Floyd Pepper

And out of all the rigs I’ve owned, this is also the first time two members of my band have asked if I’ve changed my kit (they don’t normally take much notice) as it sounds “really good tonight”.

Totally unplanned

After much trying out and research, I’ve finally sorted out my small rig. It’s unbelievable that this little lot ( Aguilar AG 700 and a Barefaced One 10) can produce the sounds that it does in such a lightweight package. Rehearsal tomorrow night should be fun!

I've waited until there was more public information but I was concerned to see Norman Watt Roy leave the stage mid-song last night at a Wilko gig looking rather unwell. According to messages from his technician this morning, it does appear that NWR had a suspected heart attack but is OK and recovering in hospital. If any one in the community has any connections with Norman, please pass on my best wishes and here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

I've been through acoustic basses over my time and always sell them because I never enjoy playing them (comfort, tone, string action, etc). However, I did pick up a T Bucket last year and it's been a very enjoyable bass to play. Took it out to do a busking gig the other day through a small PA and the tone (IMHO) was lovely

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1496434590' post='3311489'] Well I`ve not got one, but have read much about them (and nothing bad to date), and heard one last week and the tone was incredible, a Fender Rumble. You already use Fender amps, why not check out the Rumble, I was really impressed with the sound. [/quote] Well, I've been using my Fender Rumble V3 500 2x10 combo for quite a while now and I couldn't be happier. I've tried lots of combinations but a passive Jazz into this thing always delivers. I've also got a 2x10 extension cab if required but I've very rarely used it to be honest. Very lightweight - just plug in and play!

[quote name='cetera' timestamp='1496850197' post='3314298'] As it's my local shop I pop in there fairly frequently. I can tell you that they are only just beginning with their bass ventures..... They intend reorganising elements of the shop floor/separate rooms to add many more bass brands and increase the amount of bass equipment. They are well aware of the limitations their current bass room has (not least all the metal on the walls vibrating as soon as you hit a bass note) and are lookign at ways to reorganise displays/shop layout. I for one am thrilled that they're now stocking Spector, Darkglass etc and I'm looking forward to their new stock/displays/layout even if it takes months to organise.... [/quote] ...and I can't help notice that they have added Sire Basses to their website. Not in stock yet but somewhere to try before you buy is most welcome

My live (electric) setup looks something like this... Bass Centre 'Blockhead' Bass (strung with Elite Player strings) and a NS Design NXT4 Into a Boss LS-2 and a Boss TU-2 Into a Fender Rumble 500 2x10 Combo with a 2x10 extension cab And just for good measure, here's a quick pic (NXT4 and pedals out of shot)

I tried out a few Bass Collection basses the other day and I was really impressed with the quality, especially for the price. The ones I looked at were well made, a good weight and nicely finished. I use a different Bass Collection bass (Blockhead / NWR Signature Bass) and I'm more than happy with that and the Elite strings that came with it.

I think so. I've always found them a bit hit and miss due to the varied styles but I really enjoyed their last album. Very funky bass playing with a vintage Hofner Violin bass though. Actually on that point, also saw Stefan Redtenbacher with a Hofner violin and he gets pretty funky...not the most obvious choice of bass for this style but it seems to work.

Brooklyn Funk Essentials - For anybody in the London area on March 21st, I've just noticed the're playing the Jazz Cafe - thinking of paying this a visit myself.. http://youtu.be/mJ8zJWcgnro

I play both Double and electric bass and frequently change instruments during a set. They do have very different signal strengths and after a few years of trying Radial, a/b switches / boost pedals, I've settled on the Boss LS-2. I can set the input for each bass and then leave it - most sound guys love the fact that I take the problem away from them! I plug this into my Tu-3 tuner and then I've got an a/b switch, separate input signals, tuner and mute all in two pedals.

I feel like 2017 is the year of the Sadowsky......

I've been most years but has Norman Watt-Roy ever performed at LBGS? I'd be disappointed if I've missed it over the years and if not, it would be great to see him there one year

[quote name='grandad' timestamp='1481129931' post='3189919'] I'm curious about the SWB-1. What's your thoughts so far? [/quote] Initial thoughts are very good. Fairly well balanced for a SS, quite a punchy tone (I have the active mahogany) with quite a bit of tonal variety through the pickup selector and the bass/treble cut /boost. Personally, I prefer the treble rolled off quite a bit. I am a fan of the pickup selector switch which gives me instant tone change between songs. Having moved from a medium scale passive bass, I'm still getting used to the 18mm string spacing (although I can see this being helpful when I get used to it) and the heavier gauge strings as I usually play 100 - 40 rather than 106-44 that come with it.

Ida Neilsen performing and Anaconda bass exhibiting...it's a strong start

[quote name='Zummerbass' timestamp='1481055319' post='3189402'] As i'm still pondering the short/medium scale option this thread was rather timely. Great article posted by Grandad. Just got to find someone that stocks the damn things! [/quote] Where are you based? I've just picked up a Scott Whitley SWB-1 Standard from ebay and it is very impressive so it might be worth keeping an eye out for one of those. Also, there appears to be a very nice Atelier SS in the classifieds here

I'm just starting out playing a short scale. I'd be keen to hear from those that mix playing long (medium) / short scale instruments as after having played a 34" jazz bass for most of my years, it's taking some concentration to get used to playing short scale (muscle memory, string spacing, string tension and overall body / bass position (when playing standing up)) It's not that it's uncomfortable or impossible, its just that its unusual and I find myself concentrating harder (more tense) when playing. I guess it's like all things that the more you practice, the more you get used to it but I'd be keen to hear from anyone that went through this process - did you keep swapping between medium and short scale or just stick with the SS for a while?

This thread has got me looking through my old collection...Casiopea, Mezzoforte, Roy Ayers and Banda Black Rio! ...whilst listening to 'Is that Jazz' GSH

Couldn't agree more. I lived and breathed Jazz Funk growing up (and still do). Incognito (I didn't stop playing the Jazz Funk album when it first came out), Morissey Mullen, the early Level 42 stuff and not forgetting Donald Byrd "Places and Spaces' album.

I understand that the two guys that were running the workshop at Chandlers have set up in nearby Richmond to carry on the repairs, setup business. I'll try and dig out their details

One of my favorite bands. Excellent live and really enjoy watching Andy Champion on bass

Here's an eclectic combination...Clean Bandit at The Roundhouse (with the kids) next Monday followed by Nick Heyward a couple of weeks later and washed down with one of my favorites, Smoove & Turrell in December

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1476044198' post='3150821'] I went with the 'stealth' approach to my local acoustic OM. Turned up with a Bass Uke and a MarkBass 801 and after a few weeks then ditched the Bass Uke and took along an Electric (but semi acoustic) Bass namely a Warwick Star Bass. Have now got an Ibanez Artcore Bass which does not upset the purists...! Oh, and I stick Flatwounds on too. [/quote] This, I tried many an acoustic bass but didn't enjoy the gigs because I wasn't happy with the tone and basically, I didn't like playing with a deep acoustic body which I found very uncomfortable. When I wasn't using my EUB (option?), I then started taking my D'Angelico semi acoustic which looked the part, sounded great, felt comfortable and I started enjoying the gigs more.