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I don't post much, but have actually been a member on here for many years. I was recently talking to Andrew Taylor-Cummings at Anaconda Basses about how many of his instruments went to America, and as a UK brand relatively few made their homes here in the UK. I said I would try to do my bit to change that - this is a review of the Ultra Jazz Essence 5 I bought a while back (hopefully you can read files in this format). I am pretty enthusiastic about what Andrew does, the bass is made overseas to his design, and checked before dispatch. He also crafts his top end basses in his North London workshop. The great thing for UK bass players is he does support his instruments, which some other suppliers of offshore made basses struggle to do. He is also very pleasant to deal with. I played it in a covers band since I got it, where it replaced my trusty Squier Jazz Deluxe. The Drummer said it was the best bass sound he had heard (more to do with the bass than me I think). These are great basses which are more affordable than many of the established brands, and in my humble opinion outperform some of them. I have owned a number of high end basses including a Wal 5 midi bass, a pair of Shukers, 4 ACG basses and my beloved Ashley Pangborn among others. I have also built from scratch a few basses of my own. So while I am no professional reviewer, I think I know a bit about what I am talking about. Anaconda Ultra J Essence 5 String review.pdf

Firstly congrats on your Rickenfacker I bought a 1990 Greco RB 85 recently & honestly I, can't get over how well they are made and I owned a real Ric 4003 for years. Secondly like you I own an original 1964 Hofner 500/1 and the prices now for them is shooing up. Luckily back when I bought mine in Nov '88 I only paid £175 for it.

… another Lusithand Alma, but this time the new Mk 3: … these are my favourite comps, the additions for the Mk 3 are a switchable input pad, fast/slow attack times and an improved signal path as far as I know. Great comps.

… the knee control is pretty much a clean blend as AFAIK after asking Phil at Effectrode. I need to spend a bit of time with my one to tweak to taste for my 5 string. Lovely things though 👍🏻

That’s what the special was

My Lovely Horse - Father Ted

Riders On The Storm - The Doors

Going to see Springsteen in Manchester on 20th May. Not seen him for a long time, and he’s now 75 so may not be quite the 3+ hour sets like he used to do. Still, really looking forward to hearing the band (17 piece) making a wonderful noise.

Sky Arts tonight Saturday) on Freeview at 7pm - Jeff Beck Live at Ronnie Scott’s , followed by The Jeff Beck Story at 9pm.

Another simple transcription but not as easy to play as it looks due to the push and pull of the pulse. This one is all about the tone and the ensemble playing. Steve Rodby's bass part to the tune 'Letter From Home' from the 1989 Pat Metheny Group album of the same name. https://bilbosbassbites.co.uk/letter-from-home-pat-metheny-group/

I'd love it if I could find a short scale thunderbird type thing. Always liked the idea and the sound of a Tbird, but they're massively long.