Sparky

[quote name='TheBigBeefChief' post='100878' date='Dec 7 2007, 01:40 PM']Sparky, its actually an old pic I had knocking around. The sad thing is I took in one friday evening when I was home alone for no other reason than to amuse myself. If you look closely you can see my bare arse reflected in the window behind me. However, I do often play bass naked whilst wearing a wrestling mask. Habit I suppose.[/quote] dude, i aint gonna look closely at your pic so i can see your bare arse reflection... that sh*t aint my bag!!! what's the story with the wrestling mask? apart from concealing your true identity (understandable when you're a top chief with major operations going down in the smoke), does it makes you play meaner, rock harder when you're on stage?.. or is it just a 'thing' like the edwina curry 'thing'> yeh, that's right man - i saw that!

[quote name='Musky' post='100827' date='Dec 7 2007, 12:26 PM']If it's got block inlays, bound neck and bullet truss rod it'll be a 75 RI. If it has dot inlays and a 4 bolt neck it'll be a 62 RI. Edit: Bear in mind that the RI's weren't exact copies of the originals, and there's certainly a difference in pickup spacing on the 62 RI and the original, so make sure you get a guard appropriate for a reissue.[/quote] Thanks Musky. It's got dot inlays but I don't know what a 4 bolt neck is. It has a piece of copper wire running from the bridge pickup to under the bridge - earthing wire? and the headstock looks like this: [attachment=4006:800px_Fe...eadstock.jpeg] ...62 RI??

[quote name='TheBigBeefChief' post='100817' date='Dec 7 2007, 12:15 PM']Not sure if anyone here is an Angler, but tackle shops seem to be exactly the same as Music shops. There are a few decent, friendly and informative stores but also plenty of shops owned/ran by people who obviously have an interst in music/fishing but no interst in retailing and customer service. I think a lot of this is because stores are opened by people who like the idea of opening a shop surrounded my their hobby, but don't want to deal with the hassles (such as customers) that come with it. It always annoys me when you go into a store and realise that your surrounded by the owner, a shop assistant and about 5 of their friends sitting round drinking tea and cracking "in jokes" - often at your expense. As someone who is relatively new to bass playing, its not a particularly welcoming atmosphere. Having said that, I'm lucky in that my local store is pretty friendly, although massively overpriced. Also, as I refuse to use ebay, it really cuts down the options of shopping online.[/quote] BigBeefChief - just one question - did you have your avatar pic taken specially for this forum and for the amusement of its users? I can't imagine why else you'd have a photo of yourself dressed (or undressed) up like that. Good effort mate. Muschos Rrrespect.

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='100771' date='Dec 7 2007, 11:17 AM']go [url="http://www.fender.com/support/japanese_instruments.php"][u]here[/u][/url] and you should find all you need to know about the age. There was a dating resource I found that allows you to type in the serial number, but i think the database it looks at is just the same as the fender site. In theory the pickguards should be the same across the range, but there's only one way to find out.[/quote] Thanks John. That looks like a useful site. Thing is, I already know how old the bass is - 1996 - cause it's printed on the anniversary sticker stuck on the back of the headstock, and it's when I bought is (new). I'd just be interested to find out which model it's a reissue of ie. 60's or 70's & the exact year. Maybe I could just post pics and one of the BC 'Fender-heads' will be able to tell me straight away Exactly what it is?! That's good to know that the scratchplates should be standard, I'll go ahead and order one as soon as I have the time. [quote]neepheid Posted Today, 11:20 AM I had a great experience with WD Music[/quote] Again, thanks for the tip Neepheid. I've just checked them out and seems there's more choice than I'd invisaged. I probably Will need to find out my model - they're offering plates for 3 different shaped jazz's! I'll get on the case! thanks again. sparky

Does anyone know if there's an online resource where I can type in the serial number of my MIJ Jazz to find out what model it is? It's a relitively inexpensive reissue from 1996 but I don't know of which model. Just be interested to find out. Also, would like to replace the scratch-plate and am wondering whether all jazz's are standard shapes - I can't imagine they are? ...and if that's the case and there are different shapes, I need to know the model so I can order the right plate. suggestions anyone? thanks in advance. sparky.

[quote name='Hit&Run' post='100453' date='Dec 6 2007, 07:21 PM']I wonder if there's any north/south divide regarding shopworker friendliness?[/quote] Let's not even go there!!! I'm a southerner living up north and all that sh*t does my nut! There's the same percentage of friendly and unfriendly people everywhere. Fact. ...and besides, sparky loves everyone!

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='100376' date='Dec 6 2007, 05:13 PM']where did you go?[/quote] Not going to say - my original post was a rant to air my FRUSTRATION at having what should have been a joyful experience spoilt by poor service, NOT to have a pop at any particular store (sorry soundcontrol - the franchise somehow makes a mention a little less spiteful?! any soundcontrol staff here on BC???) - It makes me sad that the internet Is having a detrimental effect on the number of guitar shops in the country and if I had a shop local to me where staff were friendly, enthusiastic and (back to my original post) more willing to 'share the love', I would happily pay the extra to have someone I could talk to and get advice from face to face rather than buy blind over the internet. I don't doubt that there are good friendly shops out there and it sounds like some of you are lucky enough to have access to one. I particularly like the idea of the shop Burpster mentioned where the shop staff were jamming together with customers in the store! Why isn't that sh*t standard in music shops?????????? [quote]Maybe it's because you're touching the staff...[/quote] no man, it wasn't like that - the flying v guy was asking for it - he fell off his stool on his own... honest!..

My guitar playing colleague and I went and browsed a couple of guitar shops over our lunch break today and, as so often I am, was very disappointed with the lack of 'love' in the stores we visited. The first one was a sound control - lots of shiny new guitars and no mojo (expected).. but the second, a smaller store I'd hoped would have had more potential - lots of guitars squashed in - non franchise, but still, the shop had a distinctly frosty, solemn atmosphere. One of the staff members sat w*nking off a flying v busting out non stop rhythmless fast widdles whilst staring into space with a blank look on his face whilst the rest of the staff were sat behind the counter propped up on their elbows looking miserable. I asked briefly how much they sold warwick wax for and i got a grunt and then a price.. then, purely probing for a little conversation I asked 'how often do I need to apply it' and again, all I got was a grunt and a un-giving answer - 'it'll tell you on the tin'. Fu*k me - the guy was wearing an apron for christ's sake - surely anyone who works in a guitar shop and wears an apron should be gagging for a conversation about waxing wood??!!! I dunno, maybe the rant is unjustified, but what the funk - come on chaps, where's the love? I used to love going into guitar shops when I was younger and whispering to my mate 'look at that one, nice huh?'.. 'ooh, look at that 'stack amp', nice huh?'... shuffling round the displays not daring to touch and then buying a sharkfin plectrum... but now - gaining confidence with age and not being afraid to touch or speak to shop staff, I just want some friendly conversation, maybe even a little banter - that's not too much to ask is it? Oh well. My vote's with the basschat market place - Much friendlier that any guitar shop I've perused for a long time. Rant over. Friday tomorrow - WooHoo!

[quote name='BassBunny' post='100009' date='Dec 6 2007, 09:42 AM']Sparky, I have used Steve for a few years now. First when I played 6 strting and now for Bass work. I can thoroughly recommend him. First class work and not that expensive. In fact I have a Bass waiting to go but can't send it until the back-up arrives, (today I hope...). Last job i had done was routing the body of Fender Jazz for a battery box. Looks factory fitted.[/quote] Thank you Monsieur Bunny, I just need a basic diagnosis & setup so Will probably go to Steve - His 'normal setup' package is £10 cheaper than the competition and in addition to the normal bridge, truss and pickup adjustments, it includes cleaning, polishing, rosewood oiling as well as filing, crowning & polishing frets. Sounds good to me. Thanks for the recommendation - it was just what I needed. Thanks again, Sparky.

my friend has a flat in bethnal green - he calls it his 'palace in the sky'... i stayed there the other night. welcome to the forum mr.brown

[quote name='steve-soar' post='99189' date='Dec 4 2007, 09:10 PM']The 4.5XL is a beast, the neighbours are getting a pettition together as I speak. I bought one last night and it nearly blew the windows out and that was with the amp at one third, I kid you not! [/quote] Haha - I'm glad you're enjoying it Steve! Oh, and by the way, as well as watching your back whilst lugging it up and down the stairs, mind the missus' wall-paper an'all! good luck!

Anyone had experience with this guy? Steve Robinson www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk ..he's on Hampster's list. Have had quotes from both him and Ged Green and also a list of what's included in the price. Mr. Robinson is offering more for less... just wondering if anyone had dealt with him before?

[quote]Is it Gloria Estefan?...Cant Think of any other Glorias?...Or is it just Gloriou........s?[/quote] [attachment=3963:Gloria.jpeg] First I was afraid, I was petrified...

Haha - I had the same problem when I first joined the forum and posted a similar request for help with acronyms and forum slang [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=8559"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=8559[/url] . I certainly didn't get any lists as comprehensive as the one Hampster provided - I think it should be pinned - it's a good resource for newcomers. Welcome to the forum John! P.S. A common one and it's not on hampster's list: GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome... Dangerous condition. I wasn't diagnosed until it was too late... eek!

[quote name='ianwild16' post='98172' date='Dec 3 2007, 02:48 PM']I'm no luthier but ... I've just took my P bass to Bonecats in Rochdale. I just bought it on evil bay this weekend and the strings on it were in a shocking condition and the action was way too high. I've got to collect it after work, so I'll let you know how it is later this evening. I've only ever used his services for putting on new strings and setting up, but he's been way cheaper than any one else I've used, and I've always been happy with the results. Ian[/quote] Ya, that'd be good Ian. Thanks. Just found the pinned 'Recommended Luthiers' topic in the 'Repairs and Technical Issues' forum: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=253"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=253[/url] and there are a couple of M'cr places on there that i may call up for a quote... feedback on your guy would be cool too... thanks again. sparky

Can anyone recommend a good place for me to take my bass for a check-up and service please? Somewhere that won't charge too much to look, diagnose and quote for work, and then depending on what needs to be done, I can trust to do a good job. Manchester city centre would be convenient but I don't mind travelling for a good service. Thanks in advance. Sparky

[quote name='Nick80' post='94777' date='Nov 26 2007, 09:14 PM']I stumbled across this guy a little while ago, really love his playing. He's not German btw but Danish (I think). Nice Martin btw, I was never really interested in acoustics till I saw this thread, I'm getting a GAS attack![/quote] Yeh, MarloweDK is a fanstastic player and his clips are good to watch & learn from - consistent sound and film quality. Someone started a 'YouTube finds' thread in the recroding forum... I'm suprised that there wasn't more love for it - only two replies! i think it's a great way to learn - by watching/listening to others. youtube's a good resource for that. oh well.

[quote name='BassBod' post='94430' date='Nov 26 2007, 10:47 AM'][attachment=3751:DSCN0885.JPG] Mine was given a good (ie low) set up before I got it - it plays nicely, but aggressive playing (ie with anyone else!) does produce some rattles and clacks. I tried the Thomastik acoustic strings - they sounded fantastic (think big classical guitar) but were far too thin and flexible to play with the current set up, hence the Thom flats which are still a bit floppy, but a better balance of sound and feel for me. I think your approach is better than messing about - the standard Martin strings are fine, just let them age a bit more and most of the "clack" will probably be gone in a few months. I should also mention the p/up died - started humming suddenly. Its wrapped in a thin shield (paper thin) and this is easily damaged. If you ever take out the bridge saddle be very careful. I'm guessing it was the set up that damaged it (only a tiny fray in the outer shield) cause I only changed strings! BB[/quote] TeeHee - I know what you mean by 'aggressive playing' and the many rattles and clacks that come with plucking hard - practicing on my own is a workout anyway, but trying to match the volume of a regular acoustic 6-string and 3 vocals leave my fingers and forearms properly 'pumped'! i really should just invest in a small practice amp to save me the olympic effort! I've not used the pickup for so long, but if i do decide to get a practice amp and plug it in, all i'll be doing is changing the battery - i won't be touching the bridge or anything else that doesn't look like it wants moving! that's a shame about your pickup. If you wanted it fixed, could you send it back to Martin? Do you know if they have U.K workshops?

[quote name='BassBod' post='94401' date='Nov 26 2007, 09:15 AM']Hi Sparky, I've got a similar Martin - how do you get on with strings for yours? I liked the Martin bronze ones, but found them too "clacky". I've ended up with Thomastik flats....like the mellow sound and feel, but can't help feeling I've lost a bit of volume and presence? BB[/quote] Alright BassBod. I've been bad, and very lazy and not changed the strings on the Martin for a long time. I can't remember for sure, but I rekon I would have gone into the shop and said 'i need a set of strings for a martin acoustic bass' and they would have said - 'well, we've got the martin ones', and i would have said, yeh ok, i'll take them - it's the safe option right?'! so i think i probably have martin strings. i don't think i have any issues with the sound really - i very rarely plug it in so any 'clacky' sounds aren't amplified and are just heard in the context of the acoustic vibe! however, i think if i Were to plug the guitar in, then any exaggerated clacking of strings would probably irritate me. But seeing as that's not the case, and if you're saying you may have lost volume and presence with the Thomastik's, I'll probably stick with Martin. Every bit of volume on any acoustic bass is worth a lot huh?!! How's the action on your Martin?? Like I said in my original post - playing mine's a workout! The bridge doesn't look adjustable so I guess there's not a lot i can do about it unless I get it proffessional altered... and i don't really want to do that... just curious about yours..

Dude, that sh*t's vintage: Music Man Stingray 1977. or is it? - how old does a guitar have to be to be considered 'vintage'? he's got Loads of really nice guitars - check out the list on the left hand side of his page; [url="http://www.youtube.com/user/MarloweDK"]http://www.youtube.com/user/MarloweDK[/url] mmmm....