately and was thinking of selling it. I took it out on what I thought was the farewell gig and fell for it all over again. Still a keeper.
Last year I was lucky enough to find a, literally, NOS T-Bass on ebay with the flight case. First year of production (2 digit serial number) '95, minty mint in Sonic Blue. Hadn't played it much lately and was thinking of selling it. I took it out on what I thought was the farewell gig and fell for it all over again. Still a keeper.
I love my Status Stealth II 6-string fretless!!! Here's how it sounds:
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Ive got a stingray with a bolt on status neck, the finish on the neck is very high gloss so it gets a bit sticky at times, but that neck is the fastest, smoothest stingray neck I've ever played. Resonant at every fret, and its a very slim profile with almost no taper all the way up to the heel... just plain FAST and tight, with very low action. I was worried that the graphite neck would be clacky but i think it has less clack then a maple neck 'ray in my opinion.
If i could find a used status fretless neck for under 500 bucks I'd buy another one in a heart beat.
If i could find a used status fretless neck for under 500 bucks I'd buy another one in a heart beat.
I love the guitars but how about the Pickups?
I got a hold of some early Status humbuckers from 91' (they came out of a Warwick.) and the wiring was all f@cked up.
Still waiting to here from Status graphite support, can anyone lead me to some schematics?
I got a hold of some early Status humbuckers from 91' (they came out of a Warwick.) and the wiring was all f@cked up.
Still waiting to here from Status graphite support, can anyone lead me to some schematics?
hi there
i have 2 status basses
an Empathy headless and an Empathy headed. they are absolutley fantastic basses. the construction is amazing, really worth the money you will pay for one.
i have LEDS in the headless but i am putting them both up for sale as i dont play them much anymore now that i play fenders.
i have 2 status basses
an Empathy headless and an Empathy headed. they are absolutley fantastic basses. the construction is amazing, really worth the money you will pay for one.
i have LEDS in the headless but i am putting them both up for sale as i dont play them much anymore now that i play fenders.
I'm hoping to order a Kingbass 6 string in the next month or so.
It'll only be the 2nd one that they've made.
It'll only be the 2nd one that they've made.
I just bought a used Status S2 Headless Neck Through. Wow! What a bass! It sounds soooo good, even compared to my other great basses. And it feels great also, the playability is one of the best I've ever tried. I strongly suggest one for every serious bass player!
Wait, I'll order my next Status first and then you can order yours!
Wait, I'll order my next Status first and then you can order yours!
I have a mid-90's Barracuda 5 string, which I think is the precursor to the T-bird. Has the third hum-cancelling J pickup. Made of ovangkol I think and is UNBELIEVABLY HEAVY, but a decent strap sorts that out. The neck is very thin and comfortable.
It's beautifully balanced - sits 'just so' and the neck angle positively demands proper left-hand positioning (yay for alliteration!) Tonewise it's quite a monster - very hifi and quite trebly, a very articulate super-Jazz sound. Output is ridiculously hot on mine, to the point where if you solo the neck pickup, you have to back off the volume knob! Sound guys at gigs have often commented about how much "bite" it has.
Having said all that, I'm thinking of selling mine - it just doesn't get played as much as it deserves. My Warmoth suits the bands I'm in much better. If I do pull the trigger, I'll be sorry to see it go...
It's beautifully balanced - sits 'just so' and the neck angle positively demands proper left-hand positioning (yay for alliteration!) Tonewise it's quite a monster - very hifi and quite trebly, a very articulate super-Jazz sound. Output is ridiculously hot on mine, to the point where if you solo the neck pickup, you have to back off the volume knob! Sound guys at gigs have often commented about how much "bite" it has.
Having said all that, I'm thinking of selling mine - it just doesn't get played as much as it deserves. My Warmoth suits the bands I'm in much better. If I do pull the trigger, I'll be sorry to see it go...
Years ago a mate of mine got a Status S2 sixer off ebay for a fairly cheap price. I had a play on it and the bass oozed quality; parts, attention to detail and tone were all amazing.
I would get one, but I'm from the "graphite is a bit too sterile" camp of bass players.
I would get one, but I'm from the "graphite is a bit too sterile" camp of bass players.
anybody play one o' dems streamlines????
they seem pretty SICK!!!!!!!!!!
if only they were gonna make a 6'er
they seem pretty SICK!!!!!!!!!!
if only they were gonna make a 6'er
