hiram.k.hackenbacker

Yeah, wore my original VHS copy out. The Thunes thing is well documented.

I am a longtime Zappa fan and whilst I'll admit, in my younger days, I struggled to get acquainted with some of his material at first, I can't think of anything now that I would class as unlistenable. I'm interested in what you would put in that category. No criticism at all, I'm genuinely interested. I've probably listened to more Zappa than any other composer in my lifetime - partly because there is more to listen to I guess and I now view anything that has his name on it as a 'safe pair of hands' if that makes sense. I blind buy everything the ZFT put out and bar a couple of compilations, I think I'm fairly Zappa complete. Don't even start me on the 100's of bootlegs I have. Really looking forward to watching the movie, but have been actively avoiding anything to do with it until I have my own copy that I can enjoy.

Yes, like the sound of these but not owned one myself.

In all seriousness and to answer the OP's original question more directly, I did have a plan for my 50th birthday regarding a celebratory bass purchase. I decided on the bass in question a few years before with a view to getting it built for completion around the relevant time. A few e-mails went back and forth between the manufacturer and I regarding options and pricing, but it was going to be a very long wait unless I was willing to accept one of the couple that had already been built. For a number of reasons, I didn't pull the trigger and before I knew it, the moment had passed for a new build to arrive anywhere near on time. The day of my 50th came and went free of any significant bass purchases. I did buy a few that year, so don't get the violins out, but I didn't get to scratch the particular itch I had....until three years later! I found my '50th birthday bass' for sale and completely by chance, it had the exact spec I would have chosen - it was like it was meant to be. It was/is in absolutely mint condition and one owner from new - also a lot cheaper than a new one!

I can't say I'd never sell it as it takes me a while to decide whether it's a keeper or not, but today (ask me tomorrow and it will probably be different) I'll go for a Zon Sonus, or one of the very nice Fodera Monarch's for sale on these here pages, or maybe a Ken Smith Black Tiger. You'll not go far wrong with a CW Status if that's what your considering.

Steady on old chap. My LK is a thing of beauty 😂.

I have exactly the same problem courtesy of a smashed ring finger that set incorrectly. Fortunately it’s on my plucking hand. I can’t see a way around your predicament.

I can resist another Status (just) and another ‘Ray. Might be in trouble if a nice Smith comes along, other than that, I’m good 😜.

Yeah, it’s not in the UK though 🤷‍♂️.

I could be properly done for if a nice Zon Sonus 4 appears. Regretting not buying the one I played last year. Oh well.

I made it through February

Nope. Does nothing for me.

I have to say, I like both the basses, but I dread to think how much they are asking for them.

He played 'If I'm Dreaming My Life' in New York two months prior to Vienna. That's the only two times. Astoria would be nice as it's a longer set, but I'll buy it whatever it is, so not too worried - but yes, massive overlap. That it's another '99 gig is what I've been told by a reliable source, but we'll have to wait and see. I don't know if the vinyl is produced in lesser quantities, but they always seem to sell out first and go for more on eBay.

Are you going vinyl, CD or both? You’re probably aware of this already, but it was known that volumes 5 & 6 were both going to be ‘99 gigs and that one of them would be ‘Something In The Air’. So now that’s out of the way, I wonder what the final one might be. The London Astoria gig maybe?

Volume 5 has just been announced as a pre-order this morning. The vinyl has sold out already, but there are a few CD's left. It is the Paris gig from '99 called 'Something In The Air' which is already available to stream.

@The fasting showman - no apology necessary. It's all good as far as I'm concerned 👍

Yes, it was. Had my chance. Missed it.

I don't mind telling you that this took some finding. As previously mentioned, I did think we had previously published this track, but when I searched our You Tube channel, I couldn't find it. I think we decided not to publish as it went a bit wonky towards the end. That said, it's fitting tribute to Big Kev who has supported us since Day 1. It's the one and only time we have performed it.

I curse myself daily for not buying this bass when I had the chance ☹️

Listening to it again now, I'm lobbying for Teenage Wildlife when we next get in a room together - and we haven't even done The Laughing Gnome yet!!