thumbo

That's correct, you want the ones that don't have any abbreviation on the end. Congrats on the bass purchase by the way, they look like great basses.

Short scale strings are generally for 30" scale. Medium scale - 30.5-32. Long scale 32-34. (these are what you'd expect to put on a standard scale 34" bass) Extra long 33.5-36

You'll need D'Addario Long Scale for a standard 34" - most of my basses are 34" scale and I've been using D'Addario long scale strings for several years. Just to double check though, what bass are you putting them on?

The Barge VFB-2 is an incredibly useful pedal. I currently use mine to make to tame my octave pedals a little, in which I run a Digitech Whammy and MXR Bass Octave. I've always found that I much prefer the sound of the MXR Bass Octave in the VFB-2 loop, it just sounds much nicer to my ears - less boomy and a clearer sound. But more to the point, the VFB-2 is great for taming fuzz and drive pedals in particular. Another +1 on the Fulltone Bassdrive too. I haven't tried many drive pedals of this kind of price, but I honestly don't feel like I need to as this pedal has done very well for me in pretty much every band I've played with over the past 4 years. It does old school grunt very well and it also screams like an evil thing if you need it to! I think for a lot of people the appeal of this pedal is that it doesn't mess with your low end too much, I don't find that I'm having to compensate for the amount of bass this pedal produces.

Out of your list the Lakland gets my vote. Great all round bass in my opinion. In terms of quality I think it's a big step up from the Highway 1 Jazz and massive step up from a Mexican P. Although I can't comment on Schecter as I haven't played that model.

Welcome! Where are you located in bristol? I lived in St Andrews for 6 months last year and really loved it!

I know the feeling, I had that with my first nice bass, which coincidentally was a warwick. These things are to be played, and it sounds like you'd really like to feel comfortable with taking it to gigs, so I'd recommend building your confidence to take it to gigs gradually. Maybe try taking it to a gig where you know your gear is going to be pretty safe and potentially out of harms way, then see how you feel about it. I don't think there's a whole lot of point in forking out for instrument insurance otherwise. I have one bass that I've had quite a few years now that's never seen a gig. I'm pretty scared of taking my 70's Fender Precision to gigs because I've never played another quite like it and I'd be worried I couldn't replace it if something happened to it. Although having said that, it's not like this bass doesn't get it's fair share of use, I've used it on a load of recordings and it's generally my "pick up n play" bass at home. I don't agree with "there's no point in having it if you're not gonna gig it" because gigs aren't the be all end all for everyone.

Fair play to him, he's clearly gone all out on getting that Justin Chancellor tone! Kinda makes me sick though... because I want that bass real bad!!

I wouldn't give up on your Thunderbird dream too hastily! I've played 2 Thunderbirds, exactly the same models, one was an absolute dog, the other made me think "I need to buy one of these one day!". Very hit and miss instruments in terms of playability.

Rex Brown is an absolute beast of a player. Practice, practice, practice is the only remedy! As long as your technique with a pick is good and you're hitting the right notes you'll get it eventually. With learning a piece like this I'd recommend starting slow, making sure you're always hitting the notes with as much control as possible and just build up the speed gradually. Such a great tune! Good luck!

Gibson instruments can be so hit and miss in terms of playability. I bought an SG Standard guitar a few years ago, it's one of only 2 SG's I've ever played that I really like the feel of. I think if you're liking the feel of it, go for it Although I cannot comment on this specific bass you're talking about, I think you've got to go with what feels right to you.

I couldn't recommend the Tronographic Rusty Box enough, for dirty punk tone it blows the Sansamp BDDI out of the water IMO.

They don't make 'em like that no more! Great looking bass, I imagine it plays as nice as it looks.

[quote name='blind pilot' post='1129396' date='Feb 16 2011, 11:21 AM'] [/quote] Great groove in the tune. This has inspired a little listening sesh of some old Tool albums

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5OsTCgOth0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5OsTCgOth0[/url] Deerhoof!

Sold Matt a bass strap pad. Pleasure doing business with ya

Sold Mark a Dimarzio strap. Instant payment easy transaction thanks!

Sold Pablo a Boss DD-3. Quick and easy transaction! Thanks

I'm wondering if anyone on here has experienced a similar situation and have insights to share. Over the past 3 years I haven't practiced bass at all, I've written a lot of music for bands that I've been in (which is of course practising in it's own right) but it's been a really long time since I've sat down and worked on a technique or style. For the 4 or so years that I've been playing prior to my non-practice time I worked on my technique and style daily, often for several hours a day. I'm strangely apprehensive about returning to a disciplined practice routine, although I'm keen to push my playing up a notch or two! I'm struggling to get inspired to get into the swing of things. I'm interested to know if anyone else has experienced this and what inspired you to get back in to practising after long spells of being out of the game? Cheers, Ed