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I've just been talking with a couple of major bass gear distributors and they have said that they are experiencing huge delays and issues with shipments coming into the UK from their European manufacturing sources. Entire container shipments are not being picked up due to a combination of Covid affecting courier staff availability and problems with Brexit paperwork. Of the few containers that are getting as far as the UK, some have even been turned back due to the sheer bloody-mindedness of HM customs. Another problem is the containers themselves. Brexit and courier problems has meant that many are then stuck here (lots come in from US/Asia etc as well as Europe) as we are not shipping enough products back the other way to justify using/sending them. This means empty containers are in the wrong place and the market cost of using them has gone into an auction type situation where e.g. a container that previously cost £4k to use is now costing upwards of £14k! In short, if you're waiting on any new product from Europe to hit your UK retailer, or have custom orders etc due, expect a very long delay and no 'due date'. Make sure you agree a price and pay a deposit now too as end prices can only go up as a result....

Can't remember the exact settings but that sounds about right! it's around 2 - 3/10 on each...

I am down the front and appear onscreen a few times on the Steve Vai 'Live At The Astoria' DVD....

I was there too! Front row of the balcony This actually had an official EP & CD release as 'Live +1'..... and on video as 'Live +4'

Oooooooh! I LOVE Zon!!!

The gatefold of KISS "Alive II" had an everlasting effect on me. I'd heard their "Unmasked" album when I was in Australia in 1982 and when I came back to the UK I discovered THIS.... 😲 😲 😲

KISS - Alive! & Alive II.... by far! then.... Thin Lizzy - Live & Dangerous Iron Maiden - Live After Death Styx - Return To Paradise Journey - Captured Rush - Exit Stage Left Doobie Brothers - Rockin' Down The Highway Chicago - Live In japan

To be fair, Steely Dan are such perfectionists that they always seem like they're going through the motions and their music doesn't lend itself to rock show energy. I love them for that though anyway... The Doobies, however, are ALWAYS fantastic.... just a perfect mix of musical styles, rock intensity and fantastic vocals/musicality.

Just thought of another. Deep Purple in 2007 at Wembley Arena...with Thin Lizzy & Styx in support. Thin Lizzy were average.... but Styx were phenomenal! Supreme musicianship, vocals, songs and sound....! Within a few songs of the Purple set though I couldn't see them raising their performance much above the durge & plod they'd started the set with so I headed home....

Judas Priest at Hammy-O with Scorpions..... Scorpions were superb but Priest were just going through the motions. Guitarists standing rocking behind a shoegazing Rob Halford in long leather trenchcoat. No energy or crowd interaction at all. I left half hour into Priest, got the early train and was in bed soon after 11pm.

Matt sorted me out with a couple of Schaller strap pins/locks.... gratis! Cheers chap!

Yep, the EMG P (in soapbar housing) in the neck....with a DC or similar in the bridge is a great set up!

Wrong way around. Warwick is a basic Spector I deal with them - Good guys and def worth an email. The 5er is def a JJ set up though. NOT a PJ. If you want one, @krispn is right though.... Bass Direct are prob your best bet, followed by Andertons.....

Me too..... surprised at the lack of love and passion for the instrument in and of itself.

See my reply on your other topic.

.... oh, and if you can't.... and feel like giving up..... then remember to give me first dibs on any Spector or Hamer you own.... 😆 😆

Lol! Seems like only a few years ago.... shows how much I've cared for any recent pop/dance music....

Hey Ya by Outkast?

This all makes for very sad reading.... I really hope you can all find the joy in just holding and playing your instrument again (fnar...fnar...). It's tragic to think that, for many of you, if you don't have a gig then you don't practice or play at all... As I said before, I've taken the lockdown opportunity to play for myself and to rediscover the innocent pleasure of owning, playing and learning my instrument for no other reason than it is just 'part of me'. Cheers to you all..... and here's hoping you too can rediscover than simple pleasure. x

I play bass because I enjoy it and find it hugely rewarding. With no gigs happening I find I'm actually playing more because I WANT to and not because I HAVE to. That's not to say I don't enjoy gigging - I love it! Rather, not having to practice for a gig means I play whatever I want, whenever I want, and I've rediscovered my love for just 'playing' the instrument for my OWN satisfaction.

https://www.fretnation.com/spector-legend-truss-rod-cover

Dunc very kindly sent me some Schaller strap pins gratis. Top chap and a credit to Basschat. Recommended!

Cheers! Just ordered 4 sets.... lets see what they're like....

I have an arrangement for my basses with an old friend too... lol!