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Top stuff! Thank you!

Ciao

Ian

[quote name='Hamster' post='74321' date='Oct 14 2007, 10:53 PM']Hi Ian

Has Martin done any work on your basses, or are you just spreading his good name?

BTW, to get near the top of the list Martin will have to move his operation to at least level with the lake district

Hamster[/quote]

Yes, he's fitted LEDs to several instruments (including a gorgeous WAL Mach 3 in paduak) including guitars and the plain reason I recommend him to all on the forum is that he's that good and not just with the worlds best LED system.

I'm seriously enthusiastic and even handed in my recommendation of anyone that is really good so others can benefit but especially Martin because he is that good. Look at the roster of famous musicians that have trusted their personal instruments to his hands and abilities and then there's Fender Europe who get him to do so much of their custom work. There are other workshops out there but Martin's first call for Fender.

LEDs in a Status, WAL, GB, Shepherd, Manson, Feline, Warwick, Yamaha, etc, etc...all done by Martin.

Seriously, speaking from years of experience in the biz Martin runs one of the pre-eminent custom shops in the world now as he offers not just his world renown LED system but his spray shop, custom work and now the ability to literally create any bass or guitar with his CNC system you'd care to imagine, he would have to be near the very top of any recommended luthier listing for bass builders. I can't mention any names but he's now often the first call for new prototype instruments to be built because he's really that good. So, obviously, if the foregoing is true his good name just has to be spread??

Ciao

Ian

Real beauty!

Nice guys at Lakland. I was in Chicago on biz a couple of years ago and dropped into Lakland HQ to visit Dan Lakin who I've know since I introduced the SimS Custom L.E.D. system to him some years back (and on the back of that a bass was customised for Rhonda Smith and I believe also for the purple one) on the way back to the airport and home.

He gave me a tour and met some of the guys working on the basses. I just admire the whole Lakland concept and attention to quality.

Very nice instruments! A bit of the classic with some modern thinking throw in. Enjoy!

Ciao

Ian

[quote name='Bigwan' post='73974' date='Oct 13 2007, 10:42 PM']I caught them in Dublin. They were class.

Also caught Dave acoustically in Belfast a while back too - also excellent. Made all the better by the fact we were in a restaurant opposite the venue before the show. My girlfriend turned to me and said - "Where do I know that guy over there from?"...[/quote]

You lucky fella! They are one of the biggest groups in the USA currently and seem be picking up interest at long last. How was the bass end with Stefan on stage?

Ciao

Ian

Hi Hamster!

Martin Sims of the SimS Custom Shop and famed for his SimS Custom L.E.D.s must surely be near the very top of the list (I am biased but he is that good!!!)!

He actually does the refinishing and finishing work for a good bundle of the top guitar and bass builders here in the UK 'cos he turns things around usually as promised (subject to any unforeseen technical points) and does not have a black hole into which various instruments disappear with false promises (like so many before him and after).

Plus now SimS have their own CNC router they can make anything in the universe of bass...just let your imagination...

And who do Fender Europe turn to whenever they want something special?

He's the man!

www.simscustom.com

Ciao

Ian

That would definitely be another fine LED customisation by the SimS Custom Shop!! Way to go!

Ciao

Ian

Sheldon Dingwall's a top chap to boot! Hurrah for 'la difference' as they say in Canada!

Ciao

Ian

Yeah, I think the Thumb is the most original design that Warwick have ever produced, can't get my head around the Dolphin, and the other designs except the superb Streamer (ah I remember photographing the delivery of a complete white 5-string, fingerboard 'an all equipped with bright blue SimS Custom L.E.D.s both side and front face, to Stuart Zender when he was still with the mighty Jamiroquai! I'll try and dig out the photos and post them).

But the tragedy of the Streamer is that HPW of Warwick copied the original design for this bass from Stuart Spector at Spector basses which was in turn originally designed for him by Ned Steinberger!). I do believe eventually Stuart (he said he liked the design of my rimmless spectacles when we last met at a NAMM show, nice guy! Always an admirer of good design) got right and proper redress on this awful state of affairs as Warwick made a truck load out of Streamer sales. Then there's the marketing blurb from Warwick. ' The Sound Of Wood', very similar to WALs original marketing blurb, 'WAL - The Sound of Electric Wood'. Make your own minds up on this one!

But the Thumb...that's a Warwick original and a loveeely instrument!

Ciao

Ian

[quote name='guyl' post='74008' date='Oct 14 2007, 01:12 AM']I have a Conklin Sidewinder 7 (featured in Bassist a few years ago). The neck and fingerboard are purpleheart. I'm no expert but if the purpleheart is one of the reasons that the Bass sounds so tight, even and , well ...brilliant, I'd ask for it every time.[/quote]

The woods used in a bass do have some affect on the overall tone but don't forget all the other components as well such as the voicing of the pickups and electronics used to control volume and tone. Purpleheart on its own would not be the fundamental or overriding factor in giving your instrument a tight sound. The finish on the body also affects how the whole body will resonate such as a high gloss, satin or natural finish.

I remember talking to Pete the Fish Stevens of WAL some years ago (and Pete has some pretty definite ideas on all of this!) and he explained it did not matter what type of woods and finish you had with an instrument (for cosmetic reasons, he feel there's too much marketing hype placed on this aspect of the instrument) that is to say if you plummed for a Bartolini system (pickup and preamp) you could always hear that it was a Bartolini equipped bass (and that's not saying it's a bad sound either!). In other words the dominant factor in your final tone (apart from superb natural ability, magic fingers and an ability to hit he '1' on time) are your pickups and electronics and then how you may further sculpt your tone via whatever amplification system you opt for.

Sure the kind of woods that are spec'ed do have some effect on body and neck resonance but most of it is cosmetic and it's not as much as some marketing blurb would have you believe.

For instance, because of the way Rick Turner's Renaissaance instruments are constructed and amplified with onboard electronics, the sound and tone is designed to be the same whatever instrument you play regarding finish. So a High Renaissance instrument with gorgeous high gloss finish and trimmings will sound the same as Studio Special with a more basic satin finish.

Just some thoughts again!!

Ian

They are the best tuners out there period, shame to see you part with it!

I supplied and spec'ed Randy's Modulus. It originally had a single MM pickup and then he wanted to add another so Martin Peterson at The Gallery in London added that for him to broaden his sound out even more. I believe he's playing a Musicman with the same double MM pickup combination presently.

Randy wanted a special bass, very personal, so he drew a caricature of himself on some paper which we faxed to Modulus with the aim of seeing whether they could copy it as an inlay on the fingerboard and hey presto they did and you've seen the results - the exact image from the fax was cut in to the fingerboard with mother-of-pearl inlay exquisitely.

Randy was playing with the Jeff Beck band at the time (with Jennifer Batton on counter lead-guitar, Steve Alexander on drums, Randy of course holding down the low end and then the master himself Mr Beck on lead).

The choice of the Modulus was simply (as with Flea with the Chilis) that it had a greater presence and cut in the mix both on stage and in the studio that any other bass could not offer especially with the large amount of mid-range sound with Jeff and Jennifer and Steve techno rock sound. The sound engineers loved it and it did exactly what it says on the tin!

Yes, a carbon fibre neck is very different from good ol' wood but then I needn't remind everyone of its stability, etc, etc, etc.

The best combination instruments we know of that get the balance right with the advanced technology of the Modulus neck is using Bartolinis with either of the Aguilar preamps (OBP-1 or OBP-3) and as written on this forum previously this combination give you an instrument able to cover every genre of music superbly with a warm fat or thin sound, classic or modern in its tone and sound.

If the full-on carbon fibre neck does not suit then there's the Modulus Genesis neck which is ideal for those woodies out there! Again a superb concept and an answer to any concerns about a 100% carbon fibre neck.

Ian

[quote name='Bigwan' post='73954' date='Oct 13 2007, 09:58 PM']Hi Bassman7 - not sure if your Modulus recommendation is directed to me, but I've never played a modulus I actually liked. Each to their own I suppose! Wouldn't the world be so boring if we were all alike in our tastes![/quote]

Absolutely, totally agree with your view on your reply to Bassman7.

However, have you ever played a Q6 with Chechen fingerboard? What was it it that you did not like about the Modulus' you've tried? Be interesting to know!

Ian

[quote name='ZPQ' post='73940' date='Oct 13 2007, 09:23 PM']and they look well cool!

did you compare them to the jbl spot or creature? or the HK sticks?

how loud are they?

I'm very tempted to get some for the office.

Thanks
John[/quote]

They are definitely better, the stereo pods are weighted in the base and the whole rig is extremely well put together and finished quality-wise. In all I'd rate them as good as if not better than the HK sticks which are great.

See the comments on the Apple UK store for feedback, it's all spot on and true and I'm extremely fussy when it comes to sound reproduction: I own a Meridian stereo system, have a BAG END PA with 18" ELF subs (with the BAG END processor these babies go down to 18 Hz and are the best sounding most natural subs I have yet to experience plus I also have a new BOSE L1 system for the biz).

They go very loud and the quality remains the same (except at full blast and that's the same for most systems). I just can't believe the price v the performance level, absolutely stunning! At £49.95 to not buy them really would be a sin!

You really won't regret it - all my iTunes ripped CDs using Apple Lossless format (nearly 1600 albums and iTunes downloads) sound as good as a mid-range high quality stereo system, no kidding!

Ian

I recently purchased a JBL Encounter system to beef up our office desk Mac and they only cost £49.95 from the Apple Store:

www.apple.com/uk - click on store then audio & speakers

If you're looking for an incredibly cost effective way to get great sound I cannot recommend these highly. We're used to high end hi-fi as well as hi-end bass here and these babies, well, JBL just have made a marvellously sounding product with fully adjustable levels for both treble and that all important low end depending on what surface/floor type the sub is mounted on etc. Clarity and definition absolutely superb and at this price they're a veritable steal! Get them while they're around.

Check them out and enjoy great bass!

Incognito with Randy Hope Taylor and Julian Carmpton plus Mr King sound fab!

Ian

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='73904' date='Oct 13 2007, 06:48 PM']South Africa to SIMS via Royal Mail may be expensive and risky [/quote]

Oops! Did not realise the geographical location of the neck in question so yes that could although be true when put in it's true cost context (verus the value of the instrument both real and intrinsic) if there is no other workshop available, sending a neck is not a real cost issue, really. It's certainly the most convenient and cost effective way of shipping when its just the neck in question due to the overall volume of the consignment as well as its weight.

That's how SimS often retro-fit their world famous LED system: the neck is sent over, the LEDs installed, at the base of the neck are a positive and negative cable that any competent luthier can then connect to a 9V (PP3 Duracell) power source in the body (usually fits somewhere in the control cavity) and the personal chose of whatever swicth gear the owner prefers ie a simple flick switch on the front of the body or pus-push or push-pull conversion of one of the tone/volume controls (helps keep the original look of the instrument that way).

Just some thoughts...

Ian

Only get a workshop that really knows what they are doing here not someone that thinks as it looks like a major bit of tech investigation/diagnosis and first aid is required.

To save sending the whole bass, take the neck off and send it to a quality workshop - me I'm biased, it would have to go to Martin Sims at the SimS Custom Shop.

www.simscustom.com - drop him an email or call him next Monday.

Snding the neck well bubble-wrapped and boxed via Royal Mail Special Delivery is the most cost effective secure way of shipping it to him or to anyone else like Martin.

Hope this helps!

Ian

[quote name='6stringbassist' post='73736' date='Oct 13 2007, 12:29 PM']I can confirm the 6 month wait time for US shops, but they are instrments that are worth waiting for.

Turner workshop ?.

That wouldn't be Rick Turner would it, builder of those fantastic looking/sounding renaissance instruments, I was about to order one of those from the US.[/quote]

Yes, it would.

Dave Swift, Jools Hollands bass player has a superb High Renaissance 5-string fretless in a superb 3-tone classic burst finish with all the trimmings.

Ian

Chris has a good point about retaining the P-sound.

Badass II bridge is superb but due to its size, weight, density compared to the original Fender brdife it will sound very different.

It all depends on what sound/tone you seek grasshopper!

Ian

What top Warwick users! Way to go forum members!

As Robin Hood is apt to say in his second season on BBC1: 'this way my gang!'

Personally love the Warwick Thumb, great natural woody feel, like the wood almost evolved into that bass.

Bit of LED history: old SimS put the LEDs in a certain Mr Bruces signature Warwick Thumb.

PS I DO like great technology but feel the same way that Rick Turner does about making it work as simply as possible in making great noise. Once it starts on a journey where you're dealing more with it than the music and great sound and tone then the plot, Agatha Christie or not, has been well and truly lost!

Try the Indiana Jones approach and just get on in there and have a go and see what treasures reveal themselves to you (excluding Nazis in Austria!).

Ian

That's a yes and a no, the biggest difference with such custom/boutique brands is often the marketing and packaging to make you think that they are really that different underneath the the skin (or is that nickel?)!!

At the end of the day strings and the choice of strings invariably is a very personal subjective subject because when we get down to the very fundamentals (obvious really until we hit the pub and discuss!) we all have different lengths and girths of fingers and hands and fingernails....and arms (I'll stop there!) which when you think about it all have a direct bearing on what we find comfortable and best. It's then just a matter of finding strings that suits our paws and of course there's the style and type of instrument....and the music.

Happy thoughts on a Saturday morning!

Ian

You can even play slap on a 6-string as Alain Caron the Canadian bass player has proven! He has developed an amazing technique on his F Bass 6-string.

Just go for it!

Don't forget guys these so-called boutique strings are usually made by one of the main brand manufacturers like D'Addario, GHS, Rotosound, etc (ie think Elites, Status, Overwater) so the differences in reality are not that great.

Should stir up some discussion!!

Paisley rocks! Or jazzes or whatever your musical taste!

Bartolinis are known for their more warm more mid-range sound so to change to a similar tone that your newer bass exhibits try checking out EMGs or Seymour Duncan Basslines. You'll need to try and match the size of the pickups in the body so I suggest doing your homework thoroughly and getting the best workshop you can to make the switch.

I'm completely biased in this regard (unashamedly!) as their reputation preceeds them in the industry so try the SimS Custom Shop as they could carry out all the work necessary to the highest standards or someone you really know and trust in your part of the UK as SimS are near Ashford in Kent.