TRBboy

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1316941800' post='1384488']Mmmmmmm - - did this back in August [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/149356-the-best-p-bass-ive-seen-for-a-long-time/"]http://basschat.co.u...or-a-long-time/[/url][/quote] Apologies, didn't realise it had been done already! I know it's very simple folks, but that's what I like about it personally. I'm not really a coffee table sort of guy, and I like that this just looks like an out and out rock machine! I do think the price is absurd for what it is though! It's got me thinking about doing a '51 P type of project but with a MM 'bucker and active eq.... Don't know what would be the cheapest way to do it though?

You'd be surprised how many people who work in instrument retail do not have a clue what they're talking about half the time, and don't know how to set guitars and basses up! I worked in instrument retail for quite a few years, and saw a lot of this. The basses are more likely to get neglected because unless the shop has a bass player working there, the guitars get all the attention from the staff (guitarists), most of whom also think that basses are just awkward to play regardless of what you do to them. Profitability is definitely a factor, and I'm glad I got out of retail when I did. I think the usual profit margin was about 35% if you sold at full RRP (never!) and when VAT was 17.5%. Instrument retail has about the lowest mark-up in the retail industry. It was quite common for people to come in asking if we could match an internet price which was actually lower than the trade price that we could buy the instrument at! This is unfortunately why we are slowly losing music shops, and I'm sure there will come a time in the not too distant future when there is nowhere to try instruments out, and you can only buy online. That said, I always used to make sure all the guitars and basses were well set up and played as nicely as they could; you are trying to sell them after all! Besides which, I would've felt embarrassed if a customer pointed out that a guitar in my shop played like a box of veal! The answer to the dull strings issue is that it's much cheaper to give them a quick wipe with fast fret and a cloth after someone's tried a guitar than change the strings quite so often. EDIT: Ha ha, damn predictive text! "box of veal" was supposed to be "box of crap"!

[quote name='Ian Savage' timestamp='1316897682' post='1384286']I'm moving back towards Central Brum next week (Moseley), could look around for a boozer that'd have us if people fancy it, say, in November (no point being to close to tomorrow's Stratford get-together!)? The famed Jug of Ale is apparently still going, could enquire if they'd have us for an afternoon pre-gig (I also promote, so could do a one-two punch of a BassChat get-together followed by a gig...)[/quote] Sounds like it might be worth looking into; I'm sure in or around Brum would be best for everyone for accessibility. Is it worth looking at community halls and stuff?

I could find somewhere in Herefordshire I'm sure, but I dunno if it's a bit out the way for everyone? It's about 45 minutes from Worcester or Gloucester and about 1hr 15min from Brum (sensible times!).

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1316861494' post='1383746']The problem we had last time was finding a suitable venue - anyone with ideas is welcome to put them forward ! I think we'll have plenty of interest .[/quote] I could give the NEC a ring ;-)

Spotted this in a GAK newsletter email; [url="http://products.fendercustomshop.com/en-GB/products/search.php?partno=1510008806"]http://products.fendercustomshop.com/en-GB/products/search.php?partno=1510008806[/url] I think it looks awesome, but at £2799 there's no chance for me! Besides, I could buy about about 6 used Sandbergs for that!

I would try ringing JHS (John Hornby Skewes) who distribute Encore and see if they can be any help. Looks like they do a shorter scale model: [url="http://www.jhs.co.uk/encorebass.html"]http://www.jhs.co.uk/encorebass.html[/url]

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1316809961' post='1383348'] Steady on dude, I know I've recently lost my gf, but that doesn't mean I am going to bat for the opposite team now... I consider myself retired now. haha[/quote] Ha ha! Maybe I should've said "love your style"! I know you're not getting the other bus into town, and I'm happily married so it's all okay! Seriously, should be a lovely instrument, although the waiting time seems to have gone up a bit! I think it was 10 - 12 weeks when I enquired a few months ago, although to be fair the aging probably adds a bit. Have you stuck with Delano pickups or gone for Haussel? Any other specs or are you not willing to divulge? I look forward to seeing the pics and review!

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1316787243' post='1382929']Breaking news, four months wait for a bespoke order on a Sandberg VM5 maple fingerboard medium aged, block inlays. Deposit of 10% paid (£180) ordered this morning by this time next months I'll be able to pay the balance[/quote] Ha ha! Love you GW! Wish I could just order a custom bass like that! Well, another member of the congregation, maybe we need to do a Sandberg porn thread once you've got yours!

[quote name='JMT3781' timestamp='1316762334' post='1382398'] Whereabouts in the midlands are you bud? i can point you to a few jam nights where you can do such things [/quote] I'm in Hereford, so about as far west as you can get! Are there regular, smaller gatherings of bass players are there?

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1316731702' post='1382247'] They aren't very pretty IMO, and you know what people are like on here, if it doesn't look like a Fender or a Ricky, they don't know what to make of it. Anyway, I have decided to go back to Warwick. Hearing 51m0n's mixes of the new Kit Richardson EP this week, I have fallen in love with my own bass tones I need a Warwick again![/quote] I hear what you're saying brother! Glad you've figured out what makes you happy anyway (until the next GAS attack!).

[quote name='JMT3781' timestamp='1316727179' post='1382160']theres been talk of one in sutton coldfield, didn't come to anything though[/quote] I guess I don't even know how it works or what goes on exactly at a Bass Bash, but I like the idea of meeting fellow BCers, chatting bass, and trying some gear i've never tried!

(Original post hijacked by Machines) [b][size=5]NOW BOOKED ! [/size][/b] [color=#ff0000][size=5][b]SUNDAY 27th NOVEMBER - 1PM-6PM[/b] ![/size][/color] [size=5]ASYLUM2 (UPSTAIRS BAR)[/size] [size=5]MADHOUSE STUDIOS[/size] [size=5]BIRMINGHAM[/size] [size=5]B19 3LS[/size] [url="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?q=madhouse+studio&hl=en&cid=3303684660182473455"]http://maps.google.c...684660182473455[/url] Confirmed people / gear: [b]Ian Savage[/b] Hartke 5000, Marshall 7015 [b]yorick[/b] Orange Terror bass head, SP210 cab, Ampeg PF350 head [b]TRBboy[/b] Sandberg Basic 4, Sandberg California PM4, Yamaha RBX270, Markbass CMD102P / Traveller 151P [b]Machines[/b] G&L L2000, Overwater Contemporary J, Yamaha RBX775F, Ashdown ABM300 + MAG210 [b]seashell[/b] Fender Precision [b]nugget[/b] Thinline 5 string P bass (if finished !) SWR220 head and Schroeder 212L [b]MikanHanille[/b] Musicman Stingray [b]nibody[/b] Squier VM Jazz, Epiphone Thunderbird Ampeg BA115 [b]Caerphilee[/b] [b]* dunetune_jazz [/b] [b]* tonyf[/b] [b]* tauzero[/b] [b]* birdy[/b] * = Hope to come but not sure till nearer the time !

[quote name='longtimefred' timestamp='1316725840' post='1382085']Loving this thread and all the sandberg love going around. To praise them again, i sold my Ray5 for mine and it's the best move I made. I want another PM4 or whatever they are called now, but in Matt White with black plate! Mmmmm[/quote] Mmmmmm that would he sweeeeet! You'd have like yin and Yang basses! It is good that there's so much Sandberg love going around, but I just wish there was a bit more appreciation for the Basics!

Hey guys, might be interested in coming along (if I can find the time!). I guess this might be the closest bash to me? I live in Herefordshire. Does everyone bring an amp or not? I can bring mine if needs be. What time does it start and finish? Sorry for all the questions!

Model J and Ultra Jazz; I have owned and loved both (got Model P/J in my RBX actually) and they are the best pickups i've ever used. They both have plenty of guts, punch, and presence, although I would say the Model Js are more what you're after. They are a little more traditional sounding, although obviously still very ballsy and absolutely silent. The Ultra Jazz are hotter (a proper punch in the guts!) and have more top end. I believe that the Model Ps and Js were the some of the first "off the shelf" Fender replacement pickups available , and apparently they haven't really changed.

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1316596187' post='1380027'] Here's another one on eBay [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sandberg-California-Umbo-Handmade-Electric-Jazz-Bass-Guitar-/180726616540?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item2a142551dc"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item2a142551dc[/url] [/quote] Good value again for a quality handmade bass, not my cup of tea though. Be sure to let me know if you spot any nice Basics or Ken Taylors going cheap though! "the finish is designed to become worn" - I'm sure the paint isn't designed to chip off!

Ha ha! Check out the last line of the info! [url="http://www.musik-schmidt.de/gb-Sandberg-California-VS-4-Masterpiece-RW-Creme-B-STOCK-.html"]http://www.musik-schmidt.de/gb-Sandberg-California-VS-4-Masterpiece-RW-Creme-B-STOCK-.html[/url]

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1316547913' post='1379598'] Christ, there's a blue one on ebay for £700. [/quote] Hmmm........ I don't think there's anything wrong with this one, but it's been re-listed again and again for the last few months. I think it belongs (or belonged) to a store in Bristol which has closed down but is still trading online. Provided there's nothing wrong with that Gumtree one, it really is a stonking buy for someone, even worth taking a punt on if you're not 100% sure, you'd easily get your money back! It looked really nice in the pic the guy text to me. Seriously, what else could you buy for £400 that would come close?! AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!! SOMEONE BUY IT!!!! WE CAN BE SANDBERG TWINS!!!!! I think I'm losing the plot.................

I got a bit tempted yesterday and contacted the bloke on Gumtree about his Basic......... thankfully it's identical to mine, so I'm not interested! I know it may not be what Silddx is after, but that bass is a seriously good buy for someone at £400! He sent me a pic and it does look in VGC and has a nice grain pattern. [quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1316514136' post='1378929'] Right there with you on this. I'm looking forward to airing my Basic PM for the first time in ages tonight. [/quote] Hmmmm....... I've just been eyeing up a Ken Taylor in Virgin White high gloss again....... just when I thought I was GAS free!

[quote name='wombatboter' timestamp='1316449877' post='1378147']I think Sandberg basses are just amazing..I've had around 120 basses in my life (from Status to Alembic, from Fodera to vintage Fenders). I've sold nearly everything and I have around five basses left (a good fretless, a five-string, a nice P bass, my Wal and my Sandberg). I'm even thinking about selling my Wal since I enjoy playing my Sandberg more. The sounds are so versatile, remind me of a great Jazz-bass, a nice Ken Smith, a smooth Stingray... Tastes differ but it beats every Fender I have owned, even my '66 Jazz.. I paid 800 euros for this one second hand, it keeps on inspiring me.. [/quote] that is lovely! I've always wanted to try a Sandberg with two 'buckers, but I've never come across one in the flesh yet. I'd love to try a Basic Ken Taylor, and if I had the money I would probably have one made with the pickups moved forward a little. Very nice bass dude, I thought I was completely GAS free 'til I saw that!

I can appreciate it for what it is but BLEURGH! not for me thanks!

No, there's no point, but if you've got the money and the inclination then why not! Music-schmidt have got a masterbuilt Sandberg VS (p pickup only) for less than half price, it's like €989 instead of over €2000 or something! Depends whether you like the whole "reliced" thing or not really. Not that I'm always banging on about Sandbergs or anything........

Just realised that I seem to have become BC's resident Sandberg evangelist!