Rayman

All power to you pal, make every day count.

It’s so much more than just a hobby (I hate that term), it’s a way of life. For me, playing bass, and creating art, gets me through a bad day and makes a good day better. I’ve had an awful week. It’s been very stressful, both at work and for personal reasons. I felt very low on soul coal. An hour on my Thunderbird put a smile back on my face. It’s therapy, it’s energy, it’s SO important for my mental health. I love it.

I just like Gotoh parts. I’ve fitted 707 tuners to a few of my basses, and a 201 Bridge to my Thunderbird. Lovely well made parts that feel quality and work perfectly.

Are you his dad by any chance?

What??

I doubt he earned any big money. Famously Kings X bass legend Doug Pinnick has struggled for money all his life…. Being in the public eye doesn’t equal a big bank balance.

Last time a tried one was maybe 10yrs ago…. Myself and a handful of mates (members here) used to have a mini bash up int’ north. One of the guys had one….. I remember being underwhelmed by the tone, surprising really as it’s covered in knobs (there was one extra one the day I had my hands on it). I don’t know, it’s horses for courses isn’t it….. I know people love them, but I’m not one of them.

I’d rather have a Gibson Ripper

I don’t like them 😳 I’ve played a couple over the years, and thought they were uncomfortable and not that great sounding? I don’t know why they’re getting so expensive? We didn’t rate them back in the day.

The way recorded music is produced is changing so much. I think it’s great, that fans, if they’re able to, can get involved in the production of their favourite artists next record. I’ve pre-ordered Janek Gwizdalas next record for example. I also think it’s good, that the large corporations, that used to hold the future artists in the palms of their hands, are becoming less and less relevant. We, back in the day, we were obsessed with “getting a deal”. It was the only thing on our minds. It’s no wonder so many young bands were getting ripped off left right and centre by business people who couldn’t care less about the wellbeing or future of their signed artists. Pre sales, and crowdfunding, is the healthy way forward. In my opinion.

Oh yes sir. I have them on a P bass…. Absolutely awesome.

Innit? The saga continues

They’re both great as they are Matt. I had a Korean TRB1006 a while back, it was absolutely awesome as it was. I sold it because my dodgy shoulders were giving me jip. Big mistake letting it go.

Yeah, I’ve been after another one for ages. I believe it’s a classic that a lot folk should have, along side a Precision, Jazz and Stingray.

This thing is a BEAST! Phenomenal tone, like a piano on steroids….. I’m a bit shocked at how good the pups sound with the new loom…. absolutely killer bass. I’ll post the final thoughts when the decal is on.

Gotoh 707s are fitted, nice new set of Newtone strings…… almost finished, all I need now is the eagle decal for the pick guard.

I decided to put black screws in the bridge, partly out of necessity, as the Gotoh screws are slightly narrower than the previous ones. Plus I like the look with the black body. The fretboard was pretty filthy…. but with some muckoff and lemon oil it’s come up a treat. The pickups….. surprisingly heavy and look decent. They’re staying in, because I’ve already spent too much, but if they’re really bad, I’ll change them later. Hopefully the new loom will inject some life into them, and I’ve fitted springs under them to give me more adjustability.

Brand new basses only, you can’t borrow or buy second hand, and it has to be in stock, somewhere you can pick it up, today.

Give it a nice printed cover of some sort, make it look as professional as you can, and charge a tenner. If people like your vibe, they’ll pay a tenner.

Perfect thank you

Just a quick one…. Anyone had flats on a Thunderbird? I love flats, and have them on most of my basses, but from memory, the last time I had a Thunderbird, it was pretty middy/muddy sounding, and probably needed some rounds to brighten it up a bit. I‘ve dropped a swanky new loom in there, which hopefully will make things better….. but, I’m just if anyone else has tried flats?

I’ve been guilty of thinking that most “chunky” bridges…. are all mostly the same really, and the expensive ones are overpriced. I was very wrong about that.

Yep, the only part of the bridge in contact with the body was where the screws were, there was even daylight under the front of it.

Next will be the tuners…. keep you posted

In the words of Shed 7, I’m “Going For Gold”….. and going for a tip of the hat to the Rex Brown signature Gibson… Gotoh bridge goes on, ”James’ Home Of Tone” loom, Gold knobs, Gold Dunlop buttons…..