Billy Apple

[quote name='fender73' post='1370260' date='Sep 12 2011, 11:48 AM']Loving some on the ACG site[/quote] +1. Finding them easier on the eye than the Sei

[quote name='lemmywinks' post='1369799' date='Sep 11 2011, 08:17 PM']Isn't that a singlecut in your avatar and sig? [/quote] Erm, Yes, from what I'm learning that appears to be the case.... He scores on a technicality!

[quote name='Chris2112' post='1369597' date='Sep 11 2011, 05:19 PM']If you look at the bass Peter posted above (which I now own), thats a great example of how good a singlecut can be. It's not heavy. My Zoot bass is heavier, when on paper it shouldn't be, as they both have mahogany bodies but the Zoot has a carbon fibre neck! Often it's not so much an issue of weight as it is balance, and this ACG here balances perfectly. The body appears slightly elongated when you look at it when it isn't strapped on. In practice, this results in the bass sitting in a very ergonomically friendly position. Out of my three current basses it is the most comfortable to play for long periods. As for the neck access issue, it's not a problem. You soon adapt to having your thumb in the correct place even if you've hung your thumb over the neck for years. Does it make a difference to the tone? I'm not sure as this is the only ACG bass I've really played. Surely it must do though. It looks great, sounds great, plays great and thus I'm sold on singlecuts!* *In truth though, I've always had a soft spot for them.[/quote] PARP! Sorry, Singlecut GAS!

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='1369542' date='Sep 11 2011, 04:30 PM']... I think ACG make the nicest looking single cuts too But hey I'm biased - I sold this to Chris as I play a five nowadays Peter[/quote] Very nice. I'll check out ACG, thanks.

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='1369506' date='Sep 11 2011, 04:00 PM']Absolutely! And the neck/body rigidity is increased if that's an issue for you.[/quote] Is that the reasoning behind the design then? What kind of an improvement would increasing body rigidity give? Anyone with any experience owning them, they look like they could be quite weighty, is this an issue?

Hi All, I've been coming across Single-cut Basses on my travels. I find them strangely attractive, but doesn't this style prevent upper neck access? Are they for a particular playing style, or are they just a design exercise?

[quote name='Clarky' post='1368085' date='Sep 9 2011, 09:14 PM']Voila [url="https://axeglove.3dcartstores.com/mobile/home.asp?#homeSubCat_7_1"]https://axeglove.3dcartstores.com/mobile/ho...#homeSubCat_7_1[/url][/quote] Condom japes aside, that's a good idea, I reckon.

[quote name='KingBollock' post='1354935' date='Aug 29 2011, 03:07 AM']All of the local tackle shops that do sea fishing stuff sell them, so I would imagine they're legal. I don't know if there's a technicality or a by-law banning their use though.[/quote] It's not the worm that is illegal to use, but different beaches have different by-laws concerning digging. Did a bit search, and it varies from county to county.

[quote name='fender73' post='1368013' date='Sep 9 2011, 08:12 PM']Given the above post, surely this thread has run it's course and should be locked. It seems unfair that it stays at the top of this board (yes i KNOW my post will put it there again) but a point has been raised and discussed, and in my opinion should be closed.[/quote] Fair-Do's. Never done it tho... How does one go on about locking a topic?

[quote name='Gust0o' post='1367511' date='Sep 9 2011, 12:19 PM']I was mulling this over - but do we not need to be a little bit honest with ourselves when we approach these shops? I mean, it's alright saying "well, I could have bought it - and everything else on the wall with it"; good for you. And it's right that you should try before you buy. But, on the day, were you actually buying? And I don't mean the in the process of handing over the cash; but the whole decision-making process that goes with it. I've slated shops for poor service before - and we should slate poor service. It's unacceptable. But we should also be honest about what we're about - otherwise we're in the same camp as so many others, who head in, expect to try gear, and have no intention of putting any business their way.[/quote] My 'Could have bought it..' comment was me being a little flippant, and I was upset at the time. I would shudder to think of myself being so vulgar buying stuff just 'cos it's pricey. I think once you get over a certain price threshold the process becomes one of the heart, and the cost less relevant. I'm very choosy, and have surprisingly little gear. It's hard to say whether I would have bought it on the day, as that would have taken a combination of factors that were not present on that afternoon. Yes, I could have spanked the credit card, but I would've thought a couple of visits more likely. But, yes, I was undergoing a buying decision making process. Anyway, I feel like I've rinsed out my thoughts on this one. I have to reiterate, the only reason I posted this in the first place was my surprise, considering many many BC'ers positive comments about the Bass Gallery. I would hope any prospective BG visitors read this post through in its entirety and see the huge amount of more than satisfied customers they have. Also, Alex has commented on this thread which takes back-bone and is a decent thing to do. I have reassessed my position, and admit that phoning ahead would have been a good idea. As to my thread title, Disappointed, yes. First and last visit? I'm not so sure.

[quote name='fingerz' post='1367369' date='Sep 9 2011, 10:16 AM']But did you like the bass?! You describe falling in love with something and wanting it..[/quote] I've said earlier that the shine wore off the moment, and I lost the impetus. I certainly don't think that I deserve a lot of attention, and it's not about the money, at the time I felt like I was somewhat invisible. Buying something like a Wal is an emotional purchase to me, and one which I would like to feel positive about. But, in fairness to Alex, he has come on the thread, given his point of view, and offered an apology, which goes a long way in my book.

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1364950' date='Sep 7 2011, 09:13 AM']+1 Last practice I was playing Swords of a Thousand Men, by Ten pole Tudor, which is primarily on this note. The singer went out for a leak, and when he came back in, said "that note you`re playing rattles the windows in the bog". Very satisfying![/quote] Hey, I played Bass for that Ten Pole Bloke!

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='1365490' date='Sep 7 2011, 05:27 PM']He brought his own bass in. Can't remember what it was.[/quote] I think this chap is maybe Algis Kizys, who I saw playing for the Swans, on the 'Children of God' tour in 1988. The gig was at Newcastle's Riverside, and was without a doubt the loudest I've ever been too, and is legendary with Newcastle taxi drivers who took girls home who were crying from the sonic assault. Algis had an original playing style, from start to finish he punched and grappled his guitar until all four strings were left hanging off it at the end, and his hands were a bloody mess. All the while Michael Gira did forward rolls across the stage dressed only in a loin cloth. Without a doubt, a stand out gig of my life-time.

[quote name='JTUK' post='1364729' date='Sep 6 2011, 10:24 PM']If you can't do this advance call, then your intentions aren't that determined...surely..?[/quote] No, it's just the way I am, I work very long days, and often weekends. I had unplanned free-time from work, and was in London, so I just went over. Chances are, if I'd called any-other time, work would have changed things for me, so I'd end up not turning up and I dont like breaking appointments. I buy most stuff this way, look at the website first, and turn up if possible. If the Wal was not available, it would have still been an afternoon off work

[quote name='thegallery' post='1364706' date='Sep 6 2011, 10:05 PM']Hi people I take on board all the comments, and it's true I can come across as a tad surly from time to time, and it is inexcusable I agree There are a lot of time wasters and people who come to try gear, and then go and buy it cheaper on line. I do get a lot of people in like yourself billy, who say I've just come in for a look round, which is all well and fine, it's not a case of being deliberately unhelpful but if you had said, I've come to try the Wal i'm interested, then of course It's no problem at all. The bass does belong to a customer, and i did assure them that i would keep people trying it out to a minimum. To other people who have had a bad experience, all i can do is apologise, we are a small, busy operation and it's sometimes not easy to give people the time they deserve. alex[/quote] Hi Alex, Thanks for taking the time to post and for breaking cover. Yes, when I first came into the shop I said I was looking around, but the truth is I was looking for the Wal, and I like to keep my business to myself until I need to show my hand, so to speak. I waited for you to be free from dealing with all other people before I approached you, and actually waited for you to finish your calculating. I'm quite shy in these type of situations, a little like the post Clarky added. I have no idea who the Bass belongs too, but it's not an unreasonable assumption to believe it belongs to the Bass Gallery, and that you want to sell it. But, your opening gambit was very negative and made me feel like I was some kind of fraud. I'm sorry that you have people who come into your shop who waste your time, but I cannot be held accountable for the actions of others, and I feel like the cat who got kicked. But what surprised me was after you told me how expensive it was etc etc, you disappeared! I sat for a couple of minutes, stood for a little while, and then left. Had I offended you in any way, because I'm at a loss to understand? What I would have liked you to have done was to stay around and point out all the bits and bobs that I might not know myself. I thought at least you might have stayed around just to make sure I didn't scratch it of something. I'm just the same as anybody else, Alex, we all want to feel special in our buying experiences. There is a clear reason you have put a pic of yourself sitting on a Speed Triple on your site, because you look and feel great on it. Believe me, I know bikes, and know that feeling. I just wanted to feel the same way when you handed me that Wal. Anyway, no bones broken and water under the bridge. By the way, I hung the Wal back up very carefully, I hope this was evident when you returned Best Wishes

[quote name='bethnalgreen' post='1364717' date='Sep 6 2011, 10:15 PM']Anyone know how Jean-Jacques got that bass sound on the intro to "Hanging Around" ?[/quote] Think he does a load of hammer-on's down the neck. Saw him play it live a couple of times, and that's what it looked like to me, but didn't really sound like the record.

B on the A slightly muted with the palm on the bridge

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='1364635' date='Sep 6 2011, 09:13 PM']I am sorry that you have had a bad experience, I have nothing but good things to say about the Bass Gallery.......... ..........So if you pre-announce an interest by phone you might probably get the time you deserve. I know it shouldn't be like these but shop staff are having to deal with emo' and punks who just go in a store show of picking up loads of basses, do your head in with the crap they play and leave the store having not spent a penny. I would hate to be in that line of business.[/quote] Nice post, and taken on board. The only thing is, it would not cross my mind to phone a shop prior to calling. I've read a few threads about the Bass Gallery, and none (to the best of my knowledge) mentioned that it's best to phone first, and their site does not say by appointment only. My work situation means I travel around a lot, I found myself free, so got over there on the off-chance. I take the point about busy Saturdays and younger guys (which I was once), but I'm not an emo, and it was a quiet rainy old Tuesday. Anyway, lets not over egg the pudding here, I obviously got this guy on an off day, but it's a shame as first impressions last, as they say.

[quote name='jdizzle' post='1364519' date='Sep 6 2011, 07:56 PM']I've had nothing but good experiences when I've spoken to both Alex and John and especially Martin when I've gone there. I actually asked the very same question as the OP about trying the Wal a few weeks ago. Alex said they had been asked specifically by the owner of the Wal that they try and reduce the amount of people trying it. Since it was on commision, the guys at the Gallery had to try to accomadate what the seller wanted. Not an easy position for Alex to be in I'm sure as he's the one who has to decide who to let try out the bass.And granted he may not have approached the situation with the greatest amount of tact when speaking to the OP.[/quote] I'm feeling like I've had a bit of bad luck here, and certainly respect all comments. I think we have to take this in context with all other music stores. The service and attitude at most stores down on Denmark St is so negative, it's not worth posting, it's so ingrained. If this place was once the epicentre for the music world, well, those days are long gone. Apart from Wunjo, who are always cheery and eager for you to bang about on anything. I actually find the whole guitar shop experience somewhat intimidating and, as I've said was looking forward to my Bass Gallery visit, purely I have to add on BC'ers endorsements and recommendations. I'm still no further on with the Wal thing, cos the shine kind of wore off it, if you get my drift. But, I can't understand what the seller is expecting if the punters cant touch the goods? Sounds like a bit of a numpty to me. Maybe he just likes his stuff hanging in public to show off? Anyway, maybe in the non too distant future we can test out 'Virtual' Basses in stores, using Matrix style helmets and glove type things. Safe in the knowledge that we have bought a pristine, untouched and unblemished model. Only to get it home to bang the head on door when you turn around.

[quote name='silddx' post='1364509' date='Sep 6 2011, 07:49 PM']Martin is an absolute gent. He's done work for me which has been superb, and I recommended a friend go their to get sorted the mess Chandlers made of his 4001. He was knocked out by what Martin had done to it, he was over the moon. It even made me ever so slightly want a Ricky when I played it.[/quote] Well, that's a coincidence. Do you mean Chandlers in Kew? I was in there last month and they were very helpful and cheery indeed.

[quote name='geoffbassist' post='1364497' date='Sep 6 2011, 07:39 PM']My experience of the bass gallery has been fantastic. It's a shame they got it wrong this time.[/quote] Heard. And it is only fair to point out that my experience has been with one person, and as is clear there are a few more folk there.

[quote name='Mykesbass' post='1364431' date='Sep 6 2011, 07:05 PM']Interesting to see this as a former shop owner. There was a recent thread on here where several BC'ers stated they would not buy an instrument (at least not without it being sold cheaply as ex-demo) if it had been hanging up in a shop and the shop had the temerity to allow other people to play it. Yes, sounds like you had a bad experience, I was like Pete and always let people try stuff, but it seems either way the shop can't win![/quote] I can see the point with a brand new guitar, and you wanting it to have the cellophane on the scratch plate etc, but the Wal is second hand, and not pretending to be fresh out the box. I don't know any other way of buying a Bass, but what upset me was the assumption that me trying it would in some way end up damaging it. But, then he knicked off anyway.. Should've carved my initials in the back with my zip!

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='1364423' date='Sep 6 2011, 07:00 PM']This is the eternal dilemma music shops face. We often get kids wanting to try out expensive Gibsons etc, obviously because they want to know what the fuss is about and can also tell their mates they've tried one out. But does the shop risk a black finish Custom getting marked just to satisfy someone's curiosity? Then we have a guy that has been coming into our shop twice a week for two years just to have half an hour's practice on a Roland drum kit. Will he buy? Who knows? But in this case, I would say the shop was wrong to stop you trying that bass.[/quote] I completely agree, no-one wants stock damaged. To this end, I always remove my watch, rings etc, and roll my sleeves up when trying a Bass. I don't even stand in case my belt damages the back. After all, if I buy the guitar, I don't want her marked either. Plus I'm 44 yrs old, I don't think even with my ego I could pass for a teenager! All the guy had to say was to take extra care, and I would have agreed, but it was all so negative... 'No you can't...etc etc'

[quote name='silddx' post='1364388' date='Sep 6 2011, 06:30 PM']Pictures. Name that sales representative in one [url="http://www.thebassgallery.com/who.cfm"]http://www.thebassgallery.com/who.cfm[/url][/quote] Yes, bloke on the Speed Triple, although he's much smaller in real life.

[quote name='silddx' post='1364375' date='Sep 6 2011, 06:19 PM']Mmm. Did he have one of them daft bass clef tats on his hand? If so, that's Alex. The other guy is John who is the workshop guy along with Martin, I know it wasn't Martin who dealt with you. John and Alex haven't got the greatest of social skills, especially on the phone, but they are decent chaps. I can't really imagine either of them treating you like that, the first time I went in they let me try loads of gear, and the last time I was there it was the same. I don't know if you gave some sort of impression to them that made whoever it was behave like that. I have met some people on forums who jabber like a good un online but look like hell in real life and can't seem to get a sentence going EDIT: I don't mean I'm applying that extreme to you of course, billyapple.[/quote] I take your point about appearance, and we all judge others to a certain degree before we really know people. I also realise that music shops must get a fair amount of 'tyre-kickers', but to this end I always make a point of being polite and not overbearing. The nature of the location and entry into the 'Galley must filter out many time-wasters. I was let in, and all I said was 'Hello, is it OK to have a look around?' right up to asking to have a try on the Wal. I was sober, dressed in a fleece and jeans. I've three years training as an Actor at a premier British Drama School, plus seven years doing the biz, plus one year Teacher training, and much drama teaching experience, so I would hope at a push to be able to string a few sentences together. My experience surprises me, as fellow BC'ers are largely positive about the BG, and I must admit this is why it was all the more disappointing for me, cos I was really looking forward to going. Yes, bloke with tattoos. You know, I could have walked right out the shop with that Wal (and something in my other hand), and they would have been non the wiser. Lucky for them I'm an honest type.