DEAN JEF BERLIN - TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

[white_cloud]

Hi there folks,  
 
I could do with some wisdom from anyone out there with any knowledge of Dean basses (coz I have none!)
 
I have the chance to pick up a Jeff Berlin signature model (no longer made))cheap. It has quality hardware (Bad-ass bridge, handwound Bartolini's etc) and is a real player in good condition. Apparantly the JB model was made in europe and has a graphite re-inforced neck!
 
As Im a big fan of Jeff (probably my favourite player!)but not particularly Dean instruments! I figure this could be a fun, uncomplicated, bass to own as a back-up for my Persuader.
 
Anyone Know any different???
 
John.

[bigredbass]

If I had to get a Jeff Berlin model, rather than the Deans, I'd carefully watch out for a Peavey Pallaedium, Peavey's signature model they built for Jeff back in Peavey's pre-Cirrus days.  These can often be had for next to nothing, are very similar, and are way better made than the present-day Deans, which are one more product of the same Far East manufacture that includes the Schecters, Peavey BXP's, Washburn Bantams, et al.
 
J o e y

[jacko]

The only Deans I've played were their semi acoustic models and I didn't like them. However, if you play it and you lie it, then go for it. That's a few hundred quid off your 'Next-Alembic-fund' though ;-)
 
You should have been at bassDay in November, Jeff played a storming set and ad-libbed brilliantly when they lost all stage power for 15 minutes.
 
Graeme

[white_cloud]

Thanks Joey, I have heard of the pallaedium by Peavey ( I remember Jeff playing that model) but havent ever seen one here in the UK!
 
I totally agree with you about the far eastern production lines,but have it on good authority that the Dean JB signature model is european built - making it much better than an average korean Dean!
 
If im off the mark with this please re-educate me as the only reason Im considering this bass is as its so cheap and was endorsed by Jeff.
 
John.

[white_cloud]

Hi Graeme!
 
Did Jeff use his Dean at bass day UK? If so how did it sound?
 
Dont worry about the next Alembic fund, a cunning plan has been hatched for that - to be executed in the next couple of years (I can wait - it will be worth it!)
 
John.

[jacko]

He played this one John....


 
 
Needless to say he sounded excellent although I suspect that would be the case even if he played a box bass.
 
Graeme

[white_cloud]

Thats the very one Graeme!  
 
I have the offer of an identical bass for the cost of buttons. I think it would ably replace my departed Fender Jazz for the immediate future!
 
Apparantly they are great for the small ammount of cash they sell for, however the fact it has Dean on the headstock is something that puts me off (sorry mr Dean if your reading!)
 
Anyway, with bartolini pick-ups, a bad-ass and an ebony fingerboard - not to mention a hardcase - it represents real value for money (I couldnt buy the components for the price quoted)  
 
Maybe Im just a musical instrument elitist!
 
I wonder why JB is always drawn to inexpensive axes??
 
John.

[jacko]

Reading between the lines, I think Jeff has always resented not being as famous as Jaco or Stanley so he's had a hard time getting endorsement deals. I believe he also had financial issues some years back when his son needed medical attention so he's probably happy to have any kind of deal. At least now he has a deal with MarkBass and they've taken on board some of his ideas in their amps and cabs.
 
edit.. To his credit, he does actually use the gear he endorses unlike alot of other big name players who seem happy to lend their names to everything under the sun.
Graeme
 
(Message edited by jacko on January 23, 2008)

[white_cloud]

Yes, an incredible player - but has a bad rep for being outspoken!
 
I dont have a problem with that to be honest, the more interesting characters that are out there playing bass the better I say!
 
He has a real disliking for active electrics for some reason, always staying true to his love of Bartolini passive pickups from wwwway back!
 
From what I can see he certainly does play everything he endorses and that suggests to me a human being who fully understands the value of loyalty!
 
That makes him a good guy in my book no matter how outspoken he can be

[bigredbass]

I'm not much for gossip, but heard the details in person from people involved in the process in the early 80's:
 
JB has honestly earned his reputation for being a bit difficult, does NOT suffer fools gladly (I shudder to think of going to his bass school in Florida!).  I admire him in a lot of ways, but he's definitely a 'straight, no chaser' fella.
 
In those days, Yamaha was courting JB.  He had played a few BB2000's they'd fronted him.  These were a hot item then.  He rightly pointed out that they had rather fat, c-profiled necks, that weren't his cup of tea.  They took his brutally-frank suggestions and the axe evolved into the BB3000, a much easier playing and better axe all the way around.  And obviously, Yamaha went on to market the BB3000 successfully . . . with Nathan East as their endorser.
 
I can only imagine when he was with Peavey seeing all those Rudy Sarzo and Tim Landers ads . . . .
 
J o e y

[keurosix]

Hi John,
I own a Dean Edge 6 fretless bass. It IS made in Korea, a bolt-on neck (Frankenstein), a basswood body and laminated maple walnut neck with ebony fingerboard. It has active 9v electronics, and apparently EMG pick ups that are labeled Dean. Came with a HSC for about $550.00 USD. The set-up was fantastic right out of the case, ultra low action. The electronics are boost/cut treble & boost/cut Bass, vol, pan. The pan has a noisy pot. I don't like the bolt-on neck - never did like them. I also think the electronics could be better (It's NOT an Alembic!!!). But Bang-for-the-Buck it has.
 
I am considering adding an AC Guitars preamp that would retrofit directly into the 4 control holes and uses the original pick ups. This preamp is the closest thing to an Alembic Anniversary set up using two low-pass filters and a vol and pan. It has concentric pots for the 2 filters and Q. This pre is about the same cost as the guitar. Here's the link to the AC Guitars site search for ACG EQ 01:
 
http://www.acguitars.co.uk/index.php
 
Here's a pic showing it with FretFX red LED's:
 
 


 
 
I suspect the Jeff Berlin model is a better guitar. I saw him live with Bill Bruford at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT long time ago. Blew me away. He had a guitar with Leo Quann Pu's then. He is more technical with the music than the gear. He even says so.
Kris

[2400wattman]

Go get that bass!!! If it's cheap it will be the cheapest investment you ever made. Bartolini's are killer it has the BadAss and it plays excellent. Go for it!!

[white_cloud]

To be honest I have never seen this model before here in the UK and Im impressed with the hardware/playability for the price!  
 
It might not have a fancy name on the headstock, but as a back-up bass it could be fun!
 
For a price that is CONSIDERABLY cheaper than a mexican Fender I look upon this as a risk free deal

[gare]

John
I picked up an Edge 4 fretless about 2 years ago. Same description basically as Kris gave. Mine needed a complete setup since it wasnt maintained real well, but for $100 it was worth it. Plays really well now.
If the price is right grab it.
 
Gary

[bigbadbill]

Jeff doesn't believe in fancy wood etc. He likes an alder body, slim bolt on neck, ebony fingerboard, Barts and a Badass. He thinks the rest is about art, not about sound, and only adds to the expense . I wish I could think that way, it'd save me a fortune!