Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

bassist_lewis

⭐Supporting Member⭐
  • Posts

    743
  • Joined

  • Last visited

About bassist_lewis

  • Birthday 04/05/1989

Recent Profile Visitors

The recent visitors block is disabled and is not being shown to other users.

bassist_lewis's Achievements

Mentor

Mentor (12/14)

  • Basschat Hero Rare
  • Great Content Rare

Recent Badges

540

Total Watts

  1. Not sure where you're based but you can get short scale D'Addario Nickels here: https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/collections/bass-guitar-string-sets/products/daddario-exl170s-nickel-wound-45-100-bass-guitar-strings-short-scale?_pos=4&_fid=8a1319f85&_ss=c Finding the right strings can take a lot of time, experimentation and money, but it is worth figuring out what gauge, construction and material you like. Strings Direct is probably has the most options, though bass Direct has a decent selection. Personally, my favourite strings are (currently) Dunlop steel flats (haven't tried their rounds yet).
  2. Update on the E string intonation: I swapped it for a spare Dunlop flat I had lying around and intonation (and tone) are markedly improved! Maybe that's why they're so expensive!
  3. I've been the proud owner of a Serek MW2 5-string and a Wilcock Malarkey 4 for about a week now, so I can finally answer this question. I'll outline the similarities and differences, though ultimately I don't think anyone could go wrong with either. First off, build quality is top notch on both (another user commented on sharp edges on the Wilcock but Viv seems to have addressed this). No high frets, no sharp edges, no gaps at the neck join (Serek is a set neck). The necks, aside from being a 4- and 5-string, are quite different. the Serek is a much deeper C-shape (don't know about the MW 4s), while the Wilcock is just a bit shallower than my JMJ, but doesn't feel like a toy. The Serek pickups are louder, which is to be expected from Nordstrands, but input gains on amps are a thing. I've found that the Serek can get a very low action with out any 'snap' (I prefer a medium action, so my 'low' may be higher than yours), while the Wilcock will get that 'snap' more easily. My only gripe about the Wilcock is I can't get the E string intonated perfectly (its 20-30 cents out), so I'm going to replace the screw in the bridge saddle. I don't think anyone would be disappointed with the quality of either instrument, the only thing that will push you one way or another is your personal preference. You can easily try a Wilcock at the Bass Gallery (that's where I first played one), Sereks aren't as easy to try out, though not impossible.
  4. These are really beautiful and solidly built boards. People always comment on it whenever I take it out gigging. Lots of space for pedals on the top deck and underneath (see pics/specs below), and comes with loop-side velcro attached. Selling as I'm downsizing to a smaller setup. The board has three Connector Box 'holes' that are very easy to swap over. Currently it only has jack and XLR outs (I plugged straight into a tuner), but you can get other modules from the Schmidt Array site. Sale includes the lid (stickers will be removed before posting), light and gig bag. Specs: 350 mm wide hybrid "flat top" / two level pedalboard • the upper deck is 105mm deeper than our standard decks and therefore has space for two rows of pedals. It is mounted on locking hinges, so it remains in the vertical position when opened and has ball latches underneath to lock it in the closed position when down • the front area is prepared for you to install various different switching systems. • the angle of the upper deck is ergonomically designed for foot switching comfort • the inner area also has space for power supplies and pedals • top deck and the inside floor are finished with high quality Velcro • the side panels are finished with rubber to grip the stage and also to act as protection and Lid location • Supplied with 1 x IEC power socket (male outside/female inside) Pick up from Edinburgh would be ideal, but can meet up at a reasonable distance. Delivery to mainland UK and Europe is £60.
  5. Played my first Wilcock over 2 years ago and finally placed an order last year. Arrived today. Its awesome! Only had a short noodle on it but its sounds killer, love the 'bridge' pickup, getting used the mudbucker, but overall it plays great and its PINK!
  6. I played a support slot in Nice 'n' Sleazy's in Glasgow for some London band. Their gear was absolutely insane. Guitarist had a Suhr stack (never seen one before or since), keyboardist had 2 Nords, full in-ear rack system. The place was just about empty apart from our singer's 5 pals. Anyway, the other band turned out to be Rag 'n' Bone Man. I also supported Candi Statton at that boat venue in Glasgow.
  7. I got a message from this exact user on my last 3 listings within an hour of them going live. The request to complete the transaction off the site is a dead giveaway.
  8. That was the one factor I missed: your own ears!
  9. I have a 30" scale Serek Midwestern 5 and the low B is great, possibly the best I've had, and I've owned 34 and 35" basses. Before I got ym first short scale 5er (Callowhill) I did a LOT of research into scale length and the effect it has on the quality of a low B. The bottom line is that scale length is only one of several factors that contribute to a great sounding B string. The overall construction of the bass - neck material/dimensions, how it's built (1/2/3/5 piece etc), the quality of the neck joint and even just the properties of the piece(s) of wood used - all have an impact on the sound. I believe Jake Serek gets two bits of flat sawn wood and glues them together in such a way as to create the same effect and stability of quarter sawn. In the past Alan at ACG has used carbon inserts to add stiffness to his short scale 5er necks. The string you use will also make a difference, but there don't seem to be hard and fast rules as to what strings work best, though a lot of players are finding that a lower gauge is (counter-intuitively) better. Electronics have some impact, but they will just enhance what is already there. They won't compensate for a bad B. What I did find interesting was a story from Spencer Lull (I think) of Mike Lull bass/guitars on a the SBL podcast (somewhere on YT). They once built a 34" scale 5 string bass and the B was awful. No one understood exactly why, but it wasn't good enough to sell, so they just rebuilt it (poor buyer was made to wait!). My takeaway is that every builder has their methods of getting a good B, regardless of what scale length they work with, but even then there's an element of chance/magic/je ne sais quoi when it comes to getting a great B. Hope that helps!
  10. What are those along the top??? I'll be uploading my shelf pic imminently
  11. Love me a Jive, and the new paint work (have to resist buying every time I see one)
×
×
  • Create New...