Tony Franklin plays his JayDee Bass and tells the story of its return

No. 2 in the continuing tale of the return of my beloved JayDee Bass from the Firm and Blue Murder days. Stories, pictures, insights, and playing some old favorites.

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Excellent bass Tony look after it

[@clerictamer]

Tony, seriously,, that you So much for sharing this great story. Wow..!

[@FretlessMonster]

I love sharing it.

[@spookybaba]

If it sounds that good passive, it's gonna be a beast when it's sorted out. Cheers, Mr. Franklin. It's so great that you eventually got it back. 👍 It's certainly a beauty.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks… as always 🤩🙏🏻

[@bAgRiMoIrEsS.4]

I like that story. JayDee bass has a beautiful body style. He'll definitely give her the love and care she deserves. A maker's mark is the best way to go. You can't go wrong.

[@bAgRiMoIrEsS.4]

The want chooses the wizard. Is a great saying I can totally relate to that.

[@FretlessMonster]

I totally feel that way.

[@johnniedelong9322]

You are a remarkable down to earth human being, what more needs to be said...

[@FretlessMonster]

I truly appreciate that!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ultimatebasses]

Such an awesome story. Mark King is back playing Jaydee basses again. Whoo hooo! Get er' fixed up and keep playing it.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks! Yes and great on Mark King. Not sure if I’ll travel with mine. We’ll see 😊

[@jimmyupson1959]

Thanks for the great real life experience and sharing your talent.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much!! It’s fun to share.

[@bassjaymi]

There should be 2 batteries in that spot..one is for the LED on the switch and the other for the EQ.....Soooooooo glad to see you playing the Jaydee!!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Yep. Thanks. I already took them out. Very little corrosion thankfully.

[@jaymarx3146]

One of my favorite bassists and such a humble guy on top of it.

[@FretlessMonster]

Truly appreciate that Jay. 🙏🏻

[@paulsimmons5726]

Tony, the story of your hammer being returned was great. Just great!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks Paul! It’s nice to share it.

[@scottwhite2757]

Thanks for sharing Tony anything about you and your career is interesting.. :)

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re too kind. Thanks Scott

[@studiogerk]

Get it to JD and have him do his magic, especially to make sure there's no old leaky battery causing damage in the back! If some of our older axes could talk the stories they could tell! Mine probably don't have stories with as many cool people as yours do of course, but the stories only make sense to the owners for the most part anyway!

[@FretlessMonster]

I would love to. He’s in the UK and I’m in California, so I’ll do some other work on it before then. 😊

[@saidboogeron-the-air9525]

I always believed that Tony should have had his own signature Jaydee. George Anderson from 'Shakatak' had one made because he wanted a 24-fret model. Mark King got his signature model because Stanley Clark backed out on his Series One bass as he didn't want to pay for one.....and that bass later became the 'Mark King model' bass. Mark saw his original cherry-red in a music store and wanted to buy it, the store owner had to call John Diggins and asked him if he had permission to sell it and John gave him his blessing. John later saw that same bass on the music video for 'Love Games'.

[@DaveyWilliamsPantzNotRequired]

feels like a story about a puppy left out in the rain after being abandoned by owners who moved away ... am in tears here seeing that bass back in its rightful hands

[@FretlessMonster]

Aww. Not quite a puppy but the emotion is the same. 🥰

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

That’s fantastic that you’ve come full circle with such a beautiful instrument. Great friend you have that he knew it was time for you to be reunited.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. I’m still humbled and stunned by it all. It’s amazing and surreal.

[@sirlunatic5284]

I really enjoyed your presentation on the history and reunion with you and JayDee, thank you for sharing it with us. Great to see that after all it's been through JayDee is still holding Firm and still has it's potential to continue the journey with you. Looking forward to seeing JayDee brought back to it's former glory and more enjoyment you'll find along the way. Wishing all the best for you Tony.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. It was a wonderful and surreal reunion for me with the JayDee. The progress is slow and steady. I’m looking forward to playing her again.

[@sirlunatic5284]

Thank you for the reply, Tony. She is definitely one of the finest basses I've ever heard played. The talent and skill you have are truly remarkable.

[@aarondavis4341]

The firm bass Tony you should call fender and tell them you want a model of signature bass known as THE FIRM BASS..id buy one right now!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. My TF signature model, as is, was modeled from my Firm Fretless. The only difference is the ebony fingerboard, which I added for the durability with the round wound strings I use. The basses sound very close.

[@atpr500]

The friendliest bass player. Great memories. Thank you.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you kindly

[@michaelb.42112]

I just returned a JayDee Superstar to my friend Kevin who lent it to me for the last month to get my Level 42 on. That is a SWEET bass, Tony !!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great. Was it tough to give it back?

[@michaelb.42112]

@@FretlessMonster Kind of, but not really because luckily I have basses I love more. Also, I'm not sure what that knob does, either !!! It doesn't sound like it does much...

[@erikshen1107]

RADIOACTIVE!!!!

[@matthewpaluch777]

Extremely kool Tony! Thanks for sharing. I still miss my 1st snare drum that I traded away.

[@FretlessMonster]

Ahh too bad on the snare drum. I have other instruments that are the same. Most of us musicians do. 🤷‍♂️

[@erinelam3003]

Thank you. Wonderful story. 💜🙏

[@krisscanlon4051]

Thanks Tony you make a middle age man happy...your fretless bass and whole joie de vivre entered my life in '84...I was always intrigued by your career. Thank you sir...that bass is beautiful

[@FretlessMonster]

That means so much. Thank you.

[@fuzmaginty5822]

Great story Tony congratulations on getting that amazing bass back can't wait to see it fully restored. Rock'N'Roll bro...

[@EnglishDude1668]

Pure emotion.. Thanks for the stories Tony.. Hopefully it'll be back to work soon.

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes, a lot of emotion. 🙏🏻🤩

[@simonkean5251]

That tone IS the Blue Murder sound. Combined with the player, it makes a truly unique and instantly recognisable voice. Congrats on being reunited TF (Thor).

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. From Thor 🤩😂

[@markbass354]

TONY IVE NEVER PLAYED A FRETLESS IVE BEEN PLAYING BASS FOR 45 YEARS

[@rudylutz2085]

Good day, Sir. I had always wondered what became of that piece of art. I am so glad that you have it back. Indeed, you must get J. D. to rebuild it for you. It is like sending an Alembic to the corner store for repair otherwise🙂. I am sooo glad you have it back! Keep up the good work.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. I’ll take it slowly for sure. I’m in California and JayDee is in England.

[@rudylutz2085]

@@FretlessMonster OK. I thought you were also still in England. Thank you for your answer.

[@michaelblaney4461]

Glad to see you got your old bass back . There is always one you lose and you keep looking for it replacement but it's never quite the same.

[@FretlessMonster]

I was honestly taken by surprise at the depth of the connection I have with this bass. Never had that before. Though I’m pretty connected to the Firm fretless also.

[@iantrott9152]

What a wonderful journey… it’s so good to have friends like that :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. Yes that’s the truth. Very grateful

[@iantrott9152]

@@FretlessMonster thanks Tony :) I know how attached you can become to your instruments. I built my own fretless on the lounge floor of the flat I lived in back in 1990, using an old mahogany mantelpiece. I’d never sell it and would be devastated if I lost it :)

[@wren23_bass-synths]

Thanks for trio down memory lane Tony. I remember seeing you play this bass with The Firm. I always wondered what model bass it was. Thanks for the memories.

[@nicktucker4916]

Wonderful that you got her back and looking forward to hearing more. On "hearing more", think I will put the first BM CD and rock out.. Thanks for the wonderful music Tony!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice! Thanks. And I hope you cranked it. 😃

[@customerservice9710]

Thanks for sharing, happy it’s back in good hands 👍🏾👍🏾

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. Yes I’m truly grateful.

[@tonydeaton2890]

Saw you with The Firm in the eighties. Great show, great band.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much

[@blamelouis]

Sounds great 👍

[@nov20five]

A perfect reunion story. Wonderfully told! Cheers!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you

[@sonicfuker]

You have a good friend. Thanks for the story buddy. 💚

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes he’s an amazing friend 🙏🏻

[@troylaird238]

Enjoyed the story. Can't wait to see more of her.

[@VallinSFAS]

I love how it recalls the 70's Gibson Ripper and Rickenbacker 4005 (latter of which I briefly played; the former I'm tracking)

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. Though I’m honestly not familiar with either of those basses.

[@yourdrummer2034]

Tony I've known of you for most of my life and consider you one of the great, (particularly fretless) Bass players. You are a great storyteller as well. Another thing you are is personable and that's refreshing. I am glad I found your channel!

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow! Thank you so much. That means the world. Welcome aboard! 😊👍🏻

[@yourdrummer2034]

@@FretlessMonster 🤘

[@saidboogeron-the-air9525]

Agreed, Scott.......great memories, indeed. Tony has always been very humble and approachable. It is a real treasure to be able to communicate with such a bass legend. Thanks, Tony!

[@pecavallo]

Oh yeah, that's the "voice" from your Blue Murder work right there. Man! you did some great music with this one, I really hold your work with BM in high regard, it is trully an inspiration for a fellow bass player from the other side of the world. I love the story and the fact that you are reconnecting with the instrument. Thanks for sharing this and I hope you can get it to working order and maybe recording some new music on it! that would be great.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. I’ll be working on her. I’m positive and hopeful, though I’m not rushing it. Cheers from this side of the world!

[@danmang923]

You still got that beautiful hair man! You rock on that bass. Love your work with the firm!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you so much. 👏🏻🤩

[@cymro6537]

What a great and a satisfying story - very evocatively told 👍😊

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. It’s from the heart ❤️

[@toddlangworthy1361]

Thank you so much for sharing Tony! What a wonderful story….some things are just meant to be. That bass belongs with you! Sacrilege that someone else would have thought they’d play it. All is well now that it’s home my friend😎.

[@FretlessMonster]

I would respect (kind of) anyone who could play this bass properly. Haha. She’s a beautiful beast.

[@toddlangworthy1361]

@@FretlessMonster I'd be afraid to even try to play that beauty! I have my hands full with my own jazz :)

[@ThomasGeist]

What an awesome story!! I agree with early posters - I immediately recognized the sound once you played it! Now that’s a signature bass if ever one was!

[@schepperbass6489]

nice bass tony :) it´s always good, when old friends come back... :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. And yes, it is! 🙏🏻🤩

[@NanLander7854]

Love it, Tony! What a great friend, sweet story and awesome pics! Your scratch tells it all. ❤️🥁🎶🎸

[@FretlessMonster]

❤️🙏🏻

[@WimRijksen]

Happy for you that you got it back mate, and it's still in playable condition, and looks good too! It can only get better from here!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much

[@malinadamjanovic6596]

I am so happy that the bass was returned to you. What a great friend you have also. Such an emotional story. Thanks for sharing.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much!! I’m thrilled to have the bass back. Very emotional 🤩🙏🏻

[@jdubbs9655]

Glad you got your hammer back! I can't wait to see new creations once it is restored. Congratulations!

[@jdubbs9655]

Keep Doing That Voodoo That You Do Brother!

[@JohnSmithiuyytw]

Great video, great story. Delighted to see you reunited. I always loved the wooden pickup covers on JD's fantastic basses.

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes the JayDee’s are unique in so many ways.

[@JohnSmithiuyytw]

@@FretlessMonster I could never afford a JD back in the day but I'd have one in a shot. I am the proud owner of one of your signature Fenders in none more black. In my opinion its hands down the best rock fretless out there. Simple, solid, versatile, fantastic quality and it screams, cries and thunders in equal measure. The neck is perfect. A boutique bass in Fender road armour :)

[@toddstropicals]

Wow, that's the story of the bass I thought was a wal bass I always asked about. Along with the memories of seeing you live playing it. Cheers!

[@porschesauce1794]

Wishers Derby, where I got my Wal, they had many JD as you explain Tony . So pleased you found it.

[@porschesauce1794]

It would have been I am guessing Mark ( owners son at the time ) or the legend Paul Miro aka - Apes Pigs and Spacemen that may have sold it to you he’s all over YT have a look Tony. When you are back in Alvo hit me up.

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes I knew Mark very well. He helped me out a lot. In fact he recommended the Model J DiMarzio pick up I bought and installed in my Firm Fretless back in ‘83. Do you remember his Dad, Allan?

[@porschesauce1794]

@@FretlessMonster Yes I do Tony, he sadly passed a few years back maybe 5-7. Mark had a guitar shop in Ashbourne was the last I heard. The Osmaston Rd shop still sells instruments and band gear.

[@OneTableStudio]

THAT sound❣️ That is exactly what captured my attention when i heard you for the first time. Unique, crisp, sustaining, and clarity of tone timewarps me back to hearing and seeing you! The sound is still unmatched, love your open tap harmonics and slide notes! This is “you” from back then😂 Wonderful memories of you as an incredible live show personality and your kindness as a human. Bring it back Tony👍🏼🎶🙏🏻🎶😍🤩 God Bless Your Friend Indeed❣️

[@FretlessMonster]

Aww thank you so much. Wonderful heartfelt words 🙏🏻❤️

[@JeffEvans1971]

Awesome to hear you playing it again. Congrats on getting her back! Keep those monstrous riffs coming!

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩 I will 😊

[@SenseiNWDA]

Awesome walk down memory lane, Tony! Great tone, even in passive mode! Can't wait to hear it when it's in full swing and everything is dialed in! And the incident you related to happening in Japan happened to me once, which is why I don't use active basses when I play live. Murphy's Law always applies.

[@FretlessMonster]

Yep. This bass was the exception with active basses. I love the simplicity and versatility of my P Bass.

[@SenseiNWDA]

I have two, one 4 string and one 5 string, that I sometimes use for recording. But reliability always wins!

[@JBass42]

Once you've had a Jaydee in your life you will always want one. I've been 8 years without one but my new one should be finished hopefully quite shortly and it's a one off the fellas are making for me

[@FretlessMonster]

How exciting. This was my number one bass for 6 or 7 years. I love having it back. Though I’m very at home on my Fender PJ Fretless - which I played in the earlier years too.

[@JBass42]

@@FretlessMonster I'd love a proper old weighty jazz, though my Sire will have to do for the moment! I learned on my dad's Vox Standard (if you remember them?) So I'm always at home on that now I have it, even if it does weigh the same as a double decker! Would make an excellent fretless though due to the bridge pup nearly sitting on the bridge - like a Jaydee! Are you having it serviced by the fellas in Birmingham?

[@thomastremblay2133]

The JayDee reminds me of the Gibson Ripper which also made for a great Fretless.

[@kennethhacker3014]

Great story tony,I love all your work and hope you guys get blue murder going and if ya do... maybe throw in a few firm songs ... sending musical vibes from NJ.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much! Not likely but one never knows.

[@saidboogeron-the-air9525]

The bottom knob you wondered about is the master tone. However, your rotary switch requires a knob that has a topside screw that attaches the knob to the rotary switch. (Like the Trace Elliot input and output knobs on the front of the amp.) It comes with a removable plastic flat cap as the screw is hidden underneath it. The toggle switch is the active/passive mode. John Diggins has everything you need to refurbish your Jaydee, including having all new hardware fabricated and coated in chrome or gold-plated finish. I own three Jaydees myself and I have ordered many replacement parts and hardware for my Jaydee refurbishment projects.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for all the info. Yeah I figured out most of it. Some knobs will need to be replaced. The tone knob is bad, that’s why I was confused as to what it did. I don’t want new hardware - unless vital for function. There’s too much history in it. I’m in the US. Thanks again.

[@saidboogeron-the-air9525]

@@FretlessMonster You're welcome, my fretless friend. I even ordered the replacement circuit board once,....they aren't expensive. I took a picture of the original circuit board in my bass before I removed it as a wiring guide so that I would know how to correctly re-connect the pickup wires. The actual pots, and the l.e.d. power indicator on the circuit board, are NOT directly mounted to the board itself. I got into Jaydee basses from watching you and Mark King in music videos when I was in my teens as I really admired The Firm and Level 42. I still remember the 'Introduction To The Fretless bass' instructional video that you made with one of the Appice brothers on drums around 30 years ago. It was uploaded to KZbin once, but it disappeared and I haven't seen it since.

[@saidboogeron-the-air9525]

@@FretlessMonster Just for the record,...Mark King has brought his original Jaydees out of retirement and back on the road for their current 2021 tour. You can see his original Starchild bass and his SA003 original cherry red Series One back in action on many recent youtube uploads.

[@MarcRice]

I'm sorry you lost this beautiful lady. Thank the gods she found her way back. You're one of the greatest. Love you, bud!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Amen. And thank you so much 😊

[@glenndjubilee]

Sounds great as is! I'm glad you two are reunited!

[@FretlessMonster]

Me too 🤩🙏🏻

[@VallinSFAS]

"The hammer of the gods..." [Led Zeppelin]

[@FretlessMonster]

Indeed

[@icemike874]

Great story. Too many keys to the storage unit i guess. Or like an old girl friend that comes back into yer life...the "One that got away " Thanks for All the Magical Music and moments you've created for us over the years. Bring back the Parachute Pants 💯🔥. ✌❤ Brother Man

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Thanks. You’re right tho. I love the parachute pants. Very comfortable

[@icemike874]

@@FretlessMonster Beach comber or Kung Fu pants, yeah Great for jumping around. Dug the bare feet too. Stay Grounded My Friend 😎✌❤

[@zeusapollo8688]

Sounds great

[@DCronk-qc6sn]

Happy reunion! I love the sounds you made with it - the live Kate Bush work set the standard.

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s an amazing bass. I’m working on getting it back up to full pristine playing condition.

[@moonwork4378]

Your friend's display case was very nice tribute to Blue Murder.

[@FretlessMonster]

Indeed. He has a lot of respect and love. 🙏🏻🤩

[@RastaSaiyaman]

There should be a special place in hell for instrument thieves, way cool that you got that awesome bass back man!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha indeed.

[@karst41]

Yeah Man. I see that neck! its a Stunning run of ebony, and has that beautiful Woody Sound ala Hofner or Jazz.

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh yeah! 👍🏻🤩

[@hbhmhbhm]

It would be great if you could get it back to Jaydee in Birmingham. they have made 2 basses for me and they are great! John and his sons will make it as good as new. All the best. Andy

[@FretlessMonster]

The electronics are currently with JayDee. That was the main issue.

[@nunofernandes4501]

Your Fender basses sound very good, but for me THIS is the Tony Franklin tone. What a bass guitar. Please do show it to us again after it's been serviced.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. Yes still some more work to do. Slow and steady.

[@nunofernandes4501]

@@FretlessMonster It'll be worth the wait for sure. All my friends said I was crazy to start on fretless when I was 17 back in 1991 but I wanted to sound like you, Mick Karn, Pino Palladino, and John Giblin. Never regretted it, life is fretless.

[@joachimvanzoelen4236]

That sound... ❤❤❤

[@FretlessMonster]

Yep. It’s all there.

[@franciscojoseperezguerra7819]

Great!! Great!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. Thank you.

[@RH-xs8gz]

I loved The Firm. Mean Business is one of my all-time favorite albums!

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. Thank you. 🤩

[@luvyesmusici4886]

It's so nice to hear a good/great story for a change. Thanks, Tony, for sharing your story today, and your emotions the other day; and today. You are a genuine, one of a kind, Tony, as a person, and a musician. That is why we love you/find you appealing. Something really rare with social media . And thanks for not waiting so long/stretching this story out, too long. So somebody messed with it, and switched it over. But after that, the fact this bass was so well taken care/stored perfectly by a knowledgeable friend and musician; what are the odds of that? Karma brings good things, for good/great people. I was hoping to hear a story where Paul Rodgers stole the bass, just like he stole my then girlfriend Cynthia Kereluk. ;-) LOL!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Truly appreciated 🙏🏻 Haha. No stories about Paul Rodgers with this bass.

[@markbass354]

HOW COOL IS THIS REAL COOL

[@scottcollins5060]

I like this getting to know you Tony. If you ever make it to Roanoke, Virginia here in the states I would be honored to spend a little time with you and chat awhile.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks Scott. You never know. I’m in the States - California. The challenging thing about touring is we rarely have more than a few hours in each place. Soundcheck, eat, gig, move on. Very little hang time 🤷‍♂️😊

[@scottcollins5060]

@@FretlessMonster I understand. I am such a geek about guitars and basses. I'm learning to be a luthier because I snapped my wrist into a few years back and I can't play like I use to, so I love working on them and I am learning by books and videos.

[@richardpaul7294]

I just recently found out that Bill Wyman was the first ever to play a fretless bass. He removed the frets due to buzzing and liked how it sounded. I believe Paint It Black was the first song ever to be recorded using a fretless

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes you are correct. I didn’t know about Paint It Black though. Very cool. That was actually him playing? It’s a killer bass line!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@kevmac1230]

Master Monster, it's so great getting reacquainted with an old friend.It sounds so wonderful.I'd kill for it's tone, Good for you. BTW I also get confused with the controls on my active basses.I'm enjoying my foray into fretless, making small improvements.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Yes this is my only active bass. Typically I’m not a fan but there’s something about this that works. Enjoy your Fretless journey!

[@wademiyataki9221]

Mjöllnir has returned! I could see the memories as you were telling us about your history with that instrument. I was wondering why the intonation looked off.

[@FretlessMonster]

I like that. Yeah it’s currently really hard to play.

[@wademiyataki9221]

I can imagine. With the height at the nut off, there's no way to do a proper setup without fixing that first.

[@peterabbott6095]

Hi Tony, great to see you have your Jaydee back. Your bottom knob is indeed an overall tone and the top is volume as you know. The rotary switch turns the bass on and should have an LED that lights up and that’s not happening which means that if your friend didn’t disconnect it, the batteries are depleated. There are two as it’s an 18v circuit. I hope they have not leaked but if they have, John and the boys at Jaydee will be able to sort all that out for you and put the nut and all the gear right for you. A new circuit etc is reasonable as is their price for a service. Really glad you have it back again. It’s great to hear it being played. Thanks for sharing. I have the Mark King version and would not part with it. Hope you can post a video once it’s had its service and is in top playing form again?

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. The tone pot seems like it will need to be replaced. Taking it all very slowly. I’m basking in her presence a lot. This bass has a soul. 🤩🤪🤷‍♂️

[@peterabbott6095]

@@FretlessMonster thank you Mr Franklin! In due course, it will be great to hear you play it with fully working electronics and a playable nut, John’s basses have a wonderful tone by themselves but the real technique and tone is in the fingers! I think the current waiting list for new Jaydee basses and guitars is 2 years! When you bought yours, it was unusual to see a Jaydee in a music shop, especially the further north you got though they were plentiful back in the day compared to now. 👍

[@mikemarksmusic]

I know and saw that bass for years in that case. It was nice of RP to send that back to you and reunite with its father. Enjoy. By the way it was right next to Pat Travers Melody Maker and next to Bootsy Collins bass . Not a bad place to be.

[@FretlessMonster]

I’m truly grateful for RP. He’s a godsend.

[@RogerLevert]

Finally someone on a Jaydee not playing Love Games

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. I did back in the day. I hear you though. 🤣😩

[@frankrodriguez8971]

Wow!! She still sounds amazing! Will you just replace the nut to get it lower? Or will filing the string slots do it?

[@FretlessMonster]

Don’t know yet. I need a second (expert) opinion on that. Taking it all very slowly. 😊

[@WhiskeySoakedCube]

I've done the [CTRL] + [F] to see if anyone else said it ~ but I feel as if the "old Friend" who returned it is either Sykes or Page ... but I'm leaning towards Page.

[@FretlessMonster]

No not at all. A dear friend who collects instruments and was thrilled to have it in their collection. But was even more thrilled to send it back to me.

[@user-qu3hw1wp7w]

. T ☮️ R Y 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Lance37a]

The musicman basses are hit or miss. The bass sounds great.

[@FretlessMonster]

Interesting. Yeah the MM felt and played great, but simply couldn’t get my sound.

[@stevekonbass]

Great stuff. Body looks on the thin side. Wonder if it's light.

[@FretlessMonster]

The body is quite thin but the body is big. It’s about the same weight as my P Bass.

[@mateuszminsky5619]

Super mullets!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. We never called them mullets back then. Just hair. 😂🤷‍♂️

[@Clint45s]

…rolled over this morning, and eyed the tv. That was left on last night, or was it this morning…smiles, but I gave it a good one eyed pirate look, and …hey enjoyed listening to the time capsule stories…. But say Tony? In all your years playing, did you ever develop any had problems? I seem to be developing a bad knuckle on my fret bass neck had, and wondered if you have any spit remedies you might have used or know of? Really appreciate your inputs, keep it going… 😎

[@FretlessMonster]

I’ve been fortunate with my hands. 🙏🏻 I think it’s a lifestyle thing. No alcohol, clean diet, well-rounded diet, moderate exercise, lots of water, no soda, limited caffeine. All those things can affect our bones and joints and overall wellness. 🤷‍♂️🙏🏻

[@Clint45s]

@@FretlessMonster …yes on all that you mentioned Tony, covid has really messed with my medical, so might be stuttering a little since I’ve lost faith in the medical field… I was hoping you might know of some ancient Deep South American sav that was derived from banana peal drippings or something 👀 🤣🤣🤣…. Smiles

[@keith1r]

Passive is always better than active

[@FretlessMonster]

Totally agree. Though there’s something about this bass that’s different. 🤷‍♂️

[@mattonbass]

For the LOVE of... "John, Carmine, let's jam."

[@FretlessMonster]

We did. A few years ago. It was great.

[@odedomer3952]

I have the Fretless Fender (Tony Franklin) and it sounds good but this one… OMG. I wonder, was this the one played in “midnight moonlight lady”?

[@FretlessMonster]

I played my Fender in Midnight Moonlight. I didn’t even own the JayDee at that time. 🙃

[@fenderfetish]

RIP John Diggins =^(

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes. Very sad 😞

[@EUGENELEONARD]

Omg when you stated playing I all most shit myself. It made me rethink everything, sounds like a d I with a mic, But oooooo so good.

[@FretlessMonster]

Oops. Haha!! Great. Thanks so much.

[@edcolins5498]

The bass probably also satisfied that's in the hands of someone who played it for long time !

[@FretlessMonster]

There’s definitely a connection 🙏🏻

[@toddstropicals]

One more question, no Hipshot D tuner on that?

[@FretlessMonster]

No hipshot. I used to tune it manually.

[@toddstropicals]

@@FretlessMonster yeah I was thinking you had to detune and retune. My old drummer Steve were at a firm show, and he told me watch this bassist (you). He and I grew up together lived across the street, Steve passed away in 2010 in Michigan before we could jam again but you guys were our idols the firm, blue murder, and so on... There isn't much age difference either we both were born in 65

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Since you produced this upload, Tony, have you rectified the high action and repaired the active electronics?

[@FretlessMonster]

Chipping away. The electronics are currently with the original builder - John Diggins. 👍🏻🤩

[@lovechildmusiccouk]

it is very unusual xxx it has a really nice sound though

[@FretlessMonster]

👍🏻👍🏻😊😊

[@davidcertain2492]

Lines don’t prevent altering pitches slightly.

[@FretlessMonster]

Absolutely true. I personally just find the lines distracting and even annoying at times. But that’s just me.

[@ivanalf7299]

Tune the nails sharp your nails play the bass nails %)

[@FretlessMonster]

🤔🙃

[@ivanalf7299]

@@FretlessMonster Sorry, I'm not a good english speaker. I'm still learning. I sing russian sentences and translate them to Shakespeare's speaking. But, my native sentences may be so rock and roll that my colanguageses don't understand what I mean.

[@plantzgalleen7444]

"...It was there when I played with Kate Bush and Dave Gilmour..." the timing is crazy - 6 months after this video 'Running Up that Hill' would surge back to number one because of Stranger Things and millions of new people (just check the KZbin count) are now discovering this Tony Franklin and this particular bass! (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWbalGSIZaaEla8)

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s all quite amazing and slightly surreal.