Series I vs. 20th Anniversary?

[Fly-by-night]

I have me an old (1977) Series I short scale bass, and it does everything I want (I have yet to probe all of the possibilities of the controls).  I play mostly at blues jams, so I use whatever amp is present, and most often do not lug the power supply along.


Here's my problem:  I have seen a custom ebony 20th Anniversary axe and I have nearly terminal GAS.  It is effing gorgeous, I really can't afford it, but still ...


Here's my question:  what are the practical differences between the electronics, given the clear limitations on the amps I get to play through (some 'just OK' solid state, occasionally a seriously sexy Ampeg tube head)?


Wise Thoughts (or mundane ones) appreciated!

[pauldo]

You say you can't afford it, but what if you could?
2 Alembic, old and new . .
 
Oh


My


Goodness!

[pauldo]

Oops, sorry, you said you were looking for wise thoughts. 

[keith_h]

Anniversary electronics are about as close as you'll get to Series electronics. I played a Brown Bass W/Anniversary controls for years as my main bass. It is still my goto bass if I am going somewhere I'm not sure about. Comparing it to my Series I I would say the Series has a more open sound to it. The controls work the same but the single coil pickups just seem to be wider in their response over the hum cancelers you have in the 20th Anniversary. I think the only place you might notice a difference is in recording or another place where there is room for the bass tone to come through clearly. In the case of a blues jam I don't think you would ever notice the difference. If for some reason I couldn't keep my Series I would have no problem going back to an Anniversary equipped bass as my main instrument. Also keep in mind there are some members hear that prefer the Anniversary/Signature electronics and pickups of Series. So it is back to that matter of personal taste.