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Had a fantastic day yesterday in the company of Billy Sheehan, have been in contact with billy for a number of years, always had great chats with him etc, he arranged for me to meet up with him yesterday in Glasgow, just can't put in words how cool that experience was, i take part time photos of bands for fun, and billy asked if i would take some shots, Mr Big are a very slick set up!! Pro all the way, i was listening to Billy's onstage sound which is just incredible he has the smoothest low end with just the right amount of grunge on top he is an expert at sound control of a bass guitar , he can manipulate that bass to sound any way he likes it, so happy i got the chance for this experience, great bunch of guys too, i took a pile of photos if anyone fancies a look. cheers Geo Billy Sheehan pics here https://www.flickr.com/photos/139327844@N08/

This isn't a shot of the Alembic-esque - but it is related. And it should warm the pink torpedoles of @scrumpymike 's heart: It's his veneer going on his Lyte back, because I've got the bench back....BECAUSE I'VE FINISHED THE ELECTRIC! Here are some finished shots: There are a couple of tidy-up jobs to do (but none that need the workbench, Mike ) including adding the hatch to chamber contact strips to those that notice such things (and centreing and gluing the nut for those that notice those things too) but this is pretty much how it looks I've done some sound clips - I'll post those shortly. As always, thanks very much indeed for your interest, support, comments and suggestions along the way

For the love of God folks, update your profile with your location...

It’s not that I’m “fond” of it. It’s that my literal career depends on it. YouTube’s algorithm heavily promotes clicks, and the more times people click on a video, the more it gets recommended to you. Consider my position, please. I want to create in-depth video essays, or good-faith critiques of other musicians to help them improve, or comment response videos answering questions from my viewers. This is what I want to do for a job, for a living, because I think I’m pretty good at it, and I have the opportunity to do so. How should I title my videos? Should I appeal to your own personal sensibility of what titles should be? Remember, YouTube will bury it if I do. So, if I dont clickbait it, you won’t see it, and then nobody else will see it either. I constantly have to play a game of how much I should clickbait, and what that clickbait looks like. It’s not something that I enjoy at all, so I hope you judge my stuff by the quality of what I offer in the video itself rather than how it’s packaged for you. Because there is little that I can do about that.

Sounds like a fault to me. Head over to this thread on Talkbass: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/source-audio-sorcerers-society-s-a-s-s-part-3.1056621/ and get in touch with rsmith601 (president of Source Audio). He’ll sort you out in a jiffy.

Oh yes of course, me too, always have done.

I had that prob with mine. Opened it up & removed speakers to find cable resting against cone. Tied it back, all ok. Worth a check. G.

So what you're saying is these manufacturers move production from countries like Japan to countries like Indonesia to help the Indonesian economy? And you think the guy in the video is being naive? I'd say he's not the only one. What you describe is a side effect of companies chasing the lowest cost of production. Plain and simple. As soon as it becomes cheaper to produce guitars to certain standards and schedules and in the required quantities elsewhere in the world, a corporation will move production because the bottom line profitability is all that matters to them. It would be nice to think they're moving production from country A to country B just to help out all the B population, but that is rose tinted viewing at best. I've seen it in every company I've ever worked for, current one especially.

Interesting video, and he seems like a lovely guy, but his economic and political naivety is quite extraordinary. His constant references to "cheap production" and "exploitation" ignore the reality, which is that for example Fender making "cheap" guitars (branded as Squier) in Japan created jobs and helped to raise the standard of living in Japan to the extent that they moved production to Korea, then to China, then to Indonesia, then to Vietnam, in each case creating a new population of skilled workers earning more than they earned before, and now capable of pushing ahead without further investment from abroad. That's how economies work. The people who live in those countries, just like the people who live here in the UK, don't constantly look abroad and wish that they had the same standard of living as someone richer. Most people look at what they have now, compare it with what they had before or what their parents had before, and judge on that basis whether or not they're doing well. And when those Third World countries benefit from this sort of inward investment and develop their economies, guess what - they stop being Third World countries and become Developing countries. "Exploitation" definitely exists in many unskilled industries, most famously textiles, and I don't condone that for a second, but this luthier's definition of "exploitation" and his clarion call to cease "exploiting" these countries would see those very country's economies damaged and their workers thrown into unemployment. Is that really such an achievement? Basschat's tentacles extend a long way around the world. I'd love to hear from some Basschatters in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam as to whether they'd like to see the big instrument factories closed down. For their benefit. I'd even more like to hear from Basschatters in Kenya, Mozambique and Sierra Leone who are likely to be the next recipients of this sort of inward investment. Because, of course, their labour is now cheaper than the workers of Japan, Korea, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. There's a reason for that ...

Well OK, but don't leave it too long! It's part of the learning process!

So many great bass scores. Thanks for all your hard work. Cheers

The 12th South East Bass Bash will be on Saturday 29 September 2018 At Jubilee High School, Surrey, School Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 1TE The first planning meeting has already taken place! (in a pub) Get the date in your diaries!

If I install a high mass bridge such as a Bad Ass II clone on an AVRI P am I likely to be excommunicated to Talk Bass ?

To maintain plausible denyability for her that must be obeyed?

They are very pretty and in another league to the Stagg, the only thing I'd say is a possible negative is that it's less DB like than a Stagg, if someone was wanting to move onto a full DB later/as well as then I would recommend the Stagg to get the hang of the left (right for Silvia) hand technique of a DB. For me the dots just confuddle me too, I prefer the minimalist Stagg method or none at all if wanting to go full DB later. Quick transition from elec bassist to passable in the mix upright player the NS has it hands down, most convincing DB sound alike goes to the Yamaha, most awkward to play deep neck closest to the real thing goes to the Stagg imo.

Great photo’s. I was there last night too, my pics aren’t quite as good as yours!! Biggest thing that struck me was just how much fun he has on stage! He seemed to love every minute. Gilbert and him are so talented they can hold the song down, play crazy stinky poo and sing and fool around all at the same time!

Hard to believe so many people are that bothered by what a bass looks like. They play well and sound good, what's not to like? I play my Fender Precisions far more than the EB4, but it's still a good bass.

As a total aside, I like you jet photos!

Hmmm...I'd hate to be the cause of you buying a second 'not right for you' pedal, but what you've just described in terms of what you're after sounds exactly like the HGBM I've just acquired from krispn! Have a listen to YouTube clip on this I posted earlier in the thread and see what you think?

I see nobody has replied yet, so I'll start the ball rolling. I have an NXT 5 - photos here: Warning - it's LEFT-HANDED! Pros: very very portable; looks great; extremely easy to play, as its action can be set as low as that on a bass guitar, and it's got DOTS! Adjustable bridge height makes bowing perfectly comfortable too; extremely easy to set up through holes in the back plate, without the need to remove the cover; has a fully adjustable tripod stand that eliminates the need to balance the bass on your body while you play - it stays where you put it and you can walk around it. Cons: doesn't sound like a double bass, even with the corresponding switch activated; doesn't 'feel' like a double bass, and offers much less of a physical experience, because it's so small and thin you can almost play it like a bass guitar; the tripod is rather horrid to look at. Er, that's it for the cons... I do like my NXT a lot; then again, a normal size double bass is bigger and heavier than me, and a lefty is practically impossible to find and try before buying/ordering one from scratch, so EUBs are just about my only option.

GAH!!! Sooo good.

If you're ever in the Nijmegen area of Holland, I'd recommend Paul's Bass Matters: https://bassmatters.nl/en/home Generally, he sells new stuff but does have the odd vintage treasure every now and then. For instance, he has a 1961 Fender Jazz in stock at the mo.

Still got mine too. Bought the pic sleeve version as well so I didnt need to play the metal box version anymore. Great album. Well ahead of its time.

Good evening, Stu, and ... Plenty to read and amuse you here, and lots to learn and share.

A good drummer MUST be able to do the following: Play in time. Properly tune their drums. Remember at least two sets' worth of material. Control volume of playing without compromise. Be consistent and play with tasteful economy. Develop an almost telepathic relationship with the bass player. Be groovy and funky as all-get-out when necessary. Avoid strewing the stage with boxes and cases when setting up. Set up a full kit in 15 minutes or less. Be a nice guy, diplomatic and easy to get on with. Resist the urge to have 'just one more drink/spliff/rock/tab'. Carry own drums and ancilliaries to and from transport. PROVIDE OWN BLOODY TRANSPORT! I've only met two drummers in forty years who have been anywhere near this. In conclusion: Finding a good drummer is HARD.

Heard an interesting Joey Ramone quote today on't radio: Play before you get good, because by the time you get good, you're too old to play. I'm taking the 'too old to play' bit metaphorically.

Exactly the same. It is a generic made PRC item sold under different trade names.

I’ve got the 63 AVRI and was considering a Babicz z bridge. The bbot does the job but I was thinking of something a bit more solid but with minimal ‘footprint’. I don’t see me selling this p as it’s fantastic but don’t want to muck about with the look too much. oh and I believe it has the spitfire tort guard as the original owner spent £80 on it.

AER amp one is £1450 from GAK and weighs 13.5 kg. The one10 costs £319 delivered and weighs 7.5kg. (7.0kg if you go for the cloth cover at an extra £30.) That leaves you £1131 to buy an amp for the one10. Or an amp and a second one10? I agree that the amp one is superb. I've had a amp one (and an AER amp two - even better!) but the one10 will amaze you just as much. Frank.

you'd be surprised what OM night attendees will tolerate and still cheer wildly

Thanks folks. Excellent comments. I'll pop into GAK on Saturday and give the THR10 a try. I don't want a loud amp - I just want something that handles both guitar and bass and sounds nice for low-volume home practice. Whatever I choose, I will be playing it with a 5-string bass, as well as 8-string, regular guitar and 12-string guitar. Some of the extra features of the Yamaha may be useful too. I'll report back!

Happily I fall into the stereotypical tight arsed northerner profile so I'm pretty much allergic to shops. I see shops as being places where everyone there has been trained and encouraged to relieve me of more cash than I wanted to spend and are basically servants of the devil. I can't even remember the last time I went in a guitar shop but it'll be in years. I go into Morrisons late on quite often to buy the fresh food on knockdown but usually end up in a fist fight with old ladies on mobility scooters to get to the corned beef slices. Just this past week one of my tenants ( I work in social housing) who , let's say , is differently motivated on the work front - def. not just a bone idle bastard scrounging off my taxes - actually took a crusty cob out of my basket and said 'these aren't for you...you're working'. True. How I laughed as I ignored the data protection act and shopped him for benefit fraud. So - you want a cure for gas ...... move up north and spend your life sitting in the corner of a pub moaning about the fact that it's not 1930 anymore. You'll love the misery. I do.

Me too. A couple of guys I stated out with back in the 60s made it to the "big time" and I always judged myself against them. Until recently I realized I'm lucky to be where I am. I'm a happy and content B list local bar band guy. Blue

Yeah the Mikey Way’s flakes were quite obvious “discs” and the flecks in your basses finish aren’t the same. its a refinished dream of a bass.

"Passion vs ability"? False dichotomy. You need both. As for: ... one cannot be described as a "great player" if one cannot keep time. It all sounds a bit defensive.

Yes Wembly loudspeakers repaired a gk speaker for me a few years ago. Did an excellent job and were pretty quick if I remember.

Matt Monro. Pitch and diction perfect....and sumptious orchestrations. Better than Sinatra in my humble opinion.

Jaco was a great player in every meaning of the word, and also released some stinky poo. Gentle Giant were a great band who also released some stinky poo. Zappa was a great musician who also released some stinky poo. Etc. etc. I think you get my drift. I believe the story that Jaco changed the bass world, and at any rate he turned me towards jazzrock and jazz. Thanks, Jaco!

Completely fair rant, complaining about the human condition to overvalue one's own possessions. Everyone wants to feel like they've got a bargain, just like they tend to appraise future value on the high side. I think the part of the brain responsible for this is just to the left of the bit that creates GAS...

It's Broad Bass - they even used the name in full on some models:

So - lots of fun today First of all, I had to get that silly vertical cable to lie down. You wouldn't think Schaller mainly deal in guitars and basses...how many 3" - 4" deep basses do you know that could have a control chamber that would accommodate this design 'feature'? And the only way of doing that is to invalidate the warranty on what is a very expensive bit of kit by taking off the very stiff, very thick sealed rubber boot: And while we're on the subject of 'I love Schaller, but...', if I turn round the guitar to see the other side, let me give you a quick quiz... Question: Between the two types of knob: nicely powder coated solid brass knurled, allen-key secured, standard 6mm shaft beauties push on, plastic, non-standard 3mm shaft, small top hat ...which is the dirt cheap Harley Benton offering and which is part of the Schaller flagShip top of the range (and very expensive) piezo pre-amp mixer offering? Yes - the nice knobs are the Harley Benton ones. Honestly, I DO love Schaller - great service and some great, great products but, if you're looking, fellas...come on...you are better than this! So, I found this in my bits box: And the bottom left hand bit has an i.d. of 3mm ...and when you put it on the sanding wheel, you can get this - a 6mm o.d. (you make knobs, Schaller - yes, 6mm...the standard size of the knobs you supply to millions of us!): And that fits on the non-standard 3mm shaft of the three way rotary: On which the nasty cheap Harley Benton knob itself fits: Call me uncouth, but I think that looks better : And then came the rest of the day (pretty much 12 hours) with the myriad of tweaks, and drills, and earthing and tinning and checking and planning, until: And - knock me down with a feather - it all bloody works! And the hatch still fits. And I'm going to go and have a long sit down....

I have a THR10, which I use for both guitar and bass. I like it very much for bass. The drivers, though tiny, have HUGE magnets, and it can get surprisingly loud without distorting. There are various "filter mods" you can do (look YouTube or Gear Page) which change the EQ for the better with guitar, cutting treble a bit. This mod makes it great in my estimation, because I HATE too much treble. I would seriously consider a THR10 if I were looking for a neat, compact, well made practice amp for both guitar and bass.

Hope you kept the hat though! I took it to a gig on Saturday but ended up not using it as the output was very low - I'll try it out a few more times & see if some fiddling about is needed.

Heres my current one - starts slow and moody and builds to a monster geetar solo......

Clearly a superlative bass player.

[quote name='JohnDaBass' timestamp='1502783594' post='3353426'] What paints did you use? [/quote] Nitro lacquer from The Manchester Guitar Tech - you'll find Steve online - he does the full range of fender colours and they are absolutely tip top paints if you are looking for rattle cans. Great bloke to deal with, and the paint is top drawer ..

I'm at 4, currently.