Wil

Probably a preconception that comes from soloing the bridge pup in most 2 pickup basses, which does generally result in a thin sound - I dont know if its the pickup placement or the EQ, but something in the Stingray setup makes it anything but thin! Lean and mean, maybe.

I think for me, the Stingray tone is [i]the[/i] ultimate bass sound. Modern, yet classic. Growly, yet smooth. Punchy, but with warm lows and articulate highs. Bloody wonderful, basically.

I recently got a used Ibanez ATK off here for £245 - if you like that whole punchy Musicman tone, these basses do a very close version of it and a lot more. Very comfy to play, and well built too, definately worth considering - I've always wanted a Stingray, but not any more. For me, the extra money I would have to outlay to get a Stingray or Sterling just wouldn't be worth it.

Nice kit that. I've got a Marshall JCM 2000, which is a lovely versatile thing, and this Warmoth creation I put together (pic was taken before the SD Invader went in):

I can attest that moving the strap button to the neck heel does work quite well. Now I'm getting back into bass I quite miss the old "mission control" mocking bird that passed through the hands of a few of us here! I dont miss my old banana necked NJ one quite as much...

Streetlight Manifesto! Definately the more go-y end of the spectrum though. Check out the bassline in the verse of this, it's brilliant. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqB7sQi6xAA"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqB7sQi6xAA[/url]

I dont know what it is about onboard pres, but I used my ATK in anger for the first time last night, at a practice room with a big Ashdown 4x10 combo. I couldn't get a punchy sound from that combo for love nor money, until I totally flattened the amps EQ, and added some bass boost and a slight treble boost on the bass itself. After that, bloody lovely tone. So, I guess it's probably all in the voicing of the preamp? Get a good preamp, onboard or not, and you're set.

I use an all natural herbal remedy with pain killing properties to relieve any aches I might have after a tough practice. The only downside is it really gives you the munchies.

This is like swapshop! I'll see if the transformer is going an' all.

Having put my new ATK though it's paces last night, I have to say I'm a total convert to active basses without doubt. It's lovely being able to dial in earth shaking lows without moving from your seat, or switch to a slap tone, or whatever. Lovely

Well, I'll see if he's up for parting it out and if so see what he would want for the bits.

The bassist in my band has a broken T Max. Not sure if he'd consider parting it out, but I can ask - what would you be willing to pay for the fan?

My Warmoth strat only has a volume knob (marked "tone", as a Van Halen-ism). I've never liked passive tone controls on a guitar, but find a volume pot indispensible for cleaning up my sound during songs. On bass, I'm a fan of active set ups. Bass tone is a complex beast, and where I find I can compensate for dire guitar tone a lot of the time, on bass I think it's nice to have the options to tweak your low end and mids or curtail some rampant treble.

I bought James' Ibanez ATK - postage was quick, communication was very good and the item was very well packed. Would deal with again without hesitation!

I can't stand albums that are purely centred around a solo instrument, personally. Not just bass, solo guitar albums like a lot of Steve Vai's work I find horrifically contrived - music for the sake of providing a backdrop for widdling, most of the time. One album I've been listening to a lot lately though that has outstandingly played, melodic and bloody tricky to boot bass playing on it is Keasby Nights by Streetlight Manifesto. If you like ska/punk (4th wave mind, think Rancid but faster and less punky) then check it out, the bass playing is steller.

I'm normally a fan of seafoam green, but I dont think it works on a 'ray personally... mind you, I tend to think the only acceptable 'ray colours are black or natural with black pickguards and maple boards.

I have always struggled with this. I'm so shy I can barely make eye contact with my band when I'm playing!

The bassist in my band uses one. Solid, lots of tone shaping options, good power to money ratio Weighs more than my all valve marshall head though! Must be lead lined...

Oh lord. GAS. For a bass. I thought I was a reformed bassist!

Forgive my ignorance, but in what circumstances would you use reverb on bass? Doesnt it just muddy things up?

I used to use a small laptop bag. It fitted nice and snug and worked a treat!