tino

[quote name='Clarky' post='866038' date='Jun 13 2010, 03:26 PM']I am looking at another bass (I know .... I need to sell something first) which has a 20 year old black high-gloss finish. Where the forearm and right hand rest there are tons of surface scratches, as there are in the usual buckle rash area on the rear of the bass. Now I don't mind some surface scratches but there's quite a lot and I just wondered if it is safe to use something like T-cut to tone these down? Or is there another method you guys recommend? Don't want to go to expense of having it professionally re-finn'ed or anything like that. Thanks in advance, Clarky[/quote] Hello again.... I recently bought a Fender Strat 1987 with the ORRID thick Black poly finish.....I tried,tried,then tried again with T-Cut all to no avail,,,,sure the real small whisps were lost but the larger,longer and slightly deeper were still very evident........ Then came the solution,all resulting from my better half stacking her car...It looked like a new bumper would be required due to the deep grazing but the fella said it would polish up fine,and it really did......SO methinks hey MR Panelbeater any chance you could do a similar job on a guitar...took it into him and 30 mins later it was done,he used a ragmop and fine compound and finished with a polish with a black colouring added...It looks 99% better than when bought,OK the bigger marks are still slightly evident but you have to look very hard to find anything else,and it only cost £20 Shame the dinks cant be solved likewise pic attached Regards tino

[quote name='Bassassin' post='866016' date='Jun 13 2010, 03:02 PM']Well spotted Musky - that's a Kasuga copy. Mine's the bolt-neck variation, but it shares many common details: checked binding, identical hardware/electronics (apart from the tuners) and most tellingly the incredibly neat hand-routing for the 6 individual pole pieces of the Toaster pickup. Rickenbacker could learn a thing or two from this sort of attention to detail. The tuners aren't original - the through-neck Kasugas I've seen before were factory-fitted with genuine US "wavy" Grovers. Anyway, a similar bass appears in a Japanese "Heerby" catalogue, the only difference seems to be the finish & stereo outputs. Heerby was one of Kasuga Gakki's home-market brands: [url="http://brochures.yokochou.com/guitar-and-amp/heerby/197x/index.html"]http://brochures.yokochou.com/guitar-and-a...197x/index.html[/url] The plain trc's quite interesting - most vintage Rickenfakers have had their covers swapped for pretend Rick ones, but I'd say it's possible this bass was sold unbranded, as quite a lot of 70s MIJ copies were. Tino - it's not a Fresher, but just wondering if you have any idea who made them? I don't think it was a manufacturer in its own right. Jon.[/quote] although theres a lot of dubious info on Kasuga,I feel this one can be substantiated... In May of ’72, a portentous advertisement appeared in The Music Trades. In an ad stretching across the top of a two-page spread, drawn cartoon-fashion with a jet soaring from Japan to the United States, the headline read, “Kasuga Guitars Come To America.” Kasuga was a guitarmaker established in Nagoya, Japan, in the late ’60s. In ’67, Tommy Moore, the successful musical instrument merchandiser from Ft. Worth, Texas, and one of the founders of Hondo, visited Japan in order to strike up a guitarmaking deal. With only a voucher of credit in his pocket and no contacts, Moore hooked up with a Mr. Kaku, who steered him to Tokai Gakki. Tokai had become very successful in Japan making and marketing the Pianaca, a keyboard harmonica used in Japanese schools. On December 15, 1970, Moore and Tokai Gakki entered a joint venture called Tokai USA Inc., and Tokai began making private label and OEM guitars. Tokai quickly found it couldn’t keep up with demand, so it found a factory that could meet its quality standards: Kasuga. Another joint venture was established between Tokai USA and Kasuga called Kasuga International. Marketing offices were established in Singapore, Zurich, and Frankfurt. In ’72, these guitars began to come into America. In December, ’72, an ad touted the Kasuga line, copies of the most popular Gibson, Fender, and Martin acoustic and electric solidbody designs. Presumably these included Telecasters. These were sold under the Kasuga name (briefly; a notice of Kasuga acoustics appeared in Guitar Player in September, ’72) and carrying the monikers of various importers, as in the ’60s Whats your spin on Kasuga......I dont think Ive ever owned one but then I forget alot...its my age

Fresher maybe? There are several that look similar,single truss rod at least eliminates a few..

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='865047' date='Jun 12 2010, 11:44 AM']I want to try and shield my CV Jazz a bit. Its earthed fine but a bit noisier when i back one of the pups off than my other Jazz basses that ive owned. Its not a big deal but i thought i'd try and give shielding a go for the first time. So, i figured pain might be easier than tape but i dont really know what to look for. Maplins is just down the road so i was hoping i could pick something up from them. I had thought about copper tape (and i do have a roll) but not sure if it will stick to the walls of the cavity. Anything i need to watch out for etc? Cheers.[/quote] If its any use the fella that built my telecaster used a foil sheeting that is applied like gold leaf,its readily available in art & craft shops.You just apply a water based glue to the cavity then apply the foil pushing into place with a brush ,you can build it up to any thickness you like.The finish is great and there are no seams.And it wont comeaway like tapebacked foils. Im told it comes in Aluminium.Copper,Silver & Gold you can probably find it on the bay Hope this helps

[quote name='Starless' post='864598' date='Jun 11 2010, 07:05 PM']I need someone to make my mind up for me. I have played fretted Jazzes for a long time now, but I own a fretless P. A beautiful fretless P. The P, obviously is not as narrow as the Jazz neck. I am a real Jazz neck fan, but the fretless P is such a stunner that I have been trying for months now to 'make it happen'. I don't want to get rid of it, but I have always refused to be influenced by 'good looks' when it comes to playing, and I do not want to hang on to something just because it looks 'pretty'. I even went to the trouble (and expense) of acquiring a fretted P - and lo and behold, I can live with that. It is not quite the same as the fretted Jazz, but I enjoy playing it. Is it the case that the extra effort required for fretless playing (hitting the exact spot, rather than somewhere roughly behind a fret), coupled with the fatter-than-a-jazz neck means that I will never be comfortable with a fretless P? I managed to do an entire gig with the fretless P - ONCE - but it was a struggle as the night wore on (and picked up the Jazz for the encores - oooh the relief). I'm no spring chicken, so it's not as if my wrist/hand/fingers have any more growing to do. I tried to trade the fretless P on here last year, but the response to the listing kind of scared me into hanging on to her (very desirable apparently) - even though I don't get on with the neck. So what do I do? How much longer should I persevere with an instrument because of it's coolness factor, when I just don't enjoy playing it? Is six months of hammering away enough?[/quote] I feel you answered the question long ago and its just the financial aspect that causes concern to you..... Maybe Im wrong & then again????

[quote name='Clarky' post='863520' date='Jun 10 2010, 05:46 PM']if you like big tubey sounding amp sounds, like an old valve rig, but easily manoeuvrable you will love this. Valve preamp can be driven from smooth warm to grungey distorto gain. Basically its great for practically any style of music except perhaps glassy hi-fi sounding slap (and I'm reckoning thats not your thang anyway!) Its also bl88dy loud for such a modest sized rig, so much so that I have never used my Mesa extension cab live (s'why I've been trying to sell it). Cracking combo.[/quote] Im pondering on your cab....but and its a BIG BUT....Ive just bought the Precision from Tom and this so I may leave myself skint.........Hey Ive been skinter than this before...ShallI,Shant I,Should I ,Would I , Could I ...sort of reasoning???

[quote name='Bigwan' post='863782' date='Jun 10 2010, 10:15 PM']I've only played the 15" version, and only fleetingly, but it sounded very lush. Another bit of gear I have on my "to own" list![/quote] I will probably be bored with it in a fortnight........Its the way I am

[quote name='yorick' post='863572' date='Jun 10 2010, 06:28 PM']Very nice pieces of kit [/quote] I just hope the neighbours will appreciate the effort I have gone to,to improve upon what they currently hear

[quote name='derrenleepoole' post='862288' date='Jun 9 2010, 04:27 PM']The Ibanez Promethean is a great little amp, and the fact that the head is removable like a Walkabout Scout makes it very versatile for me. There's also a nice gig bag for it, making it a nice all in one solution. If you're ever passing Blackburn you're welcome to try it out. Back to topic though... don't for the Acoustic Image range of combos... you may (not very likely mind) get an early one in that price bracket. If you had a grand to spend, theres a second had Mesa Scout at Bass Direct [/quote] theres a second had Mesa Scout at Bass Direct ohmy.gif No theres not

Bought it blind... .......Will I love it????

[quote name='EdwardHimself' post='862526' date='Jun 9 2010, 07:24 PM']I'm surprised no-one has suggested that the OP "stick a badass on it" yet [/quote] Already got a bad ass it comes with age....that dont work as good as it should either

[quote name='BurritoBass' post='862521' date='Jun 9 2010, 07:19 PM']The strings you use already are GREAT for dub & if it ain't broke... [/quote] I fully agree they're good but never ever used on a P as it stands most likely I will pick up a set tomorrow along with the DRBB's just to give them a try,If I dont try I will never know.............Ive been dormant a long long time

[quote name='silddx' post='862481' date='Jun 9 2010, 06:47 PM']I love DR Strings, they are some of the very best out there and the best I personally have used. I use DR Black Beauties. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=89542"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=89542[/url][/quote] They any good for dub???? I usually use tru sound 88's

[quote name='Al Heeley' post='861622' date='Jun 8 2010, 11:04 PM']There's only 3 things to get sorted: 1) Nut height (or slot depth if you like) 2) Neck bow (action, truss rod) 3) Saddle height Start with nut height, if this is wrong then as jonnylager says, best get a pro to sort for you. Fret at the 5th fret and check string clearance at 1st fret. There should be only the thinnnest clearance between string and 1st fret so you can move it a fraction and hear it tap. If it is more than 1/2 a credit card thickness the slot depth is not enough. Truss rod action - smallest bit of relief is good - check by fretting 1st or 3rd and 17th or 20th and check theres still a minute bit of clearance on fret at halfway, the thickness of a piece of paper or two. Then the easy bit - adjust saddles to get a tiny bit of fret buzz, then raise them a fraction. You then need to quickly check each fret and each note to see if your frets are all nice and level. If only one or 2 are buzzing then thats a quick wet'n'dry job by a pro if you want to get it perfect. Don't worry about fret buzz when playing unplugged - we all tend to play much harder as its quiet, check it plugged in and try to play same feel as when playing a song live.[/quote] And on completion you suddenly realise the intonations not right

[quote name='jezzaboy' post='862452' date='Jun 9 2010, 06:22 PM']The width at the nut is 41mm, I think. Tino, what is there to improve? If it`s one of the newer models, stick on a set of DR Fatbeam strings and play the thing till your fingers bleed. Jez[/quote] Not a string set Im familiar with....what guages????? anyone else consider these a good choice...Im told its got the original Fender strings at the mo!!!

I'm hopeful to receive one of these in the next few days.....aint had one for over 20 years but thought....go on give it another go.... I want to modify it a little and wondered if there were 3 things available off the shelf that would give an immediate improvement then in your opinion what would they be???? Pickup...? Tuner....? Bridge...? You tell me Cheers T

[quote name='bumfrog' post='860952' date='Jun 8 2010, 01:19 PM']ow do just a quickie. Starting to play a lot more acousticy stuff. Whilst I'm aware that an acoustic bass is never going to be particularly loud, I just wondered if anybody had come across any particular make/model that was noticably louder than others. Reason being is I'm starting to play a lot of acoustic nights and I can't be arsed to lug down my bass and the little roland, so ideally would just like something I can whip out and play. It's not too bad as I'm not playing against a guitar, it's actually a baritone uke and a madolin ta in advance peeps.[/quote] Regal Dobro Resonator Bass.....thats about as loud as it gets and it projects well....and could work well with the Mando & Uke....... Im selling my Mando if yer player fancys a 55 Gibson A40

[quote name='Bassassin' post='861353' date='Jun 8 2010, 07:07 PM']It's hard to say. A little tin badge reading "Ibanez" would certainly help, but it's worth a bit more than that tenner, I'd expect. Things like this don't really come up enough to have much of an informed idea but if I was Ebaying it I'd probably hope for at least £150, and possibly a fair bit more depending on how good I could make it look in the pics! So not exactly a goldmine, but certainly better than a poke with a sh!tty stick. J.[/quote] Looks a bit Woolworths....wasit Audition or some such??? Just like my six string fing

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='860233' date='Jun 7 2010, 07:19 PM']Does anyone else feel that the seller's moniker "Steve the Soundman" is far from an exaggeration?[/quote] I was gonna give him a call as hes like 10 minutes from me however there no phone number. The only guy I know of in the map location is not called Steve and has no intention of moving overseas.................would you expect an individual to keep this much at home

[quote name='Bassassin' post='850554' date='May 28 2010, 07:12 PM']I'd love to know how they rationalise stuff like that! From what I've seen so far, Tokai haven't sold a Rick bass copy under their own brand so it would seem odd that they would have built them for a US importer's brand. However, just because I've never seen a Tokai Rick bass copy (including Rockinbetters) doesn't mean they don't exist. Or that Ebay Guy's making it up. But he probably is. J.[/quote]I had a similar looking ElDegas in the very late80,s or possibly even 1990,the chap I bought if from said it was only 6 months or so old...its my beleif these were made by Samick in Korea and not at the Matsomuku Japan plant as I think that had gone by then,,,there are rumours that theres a Samick /Westone connection but we all know about rumours..... Well it was basically as good as an Ibanez in general build quality the paint finish was not great but the pickups were attrocious. I sold it on loot when that first started so thats going back some but heres some piccys of a rather nice playing copy....

[quote name='Bassassin' post='850554' date='May 28 2010, 07:12 PM']I'd love to know how they rationalise stuff like that! From what I've seen so far, Tokai haven't sold a Rick bass copy under their own brand so it would seem odd that they would have built them for a US importer's brand. However, just because I've never seen a Tokai Rick bass copy (including Rockinbetters) doesn't mean they don't exist. Or that Ebay Guy's making it up. But he probably is. J.[/quote]I had a similar looking ElDegas in the very late80,s or possibly even 1990,the chap I bought if from said it was only 6 months or so old...its my beleif these were made by Samick in Korea and not at the Matsomuku Japan plant as I think that had gone by then,,,there are rumours that theres a Samick /Westone connection but we all know about rumours..... Well it was basically as good as an Ibanez in general build quality the paint finish was not great but the pickups were attrocious. I sold it on loot when that first started so thats going back some but heres some piccys of a rather nice playing copy....