• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

The Bass Company

#421
dgce said:
Given the low cost of the bass, popping on a custom neck that may or may not fit properly is just...well...let's just say impractical? If TBC ships you a bass with a screwed up truss rod or a big hump in the fret board, or whatever about the neck that is out of wack; then you send that puppy back! Even if you found an exact replacement (which I doubt you can find) it’ll likely cost as much if not more than the bass itself! Besides, I keep reading raves about the neck on these basses. I fail to see the sense into sinking money into a replacement neck unless there's something more to this story that I don't know of.

r
Click to expand...

wow im kinda sorry i started this whole neck thing.:hiding: i was just having the idea of putting a fretless neck on one instead of waiting for the custom shop to open and pay increased rates for a fretless or instead of tearing the frets out of a good neck.
 
#422
wow im kinda sorry i started this whole neck thing. i was just having the idea of putting a fretless neck on one instead of waiting for the custom shop to open and pay increased rates for a fretless or instead of tearing the frets out of a good neck.
Click to expand...

The only problem is that our fret-seating method is pretty thorough, so pulling the frets is quite an arduous task and can be disastrous if you're not experienced with it. But Jack suggested putting some maple in the slots and sanding it back down. I thought it would be worth a try; it could be a decent option for those who don't require unlined boards. And I'd like having a JT400JJ fretless myself. :bassist:

We actually considered doing that in a pinch, and I've been itching to try it lately. What do you guys think?
 
#426
They can always be removed, the question is how much fretboard comes with them.
Click to expand...

Don't I know it! Removal wouldn't be a problem, really (I've had far, far too much experience in this area:crying:), I was just curious as to how many of you would consider this to be a legitimate alternative until the custom shop could start crafting them.


hey darryl, toss me a new neck and ill convert it for ya : P

Really, is it possible to get a extra neck from ya when i order my next bass?
Click to expand...

That's another interesting question that we've been discussing lately: the possibility of selling parts and/or necks and bodies. I imagine we would take it on a case by case basis, though we haven't talked at length about it yet.
 
#427
I just received my bass (TBC JT-400 JJ). I am at the office, so I will need to get home before I can give it a good rip. I will be glad to post some pics later as well.

The finish and quality is exactly as desrcibed. A "hand-rubbed" finish with a satin feel. The bass seemed to be well set up, and sounded like it was in tune when I got it. It was set up pretty low, and there was a little fret buzz on the E, but I raised the saddle ever so slightly and got rid of that. No dead spots on the neck, and the chambered body gives the bass a warm sound when played unplugged.

The nut, however, seems a little bit off. Its hard to tell with the naked eye, and I am not a bass tech by any stretch of the imagination. So, I call the Bass Company thinking maybe I will leave a message and hopefully get a return call.

Here's the amazing part-I get a hold of Jack Wilson himself, at his house. We talk for about 20 minutes about the bass, TBC, his plans for doing custom order work, etc. Most importantly, he tells me that if I am unsatisfied for any reason, he will make it right. Period. We agree that I am going to have a local guy check out the nut, and I will get back to him.

I sounds like Jack has big plans for TBC, and that he really wants to make sure everyone is happy with the final product. He even told me "I want to make instruments that inspire people to play." Hmmm...I was impressed.

I will post a follow-up.
 
#429
So I picked up my bass yesterday and finally got the chance to play it a little bit tonight. Here's the quick first impression:

Good setup, fretwork, and overall construction. Bridge is rock solid and the tuners are smooth. Nice big strap buttons. A couple of the preamp knobs are a little stiff-turning, but no biggie. Came with a sweet TBC gigbag and an allen wrench for the truss rod.

Lightweight and BEAUTIFUL (see pics from the auction in my previous post). I'm really diggin' the grain pattern on the body, pickguard, and the fretboard. Nice abalone dots. I like the pewter hardware too. The headstock design is cool.

I'd been toying with the idea of getting an ash jazz, and when I came across this one at this price, I couldn't pass it up. The tone is just what I was looking for - brighter and more midrangey than my MIM w/Dimarzio J's. Does a good job covering the tones you've come to love from a jazz bass. Leans towards the bright side of the tone spectrum.

This bass really shines when you take your thumb to it. I love the slap tone. Nice, smooth, pronounced highs without being too sizzly.

I got to meet Jack and Darrell when I picked up the bass. Both seem like good peeps. They got a cool little shop near downtown LA. Lots of basses hanging out, presumbably getting setup and inspected by Darrell. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling too good yesterday and I was on my way to work, so I couldn't hang out. I'd love to go back sometime to try out the MM/J and MM/MM basses!

I'll try to get pix up on Friday.
 
#431
Had a contractor over yesterday to do some work on the kitchen and upon seeing my 400MM on it's stand:

"DAMN, what'd you pay for that custom beast? $3k? It looks better than my brother's Labowsky"

(he actually said Labowsky, which still cracks me up).
 
#436
i received my ap400mj on tuesday
and i am amazed so far.it came with a dead battery and had me worried about it being defective but changed it and it works like a charm. the neck is smooth and i love the look of the ash body with maple fretboard and this thing is one of the most sturdy basses ive ever played. only problem is im gonna want another one. :bassist: :D and i have no more money oh well.
 
#440
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back