The Combo Club

[iagtrplyr]

I don't know much about LaBellas, but the Black Beuties I've got on Blackie are very flexible, and have minimal drag on the frets. I don't always bend strings, but when I do, I prefer Black Beauties. Having said that, I've heard very nice things about Thomastikc Infeld flats on Jazz basses. I may feel the need to try it some day, but the Fender 45 flats are working quite well right now.

I've no experience with external compression, so I'll take your word for it, and glad you got some sounds you like. I think the amp has a very "Number 5" look to it, and sounds like Number 5 is alive!

Don't you even taunt me like that! mutter mutter grumble grumble

Umbrella Academy reference? Never watched but cases in your response I may have to.

Nice to know you’re a Fender fan too. I originally started using Chromes exclusively, but once when they were out I decided to go with Fender’s, who I understand are made by D’Addario. I love how flatwounds last forever, but I’m still not crazy about $80 for a set!

I do realize now that you do have to pay attention when selecting strings because what sounds great on one bass doesn’t guarantee they’ll sound as good in another. Lesson learned.

As for the comp, I never cared until I started recording my playing and realized at any moment I’d be there and the next second disappear in the mix. Not as consistent as I thought I was, I knew it was time to try one out and it’s been an asset so far.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Life is unfair. No, it's not the tiniest bass you can buy, but Fender sent me (like you too, probably) an email with new guitars and basses coming out. Exhibit A above is one Fender Mustang; three new finishes, P and J pickups, smaller scale, good-looking, slim neck, blah blah blah. It's perfect for me just under seven bills at that. So what's not to love?

No lefties. Not a one available. I was gonna write Fender, but I'm tired of the common reply of, "We're not planning on offering any left-handed models right now, but thank you for your interest." In other words, we know, Fearless Leader, that you'd love to own this as you have openly admitted to the world that you yearn for a P, but prefer the shorter scale. You love Fender basses, dig the tone, and think the looks of these are sweet. Sorry.

That's how I feel right now. Sorry for all the southpaws around the world who are feelin' the way I am. For all you righties, if you end up buying this beautiful bass sometime, please let me know how much you are enjoying it. I'll live through you...you lucky dogs (sniff sniff).

 

[west al]

Umbrella Academy reference? Never watched but cases in your response I may have to.

Nice to know you’re a Fender fan too. I originally started using Chromes exclusively, but once when they were out I decided to go with Fender’s, who I understand are made by D’Addario. I love how flatwounds last forever, but I’m still not crazy about $80 for a set!

I do realize now that you do have to pay attention when selecting strings because what sounds great on one bass doesn’t guarantee they’ll sound as good in another. Lesson learned.

As for the comp, I never cared until I started recording my playing and realized at any moment I’d be there and the next second disappear in the mix. Not as consistent as I thought I was, I knew it was time to try one out and it’s been an asset so far.

Where did you see $80.00 for a set of D'Addario Flats? Manufacture suggested retail maybe, but not the real world price. My D'Addario ETB92S Nylons run about $37.00 a set online.

 

[SoulReflection]

View attachment 3817913
Life is unfair. No, it's not the tiniest bass you can buy, but Fender sent me (like you too, probably) an email with new guitars and basses coming out. Exhibit A above is one Fender Mustang; three new finishes, P and J pickups, smaller scale, good-looking, slim neck, blah blah blah. It's perfect for me just under seven bills at that. So what's not to love?

No lefties. Not a one available. I was gonna write Fender, but I'm tired of the common reply of, "We're not planning on offering any left-handed models right now, but thank you for your interest." In other words, we know, Fearless Leader, that you'd love to own this as you have openly admitted to the world that you yearn for a P, but prefer the shorter scale. You love Fender basses, dig the tone, and think the looks of these are sweet. Sorry.

That's how I feel right now. Sorry for all the southpaws around the world who are feelin' the way I am. For all you righties, if you end up buying this beautiful bass sometime, please let me know how much you are enjoying it. I'll live through you...you lucky dogs (sniff sniff).

Don't feel bad, Mike. I bought the last generation Mustang at a much lower price than what they are charging now. For what it is work, it is the same bass only at a much increased price. I love mine, except that I had to pay to upgrade the tuners, bridge and strings.

Apparently this company is being run by a bunch of right-handed individuals! There are many other companies who appreciate those that write with the wrong hand and should be supported by great customers like you.

All attempt at comedy aside, you have a valid point and you should support those who support you...

 

[iagtrplyr]

Where did you see $80.00 for a set of D'Addario Flats? Manufacture suggested retail maybe, but not the real world price. My D'Addario ETB92S Nylons run about $37.00 a set online.

'Nylon, hold onto your sneakers! My faux pas. I was talking about the Thomastikc Infelds Rod mentioned, nit the Chromes, which you have to admit have increased in price the past few years, but nothing in the TI league. I'm sorry if that's how it came out. Ten bucks per string that might last 3-5 years is a bargain.

 

[SoulReflection]

Speaking of support, here is my updated pic of combos and equipment:

 

[iagtrplyr]

Don't feel bad, Mike. I bought the last generation Mustang at a much lower price than what they are charging now. For what it is work, it is the same bass only at a much increased price. I love mine, except that I had to pay to upgrade the tuners, bridge and strings.

Apparently this company is being run by a bunch of right-handed individuals! There are many other companies who appreciate those that write with the wrong hand and should be supported by great customers like you.

All attempt at comedy aside, you have a valid point and you should support those who support you...

Thanks for the support, my buddy, Soul Reflection! So after I posted my whining here I decided to put my fingers where my mouth was and write Fender. I mixed a little humor with my point about the rare lefty bass that's not black with a maple beck, but I digress. Put it to you all this way. The title to my email was: "Will Fender sell a Mustang PJ for lefties before I die?" I even mentioned I'm an elementary teacher who has been locked inside a spare bedroom for almost two months and would buy the first one, even at a higher price, because lefties are used to it. I told them they call it the Coronavirus Special and to think of the positive PR they gain from it.

In my closing, I pleaded with them to at least ask one of the bean counters to kick it around before responding. I'll let you know what I hear even though I'm already anticipating their reply.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Speaking of support, here is my updated pic of combos and equipment:

View attachment 3817994

That's a good-looking lineup, my man! I almost forgot about your Rogue. No pickguard either, I see. The only way to fly, I say. My fave is the center one. I'm linking where you can drool over the PJ's they taunted me with today. The Natural Wood would be my first, but I could also live with the Sienna Sunburst if forced to.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Protagonist]

I promised a pic of the PJB short stack. Wanted to get this better squared away first but no big deal. Sounds very clean although I can't really stretch it's legs yet. Been talking to the realtor though.

 

[G-Dog]

... ... My other observation, and M, you’re gonna like this, was the Dub 4 came out of its slumber last night ... ... Also, I’m digging the Star Wars android look. ... ... Quite a symmetrical look too, says the former math teacher.

... ... I think the amp has a very "Number 5" look to it, and sounds like Number 5 is alive! ... ...

.​

 

[GwenOnBass]

I promised a pic of the PJB short stack. Wanted to get this better squared away first but no big deal. Sounds very clean although I can't really stretch it's legs yet. Been talking to the realtor though.

No robot rebellion here! Bass Cub and a PB 100? That's as tasty a micro-rig as I'll ever see.

 

[SoulReflection]

That's a good-looking lineup, my man! I almost forgot about your Rogue. No pickguard either, I see. The only way to fly, I say. My fave is the center one. I'm linking where you can drool over the PJ's they taunted me with today. The Natural Wood would be my first, but I could also live with the Sienna Sunburst if forced to.

Invalid Link Removed

Ha...natural wood is a crap shoot with these unless they have some QC.

When I took my "Surf Green" or whatever PJ body to my luthier, he said he couldn't guarantee the out-come of sanding it down and coming up with an acceptable burst with grain showing. I gave him the option of using solid color. I was lucky. There were a few "imperfections" but he was able to cover them. The main thing is, it came out the way I wanted and sounds great with the LB Deep Talkin' Flats and without the bridge pup.

I almost bought a Fender Jazz a few years ago but knew a SS was best (physically) for me. If I was to venture toward a full scale now, it would be a P with a Jazz neck and LB Deep Talkin Flats...no Jazz. But that is just me.

 

[RodRy]

Umbrella Academy reference? Never watched but cases in your response I may have to.

Nice to know you’re a Fender fan too. I originally started using Chromes exclusively, but once when they were out I decided to go with Fender’s, who I understand are made by D’Addario. I love how flatwounds last forever, but I’m still not crazy about $80 for a set!

I do realize now that you do have to pay attention when selecting strings because what sounds great on one bass doesn’t guarantee they’ll sound as good in another. Lesson learned.

As for the comp, I never cared until I started recording my playing and realized at any moment I’d be there and the next second disappear in the mix. Not as consistent as I thought I was, I knew it was time to try one out and it’s been an asset so far.

No Umbrella Academy here. I think I saw one episode. My Number 5 was in reference to Short Circuit, and my other reference was to this guy:

I bought the Fender 45 flats (OK, not really, my dear wife bought them for me!) when I got my beautiful silver Squier Affinity Jazz for my birthday two years back. Didn't put them on for the first year, then when I did, I was delighted by the sound. Now that bass is tuned a full step down and it still sounds and plays great. Yes, the TIs are about $80 in most places. That's kept me from jumping that direction.

 

[RodRy]

View attachment 3817913
Life is unfair. No, it's not the tiniest bass you can buy, but Fender sent me (like you too, probably) an email with new guitars and basses coming out. Exhibit A above is one Fender Mustang; three new finishes, P and J pickups, smaller scale, good-looking, slim neck, blah blah blah. It's perfect for me just under seven bills at that. So what's not to love?

No lefties. Not a one available. I was gonna write Fender, but I'm tired of the common reply of, "We're not planning on offering any left-handed models right now, but thank you for your interest." In other words, we know, Fearless Leader, that you'd love to own this as you have openly admitted to the world that you yearn for a P, but prefer the shorter scale. You love Fender basses, dig the tone, and think the looks of these are sweet. Sorry.

That's how I feel right now. Sorry for all the southpaws around the world who are feelin' the way I am. For all you righties, if you end up buying this beautiful bass sometime, please let me know how much you are enjoying it. I'll live through you...you lucky dogs (sniff sniff).

Condolences. This bass is a short left handed model that includes a P-pup:
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bas...-left-handed-4-string-short-scale-bass-guitar

Plus, SX used to sell them, so there may be some of these lurking out there:
SX Junior Series Short Scale Left Handed Bass Guitar | McBride Music | Reverb

Always happy to inspire others!

 

[RodRy]

Speaking of support, here is my updated pic of combos and equipment:

View attachment 3817994

I like the bass gradient shift!

 

[RodRy]

That's a good-looking lineup, my man! I almost forgot about your Rogue. No pickguard either, I see. The only way to fly, I say. My fave is the center one. I'm linking where you can drool over the PJ's they taunted me with today. The Natural Wood would be my first, but I could also live with the Sienna Sunburst if forced to.

Invalid Link Removed

I thought you couldn't have a sunburst? Or was that the fearless leader on another thread?

 

[RodRy]

View attachment 3818026
.​

There we go! Heeerrrreeeesss Johnny!

 

[SoulReflection]

I like the bass gradient shift!

?

 

[SoulReflection]

I thought you couldn't have a sunburst? Or was that the fearless leader on another thread?

Yep, it was.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Should any who read here hold some impression of me, imagine a younger, greener version of me who just bought her first electric bass (and a pre-Peavey TNT combo of forgetfulness, but it was affordable) ... well just about now in 1979. And in the spirit of the time plugged the Ray into the Suitcase Compact combo + extension rig.

Coming off the Elf, there is a much smoother feeling to the big PBJ. At first it tricks the mind into "that's not very loud" until you realize what you're really hearing and how much more power is available. As in, loads.

To play my Ray into that TNT 100 again today would have me kicking the Peavey down the stairs. Except, you know, it would still work perfectly.

My Stingray is wearing, incongruously, D'Addario tapewounds and they sound great. I personally prefer them to the La Bella tapewounds. The Ray seems just made for bright roundwounds, and that may be true. But compared to the Chowny CHB-1 and its Low Tension Flats, the Stingray is funky. That's the thing about Stingrays. No matter what kind of string, it always sounds like a Ray.