zero9

If you like the smell of leather have a look at www.bulldogproducts.co.uk great service too! Wil

You can get Spirocores for £93 from Thomann. I got some 3/4 size Spirocore 'soft' (English for the German 'Weich') tension strings to replace my Pirastro Obligatos. The Spirocores produce a slightly brighter sound than the Obligatos, which you'd expect for a steel core string. The Obligatos are an excellent choice if you want a more 'organic' sound. Playability of either will depend largely on how well your DB is set up. The Spirocores settle in much quicker than the Obligatos (which probably take a couple of weeks or so). Tension-wise there is little to choose between the two, however, I found that the Spirocores are easier to play moving up into the higher registers. Hope this helps and good luck with getting your DB sorted. Wil

Hi Marti, Got my superspike last Saturday, after ordering it on Thursday. Tony Manson provides great service! Thanks for the recommendation. Wil

Hello L, I suggest you go an check it out and take someone who knows about double basses and what to look for. If you don't know what you're looking for, make sure you take someone who does. £750 may seem reasonable but without knowing what it is or how much it cost new it's impossible to say if it's a good deal. Anyway, good luck. Wil

Hello Marti, I've been considering getting a new endpin / spike. Looks very interesting. Will be giving them a ring soon to discuss my requirements. Btw, did you keep the original endpin/bridge retainer when you fitted the superspike? Wil

Hello, So, you're thinking of buying a Double Bass (DB). I moved from Electric Bass to Electric Upright Bass to Double Bass. Last May I bought a new Stentor Arcadia DB and had it set up by a specialist (new bridge, new post, new strings and action adjusted to my style), total cost about £2k. The DB is made in China and came complete with cover and bow (both reasonable quality). I am extermely happy with the Stentor and it plays and sounds superb. I have never had lessons and found it fairly striaghtforward to get on with the DB. Trust your ears and put in as much practice as you can. You don't necessarily need a teacher (unless you feel this will boost your confidence or your trying to learn proper bowing technique). The important thing is to practice practice practice.... and if that doesn't work, practice some more (read some stuff on Danny Thompson). Good luck with your move to DB. Wil

[quote name='Deanobassist' post='88305' date='Nov 14 2007, 10:59 AM']hi, I know this is a bass forum but it seems that alot of bassists play the chapman stick. I am wondering if you guys knew any where I could buy a chapman stick with in the uk. if any one is selling second hand.[/quote] You'll struggle to find one 2nd hand in the UK. The bass gallery had one in a while ago, but it sold very quickly. Your best bet is to get one imported from the US (stick enterprises), especially given the current exchange rate (it's probably cheaper buying new than 2nd hand). The one major drawback is the wait (about 12 months ish....). Nick Beggs is also a well known UK stick player. Good luck with the hunt. Wil

We don't use a drummer... Wil ^..^

[quote name='SMART' post='72774' date='Oct 11 2007, 01:07 PM']Sorry but can't resist a chip in here! Possibly...don't forget Modulus can offer a superb J or P-type neck for a DIY bass! Probably one of the best finished quality repalcement necks on the planet. Ian S.M.A.R.T Distribution www.smart-distribution.co.uk[/quote] Also check out home grown stuff like status graphite (www.status-graphite.com) and their direct replacement f*nder p & j necks. Good luck with the project. Wil

Thanks for that. Hope you enjoy the gig. Let me know how it went. Wil

The advantage of a DB is that it can be played acoustically at sufficient volume to keep up with a (not too loud) band, say guitar, drums (with brushes) and piano. This is not possible with an electric bass without an amplifier. It's true that a DB fitted with a piezo transducer will sound like an EUB or possibly a fretless BG. That's why a lot of DB players will amplify their DB with both a piezo and a mic to try and get the best of both. After all once you put a mic in front of something it's no longer acoustic.....

Thanks Joao

Has anyone experienced Roland's new D Bass 210? If so, would you like to share please.... Thanks, Wil

Thanks for the clip. Sorry to hear about Eberhard, hope he makes a full recovery. Wil

Have a look at the Bass Gallery in Camden. They list two 5-string acoustic basses for sale. The Godin looks good at 799.

Hi Max, Thanks for the tip. Will certainly have a look at this. Wil

Does anyone have any experience with CD copying firms for music CD's including sleeves (artwork) please? I'm looking for around 500 copies to start. Would prefer local if poss (Cambridgeshire) Cheers, Wil

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='42876' date='Aug 8 2007, 01:15 PM']Bet you a pound to a pinch of sh*t that Status pups are made by Aaron.[/quote] Check out the Statii forum and read reviews on the Strata. I have a Strata myself and Rob Green confirmed that the pus were made by KA in the early days. Hope this helps. Wil

It could be dodgy wiring in the place where you practice, or the instrument you're using has a problem with the earth connection. Check or have the instrument checked (does the problem go away with a different instrument?) Use a competely different place to test your set-up (not the same house you're currently using). Hope this helps.

I'm pretty sure that early status and strata basses used KA pups (humbuckers). They all sound great. Wil

If it wasn't for open strings, some of the 4-string funkateers out there would've been in serious trouble (especially the low E).

I haven't tried any EUB's other than the NS CR4, and with the right type of strings it can sound very close to an amplified DB. As the majority of EUB's don't have an acoustic body, you're relying on the piezo pickup system and the sound will be governed by type of strings, action and more importantly how you play the instrument. If you set the action closer to that of a DB, use DB type strings and play it like a DB you're going to get as near to a DB type sound as possible. Hope this helps Regards, Wil

I believe it's made by Zeller to Stentor specifications. The new price could be in the region of £1000. Google Zeller and see what you get. Looks very tidy and clean. Well worth a punt. 09