bassbiscuits

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I did a load of recording this weekend using my old 1970 P with Labella flats on it. Suddenly it all makes sense. Last time I recorded with this same band I ended up using a jazz bass with round wounds on a tune because it sounded nice and clear at the time. But listening back to the end result, it wasn't the sound I'd have chosen at all. This time, with the P and flats, it sounded great. Fat and smooth and really distinct in the mix. I already knew that's how flats perform, but ive ever really captured it properly, or really 'got them' as a result. But man, I'm converted. For recording, I can't think of a better version of my sound to commit to tape. Just a bit gutted that first song doesn't have my flatwound sound on it now. Bummer!

If you're really stressed, try taking a moment to just calmly visualise what you want from the gig - seeing it going well, being enjoyable and fun, and you getting back in your car at the end happy knowing you've had a good gig. Sounds simple, and it is, but it just gives you time to calm your mind and stop any worries just escalating needlessly. Not everyone gets the chance to gig, and someday we'll be too old to want to bother, so just don't forget to enjoy it!

One of my hard cases has been smelling a bit off lately - probably caused by a sweaty damp leather strap or such like stashed after a gig at some point in the past. My missus suggested sprinkling bicarbonate of soda in the case, leaving it for a few days and then hoovering it out. Anyone tried this, or know of any other methods worth trying?

My missus is to pushchairs what I am to basses - she can name the make and model after a quick glance at 20 paces, and we've got more than we need. So she's pretty chilled about my instruments - she likes me playing (except if she can't hear the telly or is trying to concentrate on something else) Her parents taught music at their local school in Norfolk, and their house is cluttered with all sorts of instruments in cases, so she's never hassled me about them!

Over a few pints recently with my brother (who is also a guitarist) we ended up talking about what sort of instruments we haven't got, and what we'd get if we didn't have our current gear. I realised the thing i was missing was a hollowbody, preferably with a Bigsby trem and P90s, to give me a completely different take on guitar to my regular guitarist who's a Tele/strat man. So anyway, I ended up with this Epiphone. Its Chinese-built, but with some decent upgrades such as USA Gibson P90s, Switchcraft pots/switch, Grover machine heads etc. Ok it hasn't got a Bigsby - there is/was a version with a Bigsby, but they're hard to come by, so i went for the trapeze tailpiece with a view to get a Bigsby fitted if i decide I really need it. It sounds great - I loved P90s on a Gibson SG Classic I had some years back, and paired with the hollow body there's a real range from sparkly jangle at low gain, to a real roar at higher gain levels. The very top of the dusty end isn't brilliantly accessible - beyond about the 16th fret its gets a bit tricky, but its probably not what you'd choose for shredding. That said, add a bit of gain and you get some serious grit and sparkly harmonics for those Billy Gibbons-esque bends lower down the neck. I love the dark blue / black burst finish as well - i've got enough three-tone sunburst guitars to last a lifetime, and I think this deep dark blue looks awesome. The set up off the peg was pretty decent, but I took it for a quick set up by the local guy here, who's done a great job. The neck is described as D profile, which is quite slim and easy to play, and obviously being hollow its super lightweight, which is great for me as I've got an ongoing dodgy shoulder. Be interesting to hear it alongside my guitarist's Fenders - should cover a good bit of sonic ground between us. Hopefully gigging it soon thru my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and hoping for a righteous tone....

I've broken strings a few times on bass, using my fingers or a pick. I think at the time it was due to some wear and tear on the bridge saddles, which meant a rough surface in contact with the strings. It can also happen if you use older strings which you've boiled more than a few times - i don't think its very good for them other than to get you out of an emergency! Anyway, I gently sanded the saddle surface, buy new strings rather than boiling old ones, and I now haven't broken a string in about 10 years.

In general I never take a spare bass to a gig - i just make sure that the one i'm taking is working and maintained properly. I've broken strings live before now on rare occasions, but i've just managed to restring it quickly with an old, pre-stretched string with minimum delay to the gig (i.e. make sure the next tune has a long guitar/piano intro, or the singer can do some banter!) Can't be arsed carrying extra gear unless absolutely necessary. Recently gigged in Poland but only had room to take one bass, so made sure it was a good one!

I've always used Musicguard or whatever they're currently called. I've never had to use them mind you.

Anyone else tried one of these? I played one briefly in a shop today and it was really nice - it's a Chinese made Epi but with proper USA P90s, some decent standard Gibson hardware, Gotoh machines and Switchcraft bits etc. All in all a rather good way into hollow bodied, howling P90 ness. Very tempted to go back and splash some cash tomorrow....

Yeah I'm happy with stuff that's gigged regularly if that means it's a good bit of gig worthy kit that properly maintained and set up etc. Quite a few of my instruments were scuffed and old when I got them cos the previous owner evidently played the arse off them for a number of years! But they play great. I've got a mate who seldom gigs but his gear is in a state purely cos it stays at home, gets dusty, strings never get changed and rust etc. I'd take a good working guitar over a neglected one anyday

[quote name='MrDaveTheBass' timestamp='1469532186' post='3099012'] I agree - Dave Anderson was amazing (as were the rest of the Collective) - I'm envious - he looks like a joy to play with. I did catch some of your set - very nice! It was well timed - a perfect mellow vibe for a lazy and slightly hungover Sunday morning. [/quote] Cool! Yeah Dave's immense, and a good lad too. I'd have liked to hear that gig. Glad you liked the Kirkland Turn stuff too - I had the genius idea of playing barefoot but got filthy feet in return.

I love the sound of an 8x10 - but they are an absolute ball ache to transport anywhere, and unless you've got roadies/parents/a large estate car, you'll probably get as fed up as I did lugging a cab the size and weight of a fridge to and from each gig. I swapped mine for an Aguilar GS410 - half the size, but packs serious punch and huge volume too, so a much more user-friendly alternative. I did a gig this weekend which had an Ampeg 8x10 cab and an Orange Ad200 head. Amazing sound, but no way would i want to be dragging that round.

Cool - the drummer in my covers band ( Dave Anderson ) is their drummer - he's brilliant too. Makes my life easy playing with him. I didn't get to see Horace Panter's set tho as I had my little boy in tow and we'd gone home by then. Did you happen to see the Kirkland Turn in the afternoon outside? I was playing bass in that too. Great little festival!

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1469438024' post='3098197'] Good move. Try your current strings with some foam under them when you're next recording. That might deaden them to the right point that you don't need flats at all. [/quote] Good call - I'll venture down that route and see how it pans out. Still got my Jack Casady with flats on too. I've got an ongoing shoulder injury, so the old precision with nickels on is about the lightest weight all round bass i've got at the moment (3.8kg) so I might as well keep it as versatile as poss for the foreseeable future.

I have to admit....i bottled it and put nickel round wounds back on my bass for this weekend's festival gig, and it sounded lovely thru the supplied Orange/Ampeg set up. I'll keep the flats for recording, which i'll be doing shortly with the very same band. Horses for courses and all that kettle of fish...