I'm pretty much 100% bass these days. Recently it occurred to me that I didn't actually possess a half decent fretted bass - most of the time I've been playing my fretless.
Well, that had to change.. and having owned a few Fender Custom Shop guitars in the past I decided I should try a custom shop bass.
I am also a P Bass guy. I've never owned a Jazz. In fact, the idea of a Jazz made me feel pretty sick actually. However, a little while ago I met up with some bass chums for a jam and found myself playing a mates AVRI Jazz. It was bloody lovely and I really liked it. A shower and a few slaps round the face later and I realised I ought to have a Jazz.
Managed to find this one second hand by chance over on Basschat - someone messaged me saying they were thinking of selling. Now, this one is only about 6 months old, and was bought from Andertons (the original receipt is in the case along with all the usual candy). Was an obscene amount of money new at close to £4k, but this was being wafted under my nose for
considerably less than that. So much so that I decided to go have a look at it.
It's a '62 Stack Knob in Charcoal Frost. Bit of an unusual colour, but it grows on you. It's a mid-relic (not too heavy and not a light touch either) and is tasteful I think. Then again, I like relics.
Oddly it came with 70's style slot saddles which I've swapped out for 60's style threaded saddles. It's also had some Super Light Gauge Chrome Flats put on it and a good set up. Action is really low - lower than any P bass I've had and no choking or buzz at all - bit of a novelty really as I usually like a bit of action height, but having set this really low I'm finding it rather comfortable. I play nearly 100% fingers so I can get away with a lower action most of the time anyway.
Verdict? People actually pay that much money for a beat up bolt on neck bass from the shop? Yep. Seems they do. It's very lively, very vibrant, plays beautifully and sounds superb, so I'm not surprised they do. Glad I didn't have to pay that much tho..
It's a bit difficult to get a consistent colour in pictures - the Charcoal Frost seems to change depending on the light...
Comments
How does it compare to your vintage basses?
You can tell it's not a vintage bass. But, this is one of the best relics I've seen on a CS for some time - the lacquer checking is subtle and nicely done. The wear is just about right. It's very close to the feel of a vintage, not 100% but very close.
That’s not to say I’ve not eyed up a J-Tone already and wondered what the active part would add to the mix - given it can be run passive as well….
[This space for rent]
They are really very good. Vintage, a bit more oomph than singles but very close to vintage jazz, and no hum whatsoever.
Jolly good
This month, I have been mostly shuffling pickups about between three passive PJ bass guitars. The DiMarzio will go in my Squier VM Precision with either a DP146 Will Power Middle or one of those ancient P-types that DiMarzio manufactured for Hondo/S.D. Curlee in the late Seventies and early Eighties.
Also, stacked coils don’t have the same mid scoop when both pickups are dimed compared to splits, which aren’t that far off true single coils
I bought a gold sparkle CS stack knob relic last year. The U-shaped neck profile wasn't for me in the end, but other than that a sublime bass.
I'm glad it suits you. It looks great. Enjoy it in the best of health.
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