skej21

I did a nut replacement on one of my basses and it's not that difficult. Took about 2 hours all in (shaping, matching the radius and filing and glue setting). You will need nut files, string spacing ruler/reference, the material for the nut, decent adhesive (I used titebond), some masking tape and some varying sand paper. Process is really simple and there are some excellent walk through videos on stew mac. It's a great feeling of accomplishment when you fix up your own gear but if you're not comfortable then maybe a luthier is a good idea. Good luck either way! :-)

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1424538537' post='2697487'] And seriously, spelling errors, you guys got nothing better to do on a Saturday afternoon than spellcheck a band add for a bunch of kids? [/quote] Seriously, you got nothing better to do on a Saturday afternoon than pass comment on people who post about the poor grammar of a bunch of kids who can't even be bothered to construct a half-decent band member advertisement? ;-)

[quote name='rushbo' timestamp='1424536946' post='2697460'] I can see what the person who wrote the ad is getting at. Aside from the grammar issues and the possible over use of the ellipses, this seems like a sensible way to find someone who really loves the music rather than a jobbing musician who may lack drive and enthusiasm. When I joined my first band, I could barely tune my bass, but I was a huge fan of the genre and got on really well with the guys in the band. That meant that I worked really hard to improve and my learning curve was massive and by the time that band folded, I was a semi-decent player. A few bands have formed in this rather ad hoc way - UB40 being a prime example. Who would you rather have in your band - the bored, uncommitted but competent guy or the devoted, driven beginner? [/quote] A jobbing musician who lacks drive and enthusiasm? Never heard of one of them! All the jobbing musicians I've ever played with have had a lot of drive. I suppose you have to have it if the gig is what is putting food on your table.

[quote name='Sean' timestamp='1424524188' post='2697289'] here is it as is... "Hi we're a 4 piece Band playing all our own songs, lots of gig experience etc... Looking for someone who can play bass to complete the lineup... Don't necessarily need to be a bass player first and for most, it's more a case of being into the genre... Similar to brmc, the verve, jake bugg, stone roses, Oasis, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Ben Howard and loads of 60s and 90s influences... If it seems like you're thing get in touch, we rehearse once a week, for gigs in the future" That's right, kids, you don't even have to be a bass player, just into the music. What a fantastic opportunity for someone. I might apply, it'll save me lugging all my kit around. [/quote] I couldn't even read it. It's far too poorly written! Also, what's up with all the... When did people start using three full stops to end a sentence?

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1424423506' post='2696086'] The real problem is usually with player or instrument. [/quote] If Id only played one precision through one Ashdown AAA combo Id accept that but unfortunately I've tried about 30 basses through most of the AAA range (Overwater, most of the Fender range - Chinese, Mex and US/US Dlx, Gibson's, Ibanez etc) and based my opinion on that. I think a comprehensive range of basses played by two (myself and my old bass tutor) experienced players is enough experience to be allowed to form an opinion. I never stated that I thought people were a problem who liked Ashdown. I just stated that my experience agreed with that of a previous poster who thought they were a bit average sounding (and even then I disagree with that outside of the AAA range. I think the MAG, ABM and custom shop stuff sounds good for certain types of playing!). If people want to listen to that or ignore that, I don't mind and I would never dream of belittling them as a player or their instrument choice if their experiences helped them to form an opinion that differed from my own. Horses for courses.

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1424420713' post='2696054'] I foolishly started this thread [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/255914-noel-on-kaiser-chiefs/page__st__30"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/255914-noel-on-kaiser-chiefs/page__st__30[/url] which seems to have become something I didn't intend What I should have asked is are there any bands you really can't get on with but wish you could because the bass lines are awesome. So its basically a bass player love in not a slag off the band thread! I started the other thread with Kaiser Cheifs another example would be Maroon 5. [/quote] Easy one... Haim!

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1424424269' post='2696095'] I used MAG and also ABM stuff straight from the local shop, It was all fine. [/quote] The MAG stuff is the (relatively, within the range) expensive stuff too! That's my point. They do some really cheap AAA and Tour Bus amps that sound really average and that's probably why reviews are so mixed about Ashdown. I really like the MAG, Little Bastard and ABM stuff, just think the cheaper stuff is poor, especially alongside Fender Rumble combos at a similar price.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1424383735' post='2695865'] I`ve never owned an Ashdown rig, but as JJ Burnell uses them, and a man not known for a muddy indistinct sound to say the least, I wonder why people always mention this. Having heard JJs rig, neither of thoe words are anywhere near accurate, whereas solid and clear are pretty much spot-on (with the gain probably coming from his playing style more than through amp settings). [/quote] The nice, expensive custom shop stuff is going to sound good though! IME, the AAA series are as previously described; Undefined, lack any real tone or character and often sound a bit average. I suppose its like any other brand that accommodates below a certain price/quality point. There are good and bad amps within the range, whereas companies who refuse to compromise on quality (such as Aguilar) may have a higher price point but less mixed opinions come forward from users.

[quote name='Tweedledum' timestamp='1424353288' post='2695453'] This is how it'd have to look like, IMO: [/quote] How could you not choose this?! Logo and all! It's just perfection. Mark might be getting another call...

[quote name='Hector' timestamp='1424369334' post='2695630'] You'll end up with an avatar like skej21! [/quote] Yeah, that's right! Can't account for great taste ;-)

[quote name='Tweedledum' timestamp='1424342546' post='2695268'] Same here. I'll set it up myself. About the strings: I asked Mark to put LaBella 760FL on my P (they are perfect for that old school tone IMO). [/quote] Yeah I probably would have put LaBellas on but had a set of Chromes lying around so thought it'd save me £40. Sounds killer with the Chromes so I've stuck with it so far :-)

[quote name='DaytonaRik' timestamp='1424333981' post='2695142'] I've had plenty of pre-order discussions with Mark - now we've agreed the spec I'll just leave him to it until he needs to know anything from me e.g. string gauge, preferred action etc. It will be ready when it's ready. Anticipating a late April/early May delivery [/quote] You might want to include that in your specification if you're specific about actions and string gauge. I don't remember Mark ever asking me about it. Just agreed the main spec and then he contacted to arrange shipping. I then had to adjust the action to my own taste and also fitted some Chromes after it arrived. I wasn't bothered because set ups are fairly easy (IMO) but the heel access truss rod/neck removal may put those less comfortable with adjustments off! Just a heads up :-)

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1424030509' post='2691799'] Looks like yet another device designed to make bass players obsolete! [/quote] I thought that was what forums were for ;-) a distraction from playing lol

Nice one! I bought one of these just under two weeks ago and have restrung it E-C and it's brilliant! I love the tight string spacing and the pickups are really good for the price. I have looked at getting some Aguilar pickups for it already to upgrade them and would like an ebony ramp (any pointers to someone who could provide one or the wood to shape myself would be great! Anyone?). I really think these basses are exceptional value for money. My SR605 plays better than some basses in our shop that are worth 4 times as much!

Pros: lots of reasonably paid gigs, does most of the work, the commission cut isn't too bad (if you get the right agent!) and a full diary. Cons: Caravan park gigs.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1423048474' post='2679913'] Firstly, there are pro's and PROS The PRO did just that..he had an opinion that was shouted down immediately, and when he came back and said it wasn't actually his set of rules, it was the way the industry worked, he was hounded again... Now seriously, guys, picture this... you have a couple of weekend warriors of varying experiences telling this guy he didn't know what he was talkng about... Now that would be funny, but he was made out to be the arrogant and rude one....!!! I'd suggest the areas that he works in..with the people that he works with, with money not being the real driver in the project against the expertise and standard required...... so basically working with the best of the best, and this isn't a good enough reference for some people and he doesn't know what is what....?? Unbelievable...... [/quote] It would appear that people feel that they don't want to learn from Pros, rather than not having anything to learn. I'm with you in thinking it's crazy to say you don't have something to learn from ANYONE else, let alone someone who has made a living/career from it! You can't get more close-minded than saying you can't learn something from another person IMO. Nobody knows everything. Even if it's just a quicker route to a venue you've both played!

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1423000422' post='2679491'] I was just shocked at how badly a pro-player was spoken to on the compression thread. He did not wade in being the big 'I am', he just gave his opinion, as any member has the right to give their opinion. Straight off the bat the first reply was that his opinion was nonsense. it's almost as if through some kind of jealousy forges members to treat pro's badly, especially with the 'who do you think you are' kind of attitude. After that episode I'm not surprised real pro's do not come here. Who'd want to after all? [/quote] Exactly. Give an opinion and the cynical nature of forum mentality shows up. 'You would say that, I bet you're endorsed by them!' etc etc. I have a few things I'd like to put up on the forum, one of which would members might find useful, but have refrained so far as I'm afraid it'll get ripped to shreds like everything else seems to. I know the forum can be like this and I still contribute to some threads but I often bite my tongue and refrain from contributing as it feels like it'll descend into an unnecessary argument. Theres one thing the Pro players COULD contribute... An opinion on why they don't contribute lol!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1422996151' post='2679382'] Ironically I have a pro mate that is the biggest gear nerd I know so I'm not so sure about the idea they don't have time for playing with new gadgets etc. [/quote] Maybe they don't have time to be gear nerds AND frequent basschat then?

Access to an unique circle of gigs, contacts and networking for aspiring players looking for an otherwise quite difficult foot-in-the-door?

I'm not sure if musician pages are allowed on here but I've just set it up and all of my solo music and band stuff will get shared through this main page so it'd be great to get some support from fellow basschatters :-) However, I do have some cool bass specific stuff coming up soon that'll be posted on this page before I get a chance to put it in a Basschat thread, so it'll be worth a 'like'! Thanks in advance and I'll get through and 'like' everyone else tonight in return. https://www.facebook.com/mattpotterbassuk

[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1422796812' post='2676808'] Although I received this in the end of last year, I had sent it to a luthier right away for installing a ramp. I got it back this week and thought share a few pics and thoughts on this. It is the top-of-the-line for Ibanez. Made in Japan and this bass really has it all. Quality woods, impeccable workmanship and a vast array of sounds. It is a joy to even hold it in my hands, the different woods that are used here have a great feel and can just look at it for minutes really. This is my 3rd MIJ Ibanez SR 6 string, one I still have (SR3006) the other I sold here (SR1306) and the SR5006 is really an upgrade for those models. As you can see it has a wenge top and back, the core of the body is mahogany. The neck is wenge/bubinga and the fretboard is wenge, too. Lots of wenge used here :-) What I really like with the SR Prestige sixers is the ergonomics. For some the spacing is tight, for me it is just right. It is 16.5 mm at the bridge. It balances really well and a breeze to wear, even though it is not a light bass (cca 9.5 lbs) As the neck has titanium rods they were able to shave off a couple of mm's from the back of the neck and it is even thinner than the SR3006 but is extremely stable. The sound is organic, deep with sweet highs and defined mids and the notes are very even across the board. I find myself using the passive mode a lot but there isn't much of a difference between the passive and the active mode when all EQ is flat. No volume difference either. The Elixir strings work well on this bass and their silky feeling matches the overall feel of the bass. I could go on, but I'd rather answer any specific questions one has. I'm a big fan of the Japanese Ibanez basses, so can't praise them enough.... Now the pics: [attachment=182565:Photo 2015. 02. 01. 13 25 39.jpg] [attachment=182564:Photo 2015. 02. 01. 13 25 50.jpg] [attachment=182563:Photo 2015. 02. 01. 13 26 20.jpg] [attachment=182562:Photo 2015. 02. 01. 13 26 48.jpg] [attachment=182561:Photo 2015. 02. 01. 13 27 11.jpg] [/quote] If you don't mind, where did you get the ramp? I'm considering one for my SR605!

I've used the Ana Echo and its a really nice analog delay pedal. Worked really nicely with my E-C 5 string range. My only issue is that it lacked any character but sometimes that a positive thing and for £50 it's worth every penny!

[quote name='SteveK' timestamp='1422583428' post='2674405'] As far as I'm concerned, an on/off switch would be just as useful on a P bass... or an active bass, come to that! [/quote] I always put my Korg Pitchblack tuner in the signal chain and use it as an 'on/off' button... and obviously it's intended purpose too!

[quote name='jonnythenotes' timestamp='1422486106' post='2673414'] Made a special trip from my home town of Lichfield a few weeks ago to the fabled Denmark Street in London. Within an hour I had been into every shop, and was only to glad to leave the place behind. I think I expected an awe inspiring range of shops, full of the latest musical goodies, being second to none in the UK. What I found was a handful of shops on a back street, some of which felt as if they were ready to collapse at any moment. I was hoping to find something different, but it seemed each shop was 'playing it safe' sticking to the usual Fenders, Gibsons, Marshall etc. It felt like a case of monkey see, monkey, do as each shop stuck with the same ole' safe route that worked for all the other shops doing the same thing. I was trying to find some Sandberg, Yamaha BB and Mike Lull stuff to look at, and at the time, not one of the shops had any of these in stock,and it's not as if they are a rare commodity. Am I being cynical, or is it just because it's London that I expected far more. I live fairly close to Bass Direct in Warwick, and that is a place that really does impress...it's how it should be done. I know Mark Stickley pretty well, and could spend a day in his place, compared to the 60 mins I was on Denmark street. Completely underwhelming... Next time I fancy seeing something different and impressive, perhaps a train to Manchester might be money better spent.... And then there is always the 40 minute spin to Bass direct again.. [/quote] London being overhyped by those who need to justify why they pay so much to live in a smog filled city in their shoebox houses?! Never! In all seriousness, I'm with you on this. I'm a huge Fender fan boy and a longer term player/buyer but I'd still rather go to somewhere like Bassgear or Bass Direct as they offer great service and ranges of stock that really exemplify the great quality gear that's available to bass players. The problem is that Denmark street stores also have to have space in their shop for beginners and those people want to buy stuff from brands they recognise and at a more reasonable price!

As long as there's money in our joint account for holidays, general outings and enough to cover bills, we both spend our remaining income on what we want to. I have noticed however, that showing a complete disinterest in ANYTHING other than bass goodies when she starts asking what i'd like for birthdays, christmas, wedding anniversaries etc has resulted in lots of bass goodies coming my way at those times :-)