Skin Lewis

From 2008, as a 55 year old whippersnapper

Pointy bass, pointy, pointy. Anoint my ears, anointy nointy. Nice find, enjoy.

Recently semi retired at 70, I've had a lifelong career in music as a freelancer since the early seventies, working in most areas of the industry, variously as backline tech, truck driver, tour manager, production manager, studio owner, producer, educator, bass player and singer. No degree or other qualifications, they weren't available back then. It's had its lean times, but also a few bonanza years, which ultimately paid for my house. It's a big leap of faith, but if you're committed, good at what you do, reliable, roadworthy, and good at networking, there's a fulfilling, interesting and varied freelance career to be had if you're prepared to recognise opportunities and take them.

I'm the one with the bass guitar.........

I had one for a couple of years, a '98 JDM in gunmetal blue after playing a '62 reissue MIJ for 25 years. The Aerodyne was ok in most respects, but I never really bonded with it. Sorry for the TLAs.

I had the pleasure of being road crew for the European leg of Tina's 1990 Foreign Affair "farewell" tour (first of many farewell tours....). She was a wonderful woman, caring, kind and appreciative, a joy to work for. And such a pro. 100% every night, vocally perfect, full energy. She used to, with a wink, fine the band members $5 if they messed up, she never missed a trick. Band leader and MD was the late John Miles, another complete professional and a lovely bloke. Bass player was Bob Feit, great solid player. Tina's band was also Joe Cocker's too through the 90s, since they were both managed by Roger Davies. Tina was a proper star, exceptional in every way.

I'd chop off our keyboard player's left hand.......

I have spare copies of 1.4 you can have. Whether they're still working I have no idea. PM me.

Familiar. I bought my Elf as a backup for my MB, and having needed to use it a couple of times, it's now my main amp for smaller gigs. Responsive and punchy, sounds great.

I've currently got TI flats on my Jazz, and they suit it very well. Kind of halfway between rounds and the Labella LTFs I had on before, regarding brightness.

Here's a nice solo from his Vertical Horizon days:

I had a CS Sean Hurley signature P with the mute and Labella LTFs, and a Noble preamp as used in that video, and it sounded fairly close to that sound. But a lot of the tone comes from Hurley's light touch and the economical way he frets with his left hand.

Will do.

Sorry about that 😀 I dithered for many weeks too. Glad I went for it.

I've deciphered the serial number, and it was made in Feb 2003 by Peerless Korea.

I'd like it better if I could find a black pickup and surround, as fitted to the 20th anniversary, but they're almost impossible to find.

Bought a gold Epiphone Jack Casady 6 weeks ago from a local Basschatter. Needed a few things doing to it to make it suitable for me, and now it's ready to gig. First job was to turn the (asymmetrical) pickup the right way round. Next job was a full setup, but the standard bridge wasn't adjustable enough for saddle height. Luckily the classifieds here provided a new unopened Babicz bridge for it, at a considerable amount less than the new price. Fitted that, all good. A tiny bit of weight saving too. Changed the gold knobs for some black ones off an Epiphone Thunderbird to match the bridge and tuners. Removed the unnecessary pick guard (looks nicer I think). Main problem was the neck dive and balance - it matters a lot to me as I'm old and have a wrecked shoulder, so I fitted a set of black Gotoh Resolites. It's made all the difference, the standard tuners weigh in at 92g each, the Gotohs are 32g each, so a total saving of 240g on the headstock. A fresh set of Labella LTFs, and it's good to go. Lovely bass, nice neck, sounds wonderful, and records very well.

It's the online buying that's a bit hit and miss, not the company itself. I've been there in person, tried basses, bought them, and had a very pleasant experience. Buying online: not so much. BD is a great resource. Meanwhile, my advice is phone or email to check stock before ordering anything.