rbatts2000

Ahh, it's the old 'change-key-to-suit-the-singer' routine. We've recently had to do this for Lola by the Kinks and I just can't get used to the lower key - it just sounds ba-a-ad! <----done in the style of Alan Partridge. :-)

[quote name='bubinga5' post='160202' date='Mar 19 2008, 12:30 PM']Hey everybody, just a quick one. What are the best range of bass tutorial dvds out there??[/quote] I know that this isn't a 'range' but the best tutorial DVD I have ever come across is Ed Friedland's Slap Bass (published by Hal Leonard). [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ed-Friedland-Slap-Ultimate-Guide/dp/B00008G90O"]Ed Friedland - Slap Bass[/url]

There are just too many cool Motown bass lines to come up with my absolute favourite, but the one rattling around my head after reading the suggestions above is 'For Once In My Life' by Stevie Wonder.

I always thought that people took up bass because: a: a translator between the drummer and the rest of the band was required. or b: it's easier to get a spot in a band.

[quote name='BigRedX' post='126086' date='Jan 23 2008, 01:53 PM']Don't forget that the customs and VAT is added to the price of the instrument [b]PLUS[/b] the shipping cost[/quote] Thankfully, the shipping cost would be £0 as I would be bringing it back with me on the plane.

Does anyone know how much VAT/Tax etc one would have to pay if they [i]did [/i] decide to declare the bass when returning to the country? Are there different rates for different values of bass guitar? I was thinking that even if I had to pay an additional 20% tax on a bass bought in the US, it would still be cheaper than buying the same bass in the UK...

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='120823' date='Jan 15 2008, 02:31 PM']You'll find info and tips on bringing a bass back to the UK with you from a shopping trip if you use the search function. In a nutshell though it is the UK C&E that you have to worry about so to speak and it is a worry as there is the potential to have your purchase confiscated and a drawn out legal process should they think you are defrauding them! Only you can weigh up the pros and cons and come to a decision over the risk.[/quote] Thanks for the advice. I tried using the search function but I couldn't find anything relevant - maybe it's my crappy search skills?! I think I'll just have to take loads of stickers over with me and put them all over the case. I'll then batter the case a little bit to make it look old. I'll then cross my fingers and hope for the best.

Going back to this topic for a second... Has anyone recently bought a bass and 'sneaked' it through USA customs? I'm working up the courage to do this in June... Or is it the UK customs I need to watch out for?

Many thanks for the responses. I have ordered the parts needed but when they'll be delivered is another story (thanks Royal Mail! ). I'm pretty resigned to the fact that I'll have to do some minor drilling to create some new holes. Does anyone have any hints/tips/horror stories they wouldn't mind sharing with me? Thanks again.

[quote name='tredders' post='68740' date='Oct 2 2007, 05:29 PM']Slightly off topic, but if you go out to Michigan, visit a place called The BoB (www.thebob.com) - it's awesome! Mark.[/quote] I went there last year for my sister's wedding. I agree, awesome place!

Hi all I have a mid-90s MIM Jazz bass and I am looking to upgrade it slightly in the looks department. As you can see from the image below, my jazz doesn't have the usual pickguard/knob/knob metal plate combination. Instead, it has a rather fetching all white pickguard which I'm not too keen on. [attachment=2590:Jazz.JPG] I've had a quick search through the forum but I can't find an answer to my question. Basically, I'm pretty sure that a replacement pickguard/metal plate will not match 100% to the existing screw holes. Therefore, is it easy/safe to drill new holes in the body? Has anyone done anything similar and have any words of wisdom to pass on? Also (forgive the noobie question), is it just a matter of removing the old knobs and putting the new ones on or is there anything I need to look out for when buying replacements? Many thanks in advance. Rick

[quote name='Bass_In_Yer_Face' post='68595' date='Oct 2 2007, 12:25 PM']It's annoying that you pay in dollars in the States what you pay in pounds here. It would open up a whole range of basses I couldn't afford when I was originally looking.[/quote] Absolutely. Luckily, I have a sister living in Michigan so the option of buying a bass and bringing it back (in a 'worn' case, of course ) is an option for me. If only my wife would agree to the plan. Just think, £500/600 for a new Stingray.....