leonshelley01

I got rid of my '71 short scale about a year back, but unfortunately it still rings in my ears on a regular basis. It's very loud and trebly with a tendency to snap. However I'm sure that if the body, neck and hardware were replaced, she would be perfectly serviceable.

When I replaced my MIM's pickups with SD Hots, they slipped in fine with no need for routing/adjustments. Again, I went in for an MIA, but the MIM just felt nicer/smoother. I agree that the stock pups in the MIM need replacing as they are distinctly underpowered and lacking in tone, but that is easily and quickly fixed. Bottom line is go in and try as many as possible until you find the one that feels the most comfortable to YOU.

My two penneth: Led Zeppelin II - JPJ's finest hour Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik - when Flea was still allowed to play! Weather Report - Heavy Weather - A masterclass from Jaco Deep Purple - Machine Head - Great bass playing on one of the best rock albums ever Metallica - Kill 'Em All - Not just Anesthesia, just Seek and Destroy is an awesome song for metal bass

Great work! Useful for beginners and more experienced players as well.

I need a little help. I'm looking to upgrade from an Ibanez GSR200 to a MIM Fender, but I'm a little concerned about the shape of the Fender necks. Whilst I love the "thump" of a Precision, I suspect the neck will feel like a baseball bat in my hand after a while, whereas the Jazz is probably nearer to the neck shape I prefer. I have tried both in the local shop, but 10 minutes noodling sitting down won't give me an idea of what it is like playing a 2 hour rehearsal. I tend to play classic/hard rock in the style of JPJ and Steve Harris. Any advice/thoughts gratefully recieved.

Started out on bass for about 4 years, then learnt guitar when I joined another band as a rhythm guitarist. Now (some 10 years later), I play bass in one band and lead/rhythm guitar in another. Interestingly though, when I'm writing new material I always start on the bass....

Unfortunately, a lack of cash has halted my GAS problem. On the other hand, it means I take far more time reading specs, reviews and trying stuff before I buy now. I used to lose money hand over fist trading guitars. When I upgrade from the GSR200 I'm using currently, I know exactly what I'm going to get: Fender MIM Jazz (or maybe an Ibanez SR500!).

I have quite large hands and still use a 1-2-4 when its convenient, even on an electric guitar. The one fret per finger is a rule that helps, but it is not set in stone. Find the method that is best for you, and as time passes and your fingers build up strength, you may find that your span increases anyway.

I got some shielding foil from ebay a few months ago. It's a very simple job to do yourself. Just remember to solder all the "patches" together to make it continuous and earth it.

I play guitar in an "originals" band (I also record the bass parts as I'm teaching our bass player) and bass in a covers band. Whilst I get a thrill out of performing stuff I've written, I'm under no pretension that we are going to "make it" in any real sense, but the satisfaction you get if people sing along or come up afterwards and say "I really liked that song" is immense. In the covers band, I get to let my hair down and enjoy myself. We change tempos, rhythms and even structures in order to fit our own playing styles. As a bass player, you can really let your imagination flow (unless the song relies heavily on the exising bass riff). In many ways, I'm playing for my own pleasure, rather than the audience. Playing covers also forces you to learn more styles, techniques etc. that you can utilise in your own writing. Both types of band are equally valid, and the most important thing is to be out there playing with other musicians rather than be a bedroom bassist.

Lady Madonna is a good walking "taster" as well. Walking bass another area I'm looking at to break me out of the pentatonic box groove that I seem to play on just about everything. It's also a great way of linking different sections together.

Hi! I'm looking to get an inexpensive combo for rehearsals and small gigs. Currently I use a Zoom B2 to DI into the band's PA (which works great), but as and when I move on I may be in a band with no PA, so I'll need an amp. I've narrowed it down (mostly through price £200-£250) to the Laney RB4 and Ashdown EB180-12. Both would seem to be powerful enough to rehearse (mostly rock) and play small gigs. Has anyone used either of these two amps or can recommend anything else in the same price range? Cheers

As many people have said, a lot of this is down to open discussion, honesty and compromise. For many years, I would just go along with whatever my wife wanted or suggested. Then, about two years ago, I put my foot down and stated my case. Now happily divorced (both of us are now good friends), I realise that you need to do this from day one. It's all about honesty, folks, saying how you feel and what you think and why you need a shiny, new bass without fear. That way you don't need to be sneaky ("..but this Fender Jazz Bass was only £12.50 at Cash Converters" never works).

Been playing on and off (mostly off) for 16 years. Recently been playing electric guitar for a couple of bands, but decided wanted to play more bass so I joined another! Always used to play with a pick, but recently been practising with the old digits (much prefer the tone). Main influences are JPJ and Steve Harris. Only rarely escape the pentatonic box, but now determined to play well, rather than adequately, so more practice for me!

I use one myself. Very fast, fluid neck with versatile electronics. In my opinion, the best sub £200 bass on the market. Always remember though that it is a cheap bass, so don't expect it to sound like a Jazz, Precision etc., it has a good "generic" tone.

Currently using an Ibanez GSR200 (love that neck), but will be upgrading this year to a proper Soundgear.

Hi All, After too many years being forced to play 6 strings (and thin ones at that) in bands, I have recently decided to come back to my instrument of choice and joined a band playing bass again, and I'm loving it. It makes playing a joy again! Due to a terminal lack of cash, I am currently using an Ibanez GSR200 through a Zoom B2 unit into the bands PA which works surprisingly well. Looking to upgrade during the next 12 months to a Fender MIM Jazz or Ibanez SR500 (I like thinnish necks) into an Ashdown EB 12-180 combo. Speak to y'all later!