Leaderboard

First two gigs last weekend with the new band I'd been helping out and have now joined. Saturday evening in Newbury and Sunday afternoon at a beer fest near Andover. Really enjoyed both, 2 x 1hr sets in Newbury, good crowd but not packed. I played pretty well and could hear everything. Played when required at the beer fest as it was a multi band thing where the players mixed about...loved my first attempt at "hey Jude" with most of us playing together and I tried some Overton Berry Trio lines. Thumpinator, comp, bass rig black panel, Barefaced 2x One10 stack for both.

Bought this corvette as a back up ….just couldn’t fall for the post box red so I was going to move it on ..it did play and sound awesome ..so I spent Sunday morning stripping it back and waxing it Jacobean oak ..literally cost me my time and that’s it ..looks like it was originally antique tobacco it’s as ash wood and think I’ve been quite lucky with the grain ..🤟

Got some good pics from Fuel on Saturday!

Im overwhelmed and lost for words! You wonderful people have been a light in some of the darkest days of my life. The money is a huge help and allieviates some worry, all the lovely comments and advice have shown me i have people in my life that care. Ill withdraw my MIJ 75RI and ill take it to a gig on sunday, and lay down some funk in your honour 😊 @AndyTravis has been a rock and im very glad you're all my people. My sincere and humble thanks to you all.

Encore 1980's Red Copycaster. It was sitting there mocking me, with 2 to many strings on it. And so I decided to free it from guitar land. Snagged some hardwear from @Jabba_the_gut on here [thank you] and set to work ruining fixing the Bass Guitar. My luthier skills are more akin to shed building, but I was determined to make a playable shorty for grins. It plays "ok" surprisingly well really, and sounds like a weird strat, you can't dig in much, but for noodling at the open mic it works fine. intonation was a chore, and whoever designed those bridge saddles needs shooting, they look the part, but eff me! setting them up was madness 🫠. Cut out the body to get to the truss rod, who wants to take the bloody neck of to do that? idiots. Big Hole where the wammy bar used to live, filled that up with real wood. The Fat Strat and the Quarter Pounder pups sound pretty decent actually. Its gonna need a string tree and the nut needs sorting, but I an happy and thats what counts. 😀 There, all better now, hanging out with it's mate. Then I decided I was 19 again.

Since my last band split almost a decade ago I completely fell out of love with all things bass. I have hardly picked up a bass in that time. I’ve been getting that itch again and was hunting for a Geddy Lee Jazz as I’ve had 2 in the past and love them. BassBros had one to win in one of their competitions. I bought a ticket the day before the competition ends, and it was my first time buying a ticket. I only bloody won! Beyond chuffed! Won on Sunday and today this was waiting for me at home. 😍

Pretty good night last night after a few weeks off. One new song in the set that went ok for a first outing, though I mucked up the ending. Nice venue that’s almost always a good night and last night didn’t disappoint. Plenty of singing andan assortment of dancing girls. Plenty of nice comments after at the gig and on social media which always raises the spirits. Sound in my IEM’s was good with the repaired custom plugs and the new Sennheiser unit which is definitely better than hardwired with the Behringer, or the xVive that I have had problems with bleeding over the Wi-Fi link from phone to mixer for my aux. It did feel as if the other side of my plugs had failed, but that might just be that ear being more deaf so possibly need to tweak the balance. The boundary mic I chuck under the kit for a bit of ambient wasn’t working for some reason, probably the step down cable to the mic so I ended up coming home and ordering another before heading to my pit. Couple of videos from the evening… bass a bit low and rumbling but hopefully just the phone as general consensus seemed to be the sound was good at the venue - sounded great in my IEM’s 😁 Spot the cheats 🙄 VIDEO-2025-06-15-17-05-36.mp4 VIDEO-2025-06-15-17-05-36.mp4

Does this case make my amp look big?

I think these words can help us all as we navigate relationships. Basschat is as much a social outlet for me as the pub was (I’ve sort of given up the social drinking now as I didn’t enjoy it). Best of luck getting back on your feet Lee. One of my best friends is going though this and a few of us are helping him any way we can. I’m a bit strapped for cash but if i can help with equipment let me know. I’ve got all manner of leads, tuners, few pedals and things I’d be happy to help you out with.

30 years to the month since her iconic album came out! Great song and tbf not defined by the bass line, but what a great bass line by Flea!!

I think of Guy Pratt on a Jazz when i think of Disco (Sophie Ellis Bextor) Intro by Alan Braxe, Fred Falke is a really favourite of mine. Theres a guy who does a cover on a Jazz bass and absolutly kills it

This one has been a long time coming. I first started to think seriously about a Deluxe/Elite/Ultra when I played one shortly after the 2010 model launched. Then the Elite launched in 2016 and that had to be the one, especially with the MM-style truss rod wheel and the pickups/preamp upgrades. My decision was cemented further when the Ultra 2 came out in the last year or so with its cost-saving 'skunk stripe' neck. Spec wise, the natural Ash Elite always seemed to be the pick of the bunch. So I recently bought Freddie's Elite from the BC Marketplace - he did a very good job of very carefully repairing the drill damage [from a previous owner where a bridge cover had been added] with wood filler, so the holes aren't nearly as visible now. Playing-wise, this Elite is a monster Jazz. The preamp only needs a slight touch over the centre detent on the treble/bass controls to be perfectly punchy and clear. It has all the tone of my 2012 FSR hand-stained American Standard with a lot more power behind it. I'm impressed. So I've set it up to my tastes and added some new 40-95 Elixirs. I'm off to turn the "Jazz Bass" preset input gain down on my RH750 before this preamp blows the patio doors off! Enjoy the pics

It changes the tone …. 🍿

It's the Les Paul junior double cut that's his. Very light too, African khaya wood, ebony fretboard, Irongear P90s

Ive only just became aware of this (and spent 30 mins sobbing afterward) a few members im close too will know that after 22 years of marriage my wife asked for a divorce. At the risk of oversharing. For many years ive struggled with (for a long time undiagnosed) carpal tunnel in both wrists, which at times has hampered my playing. This is on the mend, but among other things has taken a toll. Im devastated, but ive done a lot of thinking and looking back, it cant go on Ive been harming myself mentally, and suppressed anger and frustration and sadness until it warped me into something im not, and caused her to fall out of love with me ive numbed the pain with Alcohol which has affected my physical health. She knew what was happening to me, but dealt with it by keeping busy with other things and remained focused on creating a life for herself that didnt include me, in time we were more roommates than a husband and wife. So sad, we had a beautiful relationship, and it withered and died and we both let it happen! heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking Ill always love her,she was my best friend, soulmate and the love of my life. Right now im still full of anger and resentment and need to try and let it all go and forgive, because ive tortured myself and her for years If this looks at all familiar i beg you COMMUNICATE, share your feelings and find the person you love. Im not courting sympathy or even attention, but please hug your partner and love them fiercely and with all of your heart. Ive been a nember of this forum since 2007 and it has been part of my everyday life in all that time. Ive made friends for life and brothers id never had, and many many times been a small light in my darkness. I cant thank you all enough for this, im very moved and grateful to have so many wonderful people in my lif Im going to move out and get a flat with the shirt on my back and a couple of basses, at 51 my life parallels when i left Newcastle at 19 Im on the cusp of a new start My focus will be on healing myself phyisically and mentally, i plan to throw myself into the thing thats always defined me , Music!! Time to forgive and heal

Hello! I received this bass as a gift from my mother (RIP) for Christmas at twelve years old. It was stolen from me a few years later. I am searching to buy another, and it has been a difficult item to find. Any leads on one for sale would be great. It would be nice to find the original, but I'm sure that will not happen. Cheers!

I couldn't see that a thread has been created for this, looks like a very interesting bass. Medium scale, humbucker in the neck, single coil in the bridge position, looks gorgeous. https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Grestch-Electromatic-CVT-Bass-Double-Cut-LRL-Bristol-Fog/79HO?origin=product-ads&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22290702940&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kjLR1Nk-UwpcsIbHeg9fwsf-Mr&gclid=CjwKCAjw3rnCBhBxEiwArN0QE3co07vE79qIfly1XnMv8zcqzQ1OcvWp8yKhQTyojo_K_20krLm8DBoC8fkQAvD_BwE

Went well. We only played through the first set, then did some troubleshooting... usual stuff, an established band has its own arrangements. Quite how they fitted in an extra two beats to each chorus of Milk and Alcohol eludes and confuses me... Knowing I'm up to speed on the second set is a confidence boost as I start gigging with them in July. Originals tomorrow night... keeping four bands' worth of songs in your head is good brain training!

For @Burns-bass

tell you what @Burns-bass - I’ll Chuck a tenner in for you x

I've wanted a white bass for a while, but didn't really want to buy another add to the growing collection. I had in mind what look I wanted though. So when @oldslapper put a white body up for sale, I jumped on it pretty quick. I transferred the neck from my Jazz Delux, black scratch plate and knob plate I already had, and added Aguitar pickups. Loving playing it.

Mine weighs at around 3.9kgs, I took it to a wedding gig in Grantham this weekend and survived a 30 song setlist with no shoulder pain. I've mostly used the P or the J tone only which covered most of my needs. I love the feel of the neck of this thing, rounded on the edges, not too chunky not too thin. It feels like a D but I'm not very particular whatever shape it is as long as it feels good when I hold and move my hand around the neck I'm good. It was comfortable on that 2 sets we played. I tend to roll off the tone knob a tad, it's the sweet spot for me. I bought the instrument from BassDirect without having tried any Dingwalls at all! Sure it is expensive as some people say for an Indonesian made instrument, but I've no regrets. I also like what they did to the pickguard holes on the knob and jack. Just remove the screws and no need to remove any washers on the knob and jack in case you need to remove the pickguard. If anything, I raised the action slightly higher as it was too low for my taste. Now, I'm just looking forward to put more miles on this instrument! Also not a fan of sunbursts. The green one looks good too! If it came with a tort pickguard I might have considered it! All I can say is, do it! haha Chad

Many thanks guys for some great suggestions there and several Preamps/DI's I'd already considered. The Fishman in particular looked really versatile. From the videos I watched (and listened acutely with earphones to) I really liked the clean sound of the Melvin Lee Davis signature NUX NBP-5 MLD and there was one left at Andertons for £140, so I plumped for that one and got some further discount with my Andertons Points. Will report back when I've gigged it with the Duo and tested it fully...

Tech21 VTDI, everything from clean to filth in an Ampeg style. Really flexible EQ.

You lower the tone...

Love mine. Used it for two gigs on the weekend and it was perfect. I treated the little beauty to a new case.

Had an absolutely amazing gig last Wednesday playing in Guildford at part of the very busy GT Session weekly gigs. We were headlining out of 4 acts with a 30 minute slot. We weren't quite sure what type of set to play as each act was different and we originally decided to play a more uplifting choice of songs. The act before us was very chilled and laid back so we mixed it up and played some chilled songs and a few upbeat songs to lift the vibe and pick the listeners up. I can say we played an absolute blinder and went down a storm. I play fretless and the sound was incredible, so I decided to have a bit of fun by really bringing out the fretless tone, emphasising the slides and the use of my chorus and octave pedal, so much so that our singer gave me a nod and gesture to take a bit of a lead bass part as it was just sounding so good. After the gig, another bassist came up to me and said I saw you were playing so I had to come down and listen as you are my favourite fretless bass player and you sounded incredible 😲 Another bassist came up to me and was fascinated by the pedals I was using and what strings I was used and a few other people came up after and complimented me. Absolutely awesome gig and makes it all worthwhile.

This is very true. The sound that pleases in the showroom, studio and your home is often less than ideal at gigs. I occasionally hire myself and my PA out. At one gig, the bassist had a BF Big Twin and insisted on flooding the place with low frequency mush. I tried in vain to persuade him that the object of the exercise was not to demonstrate how fabulously extended the frequency range of his rig was, but to no avail.

Hi @Big_Sam. You have had masses of good advice about how to get the sound you want out of your BF cab. At the risk of muddying the water, I have discovered that the old school tone I wanted out of my rig, is not necessarily the sound that gets you heard in the mix. Now you might be happy with being a rumble in the mix but it can also be a muddy mush, especially in a space with difficult acoustics. I have been surprised by how much different my “on stage” tone sounds out in the room. Since getting a wireless system, I have had the opportunity to walk out in front to hear what the audience are getting and it can be quite different to what you hear close to the rig. I am now prepared to put up with a bit more high-mid and top end just to get a bit more clarity out front. Anyway, I just offer that as a thought, which you can completely ignore 😀. BTW, I have a Barefaced Two10 and 2 LFSys Monzas, the latter being more akin to your Super Compact but even more FRFR. The audience can hear the Monzas very well, the Two10 not so much without some upper EQ tweaks.

My recently acquired Greg Barcus Custom 6-string.

Ooof, Dingwall have pictures of the green now. That'd be my pick.

And the original line, in context:

Don't worry about it... people can ask any stupid price - it's what people will pay that counts.

I know - in 100 years time people will be ascribing magical qualities to fender Japan 62 reissues made of bog standard poplar. it makes me laugh

Great album, only bought it recently but a truly great listen

I only scoop out the lower mids, like a blessed piece of fairy wood (ie. ‘62 alder, touched by Saint Leo)

Always happy to help a bass brother get back on his feet... All the best @lee650 onwards and upwards mate 👊

On a combo like this the tone stack is mostly compensating for the speaker/cab so any setting that doesn't take this in account is not particularly useful. The OP would probably be better off getting rid of this combo and buying that has been properly designed.

It's a blessing for fretless. I actually thought it would be rosewood (like it's supposed to be according to the database of Ernie Ball) until I got another one of which I knew for sure that it's got a Pau Ferro fingerboard. Plays nice, feels warm and looks good.

I'm with you on that. My Shen SB100 is in perfect shape but "Peaches" my "beater bass" , a '70's Czech ply bass, is perfect for bluegrass, it has a seriously cracked finish that is actually rough if you run your fingers over it. The bass side shows some nasty buckle rash and a bad hit in the C bout that has been repaired as well as some beat up edges. Most of the damage was there when I bought it but gigs in very hot sun and also some in very damp conditions probably added some more mojo. It also had some open seams but that has been repaired and is holding well. From a distance it looks good and a lot of bass players have asked me about it, in bluegrass circles a little mojo is not a bad thing at all. It has Spiro mediums and is loud acoustically and amplifies well and it will get a good workout this weekend.😊 Yes, I know, naming your instrument is silly but "Peaches" just fits with this bass.

I depped for “Matt Guntrip and the Roadsters” at the inaugural “Epsom Square Festival”. We did 10 or so songs: 8 OGs and a couple of covers. I played 2 of the songs a couple of weeks ago, so it was only 8 to learn 😀. I really enjoyed the gig. A few highlights / lowlights: 2 of the band couldn’t find the car park they’d parked in, so we were without the stage piano. I (the Epsom local in the band) eventually worked out which one it was (almost directly underneath us) and showed them how to get there. When we got to the car we couldn’t get stuff out of the boot. Then we couldn’t work out how to turn on the ignition or where the handbrake was, or maybe wasn’t (it was another band members car).😂 We were sat at the stage we we were going to play on, then saw my mates band go on who were on a different stage to us. Quick panic to find the organiser and then our stage.🤔 One of guitarists snapped a string in the 1st song and couldn’t see to get a new one on.🤷‍♂️ A gig of 3 halves. Ist half we had a good number watching, who all left after about 3 songs that we’d played well (broken string faff not withstanding); we later found out it was at least 2 groups leaving for restaurant bookings. 2nd half playing to 2 tables who looked like they’d just stopped for a beer. 3rd half a load of people piled out of the indoor stage for the last 4 songs or so. I used my wireless system for the 1st time at a gig. I went for the odd wander in the 1st and 3rd halves (I.e. the ones for which we had an audience). I think it helped engage the audience. Saw a few people I hadn’t seen for a while, so good to catch up with them. Chatting to one of them was responsible for me leaving my wireless stuff on top of a wall. Luckily I realised before I drove off and they were recovered successfully. Bass G&L L2000 Outfit: Hawaian shirt, shorts, cap (for reasons of sun and bald patch), neon blue trainers. And glasses, which I thought were so I could see, but I’ve found they also help guitarists change strings on the fly 🤣.

Ever since seeing Daryl Jones with the stones years ago I've longed for a matching headstock 1969 Competition Mustang. A few have appeared here but never at the right time, and the prices have been climbing steadily! Unexpectedly this barely playable example wandered into my local shop, and after 2 weeks of discussions it's finally mine. As you can see, an early 80s slightly ropey refin hides what we think is originally a 'Competition Burgundy' (Lake Placid Blue). I'm thankful they did, as it made it almost affordable for me. The headstock has been done in hearing aid beige for some bizarre reason, otherwise I'd be tempted to leave as is. . Aside from the finish, she seems remarkably original, and now the truss rod is moving and I have fitted some old flats, it's every bit the bass I was looking for. So now, with the help of Eternal Guitars on the south coast, we have started on a mission to restore the original finish. We'd love to know for sure which colour it was originally but there doesn't seem to be a way to find out. Any wisdom welcome, as the stripping is underway!

There are songs you listen to not because of the bass? Mods! Ban this sick filth.