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Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/06/21 in all areas
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And it's got to the 'reveal coat' stage. I find that popping a quick coat of Tru-oil is a great way of finding all of the rough areas (visible as dark blotches), chisel marks and lumps and bumps. But, while all of this will be sanded off, this is also a decent approximation of what the colours will end up as. It's still at the post-carve and pre-sanding stage but I think it's broadly the shape it will be: The darkening at the volute and heel area will clean up with the sanding process. Here you see some glue overspill that will sand off and the bandsaw lumps and bumps that will be all removed with the final sanding: I think it's going to look quite nice when the sanding is done and the proper finish is on it This afternoon's job will be cutting the ebony headstock plate9 points
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Not a build diary as normal (see my other threads for those), but I have decided I want to make my build hobby into something more official...(still hobby, but at least have a proper vehicle for repairs, custom builds, upgrades). so building a website and “small” business .... watch this space over the next few months. 😎8 points
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Ok I'll join the party. Got it Saturday and took it to an audition last night and it was great.7 points
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With the neck profile just about there, it's now about adding a few more soft curves while also taking out weight. Note the essential cup of tea: Multiple checks of the thicknesses and references to the cavity reference essential at this stage! : While I do find the Crimson videos a bit...er...'long-winded', they nevertheless do do some decent and useful stuff that not many others do. This thickness gauge is a godsend for this kind of thing. Then a bit of smoothing out with the goose-neck scraper. I have FINALLY sussed how to re-burnish these wonderful bits of steel. Burnished properly, they should work like simple planes producing shavings, not dust : The back is getting close. Weight at the moment is around 7lbs 4oz with the major components included so around 7 1/2lbs still looks achievable.7 points
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I had a similar experience. I went to the Crawdaddy Club to see the Yardbirds (1967). I got there early, and during the sound check Chris Dreja's P bass didn't work. I went home and fetched my bass. There were some raised eyebrows and nudge, nudge comments from Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck when I turned up with my Framus Star Bass! But it worked and Chris was very thankful at the end of the evening.5 points
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My take on a “conventional” body.5 points
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As promised, here is the thread to document the building of my bass. It is being built by Alan at ACG. https://www.acguitars.co.uk The basics: it will be a 4 string bass with a 32" scale length. The model is a Krell, and I am really looking forward to saying: the awesome power of the Krell... 🙄 I will talk more about it as it progresses. Last weekend I chose the various woods and settled after much chewing of the cud on: body - Spanish Cedar; accent layer - Purple Heart; top - Tasmanian Blackwood. The neck will be a 5 piece of Ash and Purple Heart, with Purple Heart fingerboard. Deposit paid and so build is underway. Alan did say that initial progress will seem rapid, but with builds as with IT the 80/20 rule applies: 80% of the work requires 20% of the time; last 20% takes 80% of the time... So pic has been received today of the body which has been laminated and cut out. Finished item is going to be around April next year or so...4 points
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For sale a beautiful Lefay Herr Schwarz 5 string It has some scratches see pictures Body : Ash Neck : Padouk Fingerboard : Wenge or Padouk 🤔 Passive/Active Preamp : Pot 1. Volume with switch for passive. Pot. 2 Pick up select with 4 positions, selection of parallel and seriel switching of the dual coils in the PU's Pot. 3 Stacked bass & treble Pot. 4 passive toneblend but also influences the treble when in active. Bridge : 19mm Tuners : Schaller Weight : 4kg Price : 1600€/1450£4 points -
You’re getting it all the wrong way round. The cash is in the YouTube videos and endorsements not playing bass on some pointless jazz funk record nobody ever buys.4 points
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It may sound somewhat harsh, but I rarely re-hire musicians (permanent or dep) who don't turn up suitably prepared. When I 'hire' professional musicians, I expect a professional approach; excellent musicality, good personal hygiene and suitable appearance, spare equipment, good time keeping, clear communication skills etc. For me, professional musicians should have the 'tools and a spare' to cover for most reasonable eventualities.4 points
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which Luthiers have you tried? I would suggest contacting @Andyjr1515 as you might find that he can build you the bass of your dreams for less than you would imagine, my bass is being built to a sketch i made on the back of an envelope (well it was a bit of A4 i pilfered from the printer at work but it could just as easily been an envelope) you might have to wait a few months before it's started but if you browse the build threads you will find many beautiful basses made by his fair hands and to a wide variety of unusual and adventurous designs Matt4 points
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Hofner Verithin bass, so an Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire (My Dad had one just like this for quite a while...)...4 points
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank this thread for causing me to fall in love with my Rickenbacker all over again 😍4 points
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No idea but I believe in some places the collective noun for bankers is a Wunch.4 points
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Or they could be called Homeopathy, as in no better than Placebo 😁4 points
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Greetings everyone at Basschat - I hope you’re all well?! For those how don’t know me, “Hi!” I’m Philip! Some of you may recognise me from Scott’s Bass Lessons, my writings for Bass Player Magazine, or any of my old teaching haunts (such as London's Institute, or The Players School of Music in Florida)…I’m also a regular at most bass shows…I get about! I’ve been busy over the last year creating a little bass platform of my own - I’ve got fingers in so many different cookie jars, that I thought it’ll be really lovely to bring everything together and create something new…thus, I started www.withbassinmind.com. First up, it's 100% free and not just another subscription channel - that’s not the idea... There’s a few bits on there about me (sorry), resumé, performance videos, information about my signature j-basses from Overwater and also how to order my books and book private bass lessons. But generally, it’s all just about good vibes and sharing all things bass. On the .com website there's loads of my archived magazine articles, techniques classes, transcriptions, interviews and reviews that you can help yourself too. On the YouTube channel I’ve been collating some interviews with everyone from Victor Wooten, to Damian Erskine, David Swift, Mo Foster, Jeff Berlin, Snow Owl, and Neil Fairclough - all of which are available on the YouTube Channel (I’ll post some links below in the thread). Occasionally, we also do some competitions, only this week we announced the winner of our Ashdown Engineering giveaway (Mark Ellis). Anyhow, thanks for reading, come and pop by if you like - I’m also on all of the usual social media platforms. My best, stay safe Philip3 points
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Sorry, just me geeking out that I've finally been able to order an NS WAV 5 eub, set up with trad flat sound strings and raised bridge, and with an endpin so I can play sat down in my wheelchair. I've been wanting one of these for literally almost a decade, since my disappointment trying to play an acoustic upright (I bought a lovely old Stentor, but my mutant arm couldn't cope with their body size). That's all, just excited to get into it! It's so great now compared to a decade ago, you can just go online and find free video lessons and so on, while I'm looking for a local teacher.3 points
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Finally plucked up the courage to remove clamps... and it didn't fall apart (phew). Still needs cleaning up/flattening, but very happy with how this is turning out!3 points
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That’s an alembic3 points
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I don’t know about how the insides are configured but they can be fixed as I had a problem with mine. Rather ironically when engaging the mute switch it squealed like a Telecaster leaning up against a Marshall full stack on full volume/drive. Took it to Ashdown who sorted it within a few days, was advised that they build all their amps so that they can be repaired rather than needing to be replaced.3 points
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There can be only one!3 points
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Well... they've landed on UK shores... Let the fun begin!3 points
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Well I ended up selling the elf and cab and got a fender rumble 500. Will do me better in the longer term. Worked out around the same cost as just getting another cab, and I'm not sure the elf would've cut it long term, or the cabs be any good with more powerful heads. Thanks for the advice.3 points
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So lets see if anyone is interested in this very rare fretless bass; up for grabs is an original Ibanez AFR A105F from the early/mid 90s designed by the great and late luthier Rolf Spuler. This design was all about ergonomics and playing comfort and it is the most comfortable bass you will ever play seated or standing. It also sounds incredible, I put Thomastik Jazz Flats on it and the sound is right on, singing and warm & full. Its got a magnetic pick up, bass/treble controls and piezos that can be blend in or played alone. The bass is in very good condition, always looked after, id say a 9.2 out of 10 with just some tiny wear on the back. The Fingerboard is in top shape, no weak spots or choking out, this bass is good to go. I will also include the truss rod tool and allen key for adjustment. Only around 250 five string versions were ever made and within these around 50 were fretless...so yes its a very rare bass. Ibanez is currently running a reissue on these basses with fretted 4 string and 5 string vesions. However these are made in Indonesia and have slightly different features. While being nice basses in my eyes they arent on par with the original ones. Fretless is the way to go with these. If I played more fretless I wouldnt let this bass go but its been collecting dust. Some Specs: Serial Number 515 made in 1992/1993 34 inch scale 19mm Spacing Raintree/Saman Wood Body Maple Neck Ebony Fretless Fingerboard Magnetic Pick up / Piezo Pick Ups Bass & Treble controls + Magnetic/Piezo Blend 3,7 KGs Shipped in hardshell case (its not the original one but does the job, and more importantly, is blueeee inside!) Shipping within Europe is no problem. Shipping to the UK is also possible, but it will be pricey. If you have any questions please hit me via PM. Thanks.3 points -
You’re being over sensitive.3 points
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An old friend of mine who was fond of a beer, used a rather appropriate collective noun - A Belly of Bass Players.3 points
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3 points
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It was on the ‘band photos’ thread a while back, but it was taken in 1966, on the southbound carriageway of the M1, at what became J25 on a Sunday morning a few weeks before it opened. The cars belonged to the bass player and me. I’d forgotten to take my drum stool, so I was perched on a bit of pipe we found, hence I was towering over the kit.3 points
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I'd have three rooms - first, a rehearsal studio with all our instruments in it - PA, backline, four basses, six guitars, two keyboards, drum kit, euphonium, baritone horn, trumpet - with black walls decorated with classic posters, a few vintage neon signs and an illuminated Route 66 petrol pump. Plus a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox complete with bubbler. Cliches perhaps, but I like them. Second, a performance space with a stage and lighting rig. Ideally with doors to the rehearsal studio so I could just wheel kit between the two. Performance space would also double as a home cinema, complete with proper cinema seats. Third, a recording studio. That, plus a library with rugs on a stone floor, a huge fireplace, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, well-stocked drinks cabinet and an armchair with wings that you just sink into and a matching footstool would be my ideal.3 points
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The feel of the neck is one of the most important things, as far as I'm concerned. I'm not particularly fussed with regards to width or shape and I can normally adjust to most necks (as long as it isn't crazy wide), but I am picky about the finish of the neck. That's the main reason I got rid of a Squier Classic Vibe Precision, and a Fender Modern Player Jazz. I really didn't like how the finish felt.2 points
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I have no issues with either J or P profile necks. The only bass I've ever had issues with the neck profile was on a Wal.2 points
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😁 @SpondonBassed2 points
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I'd love this, it looks gorgeous. Sadly though, for me it is way too expensive...£1850 plus the divorce costs when she sees it coming through the door!2 points -
'The Bass Section'.2 points
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Who said this was complete? Bought a set of DiMarzio PJ pups didn't I? I've got the P in only so far, needed a bit of extra careful drilling, for which I bought a hand drill like the ones we had in primary school, but MY WORD WHAT A SOUND! That is proper, proper P bass now. Something I've not had before, big dollops of thick, rich bassiness. I've installed them upside down and got the him bucking mode working now too. I need a lie down for a while before I put the J in. Have already decided this is going to band practice tomorrow! DiMarzio pups and a Kiogon loom, perfection.2 points
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No such thing as "sacrilege". It's your instrument and you are free to do as you wish with it. If you are certain you won't want to try to realise the collectible value (which is dependent on fad/fashion and can often change) for it at a later date and it will make it perfect for you, that sounds the way to go. We're not talking about a Strad here, after all. Bear in mind that we tend to find that our "perfect" changes over time.2 points
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they’re alright 😂2 points
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Never mind if you are being paid or not, if there is an audience the right approach is to provide redundancy. Stuff happens and most of it is predictable, so it's not a question of "professionalism" but ensuring that the show goes on. I take spares for myself. I am ensuring that I am never the one responsible for stopping the show. After my Marshall developed a fault in the early 70's I've carried several dozen assorted fuses to every gig I've done since. So far I've never needed them, but I've given them out to guitarists and for the PA several times. I've also provided batteries for guitarists pedals. This is all just part of the job. I don't see the point in buying a cheap "backup" bass. I have 2 "proper" bass and I take both. At the gig I decide which one I'm going to play.2 points
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I take a spare bass and an amp (if we're the only band on) to gigs, not practice, in the back of my mind we could use it as a PA amp in an emergency, once the guitarists amp packed up (or so he thought, in the end it was just power light bulb that had blown 😂), he had to use my spare, not ideal but got him through the gig. We were on a multi band gig once, 30 minute sets, the bass player in one of the other bands broke a string, refused the offer of another bass, spent 5 or 6 minutes replacing it, completely ruined the momentum of the set2 points
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I just think you've been unlucky. I arguably live in a more isolated, remote place than you and I've managed to end up in two bands, one doing a wide gamut of rock covers and the other doing original music that no-one likes And I started in my 30s. Back then, local music web forums were the way to go - these days I guess that Facebook groups are the modern equivalent.2 points
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I’ve owned multiple valve amps but still pine over owning another SVT Classic! There is nothing like them hence, why they were on most stages pre COVID. list: Trace V4, Marshall JCM900, Ampeg SVT Classic & Ampeg PF50T. Hybrids: Ampeg SVT 3-Pro (6), Hughes & Kettner BB400, Trace Elliot AH300 & Bugera BV1001t. Own now: 3-Pro, PF50T, Bugera BV1001t, TC Bam, TC BG250, Subzero Tube-5, Hotone Siva Boogie and Thunder Bass. The 3Pro does a fab imitation of the the classic pre stage but does not provide the thunder of the all valve power stage. The PF50T is awesome and certainly scratches that itch to own an all valve amp. However and although a Hybrid, the Bugera BV1001t is awesome! Sublime power, tone and bang for buck - £279.2 points
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A notched ruler is essential to get the neck straight for levelling. One for bass on for guitars (Crimson). A beam and abrasive paper - the self adhesive 3M Stikit Gold is the my favourite (320 + 600) . Short and long beams for bass and guitar, (Guitars & Woods aluminium beams are excellent) . Crowning files - these are the hardest to get right; all the cheap stuff is crap, maybe OK for a single neck. Diamond V files are the quickest (Chris Alsop Guitar ones are very good). Safe edge triangle files (Crimson) work well but are a lot of work for 48 fret sides... Have yet to try StewMac diamond files. For polishing it's micromesh pads 3200 - 12000, keep them wet and use moderate pressure... Masking tape on a dispenser (StewMac) speeds things up too... A 600mm straight edge for guitar, 900mm for bass. A fret rocker. A string action guage (the black Stringtec one is good). Better get some nut files - I like the UO-Chikyu - Hiroshima ones - the StewMac diamond ones look the business (10 files 0.010 to 0.135 cover bass and guitar). All the above is not cheap, but once bought the hardware will last a lifetime and it means you can tackle mostly any guitar and bass. So, the crucial question is, how much use will they get? If you own multiple instruments it's a worthwhile investment, and you can turn s/h bargains into great instruments. Some of the above will do for a single guitar... Avoid the cheap eBay options as they're mostly rubbish; buy the good stuff bit by bit and it will last.2 points
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2 points
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Never really been into having an exotic board and have always stuck to basics. 95% of the time I use my Boss GE7 ( not the bass version) to provide a mild 100Hz boost for extra low down oomph and the Boss Limiter Enhancer controls the level into the amp and adds a little extra sheen & click to the sound especially when using flat wound strings. The TC Polytune is indispensable as a tuner and also as gig mute. I only occasionally use chorus and phase pedals and the overdrive is for special occasions. It all works well though and is very simple to use, setup and transport.2 points
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Did you just join a forum especially to tell someone he was wrong 11 years ago?2 points
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My favourite tools for neck carving starts with a spokeshave to take some of the bulk away. Always satisfying when you get a shaving the length of the neck : I then move onto a micro-plane. I draw it along the neck with both hands (when I'm not holding the camera!) like a spokeshave. Because the cut is lighter, it is a safer option once you are getting closer to the shape: Then my favourite - and sometimes this is the only tool I use - the trusty cabinet scraper. Again, when I'm not holding a camera, I draw this down the length of the neck with both hands: For the trough, I will rough out with a mini plane and then use a gooseneck scraper: The whole process is one of do a bit, walk away, come back, measure, do a bit more. But it is at least starting to look like a neck now : There will be a bit of iteration - the neck carve affects what looks good with the body carve and vice versa - another reason why it's best to do it in stages2 points
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Get both, try them, send one back... 😉 It's the only way to be sure. IMHO the J pup is pretty useless on a Mustang, simply not needed. JMJ is the best of the Mustangs (If you like the neck width and can't find a great 70's one)... Road worn? Meh, who cares - it's going to get some dings eventually and pre-dinged is kind of liberating.... YMMV2 points
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My BB:2 points
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I've never broken a string either, but I take my backup gear whenever I'm playing. . . . just in case. Two weeks ago I had to switch basses because the jack plug socket on my Jazz started to crackle. That's the only time I've ever switched basses because of a problem. We were recording a live video, so it was a good job I had a second bass on hand. .2 points
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Hmmm... I've never been in a 3 piece, always had rhythm 7 lead or guitar +keyboard. If the sound goes thin and weedy when the guitarist starts a solo - it's their fault, they are probably using a Line 6 Spider, or just haven't put the effort into their sound. Here's a great example of utterly simple and repetitive bass supporting a very sparse solo, and it sounds good to me.2 points
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