There are much better deals available than old Fenders and StingRays. I could go on and on about my Spector ReBop. The playability is as good or better than the USA Spectors, and you get it at a beat-up Fender price on the used market. Nice contrast to the Rickenbacker sound as well. Mine was in like new mint condition from a very reputable dealer for $437. The Euro Spectors are under appreciated gems on a used market that still worships the old Fender and Music Man basses. I gave about the same for my P-bass way back in 1976, when a dollar was worth a lot more, and it was absolute garbage next to my ReBop. Workmanship and wood on my ReBop is more in the boutique bass class rather than the mass production class. Tone and playability are definitely in the boutique class. The last instrument I would ever sell; the best bass I ever owned. The Czechs have a tradition of building fine stringed instruments that extends back for centuries, and probably without the extreme quality variations experienced by Fender and others. Czech products are generally high quality. Their firearms industry has been world renowned for a long time, and it's mainly because of worker attitude toward quality. It involves a lot of skilled hand labor just like music instruments, and is a better indicator of national worker pride as it involves a much larger work force.
These Czech basses may not remain under appreciated forever, but while they are, you get them at bargain prices. The similar Warwick Streamer can't compete on price, and Warwick quality is reported to be slipping lately. There was recently a report issued that stated that German auto reliability had slipped below American auto reliability, and way below Japanese auto reliability. I expect that high German production costs are affecting German musical instruments in the same way. German workers may be getting a baditude.
What other basses do you own ?
I've gone through many basses in the past year as I've really picked up my playing after being out of it for a while.
Someone convinced me to get into Music Man Sting Rays. I bought a new one and two vintage 77 and 79.There all gone now. The new one was so flat sounding. The vintage ones had this great growl but, much to noisy to record with and IMO are flops on the collectible market.
I bought a Zeta crossover bass, which was an interesting animal but, of little use in the long run for me.
Then I found the forum and a JG4001v63 came my way. Now that's a bass. What a sound! and set up perfectly!
Still needing a bass to kick around with, I purchased a Highway 1 P-Bass. this is a super bass for the money. It's a creme yellow so I changed the pickguard to tortoise,added a Duncan quarter pounder. Even put on the chrome covers and a chrome thumbrest, added a hipshot. It looks and plays awesome! I should post a picture.
I also picked up a fender bass VI. Another interesting animal. I refined it and was offered a nice dollar for it so I let it go. Oddly enough, I just picked up something new called The Fender Jaguar Bottom Master. It's alot like a VI but has a fuzz instead of a tremolo. It's Japanese made and I find this one to be awesome as well.
Another fun one is an Ampeg little stud that was refined checkerboard. I set it up and put a badassII bridge on it. Looks and sounds cool. Needs a refret. If anyone knows someone in NY who does this inexpensively, i'd love to hear about it.
HMMM, what else, I'm in the process of selling a Modulus Flea Five. It's on ebay right now. E-mail me for the link if you're interested.Also have my wife's Kramer from 1980. Cool looking but, sounds dead.
OH! Don't forget my Taylor AB-1 acoustic. stays right by my bed. I love that thing!!!
Next up is a 73JG 4001 I'm trying to win on Ebay and I'm looking for either a custom shop P-Bass or original 50's p-bass to use as a player.
I'll post or e-mail pictures of any of the above upon request.
Someone convinced me to get into Music Man Sting Rays. I bought a new one and two vintage 77 and 79.There all gone now. The new one was so flat sounding. The vintage ones had this great growl but, much to noisy to record with and IMO are flops on the collectible market.
I bought a Zeta crossover bass, which was an interesting animal but, of little use in the long run for me.
Then I found the forum and a JG4001v63 came my way. Now that's a bass. What a sound! and set up perfectly!
Still needing a bass to kick around with, I purchased a Highway 1 P-Bass. this is a super bass for the money. It's a creme yellow so I changed the pickguard to tortoise,added a Duncan quarter pounder. Even put on the chrome covers and a chrome thumbrest, added a hipshot. It looks and plays awesome! I should post a picture.
I also picked up a fender bass VI. Another interesting animal. I refined it and was offered a nice dollar for it so I let it go. Oddly enough, I just picked up something new called The Fender Jaguar Bottom Master. It's alot like a VI but has a fuzz instead of a tremolo. It's Japanese made and I find this one to be awesome as well.
Another fun one is an Ampeg little stud that was refined checkerboard. I set it up and put a badassII bridge on it. Looks and sounds cool. Needs a refret. If anyone knows someone in NY who does this inexpensively, i'd love to hear about it.
HMMM, what else, I'm in the process of selling a Modulus Flea Five. It's on ebay right now. E-mail me for the link if you're interested.Also have my wife's Kramer from 1980. Cool looking but, sounds dead.
OH! Don't forget my Taylor AB-1 acoustic. stays right by my bed. I love that thing!!!
Next up is a 73JG 4001 I'm trying to win on Ebay and I'm looking for either a custom shop P-Bass or original 50's p-bass to use as a player.
I'll post or e-mail pictures of any of the above upon request.
" It's not where you are, it's who you're with.".
A few I left out - Conrod Vioa bass - piece of junk - unloaded that quickly. Fender Musicmaster -cool 70'd bass but, not enough sound for my taste. and lastly - a Guild Ashbory.My 7 year old son likes to walk around the house with the thing plugged into headphones trying to play, so I'll hold onto that one.It's pretty cool.
" It's not where you are, it's who you're with.".
Hello,
This is my first posting. I've been reading over the posts---absolutely fantastic site. Talk about a lot of knowledge in a group, wow.
The first part of this post will be to answer the question raised by Rick Germany about the Fender Geddy Lee J bass. I've got one, and it is a beautiful bass. The neck is very thin and extremely fast. I bought it new about a year ago, and have had no problems with the neck. I put Fender nylon strings on it, and it is as smooth as silk. Also, the finish is superb. Rick, you won't regret purchasing the Geddy Lee. It is a fantastic bass and the quality is high. The thin neck is a dream---if you get one, try the nylons. They play so smooth with great tone, and look awesome against the maple fretboard, especially with the black binding and inlays.
Now for my newest acquisition. I've been wanting a Rickenbacker for many years, as I am a huge Beatles fan. About 8 months ago I was on a waiting list for a 4003 Maple Glo, through Music 123. I was a little nervous about buying online, as it is much nicer to try an instrument in person. Low and behold, I walked into the local guitar store and they had a brand new 4003 hanging on the wall, in Jet Glo. That Rickenbacker stuck out like a sore thumb among the Fenders, Peaveys, Epiphones, etc. It was absolutely striking. I went back a couple times to try it out, but mainly to get my courage up for such a big purchase. Needless to say, I am now the very proud owner of a Rickenbacker 4003, made in the 17th week of 2003! It is a 2003 4003 !
The Rickenbacker is so buttery smooth to play. I have never seen or played anything like it. The quality oozes out of it. You can tell the quality even by plucking the strings when it is not plugged into an amp. Once plugged in, you can't even describe it. The looks are incredible, too. It has become my pride and joy bass, I'll tell you. That famed disease may be hitting me---I could go for another Rickenbacker. Oh, boy, what will I tell my wife?!
To answer the main post, I also have a Peavey T-40, the Fender Geddy Lee, a Fender Jazz fretless (Mexico) and a Jay Turser Beatle bass. The fretless is new to me and I am having fun with it. It is hard for me to play these others, now, as I am constantly playing the 4003.
Regards,
Andrew Messer
This is my first posting. I've been reading over the posts---absolutely fantastic site. Talk about a lot of knowledge in a group, wow.
The first part of this post will be to answer the question raised by Rick Germany about the Fender Geddy Lee J bass. I've got one, and it is a beautiful bass. The neck is very thin and extremely fast. I bought it new about a year ago, and have had no problems with the neck. I put Fender nylon strings on it, and it is as smooth as silk. Also, the finish is superb. Rick, you won't regret purchasing the Geddy Lee. It is a fantastic bass and the quality is high. The thin neck is a dream---if you get one, try the nylons. They play so smooth with great tone, and look awesome against the maple fretboard, especially with the black binding and inlays.
Now for my newest acquisition. I've been wanting a Rickenbacker for many years, as I am a huge Beatles fan. About 8 months ago I was on a waiting list for a 4003 Maple Glo, through Music 123. I was a little nervous about buying online, as it is much nicer to try an instrument in person. Low and behold, I walked into the local guitar store and they had a brand new 4003 hanging on the wall, in Jet Glo. That Rickenbacker stuck out like a sore thumb among the Fenders, Peaveys, Epiphones, etc. It was absolutely striking. I went back a couple times to try it out, but mainly to get my courage up for such a big purchase. Needless to say, I am now the very proud owner of a Rickenbacker 4003, made in the 17th week of 2003! It is a 2003 4003 !
The Rickenbacker is so buttery smooth to play. I have never seen or played anything like it. The quality oozes out of it. You can tell the quality even by plucking the strings when it is not plugged into an amp. Once plugged in, you can't even describe it. The looks are incredible, too. It has become my pride and joy bass, I'll tell you. That famed disease may be hitting me---I could go for another Rickenbacker. Oh, boy, what will I tell my wife?!
To answer the main post, I also have a Peavey T-40, the Fender Geddy Lee, a Fender Jazz fretless (Mexico) and a Jay Turser Beatle bass. The fretless is new to me and I am having fun with it. It is hard for me to play these others, now, as I am constantly playing the 4003.
Regards,
Andrew Messer
Andrew
'05 4001C64, Fireglo
'03 4003, Jetglo
'05 4001C64, Fireglo
'03 4003, Jetglo
Hello John,
The Turser is a great little bass---very good quality for the price, around $200. The finish is beautiful. The sound low on the fretboard is worth the price alone--the low notes and mids are great sounding. The low E is incredible---pure Beatles. Higher up the fretboard tends to get clunky with very little sustain. The type of music you play with these, you don't often need to go high up anyway. I've got flatwounds on it, which doesn't help the sustain. It would probably be better with rounds on it, but I love the feel of the flats. To clarify, I play finger-style, and I know a pick would add a little brightness.
For the price of this bass, to me it is a must-have. I was originally going to buy a Hofner, but couldn't see spending the huge sum of money (at this time) and have an instrument without the sustain and clarity like a Rickenbacker or Fender has. For those early songs, though, this bass is great fun. Also, it is simple to play, with its fast, slim neck. The back of the neck is silky smooth.
Some people say they sound better than the Hofners--I have never played a Hofner so I can't answer that, but I will vouch for the Jay Turser and say for $200 you will get the 50's and 60's rock and roll sound from a hollow-body. For that, the investment is well worth it.
I've played the Epiphone Viola bass, which is almost double the price, and the Turser is at least as good, probably better.
I hope this helps, John.
Andrew
The Turser is a great little bass---very good quality for the price, around $200. The finish is beautiful. The sound low on the fretboard is worth the price alone--the low notes and mids are great sounding. The low E is incredible---pure Beatles. Higher up the fretboard tends to get clunky with very little sustain. The type of music you play with these, you don't often need to go high up anyway. I've got flatwounds on it, which doesn't help the sustain. It would probably be better with rounds on it, but I love the feel of the flats. To clarify, I play finger-style, and I know a pick would add a little brightness.
For the price of this bass, to me it is a must-have. I was originally going to buy a Hofner, but couldn't see spending the huge sum of money (at this time) and have an instrument without the sustain and clarity like a Rickenbacker or Fender has. For those early songs, though, this bass is great fun. Also, it is simple to play, with its fast, slim neck. The back of the neck is silky smooth.
Some people say they sound better than the Hofners--I have never played a Hofner so I can't answer that, but I will vouch for the Jay Turser and say for $200 you will get the 50's and 60's rock and roll sound from a hollow-body. For that, the investment is well worth it.
I've played the Epiphone Viola bass, which is almost double the price, and the Turser is at least as good, probably better.
I hope this helps, John.
Andrew
Andrew
'05 4001C64, Fireglo
'03 4003, Jetglo
'05 4001C64, Fireglo
'03 4003, Jetglo
Thanks for the info on the Geddy Lee J Andrew. I appreciate it. I let the one go that I was thinking of purchasing. They pop up now and then on eBay so I am going to keep a look-out. I'm in the same boat.... "What am I going to tell my wife?" Just one more honey.... My argument is that I need a fretted bass. I have all fretless basses now except an Eko acoustic electric, but that doesn't count. Right? What am I going to tell her when it comes time to purchase a 4001C64. I'm dead. Thanks again for the info and welcome to the board.
-
mortivan
Cool. Thanks Andrew.
Although I mostly play bass, I have a beautiful Jay Turser ES-335 look-alike. The setup from the factory was not good, but a string change to Chromes, and a bit of nut filing and tweaking by my local guy and she's wonderful!
It's amazing the quality for the price coming out of China these days.
Although I mostly play bass, I have a beautiful Jay Turser ES-335 look-alike. The setup from the factory was not good, but a string change to Chromes, and a bit of nut filing and tweaking by my local guy and she's wonderful!
It's amazing the quality for the price coming out of China these days.
Heres my stuff,
1988 Rickenbacker 4001V63 (Mapleglo)
1969 Fender Jazz Bass (Modified)
2000 OLP/Music Man String Ray (Modified)
2003 Rickenbacker 4003(Montezuma Brown)
I play my Ricks the most, but the other two are fine basses in their own right.
1988 Rickenbacker 4001V63 (Mapleglo)
1969 Fender Jazz Bass (Modified)
2000 OLP/Music Man String Ray (Modified)
2003 Rickenbacker 4003(Montezuma Brown)
I play my Ricks the most, but the other two are fine basses in their own right.
I recently went back to playing a Rickenbacker bass. Its like meeting an old friend again
Other then my 1965 FG 4005, I still have these,
83 Fender 62RI Jazz
60 Fender P Bass
67 Fender Coronado
67 Guild Starfire II
64 Gibson Thunderbird II
68 Gibson Thunderbird IV
76 Gibson Thunderbird IV
?? Lakland USA Joe Osborn
Other Basses gone but not forgotten,
83 Alembic Spoiler
Fender P Bass Lyte Deluxe
93 WAL Mk II
99 Rick 4003
60's Epiphone EB-2
59 Gibson EB Les Paul Bass
70 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Bass
Cheers,
83 Fender 62RI Jazz
60 Fender P Bass
67 Fender Coronado
67 Guild Starfire II
64 Gibson Thunderbird II
68 Gibson Thunderbird IV
76 Gibson Thunderbird IV
?? Lakland USA Joe Osborn
Other Basses gone but not forgotten,
83 Alembic Spoiler
Fender P Bass Lyte Deluxe
93 WAL Mk II
99 Rick 4003
60's Epiphone EB-2
59 Gibson EB Les Paul Bass
70 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Bass
Cheers,