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So I had incredible GAS for a fretless Stingray bass. I was looking for one when I found this oddball at the London Bass Gallery: Sterling Ray34 body, Kent Armstrong pickup, fretless Status neck. It was affordable and I lóve the look. So it arrived today and I absolutely love this bass. Great sound, preamp sounds great... I might replace the pickup with something more vintage sounding (any ideas? Nordstrand? Aguilar?) but I'm very happy so far. It's currently strung with D'Addario strings which I don't really like so I ordered some Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkies which should arrive tomorrow. Super siked!

Smx 1020 by VTypeV4, on Flickr Smx 1020 by VTypeV4, on Flickr This week I grabbed true bargain from the wonders of eBay.. Here we have a 400SMX, an 1153 & 2103H - classic Trace gear from the late '90s which still kicks a$$ more than 20 years later! I'll take it all to rehearsal later and see how it goes. I'd forgotten how good these things are despite weighing 10T..

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Picked up the bass today. Absolutely stunning in the flesh and beatiful to play.

I'm not a C4 owner - but what an amazingly generous resource to be providing for free to your fellow bass-players. Bravo mate!

@dodge_bass, @thisisswanbon, here is my tutorial patch: https://neuro.sourceaudio.net/preset/DyV1RQhBhF

No. None. I've whittled my collection from over 40 down to 5 basses (soon to be 4). It would be nice to still have most of the ones I sold, but I have recognise the fact that a lot of them were bought simply to own rather than to use. However owning lots of instruments has allowed my to work out exactly what I like about the ones I'm keeping and why the ones I sold didn't quite "do it" for me.

Got this..

Wonderful song , but on a point of order, that verse is by Billy Bragg (on the original Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy) The extra verse(s) on Kirsty's cover were "My dreams were full of strange ideas My mind was set despite my fears. But other things got in my way I never asked that boy to stay. Once upon a time at home I sat beside the telephone Waiting for someone to pull me through When at last it didn't ring I knew it wasn't you" These were also written by Billy, but adapted by Kirsty. On a related note, I'd propose "There's a guy works down the chip shop, swears he's Elvis Just like you swore to me that you'd be true There's a guy works down the chip shop, swears he's Elvis But he's a liar and I'm not sure about you."

I’ve only finally gone and done it, as in written a book! It’s all about my many years as a bassist mainly in covers bands, what made me do it, how many basses and amps I’ve bought and sold (gulp) mainly on here, but mainly about the fun I’ve had, and funny things that have happened along the way. I’ve tried also to share some of the advice and knowledge I’ve acquired that might prove useful, IMHO, obvs, as da kids say. Ultimately though, I hope it makes you smile, and you find it enjoyable. A big thank you to @Dave Vader bassist and author of this very parish, who provided some wise words and guidance. He said he enjoyed it, as have a few other of my selected guinea pigs / test pilots. Some even said it was very funny indeed, but I’ll let you guys be the judges. It’s in Kindle format at the bargain price of £4.99 (link below), or paperback format direct from me at £8 inc. postage and packing (which is cheaper than it is on Amazon, although it’s up there too if you want to shop there). If you prefer the paperback format, PM me your name and address, and payment preference (Paypal or bank transfer), and I’ll advise accordingly. I’ll even write a signed dedication inside the front cover if you let me know what you want, which may be worth millions when one of my bands finally makes it big.........there again, most likely not! https://eur05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB08CGY1V9X%2Fref%3Dcm_sw_r_em_api_wI0GFbPQ7NSBD&data=02|01||99808ebee8c844256c1608d86e0fd55a|84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa|1|0|637380361560219122&sdata=RmtiUEgYmJOF0HNZAVyeZ%2BFc4y818DMraO%2FBzpL9Z7w%3D&reserved=0

Spotted on Facebook Marketplace yesterday at 9AM, in my house by 2PM same day - I do love spontaneous purchases 2004 model in moderate condition, got it for a good price and has cleaned up nicely. Has a couple of drill holes where a rudimentary ramp was fitted, but I'll get round to hiding them eventually. Taking it to rehearsal tonight for a good blast .

Hi All, a both emotional and technically briliant arrangement performed on guitar...

The BB2004

Hi. I am Alan from East Cheshire. I own and run heavy machinery in the agricultural sector. Long time lover of all heavy bass guitar music but never quite got there with playing or owning one. Life long piano player and I do own an old Japanese RG550 but it has never inspired me enough to be any more than an occasional noise maker. I’ve now got a bass, a humble second hand squire p-bass, and I love it!! It makes the sounds I’ve always loved in music and I’m loving learning how to play it.

Current incarnation of my board. The tuner might not be the sexiest but it works so it will stay for now. The Bassballs should be changed to something I can get more control over but it gives me that some extra funkiness when I need it so no hurry with that. The Drop is the latest add, don't want to carry an extra bass or detune for two songs so this one saves the day.

This may help some with temp relief. I have had it for over 40 years (mine is a high pitched whistle) which I believe was caused by testing/running Burman Valve amps at very high volumes, in a small studio! What would the older me tell the younger me. . . . . . "Turn it down a bit, squire!!" This works for me. Doesn't last very long but it does give some relief and reminds me of what my hearing was like, pre 1978!! https://trudenta.com/this-simple-trick-may-help-with-tinnitus/

Joni Mitchell - Hejira “I know, no one's going to show me everything We all come and go unknown Each so deep and superficial Between the forceps and the stone...”

Finally took this to pieces to finish the last couple of bits off and ow it is complete!! Here's a few pictures of the finished bass:

Hello Mark Brian Ashcroft was indeed in the Last Chant as the bassist. He was left handed. Sadly my brother Brian passed away in 2010 leaving me many good memories. I would be interested in buying the case off you if it is for sale. I bought the Precision Bass for Brian after working in the Middle East for a few years. Nearly died when he painted it matte black. Get in touch if you want to sell. All the best Neal Ashcroft.

So after reading the thread about Cliff Williams of AC/DC getting a signature Stingray it reignited the want for one. I love Stingrays but have ever managed to “tame” the sound, but then I’ve only ever had the 3eq versions. I have however read that the 2eq is beefier sounding so thought, I’ll give one a try if a black/black/maple one comes along. And it did at the weekend on EBay. Sealed the deal, delivered today. Like an excited child I got home and to work on a clean/set-up and in honour of Cliff, a set of D’Addario Chromes. It’s a 1987 model with the truss rod adjuster in the headstock, and the silver battery cover. It has some nice authentic road wear on it, nothing hideous, just the signs of a 30+ year old gigged instrument. But all that doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t enjoy playing it. Well I settled down in front of YouTube to some of my fave covers and an hour and a half passed in an instant, yes, the ‘Ray passed the test, I love playing it, and yes, the 2eq is beefier sounding. Oh, the beauty in question, well it’s as below.

Muscle tension and hearing loss are different causes of tinnitus, you guessed it, one can be relieved to some extent by manipulating/relaxing the muscles. That won't affect the hearing loss or genetically induced tinnitus. Countering or 'masking' the sound of your tinnitus can be a pleasant distraction. There are hearing aids that also produce a noise to drown out your own. As for the article, it's peculiar. I work in the audiology department of a university hospital where we do a lot of research. Generally speaking putting electricity to the tongue to stimulate the hearing centers in the brain is like expecting to switch on the telly to a Christmas special in July using your microwave. We all want a cure for tinnitus. Over 80% of people with hearing loss experience ringing, humming, whistling, knocking, buzzing and/or hissing with a good 40% of those describing their burden as 'severe suffering'. Results have been seen in electrical stimulation of parts of the brain called the floculus when trying to suppress the effects of Parkinson's disease. However much more trials and testing is needed to pin down the exact where/how/why/how much etc etc to determine reliable outcomes and predictable results. Also in these trials patients report loss of their sense of horizon, they no longer feel what 'level' is. We're getting closer but we're still some years out from an easy fix.

This is it...this is the holy grail! Shipped over from Sweden, this is a 1970 Orange Matamp OR200. As used by Jimmy Page and many others back in the day. I believe they were only built for a few years and they don't come up very often, so I snapped this one up when it became available. Fell in love with these back in my teens when Weezer's original bass player used one on their first couple of albums and been after one ever since. The UPS guy was pleased I was in to help him with the box, but out of the box it's not terribly heavy...the two handles make it relatively manageable. Not had chance to really crank it, but just take my word that it sounds really good 😁 Anyway, pics...

Cant understand what he's saying but that bass makes great noises! Maybe I just hold off and save my pennies for this. If I was going new I would probably go relic so this model would be the most sensible option for what I'm looking for! Really appreciate all the insight though, will prove helpful for others wondering about Sandbergs.

Cheers!!! As a very broad generalisation, Delano’s are more ‘hi-fi’ (not sterile though), Sandbergs more of a tilt towards vintage sounding but modern enough, Black labels - more punch to them, a real little jab to the guts (in a good way) and slightly higher output. None of them are a bad option, the Black labels go very well with the Superlight basses, as the lightweight need a little more ‘mass‘. The Sandbergs in my MarloweDK for me are perfect - fine on their own, enough poke to make any preamp/preamp pedal come alive but subtle enough to allow sound sculpting, as opposed to for example G&L MFD pick ups which are so powerful, they are difficult to tame, Black labels are not in this category. Delano’s are their to allow you to sculpt also, but will always be a bit more modern sounding. When I had my VS4 with Sandberg big pole pick up, passive, it was great, but wasn’t quite there - not sure if it was the pick up or the whole package, put it with the M pick up on a VM - different kettle of fish - great combination, really gives that clarity to allow the P biased sound to cut through, which is where it wins IMHO Sorry I can’t be more specific, but hopefully it gives you a sonic territory to go with.

I think Status have nailed the headless design and engineering. Rock solid tuning, ability to use double or single ball end strings, compact (mine fits in a guitar gig bag).

Dear friends, attached a few pics showing the adjustment range for string height: min 6,50mm / max 22,00 mm Intonation range : min 8,00 mm / max 26,00 mm😉😎

Ian Dury - so many to mention, but three classics: Van Gogh did some eyeball pleasers. He must have been a pencil squeezer. He didn't do the Mona Lisa, That was an Italian geezer. I could be a lawyer with strategems and ruses I could be a doctor with poultices and bruises I could be a writer with a growing reputation I could be the ticket man at Fulham Broadway Station Shall I mourn you decline with some thunderbird wine And a black hankercheif?

Earlier today I posted this about headless basses in response to this thread: I play two Status S2 Classics and a Hohner B2A, and to me the biggest advantages are: Tuning stability: because you don't need to wind the strings around a tuning post, there is a lot less slipping and stretching. Instead, on most headless systems, the ball ends of the string clamp into a claw at the bridge end and the claw moves forward and backward on a threaded tuning screw. Once the strings are properly stretched, there is barely any detuning; Compact size. I like how compact my Status basses are, especially for portability: they fit into a regular guitar gigbag. The Hohner has its own dedicated gigbag which is even more compact because of the body size (if you can call it a body). A Kramer Duke has regular bass guitar tuners, so the first argument doesn't count for those basses, but they are really compact (even more so than a Steinberger, because of their short scale which makes them pretty unique). The aluminium necks with wood inserts are a bit of an oddity too, and have many lovers and haters alike for their weight and (apparent lack of) tuning stability because of their sensitivity to temperature changes. For these reasons it wouldn't be my weapon of choice. I would also be weary of the balance on these. Because the body is so compact it doesn't add much weight to balance out the weight of the neck, and the front strap button is roughly behind fret 16/17.

Mate, this is a very cool. idea. I did some digging and cucumin, the "active ingredient" in Turmeric, is pretty good at a number of things, including (it appears, in research on rats, anyway) inhibiting the formation of collagen fibrosis. I'm going to take it for a few weeks and see if the growth rate of the lump in my palm slows (at the moment it's way too quick for my liking). Thanks again for this. If anyone is interested - here's a paper on cucumin and its effect on induced pulmonary fibrosis in Rats - https://dupuytrens.org/DupPDFs/2003_Punithavathi.pdf - it looks like it worked there: indeed Cucumin can actually work as well as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation if taken in high enough doses. Available capsule forms I've found seem to include black pepper and ginger in there to help counteract the digestive system effects of the cucumin - we'll see how that goes.

That's it. Very well put

Peerless genius. The Slow Train works as a poem in its own right.

Have you found someone to pass the torch to yet?

I tend to find lyrics of the "She Loves me/She Doesn't love me" type to be just that bit trite while pretending to be deep... I personally don't really care either way about some singer's love life! However, if you're going to have lyrics I'd prefer them to be either powerful, or witty... Here's powerful: You're a star-belly sneech You suck like a leech You want everyone to act like you Kiss donkey while you beach So you can get rich While your boss gets richer off you Well, you'll work harder With a gun in your back For a bowl of rice a day Slave for soldiers 'Til you starve Then your head is skewered on a stake Now you can go, where the people are one Now you can go where they get things done What you need, my son What you need, my son Is a Holiday in Cambodia Where people are dressed in black A Holiday in Cambodia Where you'll kiss donkey or crack Witty, or just downright daft: Now this is what I want you all to do: If you got faults, defects or shortcomings, You know, like arthritis, rheumatism or migraines, Whatever part of your body it is, I want you to lay it on your radio, let the vibes flow through. Funk not only moves, it can re-move, dig? The desired effect is what you get When you improve your Interplanetary Funksmanship. Sir Lollipop Man! Chocolate coated, freaky and and habit forming. Doin' it to you in 3-D, So groovy that I dig me. Once upon a time called Now! Somebody say, "Is there funk after death?" I say, "Is Seven Up?" Yeah, P-Funk!

I believe that is the same amp/preamp combo that was in my BLX130 and I can only agree with you.

I have my late father's 1937 Selmer Balanced Action tenor. A lovely instruments, that I can get a scale of C major out of!!

this is actually quite true, Covid means no gig, and lately when I want to have a go with them thick string guitars I just reach for the Zoom B1on and headphones. 😅😅 Although lately I recorded some collabs using this board as the Stomp is my only interface atm so I reversed the signal, Noble first in the chain going to tuner then effects then to the HX Stomp. Thanks for the pedalboard love everyone! 👍🏼

If you pass through my soul tonight Gather all his troubles Tomorrow's long eternal night Gather for tomorrow "Love Under Will" Fields Of the Nephilim...their definitive track lyrically and musically to me

Neck is in! Now I have the pocket depth right, I may sand the bit sticking out (about 1.5mm) flush with the body. But to be frank it doesn’t bother me, so may just leave as it for added strength. Also fiddled with the bridge a little, to better follow the taper. Worked well. Oh and stripped a screw......not quite sure how to get it out, but I will think of something.

Great thread........ here's the youtube link mentioned previously - just had a listen in memory of Brian...... and it's a great track!

On request, some pics of my battle scarred black Spoiler

Roly Wynne , Zia, - Ozrics Mike Howlett - Gong

PJB Double Four- just excellent.