velvetkevorkian

I did all my fretted basses using some cheap flat files from my local hardware shop and some steel wool. Wasn't a particularly scientific method to it, but it wasn't that difficult and made a major difference to the action I could achieve. The main thins are to be patient, to mask the entire fretboard off with at least two layers of tape and try and keep the neck as straight as possible while doing, so any high or low spots are more obvious. One other thing I did was to colour the top of each fret with a black pen- that way you can tell whether you've missed any spots, and tends to highlight anywhere the fret wear is particularly bad.

Elixirs have no wrap.

[quote name='EmaTheMirror' post='704473' date='Jan 7 2010, 05:30 PM']I've tried some solid-state TE over the years and I don't like them so much. IMHO they all tend to have a "gummy" trademark sound, no matter what you plug in them, very scooped, and sometimes I had problems hearing myself... I also think these solid state models don't have a great wattage/loudness ratio (I mean what's written on the amp compared to how much you effectively hear), plus I'm not a big fan of those "clicky" volume knobs I'm much more happier with the somehow related Ashdowns (different concept and sound, BTW); they have a trademark sound either which I like[/quote] Yeah, the signature TE sound (and what you get when you use the pre-shape button) has a big mid scoop (smiley face EQ curve)- this can make them sound quieter in the mix. Can't stand TE amps myself, never gotten on with the sound when I've used one:)

I dig the "5150 Drive" patch on my VF-1 for both guitar and bass, although I've now moved more towards using the "Hyper Metal" preset.

Thanks for taking the time to do this Major. On a related topic, do you have any advice for material in a similar vein for those who play 5 strings with the low B? I always get caught out by notes below E because I see them so rarely. Cheers.

Can you take tippex to the inlays to make them checkerboard also?

Bergantino's IP series are the most well known, while ISP Technologies also make them- both very heavy and very expensive AFAIK. They're quite similar to powered PA cabs in most respects which can be had for less, with more variety available.

That's pretty cool. Doesn't look like it will fit my basses though...

Works fine now- very cool!

"This page is not available"...?

I'm pretty sure it has been done (someone on TB did it a la Michael Manring) but it either needed a custom headstock or custom detuners- can't recall which. Having done some searching on TB it seems its certainly possible in theory and has been done in practice- the determining factor is how much space there is on the back of the headstock between the tuners; people have tried it on some basses (jazz type) and there wasn't enough space.

The Boss GT-10b is another option.

[quote name='Thunderthumbs' post='692589' date='Dec 23 2009, 09:17 PM']I've got one of these and it does a great job. It'll strip the outer sleeve first, then do each individual sleeve one by one.[/quote] That's been my experience too.

I've not seen many fretless 5s in that price range, so I would either be looking at getting a fretted 5 of your choice and defretting or keeping an eye on the classifieds here. I did the latter and got a good deal, but as ever YMMV.

A Sei single-cut (series 1, I think)- something like this...

Gambisk bought my DL-8- very prompt payment, no problems. Hope you're enjoying it

Just takes practice I'm afraid. I've played with 3 fingers pretty much exclusively for a number of years- when I try to play with 2 it feels like hopping compared to normal walking! Billy Sheehan is the most famous exponent of it. For me its easier because I play in a metal band where fast 16th note riffs are the norm; if you don't need extra speed or agility you might be best sticking with 3. However, you can get greater speed and agility with 3 fingers (and practice!) than you can with 2 IMO.

Black Sabbath- Paranoid.

1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Played double bass for about 11 years and bass guitar for about 9. 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? n/a 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? The only player whose playing on both I know is Stanley Clarke. 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Yes- they fill different roles. 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? Whatever genre they want to play in, or ideally all genres. 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? Yes- bass guitar is physically and musically less demanding in a lot of circumstances. 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Yes, although its very difficult to do well. 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? For me, yes, but it depends on what you want to do. If all I wanted to play was pub rock or indie for example it would be a pretty wasted investment. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? I love them. I play a 5 string upright and 4, 5 and 7 string electrics. I don't see myself going back to 4. You lose nothing by taking on more strings IMO. 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? No direct experience but its bound to be a compromise. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? Really down to personal taste. I tend to practice through a hi-fi and gig on whatever amp is provided. 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Don't really gave enough experience to comment, although the Revolution Solo II I've just fitted seems to be good in that respect.

A 12 string is normally 0 +1 +1 surely? As per the first post.

I liked the Realist (although I don't gig much with amped DB) but be aware it may have a limited life span- mine died on me. I wasn't using it often, but it is something Gage have confirmed- they do have a limited lifespan.

I saw the guitar versions of these in CC Music in Glasgow the other day. I had to look twice- I thought they were ornaments at first. I quite like the look of them

For what its worth I had the same problem and my local guitar tech removed and replaced the stripped nut- cost about £10 all in.