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I've been more than a bit smitten with my '95 Aguilar equipped Stingray, so you might say this is a natural addition... After selling off a few instruments over the last few weeks, I picked up this 2023 Stingray Special 5 in 'Smoked Chrome' yesterday. I first saw it when @lowregisterhead had it up for sale on here. I knew where it went, and traded a couple of instruments along with quite a few pictures of the Queen in order to acquire it yesterday. The setup was very good and curved accurately to the fingerboard as was, but I put 40-125 Elixirs on it last night, and today made some small adjustments, including raising the humbucker according to MM specifications. The Neodymium pickup still has the typical 'MM chewy sizzle' (yes, that's a technical term!) and looking over it, you can sort of see where the money has gone. I think MM are going the premium route these days, making less instruments, but really concentrating on top quality (and raising the prices considerably too!). The Special's new titanium tuners are much thicker and feel great in the hand, and the border between the glossed headstock & the oiled neck is utterly perfect. I've always liked basses with ebony fingerboards, too. Consider me suitably impressed!

Look Morrissey you’ve asked once and the answer is still no 😝

I just told them in a text that I wasn't enjoying it so I'd be quitting, they were OK about it. It's the first time I've had to quit a band so I'm glad it turned out OK.

Would I be in a band with them? I wouldn't piss on a "racist, homophobic, fascist etc...." if they were on fire. I used meet a group of acquaintances (scuba diving) for a curry once a month, it had the obligatory whatsapp group. A memebr, who up until this point hadn't attended or posted in the chat said something along the lines of "not a fan of p*ki food, can we go for a ch*nky instead". Mssaged the head of the group and said basically kick the guy immeadiayey or I walk (I was also a member of the club committee at the time), the response was he'd need to speak to group and see the best way forward. That was my last involvement, I walked straigt away. You are either an alley to monorities or you're someone I would never want to deal with. Simple

Wait does nobody else shout at hotels? Next you will tell me licking traffic lights is not normal.

In a nutshell - don't be a d!ck. If you think hotels with people in them should be set on fire, you're being a d!ck. If you think ill of people just because they're from somewhere else, you're being a d!ck. If you're one of those "keep Britain British" types, you're being a d!ck. It's pretty simple really. Gonnae no?

Not till this Sunday when I pick it up but just got the pics from Alan of my newly built RSK 5/35 and the weekend now can't come quick enough!!

This does seem to be the root cause of so many of these problems, doesn't it? As useful as I find YouTube for finding interesting music, I'm very aware that its programmers' main aim is to keep me on the site as long as possible. So many problems around dangerous conspiracy theories, misogyny, racism, and all the other -isms and -phobias seem to be accelerated by the way it keeps feeding its users more videos without any serious checks on the information they contain. I can very easily see how you could start by watching a balanced, well-argued video about downsides to immigration, and be only a few clicks away from a massive rabbit hole that leads you to believe there's a satanic child abuse cabal meeting in the basement of a New York pizza restaurant, and you absolutely must march in there with your gun, demanding answers. Point being: there's an awful lot of responsibility that could be arguably dropped at the feet of the companies who own and maintain these platforms. Of course they scream "censorship" whenever anyone suggests they should do more to regulate their content - it would cost them money! But like gambling or tobacco before them, there's surely got to come a point where they meet a serious reckoning regarding the number of lives their laissez-faire approach has derailed - or even cut short.

There's a difference between getting on with people, agreeing with people and working with people. I work with plenty of people I both disagree with and don't get on with, but because it is at work we make it work. Conversly there are loads of people I probably agree with on many things, but at the same time don't particularly get on with so wouldn't choose to socialise. There are also a few friends that I get on very well with, but there are certain topics we just don't talk about as we know we disagree. The mistake is thinking we have to agree with someone to get along with them.

Just came across this thread and it is actually a situation I have on my mind. No names, no pack drills: a bandmate in one of the bands I play in expresses very anti-immigrant views, given the chance. He is a radical Reform supporter and reposts some really poorly researched, utterly false claims on Facebook. He seems to be a sucker for far-right conspiracy theory. I am OK with people holding opposing views to me but I lose sympathy when they are based on the most transparent misinformation and involve little to no critical thinking. Trouble is, this apart, he is a really nice person. The only person in the band who expressed any real concern, or interest when I was in hospital for 10 days a couple of years ago. The only person who visited me at home, to see how I was doing, once I was discharged. He is also very generous and willing to help friends out. I can’t reconcile his political views with the rest of his character. I think he has realised that I don’t share his views (I am not sure about the others, equally divided I suspect). Consequently, we just don’t discuss politics at all in the band. I once pointed out to him that, although I hold British nationality, I am a dual national and an immigrant myself, as is my other half. Apparently, that doesn’t count. I suspect because we are both white and not Muslim. Apart from that instance, subjects that could cause contention are avoided and I never acknowledge, or mention his Facebook posts. Am I being a coward, should I leave the band on principle, or is this respecting other peoples’ right to hold opposing views? I am inclined towards the latter position: there is too much polarisation in our society. However, it still troubles me.

We're all going to have different tolerance levels. It's only natural. I read the OP as being someone who was evangelical about their beliefs. I have a long standing mate with whom I disagree profoundly about their own political beliefs. Neither of us thrust our view down the others throat, and we get on fine. In circumstances where your livelihood is at risk, then you have to consider things carefully in reality. If you play for fun then continually listening to some bore going on about something you are not comfortable with, then staying around seems pointless, and frustrating.

Someone in my band has a Nissan Juke and I’m perfectly ok playing with him

I have a real life situation here. A drummer based in Stoke started posting some pretty extreme things on social media. He would describe it as simply expressing his own opinions, but in a lot of people's minds he's crossed several lines. He's lost all of his gigs, been barred from a bunch of venues, and lost his job as a drum teacher. I have absolutely no problem with people who are opposed to immigration to whatever extent, as long as they can express their point of view without any hatred. I suspected this guy was crossing lines by accident. Because I like the guy, I imagined that he has some reasonable views about problematic immigration, but that he expresses them by sharing some unfortunate memes etc. So, specifically, he shared a meme about a convicted sex offender called Zainal Osman. The meme grabs a headline describing him as a yorkshireman, and then laughs at the idea that he could be from yorkshire. I thought I'd give the drummer a private message, just to point out that he could very well be born and bred in yorkshire. There's absolutely no evidence that I can find online to the contrary. This drummer just laughed at me and argued that he couldn't possibly be British. I explained the facts of the matter IE he could very well have a British passport which would make him just as British as the rest of us, and he stopped replying for a couple of weeks. Then he sent me another meme: I replied "I've no idea whether they're German. You can't tell by the colour of their skin, if that's what you mean?" and again he stopped replying So, publicly he's trying to walk the "I'm not racist, I just..." line, but privately, he's being openly racist. This guy has basically lost his livelihood because he couldn't turn off youtube, and I think that's a pretty sad state of affairs. What's worse is it seems more and more common. People around here are openly talking about how "islam is not compatible" etc. and it's all driven by social media. It's worse than crack!

Views are relative aren't they? An extreme view might just be one that is at it's root very opposite to our own view on the matter. We could also discover that our particular view is equally extreme (however middle of the road and reasonable we are convinced we ourselves are) because it is diametrically opposite from the view we consider extreme. All of those people on either side would consider the others extreme. Perhaps labelling views or people as extreme may be pointless and counterproductive. Views, in my view 😁, can and should be discussed. People on the other hand, whatever their views, can act like absolute twats and if they upset the band as a whole (or pick on a member of it) then they are better off moving on. I wonder how fully pro bands handle difficult band members and where the overlap is in typical workplaces.

Ok so got the new bridge. Compared it against a Hipshot one on my other P and the BBOT on the Squire. I like it.

Does the world need another Fender copy with fake aging? And if so what makes this better than all the other Fender copies with fake aging?

I knew someone very similar. All was well once his very religious parents died. Now he lives in another country and spends a lot of time on Grindr

I must admit, when it comes to music, I care not a jot for anything beyond the music itself. I don't really listen to the lyrics or care what a song is about, and have no interest in the band member's affiliations or predilections beyond their stage and studio gear.

Probably not into the reactor core, but y'know...

Base coat! I have moved away from the 'punk bass' aesthetic. I've decided to gift this to my Dad once it's done, and he had a great idea which I'm rolling with. He has spent a lot of his life working inside nuclear reactors, and he's really into nuclear imagery and technology. He said that the inside of a reactor has a blue, oceanic, sci-fi glow, and that he'd like to see that on an instrument. So I'm going to experiment a little with this blue theme! Updates soonish, weather dependent.

I don't work with anyone with an agenda of hate.

Assuming that everything else about the band is okay, I would join without a qualm. we live today in a series of echo chambers that reflect (and amplify) our own views. I’m not sure that society has improved as a consequence and I firmly believe that we only tackle extreme views on either side by talking to each other. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and even if they’re views that I find distasteful, so long as they’re not illegal, who am I to force everyone to think as I do? Bigotry exists on both the hard right and the hard left and it can only be challenged if we spend time in the same room. The world is polarised enough without me adding to it so, yes, I’d join the band. Unless it was jazz. There are limits….

First time winning an ebay bid. Back to Cali again! I still think an external comp is better than any digital modellers I’ve used. State of the board! Locked in and programmed my go-to functions on the Anagram after the latest MIDI update. Just trying to figure out if it’s possible for me to cycle presets on my bass synth using its CTR jack and the Aero’s midi jack. Although I mostly and extensively use green preset 1 only. Quickie soundclip: https://drive.google.com/file/d/190sc0X4FAAqrxwTOZSbNrJ9s3EI_u54d/view?usp=drive_link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H96MPwkW1zDZxGO3_1KkGMTmRMSAE1_z/view?usp=drive_link

Yes. First step is a private conversation to assess their true viewpoints and to see if they can be made to see reason. If not, we're done. I will never not hate the hateful, and I wil not be quiet about it.

Hi Guys, I may be late to this but while looking at Vintage Fenders, considering building my own from parts I stumbled across this guy whose making them in a small village in the Rome province. They sound great in the videos and look great in the photos. Has anyone got any experience playing or own one? For the money, around £1000 they look like they could rival the likes of Limelight/Nash and the like. From what I can see Luca builds his own necks and bodies from milled wood rather than use/order in blanks.

The thing that ruined facebook for me was when they switched to more "intelligent" algorithms rather than just putting in sequence whatever your friends happened to be posting. Straight away this destroyed what originally made facebook a good idea, which for me was getting in touch with people I hadn't seen or heard from for ages. Now it's just bland rubbish (albeit quite bass focussed for me). Sadly most people I found interesting to be in touch with left facebook many years ago.

Yeah. I asked for a pic with a note with today’s date on and it came straight away. I will film the opening in case it’s an empty box scam. Will keep you posted!

I've played with James a few times at open mike jams. He's incredible to be fair. I've seen older and well seasoned musicians shaking their heads and laughing as to what he's pulling off as they play together. Yes showboaty, but in a really lovely way. He's a nice fella for sure. Not an ego tripper. He asked for my number once as a backup option. Thinking that the now employer of NWR wanted my number for potential bass duties makes me grin. A story for the kids ☺️.

Every time I see Ian playing I go straight to the Mayo Clinic website and start planning a hand or talent transplant!!! 👍🤔🤣 As with all Ian’s videos incredibly interesting, engaging and insightful. Those bass lines don’t leave any places to hide and just show what a talented and skilled player he is!

I think the downside is due to the current saturation in the media, and the hysteria being raised, he`s only likely to be pushed further in his current direction. The thing is, with a mate like yourself who will enter into dialogue with him, rather than someone who just shouts him down/over him, he can see a reasoned viewpoint so I`d say stick around.

Finally just offered up the brushed ali guard I got and I’m super happy with how it looks. Sorta glad I stayed with the silver to be honest.

Ok so took off the pick guard to check out the electronics. They look very puny so I am glad I already ordered a prewired set of CTS/switchcraft electronics from Tiny Tone. Should arrive soon so I can solder them in.

You're very kind Jack, you'll be pleased to hear I'm currently building an uber-lightweight active aluminium 5-string fretless Fodera copy. I'll be in touch

I assume he's refering to Cherenkov radiation, which is not only blue and sci-fi looking but is the result of some pretty awesome physics. It is also a FABULOUS name to put on the headstock! "Cherenkov FTL Bass" in a Fender-esque script. For the reason behind "FTL bass" see the explanation here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherenkov_radiation

This is getting techy and it doesn't have to.

The theme of bullying is interesting in terms of the current economic and political situation. I think a lot of workers, particularly on the lower pay scales feel bullied. They feel powerless to change anything and victimised. Add social media to this and you get a toxic circle of reinforcement. The really bizarre thing (for me personally) is they are looking to elect even bigger bullies as a solution to their problems.

This. Exactly. These days, if you have an opinion opposite to 'the herd' [no matter how considered and well thought out], you're automatically labelled a racist, bigot, or some kind of fringe lunatic. Back to the point at hand though, our beliefs, no matter how extreme or otherwise, have nothing to do with the music we play together. We're there to entertain either ourselves, each other or an audience. Politics should never come into it. If people can't separate their beliefs from what's truly important, they need to get over themselves and get a life. It's good to have principles, but please, keep them to yourselves. The music is more important.

I worked in a team of two doing manual work - which meant a lot of time in a Transit van, at cafes, or just chatting while working. The guy who was my boss turned out to be racist, but given the situation I didn't directly confront him right from the start - I didn't agree with him or encourage him but gradually questioned his thinking, over time he admitted that it was how he was bought up, is the news he consumes, and for him it basically came from a place of fear of 'different' and angry about his lot in life - it wasn't actually due to anything that had specifically happened to him by different races. More time passed, more discussions, long-shot was that over the course of a year he pretty much completely changed his views and went from voting BNP to being a strong Corbyn supporter. I dunno, in some ways it seemed he swung from one extreme to the other rather than just chilling out! I've known another racist, a relative. She seems genuinely scared of 'small boats' and all those sort of stories, add to that from Covid for about 4 years she didn't leave the house and barely does now - not for any specific medical reason, just that she is scared of the world. There's no reasoning with her, it's difficult not to feel sorry for her though. And I know a guy that is almost the definition of a homophobe, he jokes but is literally scared 'I'm not going in the toilet while he's in there' sort of stuff. I don't confront him that forcefully other than poking fun at his irrational fear 'he'd never fancy you' sort of stuff. I now mostly feel pity for people having those sort of views - they seem to live quite irrationally fearful and angry lives, so I don't know about potential band mates - I'm not sure someone being fearful/ill-informed/stupid is reason to not play music with them. And most of the time these attitudes are only a very small part of a personality.

Point missed, as usual... The only person talking about bandmates shouting at hotels is you. This discussion is much wider and more nuanced than that, but again your use of sarcasm betrays you....

If he was, it would only have been because he was trying to sell something 😂

Update: I've bodged it. At work I managed to find 2x 10nF X2 capacitors, so connected them in series for an effective 5nF which is hopefully close enough to 4.7nF for government work (or 'Spoons work at least). Got proper replacements on order, but fingers crossed the bodge will be good enough (and the other one doesn't go pop in sympathy!) for tomorrow night! Stand down emergency, I think. Thanks for reading! The culprit: The bodge:

Or sell it and get an additional Monaco 600w cab !! Awesome and a step up from BF cabs in performance so many are discovering!

I don't think it's someone's views so much as how well they are able to express those views and explain them. I wouldn't dismiss someone for having opinions and a view of the world radically different to my own if they had a persuasive or coherent explanation of why they were that way. It just depends what they have to say and how convincingly they say it. That's what you'll be stuck in a transit van with. The bigger question is who gets to arbitrate which views are extreme? We live in a world full of extremities, and all too often the most powerful get to define their opponents as extremists as a way of undermining the truth. Besides which, are extreme views necessarily wrong? Your liberal views on certain subjects are considered extreme by a lot of people. It's all about context. Beyond all of that though, the older I get the more reluctant I am to condemn people for what they believe. I've come to realise that we all believe all sorts of crap at one time or another, mainly as a way of getting through life's difficulties. People who believe in the most unpalatable ideas are often the most vulnerable or most damaged in one way or another. If you like and/,or respect someone, you can easily be in a band with them even if you have differing views on things. If you don't like or tespect them, it doesn't really matter if they agree with you on everything

My sister and I both had similar experiences: You don't wanna shove these people right into the arms of the other racists, homophobes etc, and you try to talk to them. Then you don't make this a full-time job, and you see that nothing happens. Then you give up and walk away. My sister stopped giving work to such a person; I stopped having contact with such a neighbour. The latter lost about eight friends in just two years. 😱 I see the user manuals online that teach you how to deal with these people, and it's always about keeping the communication open and about asking them questions and about letting them talk until they understand something isn't quite right in what they say. I've not seen that happen, and do feel I've not tried hard enough. That said, when I worked in child protection services, we saw the sweetest boy in town being shaped by a politically extreme group, and we did manage to get him out of there. Sometimes your work comes with a positive achievement.

I disagreed with a decision to slow a song down to half speed. Said the other two were “mad if they saw that as an improvement of any sort”. Was uninvited to rehearsal that week. Then came the “we’re not sure you’re the right fit for this project, no reflection on your playing etc” - so I was really mature about it as a 40 year old bloke with approximately 30 years playing experience. Told them they’d wasted my time, and they could f*** off… And blocked them on all platforms. Because I’m a child. Incidentally heard a snippet of one of their recordings. Boring turd of a track so…

I recently went to spend a sunny afternoon in a pub garden watching a bass playing mate of mine’s band. Bunch of 60+ Essex geezers all pleasant enough, helped them set up etc( all fine so far. One of them was wearing white shirt, white slacks and white shoes. There was some banter about him being in Miami Vice, and whether he was Crockett or Tubbs. He replied “so long as I ain’t that black C***t!” Being half Mauritian, so of mixed race and little bit brown I answered in a dead-pan humourless tone “No, I expect that’d be me.” I think that it went straight over their numb-skulled heads. I couldn’t leave as Steve was driving. Suffice to say I won’t be offering my services if they ever require a dep.

I wouldn’t gig with someone with extreme political views, and more importantly I’d tell them why - you have to call it out so that they know it’s unacceptable, otherwise they’ll just carry on until they find someone who’s prepared to accept it and never question themselves.