hiram.k.hackenbacker

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1418379876' post='2629657'] My dad is really into The Residents and whilst I don't quite share his passion I do quite like them. Third Reich N Roll, The Commercial Album, and Meet The Residents are all good. Need to look out my Residents jumper, its a good antidote to all the Xmas jumpers doing the rounds! [/quote] I totally get that it's not everyone's cup of Darjeeling, but I'm sure there are going to be some little gems tucked away in their back catalogue somewhere. A Residents jumper sounds fantastic. Post a picture of you manage to find it. Thanks for the info.

[quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1418356933' post='2629529'] Definitely Commercial Album is a great place to start, followed by Duck Stab(Primus once covered Hello Skinny and Constantinople) and Third Reich(great for a spot of 'guess the song'). I love Gingerbread Man too, the full video on YouTube is excellent, as all of theirs are. My highlight has to be this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTJJb1UqjuA [/quote] Thanks Steve. I will investigate those albums once I have familiarised myself with TRAR. I might have this all wrong, but I thought no one knew what the band members looked like. I would bet a large amount of money that the man playing the guitar in the link you posted is the same person singing Give It To Someone Else here.... http://youtu.be/0gWofXR46aw Yet his full face is on show, only from the side admittedly.

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1418348972' post='2629509'] If it was down to one album then it would be Third Reich N Roll for me. Worth the price for Sunshine Of Your Love/Hey Jude/Sympathy For The Devils guitar and cheesy synth. Wonderful!!! [/quote] [b]Thank you,[/b] your Amazon order has been placed. We've sent you an e-mail confirmation. We've sent you an e-mail confirmation. [b]New[/b] [url="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/buy/spc/handlers/static-submit-decoupled.html/ref=ox_spc_place_order?ie=UTF8&hasWorkingJavascript=#"][color="#004b91"]Sign up[/color][/url] for delivery updates by text for this and future orders (UK +44 mobile numbers).

[quote name='linear' timestamp='1418352405' post='2629522'] God in 3 Persons is my fave by a long way, but probably best to preview that one on youtube before buying. Incidentally, if anyone has a CD copy of the instrumental version that they want to sell or are willing to rip for me, I'd be very grateful. I have it on vinyl, but am struggling to find a digital copy. [/quote] Two minutes on t'internet confirms your assumption that it is quite rare. I'll let you know if I stumble across a copy.

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1418352260' post='2629520'] The Residents 'George & James' (American Composers Volume One) LP is good if you like your JB and Gershwin done a little differently. Here's a little James..... [url="http://youtu.be/kINqjKyQ43c?list=PL465ABDD21A242D3C"]http://youtu.be/kINq...65ABDD21A242D3C[/url] [/quote] Great stuff. The track that ignited the spark for me, which was one of those random You Tube recommendations, was "Give It To Someone Else". There are loads of live versions on You Tube, but I couldn't find the album track on there, which is nicely produced.

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1418351691' post='2629519'] Indeed! Long before the days we were all on t'internet i made a cassette copy of this and gave it to a musician friend who was a massive Jim Morrison/Doors fan. He hated it, couldn't see the funny side of it and i still don't think he's ever got over it to this day. Enjoy!!!! [media]http://youtu.be/LBznPAirdzA[/media] [/quote] Ah! Now, you see, if Zappa did The Doors, I think this is fairly similar to what it would sound like. Infinitely more listenable than the original as far as I'm concerned. But then I'm weird.

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1418350839' post='2629515'] Don't get me wrong, Eskimo has it's moments ok but let's say it's not the best place to start. The Commercial Album is a good un but seems to be very expensive on Amazon. There are also a few Snakefinger LPs worth checking out too. I look forward to hear what you think about Third Reich N Roll. It makes me chuckle just thinking about that LP!!! [/quote] You're not supposed to chuckle. This is music. This is serious business. Having said that.... [list=1] [*]"[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papa%27s_Got_a_Brand_New_Bag"]Papa's Got a Brand New Bag[/url]" (sung in German)[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Third_Reich_%27n_Roll#cite_note-papa-4"][size="2"][4][/size][/url][/sup] [/list] [size=6][sup]How can you not chuckle at that?[/sup][/size]

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1418348972' post='2629509'] I got into them around 1977 after buying Third Reich & Roll. The two earlier albums Meet The Residents and Fingerprince soon followed and then every LP until the mid 90s. Third Reich & Roll is a must for early period Residents but all of those plus Not Available, Duck Stab/Buster & Glen interesting but i do prefer the early stuff best. Those Ralph LPs were difficult to find back then over here but worth the patience to track them down. 1980s Commercial Album is fun and one of the most accessible as is the Nibbles compilation which was released by Virgin in 1979. Other worth having compilations are Residue Of The Residents (1983) and Petting Zoo (2002) and probably best to avoid Eskimo for now. If it was down to one album then it would be Third Reich N Roll for me. Worth the price for Hey Jude/Sympathy For The Devils guitar and cheesy synth. Wonderful!!! I've played a lot of this recently (I still have the vinyl LPs) but it doesn't seem half a whacky as it sounded at the time so i'd be interested to hear what anyone just discovering this stuff thinks about it. [/quote] Thank you ever so much for that insight. I did laugh when I read your comment about Eskimo as I had literally just been reading the comments on Amazon about that very album. I almost bought it immediately after having read them! I tend to avoid compilations unless there is material present that is unavailable elsewhere, because if I get into it I'll end up buying it again anyway. Third Reich N Roll it is then. Anyone want to suggest a second purchase

[quote name='Mr Arkadin' timestamp='1418347665' post='2629501'] I ended up buying one album and then stopped for that very reason. It's like just now getting into Frank Zappa or Neil Young. Where the hell to start? I'll be interested in the responses too. [/quote] Ha ha. Do you know, I was going to say that it would be similar to someone asking me about Zappa as I have pretty much everything he's done. Go on then, which album did you go for? Did you like it?

I've heard a few bits and pieces of The Residents on You Tube and I was sufficiently curious to take the next step. I then had a look at their discography on Wikipedia and it's huge. Can anyone recommend a good jump off point for a first album purchase? Thanks.

You've got that "wring", I DID want an SLO neck and they're like feckin' hens teeth. I don't think any of the stuff you've quoted should have been a concern. I knew the spec and was happy to pay for it, up front if need be, plus I would have been happy to lock myself into a "no changes" clause if required.

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1418213696' post='2627985'] For example, if a customer asks me for specific set of strings that are in production, it's really easy to provide them with it. If they want to maybe have a set of their own that's got multiple different strings from multiple sets, that can be done as well, but it's a custom order. The components exist, just not in that specific arrangement, so it's a custom set. I don't know why they wouldn't open a custom shop, however. It seems to be working for Fender. But the cold hard truth right now is that they don't have a custom shop, so if we want a custom MM, we either need to build one ourselves from salvaged parts, or ask a luthier to build a MM replica, but to your specifications. [/quote] Yes, I get that. The one thing I wasn't going to budge on though was the SLO neck and there are just so few of them about. I knew I would have to put an order in to get the colour I wanted. Having got that far, I couldn't help thinking about what would make it the perfect bass for me i.e. those couple of extras. It's all in pursuit of a particular upcoming project by the way and not just some flight of whimsy.

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1418203885' post='2627846'] Oh dear... apparently I didn't make it obvious enough that my previous post was satire. EBMM aren't a dodgy company at all. I agree with you - They don't advertise custom instruments, they've never said they'd make custom instruments, so why be upset when they tell you they can't make you a custom instrument? [/quote] Ha ha. I did get it straight away, but then doubted that what you wrote was satire when I saw the reply. No, EB are not dodgy at all IME, quite the opposite in fact and I would hate to give the impression that I am not in anyway satisfied with the Stingray's I own. I love them all and can't envision parting with any of them (apart from the fretless which was bought for a project and I have no further use for). I know it's a slight play on words, but I do take issue with the "they don't make custom instruments, so why be upset when they say they won't make one" argument in this specific case. They do make them, but only when THEY want to make them! The spec I was after is completely stock apart from the gold hardware and matching headstock. No custom wiring, switching, size, weight or colours. I could order a Stingray without those two options tomorrow. I stand to be proved wrong, but I'll wager there is a gold hardware kit or two knocking around at EB somewhere and how much bother would it be to ask the paint team to spray a headstock white in exchange for a £2000 ish price tag. Seemed like a fair exchange to me. Their loss, not mine really.

[quote name='AndyBob09' timestamp='1418002704' post='2625958'] Get the parts and do it yourself? It would take time to source it all but it'd be a lot cheaper in the long run? [/quote] Yes, I hear what you're saying, but it would probably take me more time than I can spare at the moment. Nice idea though. That's the bit that I find annoying. EB are currently manufacturing (or have very recently manufactured) basses with all the parts I would need. It's just not possible to get a new bass with those bits. [quote name='Subbeh' timestamp='1418006523' post='2625961'] I bite my thumb at theeeeee!!! Anyway.... A MM configurator ike the Sandberg and Fender ones would be the greatest thing ever. Obviously their current business model works but still, it's criminal that such a thing doesn't exist! Getting to really customise my perfect Sabre or 'Ray would be effing fantastic [/quote] Configurator. Yes. That's exactly what EB need. There is a [url="http://www.basscentral.com/pdimages/2014/BLOWUPS%202014/MUSICMANSTINGRAY4HWHITEPRLALLROSEWOOD92836.html"]rosewood necked 'Ray at Bass Central[/url]. I've never seen one like that before. It can't be a one-off 'cos they don't do that sort of thing [quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1418022820' post='2625977'] Having met you twice, I can firmly confirm that you are not even close to being a prick, you're a top man with a huge passion for basses. It's easy for people to unfairly judge in forums, so they do. You wanted your dream bass, you didn't like their reasons, big deal, feel how you want to mate, who gives a toss what others chip in with. [/quote] Thanks mate. Is Paypal OK?

OK, I get the picture. I'm a complete prick for knowing exactly what I wanted, knowing it's within the EB's capability of manufacturing it, being prepared to pay a substantial amount of money for the "privilege" and having the hump with the condescending reply. I apologise to anyone who was offended by that.

[quote name='scalpy' timestamp='1417736242' post='2623696'] There is only one answer to these kind of threads, G&L! [/quote] In fact, that 30th G&L at Bass Direct almost fits the bill doesn't it :-)

[quote name='scalpy' timestamp='1417736242' post='2623696'] There is only one answer to these kind of threads, G&L! [/quote] I have never tried one of those. I suppose I should really given that I have Fender's and MM's.

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1417734553' post='2623681'] Yet you're 'disgusted' that they won't make you a custom spec bass?! Sorry, don't get it Si [/quote] The point is that I have not asked for any individual spec that hasn't been done by EB before. It's not unique colouring or string spacing etc I'm over it now. I was pretty pissed when I started the topic, but I have found an ideal replacement.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1417716850' post='2623432'] I think part of the problem is that they have a huge collector base so letting people choose items from limited run models in their eyes could turn away someone that buys every limited edition model to please one person, I'm all for them doing custom orders but as they don't I wouldn't be to worried about them not building me a specific bass, I also still think the price point would be an issue too, if they said yes they will build it for £2750 would you have ordered it? That would still be less than a passive custom shop fender from what I've seen. [/quote] The price is a non issue really. It was never discussed anyway, but if they had quoted me a price and it was too much it would have been down to me to either go with it or walk away. I don't have a problem with that. When you look around, as I have been doing, it is staggering the amount of variables you can get on a Stingray. To fall back on the argument that it would be too much hassle to get the build codes together is ridiculous. If luthiers like Sandberg can cope, I'm sure the mighty Ernie Ball could handle it

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1417681126' post='2622903'] Exactly,I think you've answered your own question:D [/quote] Yeah, but come on. They are features that can be found on Stingray's quite easily, but not necessarily in the same place. I could live without the roasted neck to be honest, but you try finding a white maple board SLO. They would have to make it to order anyway and I really don't think the extra couple of details is asking too much. Price was never discussed, not that they are going to get any more of my money anyway. Fender, for all their faults, will actually build what you ask for.

I think maybe my thread title was a little misleading. It was meant to be tongue in cheek as EB doesn't have a Custom Shop.

Rambling? Not at all sir. I'm only here 'cos I was on nights and I can't get out of the bloody things. They don't get any easier the older you get! You are spot on. That's the exact feeling I have after receiving the e-mails. I've sent another one back to them registering my disgust. The main sticking point for me is that if I'm going weigh out for yet another Stingray, I do want the SLO neck this time (think Fender J). They are like f***ing hen's teeth. It seems you HAVE to order them and for the spec I would like, it would involve a "custom" order anyway. It's interesting that their reply uses the words "custom work orders" when they don't purport to manufacture them. I'm at a loss with them. Customer desire doesn't seem to figure in their sales plan at all.

I quote.... "We'd love to be able to make everyones' dream instrument, as it is our passion make tools for artists. Our instruments are available to order in hundreds of combinations, but we have to draw the line, somewhere - as each new combination requires a new build code, new part numbers, new bills of materials, new custom work orders, new production schedules, etc. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into creating on-of-a-kind instruments. While this might not be apparent, on the surface, we assure you that this policy was implemented for tremendously sound purposes." All the more f**king irritating is the bewildering amount of differing specifications of a Stingray 4 available at Bass Central. Bearing in mind that I'm talking about only one model and looking at instruments available from one retailer, there is an astonishing amounts of variables going on there. Would it not be better just to say "OK, we have these options available i.e. this, this and this etc. What do you want on yours?". It's not like I'm asking for diamonds position markers or kryptonite side lights FFS! I find it quite odd that the one query with EB that I thought I was going to have a major problem with, which was getting a replacement serialized gold neck plate for my Stingray Anniversary 4HH as it had cracked (now sadly departed) was an absolute breeze. Now this for an instrument that doesn't even exist and is easily within their power to make.

Thanks, I guess?!