Jakester

Well, I managed to get some sort of answer anyway - I was able to speak with someone and they advised that the “reason” the feedback had been removed was that it referenced a ‘dispute’, which is apparently a breach of feedback policies (though when I asked how I could find that policy, they couldn’t point me to it). However, they also reviewed the email correspondence exchange and agreed the seller’s tone was inappropriate and threatening, so advised they would put the account under review for sanctioning. As others have said, it seems entirely pointless to have a system that can be so easily manipulated, but at least I was able to get an answer relatively quickly. To be honest, I’ve been using eBay pretty much since it started properly on and off - and yes, it is full of Richards, scammers etc but it does provide incomparable exposure for sellers and a broad range of choice for buyers. I think you just have to factor in the aforementioned Richard factor.

A very random question here - I've just had a rather unpleasant experience with a seller on eBay. It was a poor transaction - he ignored messages asking about dispatch and then got all huffy when I opened a dispute. Anyway, I've just had some messages from him demanding I remove the negative (but factually accurate) feedback. I declined - as it was factually accurate! Anyway, it's now gone - I received a message from eBay asking me to amend it, but I declined - I ticked the box saying it was accurate. Can you appeal against the removal of that feedback? It was entirely valid, I can show the emails and the dispute evidence etc. <rhetorical> What's the point of a feedback system that can be arbitrarily amended if one party doesn't like it? </rhetorical>

Thanks very much, some great tips there.

I have just taken delivery of a Behringer XR18. Aside from getting an external router if I want to use the WiFi at a venue, what else is essential for me to know? I’m planning on using it as a recording interface into Reaper, and for live use. I’ve downloaded the x-air app on my MacBook to set it up - any great sources of tips, tricks etc? It’s going to be flightcased with a feedback destroyer for the times we use floor monitors in a couple of dodgy venues (hoping to persuade everyone to go to IEMs but early days so far).

Buy it a drink first?

I did exactly this the week before last. Met up with three other randoms with a view to jamming together. As it transpired, the jam revealed that they were looking to go down an originals route rather than covers as I was. However, it was worthwhile not least because I got out and played stuff I wouldn’t normally have done (though the 10 minute jam on blues in C wasn’t my highlight of the evening!) but also it helped me focus on what I did want to be playing. I politely messaged them afterwards to explain and we all parted amicably. I was introduced to some music I’d never heard before, got to play with new people and (largely) had fun. What’s not to like?

Yep, I did consider those too. Maybe next time!

Following with interest as I haven’t yet sent to Real as it’s been in use. I’m expecting repair costs to be high, so if someone else might be cheaper, I’d love to know!

Ended up with the Sunbeams in the end as a good price on Amazon for a 5-string set. Happy so far, a bit toppy straight away but a bit of foam under the bridge temporarily calmed that, and after one 3hr jam and a couple of home practices, they’re bedding in nicely.

Blocked.

Ah, I know someone who would be good for this, but he’s in North Devon unfortunately!

Godin A5 fretless? http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Godin_A5_Fretted_fretless.html

If it’s tolex, wiping down with antibacterial spray helps to prevent it coming back.

I have a ‘mancave’ which I store my gear in. Initially it was suffering damp ingress so lots of gear got ruined. I’ve since had it tanked but it’s still having issues with condensation hence mould and mildew, so next step is a dehumidifier. One issue (documented elsewhere on here) is that my amp doesn’t like being brought in from the cold so has to be ‘prewarmed’ before use, otherwise it cuts out. I think that goes the same for lots of electronics - if they’re taken into a warm room from very cold you can get condensation which can cause shorts - I used to play with a keys player who stored his keyboard in his car and it died at a gig for precisely that reason.

I’ve just put new strings on one of my basses and to counteract the ‘new string zing’ I just put a bit of foam under the strings at the bridge. Not a huge piece, just lightly touching. It just takes off that top end until the string have been played in a bit.

Nice. Currently weighing up the cost of a repair to my MB head as against getting a new cheapo amp to use as a power amp and wondered if there was a MB pre to get the sound. Watching with interest...

I recently picked up a new (to me) bass which has a natural finish presumably using a poly lacquer. It’s had a hard life but most of the dings etc don’t bother me. However, last night as I lifted it out of its case and over some obstructions I managed to clatter the top horn on the corner edge of a stone fireplace, putting a big dent into it. The wood has been compressed and the lacquer cracked. It’s annoying me because it’s right in front of me every time I play the bass, and it’s the first big ding I’ve done to this instrument. In the past I’ve had some success in steaming dents out of furniture, but would that work here? Would I need to remove the cracked bits of finish first? If so, what could I use to refinish it? Clear nail polish? Superglue? Or should I just chalk it up to hamfistedness and resolve to be more careful?

I’m looking at getting an XR18 imminently and of the user reviews I’ve seen, there is a fair amount of praise for the mic pre’s.

Sorry, ignore me - was asking about payment but saw it was bank transfer.