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Showing content with the highest reputation on 04/08/18 in all areas

  1. Now's the time to spring like a panther: send your drummer down to audition. When he gets the gig he can tell them he'll only join if he can bring his friend (you) in on bass. Then you both turn up for the rehearsal and sack the other band members. Then book some gigs in this band's name; leave it a while then cancel them at the last minute while savagely insulting the bookers down the phone. Then announce the band is folding. Arm long, vengeance total. Proper job.
    6 points
  2. *walks around the Happy Jack-Bluejay household, looking at the ceilings, and whistles* Nice light fittings we have here...
    6 points
  3. True dat. But that envelope filter has got to be used sometime, right?
    4 points
  4. Wow.... I thought I had issues with 7... I’ve now showed the missus how our spare room is going to look based on your photos..... apparently that’s where I’m now sleeping! 😩
    4 points
  5. I look at all those basses and think, "You could have bought a really great bass with what you spent on that lot!"
    4 points
  6. I’ve been listening to a lot of Crowded House this week in the car. I’ve been a fan since the eighties (before that, if you include Split Enz); they’re one of those bands I always go back to, Neil Finn is one of my favourite songwriters. I like Nick Seymour’s bass playing too, very understated, plays for the song first and foremost. He also does this thing where he sometimes holds the root note even after the chord has changed, or shifts to the root note of the coming chord in anticipation of it’s arrival. I like it, it adds a tension or an urgency which is very pleasing.
    4 points
  7. I've got a (welcome) gap between commissioned full builds. I probably have a rebody of a Cort Curbow coming up (more of which later) but, in the scheme of things, that isn't a major undertaking on a par with a full build. So, as some of you know, one of the things I've been doing in the extra time is sorting out a better arrangement with routing - I've invested in a self-assembled foldaway router table and am currently building a thicknessing rig. But I've also been looking at the crazy amount of 'oooh that looks nice' wood that I've acquired over the past few years. In amongst it is this - some of which isn't faring well in my far-from-perfect wood storage: On the left is a sister set of back and sides lacewood and mahogany/walnut neck offcut from Chris's (our band's vocalist) dreadnought acoustic that I built him back in 2015: Next to that is another neck offcut - maple /walnut and lastly an offcut of Macassar ebony fretboard from my recent 6-string electric build. Well....that's most of the wood for another dreadnought - with a choice of neck to boot! And I've got a bit of time on my hands And I've got a few new things in the workshop that need testing out. And I've always wanted, and never had, a dreadnought. Hmmmm….it's tempting!
    3 points
  8. Well it turns out it’s never too late to give up on your dreams. This is my band from the 80s with yours truly on bass!
    3 points
  9. OK, good news is that all components are usable, size-wise - even the macassar ebony fretboard offcut It also gives me a choice of two neck wood combinations - maple/walnut /maple or mahogany/ walnut / mahogany. I'm tempted to use the maple...harder to work but might add a touch of brightness for the fingerpicking side of things...
    3 points
  10. Things were cramped in the old house so wall hangers and racks were used,the new place is much bigger 🙂 4 x racks of 7 + 10 tripod stands in the living room, 2 are kept propped against the couch within arm's reach. Spare room hosts another 4 x 7 racks,basses unused for ages like my Curbow,Dano and Bass Collection live in gigbags in the wee cupboard. Only 51 Peaveys in this photo. I blame the double bass 😄 Happened at Xmas, Wunjos kindly swapped the Sub by SBMM for a GK Plex instead.
    3 points
  11. My one and only bass, always wanted one and have zero interest in any other. Teal green and does everything I want for the bands I have played in, never fiddle with the EQ, everything just set flat out, may just knock the tone pot back a bit on some numbers.
    2 points
  12. Fairly sure i’ve not even played 43 basses, let alone owned (4 at separate times)
    2 points
  13. The black pickguard looks ok too
    2 points
  14. Have a Bergantino HDN 2x12. Imported from Germany excellent sound But I do have it paired with the Bamp using its 2x12 profile Well pleased with the sound my other choice was going to to be the vandercleys
    2 points
  15. My wife is out shopping and I'm enjoying Humble Pie, Rockin' the Fillmore
    2 points
  16. I'm absolutely sure there's a clever link here to 50 Shades Of Grey ...
    2 points
  17. Hurt his feelings. Tell him to stop or he's fired.
    2 points
  18. Surely something "offensive" is something which is defined as contravening the overarching social/legal/personal/sexual norms of the day/region/person. So, I suppose, yes nothing is intrinsically offensive in a way that you might be able to apply a physical test to it - but only in the same way that nothing is intrinsically "red": that is simply a word which we use to describe a phenomenon that satisfies certain criteria. I'm not sure how useful it is focus on this point. Two thoughts occurred to me while reading through this thread, as a white male of just less than 40 with a very foreign name and 50% Asian parents: 1) As a youngster on holiday, the wee chap who came up to me and announced "you're a Paki" was using that language deliberately to offend, intimidate and injure. The word may not be intrinsically offensive but his use of it was deliberately so. Ditto the woman who came up to my mum in a shop, pointed at my dad and said "my father was killed by one of them in the war" (one of what? - no epithet was used but the insult is explicit.) 2) A more trite example. There are probably over 30 of us at work who share the communal milk. There are no rules applied to its use but if someone came in and used all of it to themselves every day, it would not make them a champion of libertarian values: it would make them a selfish oaf, unwilling or unable to see the consequences of their actions on others. Which is my long-winded way of saying that while I would in no way support a ban on any language that pub covers bands might choose to use, it has to be acknowledged that language is a phenomenally powerful tool, even a weapon, and those that use it indiscriminately (or childishly seek to offend simply for the sake of doing so) must be prepared to accept to the opprobrium of those with a broader scope of experience.
    2 points
  19. I often wonder if drummers do that because they think they sound boring, and want to seem skilful. Sorta like guitarists and, who knows, maybe even bass players sometimes. I know that I sometimes feel that I’m just playing boring repetitive crap, and stick in some pops or something, and o& course it falls apart. Other times, when I am feeling confident and in the groove, it works a treat.
    2 points
  20. I think that my musical training (A-level + grade 8 bass trombone) has certainly helped my bass playing. However I do use only a tiny fraction of that knowledge when playing most of the time. My guitarist is self-taught, he can't read music. He probably doesn't know if he's playing a first or second inversion of a chord - because that's not the way he thinks. He certainly knows exactly what he is doing though. He learnt by copying his favourite guitarists. Now, if he's heard a song, he can play it - with all the correct chords, solos and little nuances. I didn't particularly enjoy my A-level music. I found that analysing and deconstructing music took away some its "magic". Similarly, "unconscious competence" can be a beautiful quality in a musician. Look at how many bands had cracking a first album or two, and then went off the boil once they "knew what they were doing". Having said that, I'd still recommend that bass players learn some theory. Not every player is a savant, and may need to make an effort at playing. A good understanding of time signatures can help you nail a groove. Knowledge of arpeggios and chord structure can help you come up with interesting bass lines.
    2 points
  21. I don’t agree that people choose to be offended. People do however choose to offend. I can think of many words that are offensive in their use; it would depend of course on your gender, sexuality, race, religion or appearance whether or not you do find a particular word offensive. Of course if you’re a straight white male without any disability then you probably wouldn’t have encountered a problem.
    2 points
  22. Is it wrong that I don't actually know? They are in various places, some in our rehearsal room, some in my man cave, some in pieces awaiting fun projects, some in the living room and some in the dining room. From where I'm sat I can see nine. The thing is two are ukes, fretted and fretless, two are full sizes acoustics, fretted and fretless, acoustic db, eub, fours, a five, short scale long scale, bass vi and so on, all very different from each other. The silly thing is my main gigging electric bass is a Variax which has most of my other basses included in it My family don't go without, all the bills get paid and we don't particularly want or need anything we haven't got, so it's no biggy keeping them all, it's my hobby. If hard times came knocking I'd just sell most of them.
    2 points
  23. As I understand it the words ar$e, junk and slut have also prompted nervous broadcasters to whip out the bleep button around Christmas time. And just as well; these are words that could quite clearly bring society to its knees. So let's just substitute 'sit-upon', 'dangerous drugs' and 'a person exercising their right to (either sequentially or simultaneously) engage in coition with multiple partners. It's for the best.
    2 points
  24. The free use of language doesn't oppress, controlled or compelled use of language oppresses. Please expand if I'm misunderstanding you.
    2 points
  25. Well, I can understand, to a degree, but anyone who is into The Blues will know the song and understand you are not speaking from a personal point of view but merely covering an old classic. I am a married man, so should I avoid covering any song that mentions attraction to a woman who is patently not my wife? I think things can be taken too far. It didnt stop old blue eyes singing "Something stupid" as a duet with his own daughter. Its a love song by the way.
    2 points
  26. I'd never change an "offensive" lyric if I was covering a song. The composer wrote those words for a reason and I think it's a greater offence to bastardise someone's art than to offend someone who deams their language to be inappropriate. It's your God given right to be offended and it's my God given right to offend you. Words are not and will never be violence; "Sticks and stones... Etc." to equate "offence" with "assault" is a very dangerous road to tread in my eyes.
    2 points
  27. The trouble is , is that all of the double Stingray pickup'd basses , all have the rear pickup way too far back - so not getting that 'Stingray sweetspot' . The only mainstream maker that I've seen 'dong it right' (subjective, I know) , is Warwick, with the Doublebuck
    2 points
  28. SOLD - Final Price Reduction to £1450 - shipping at cost (though I'll reduce by a further £20 for collection in Manchester) There is no way that I would be selling this if it wasn't for a serious HMRC glitch - one that will be rectified in time but is currently causing serious cash-flow problems. A Masterbuilt Warwick Thumb BO bass - built in February 2018 (around 6 months old). It is entirely indistinguishable from new and almost un-played (just a few hours noodling and certainly no rehearsals or gigs). My intention was to work with it over the summer but I haven't get got around to it and the bass has sat in its beautiful, €400 full leather bag. Basic details (with much more at: http://www.warwickbass.com/en/Warwick---Products--Instruments--Customshop---Masterbuilt--Basic-Bass-Models--Thumb--Thumb-BO--Thumb-BO-4-String--Thumb-Bo--4-string--Features.html): Bubinga curved body (Masterbuilt timbers - nicely figured with a 3D effect, particularly on the back of the body) Wenge 3 piece neck and wenge board (the latter is polished to a ceramic-like sheen) Nut width 1.5" 20" radius Brass JAN III 34" scale Illuminated (fluorescent) side-dots 2 band eg Wooden tuning pegs Weight is around 9lbs (sorry that I can't be more accurate) Premium leather case (as above €400 on its own) All unused case candy - with Masterbuilt extras (charger pack, red velour cover, images and data stick) I try to avoid hyperbole in adverts but the quality of build, fit and finish and the attention to detail on this bass is as good as anything you'll find on an Alembic, Fodera or Wal (and I know whereof I speak). Seriously, this is a good bass. Playability, as you'd expect, is exceptional - this can be set-up however you want it. Typical and classic Warwick Thumb tones. These are €3689 new (so £3284 at current rates). I got a very good deal on this and I'm selling at what I consider to be a very attractive price. Essentially, this bass is indistinguishable from new: it is un-played, around 6 months old and just about about half-price (with no build-time and waiting for delivery). I've replaced the original very blurry images but if you need anything specific, please just ask (the same with any questions). I can ship, at cost and at the buyer’s expense, to the UK, Europe and the US, though collection from Manchester would be preferred. Thanks but no trades and no offers As noted above, if HMRC problems are resolved, I'll need to withdraw this and get back to playing it as intended.
    1 point
  29. Selling this lovely example from Dingwall. In gigged condition, have some slight dings and marks from use (see pics) but otherwise in perfect working condition. Will come with its own dingwall (Levy’s) gigbag. original Bassdirect sales page can be seen here: http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/SJ5_Vintage.html Asking for £2000 collected from WD6 which I think is a fair price already. Might be able to post at buyer’s risk and cost.
    1 point
  30. Haven't given much attention to Hofner in the past but I think this is great, they've released a bass which is 100% recyclable and has no plastic parts. Looks pretty nice to me, and it sounds good too.
    1 point
  31. Way too many, would love to sell a few off. Blue
    1 point
  32. They’re lovely - always fancied an Empreror Regent. I really don’t play six string enough to justify it, but something like this would surely inspire me.
    1 point
  33. Ye just need better storage ideas 😃
    1 point
  34. Beautiful man , wont be here long glwys
    1 point
  35. You don't need lessons to make a bass, just learn how to keep your tools sharp and take your time. Honestly sharp tools give you control and with that you can do anything, the rest you can just ask, there's always someone who can help you, I get loads of help reading other peoples threads, even if things have gone wrong sometimes you can learn from their mistakes I visualise things when I'm not sure how to do them, I go through it in my head and actually make the cut or whatever there and try and see the problems. Then when it comes to hands on it's like I've done it before, I'm more likely to flamingo up when I think I know how to do things
    1 point
  36. I take it all back Christine - that black is looking pretty damn good. Lets hope for dustless and mistless future spraying . I'll be booking myself in for some carpentry lessons very soon
    1 point
  37. Saw Jon today & had a wee chat about how the neck design will work and the tuning pegs.
    1 point
  38. @LewisK1975 meant to say if you want to know any more PM me cheers
    1 point
  39. In the early stages, my approach on this will be a bit brutal. The storage of the back and side wood has been poor - there's been a bit of dishing and there's been a bit of what looks like water damage on one of the edges of the sides set that was there when I bought it. So basically, rather than hours of planing, scraping and sanding - only to find out that there is not enough usable area - it's doing what you should never do with figured woods - through the Makita thicknesser down from about 7mm to 2mm at 0.5mm a time. And I've sort of got away with it so far. I say sort of because at the last pass of the last back piece like an eejit, I sent the panel through the other way round - and got some pretty impressive tearout! The other side is perfect, despite being reduced through a very, very harsh process. The sides too: I've lost a couple of inches off the length of the sides due to the unavoidable snipe of this type of thicknesser but - and I will check later today - this should still give me adequate length for a dreadnought The water (?) damage on the sides is on the opposite side to the bookmatch join and should be well within the trim allowance of the sides. Again, I will check later today the usable dimensions. So, assuming that the dimensions are usable, the next proper job is going to be bending the sides. If they bend OK, we have a live project, if they don't I'll use up the wood for headstock plates/inlay fills, etc.. Whatever, this will be a background project as it's only for my own use so may take some time!
    1 point
  40. 😂😂 I've given it to my daughter so it's no longer mine. I guess I could take it off my list which would mean I have one less bass and an excuse to buy another 😁 I feel forced GAS coming on 😂😂
    1 point
  41. It took me a while to realise, that bass players (and this is true of drummers too) are supporting musicians. We're there to make the song and soloists sound good, not to take the centre stage ourselves. We're there to provide the groove.
    1 point
  42. I agree with everyone else it's about time you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour, Ive always wanted to try and make an acoustic bass but the bending of the sides and making the neck scares the s**t out of me so I'll be watching this with interest, Also I hadn't seen the thread for the dreadnought build but that looks stunning 😀
    1 point
  43. You've called me out on that. I was thinking how selfish it was of Andy to make, not just, an acoustic guitar but one that he's going to keep. Now I realise that it is me who's the selfish one. Even though it means a delay before we see some more bass bounty from Duffield, I have got over myself. I will take a step back in the queue* because, Mick, you are right! Andy, you deserve this. In reality; I'll enjoy this because you showed Jack and me the first dreadnought last year. Your description of how you made it was interesting and now we'll get to see you do another one. *I have linked you up with a list of current monarchs. Please choose one who's ransom will cover my fretless five and I'll make arrangements for the getaway car.
    1 point
  44. Just as an off-topic aside, I replaced the four-position switch in my ABZ4 with a John East U-Retro preamp. Works a treat, but then I'm a big fan of East preamps... 🙂
    1 point
  45. I had 2G&L ASATs which are the same pick ups and pre amps well made basses, really nice Loads of guts to the pick ups for my tastes almost too much as those MFD’s are wound hot and more Treble I think because as Leo had hearing and high end heating loss he compensated in his pick ups. If you can tame them they will work for you, but if you like pre amps and pedals it may be difficult to get the sound as they can be too much IMO
    1 point
  46. I have to wholeheartedly agree with you on that. I’m quite a fan of the Lakland headstock too.
    1 point
  47. Ocean turquoise with matching headstock... Parchment pickguard...
    1 point
  48. good evening all had a look at the lacquer today (impatient) and decided it was hard enough to work on so I put it back together, have a couple of issues like I cocked up the wiring, the tone is like another volume I must of put a wire wear it shouldn't be ill check it out later, I have to fit a black jack socket when it comes so ill check the wiring then. On the hole I am very pleased how it turned out sounds luvly with them flats on don't know about the tone lol,
    1 point
  49. I don't have any inside knowledge at all, so please don't let this start any rumours or anything but it occurs to me that if a manufacturer HAD to change a bridge for some reason (the old one is no longer made, cut costs, aesthetic reasons, supplier problems, import restrictions, a million other reasons) then a press release that says " we have new bridges because they sound better than the old ones!" is a lot more marketable than "Stephen from accounts forgot to pay our old supplier so we had to get different bridges. Don't worry, they sound fine!".
    1 point
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