radansey

Define the word 'expert'. Maybe competent would be a better phrase? I would never class myself as an 'expert' in anything. OK, I play bass. I've been playing 30+ years, but only seriously in the last 10 years or so. As I have progressed, by ability has progressed and I learn more and more as I go. My playing has been described as sensitive and an integral part of the worship band in which I play. But at no time would I describe myself as an 'expert' since I still have shed-loads to learn.

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1337333527' post='1658201'] there is also the option that it could be an acoustic issue with the room and maybe mrs miggins was unfortunately sat in one of those 'high spots' where the acoustics resonate your bass frequencies out of proportion [/quote] Funnily enough, this is what I emailed to the 'victims' on Monday, [font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [i]"[/i][i]With reference to XXXXX and your experiences yesterday morning, the only explanation that I can suggest is that this was most likely due to the acoustics/reflections within the church. It is probable that you were sitting at the focal-point of antinodes reflecting from the many sound-reflective surfaces which, unfortunately, unlike other musical parameters, is something that I have no control over. Churches are notorious in this respect.[/i][/font] [font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [i]I would suggest that this phenomenon is further supported by (1) my amplifier not directly facing your direction and (2) the piano acting as a sound-barrier between my amplifier and your position in the church, hence the only direct sound route would be off the internal surfaces. [/i][/font] [font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif] [i]Ross"[/i][/font]

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1337326522' post='1657998'] I would agree that the complainant may need a gentle chat about music and electrical instruments and (!) drums. However, at church we play to serve, not for our own egos. Like a lot of things, it all goes a bit upside down at church. When I go to a gig I want the bass loud and I want the bass player to be a good one and give his best chops (I notice them all) and I'll thoroughly enjoy the band and go and tell the bass player how good he is and how he's the most important member of the band. When I go to church I want his ego left at the gig, I'm there to worship God not to listen to a bass player. An attitude of 'this is what I do so like it or lump it' may have its place on a stage but is rather arrogant and childish in the context of a church music group when he's there to help lead people to worship God. I'd rather have no bass player if he's going to distract from someone's worship. Its a lot harder being a good bass player at church that in a band, even if the music in the band is likely to be way better. Bit like being a good ref at football, you don't notice the good ones but they can make the game, the crap ones get noticed by ruining the game. [/quote] Agreed. As a musician in a worship context, I always take exceptional care to ensure that I sit well in the 'mix' with a tone that is appropriate, played in a sensitive way, and that reflects each song - especially with songs played during communion. There are times when the song way be more 'rockier' and in that circumstance, I play accordingly. Therefore, I was quite shocked and concerned with the comment last Sunday. Ross

[quote name='essexbasscat' timestamp='1336926757' post='1652832'] Just a thought. Is it possible that certain areas of the church develop natural loud sound pockets ? lots of potential reflective surfaces ? If it's possible, it may be worth finding out where said person sat and spending a little time there while someone else plays your bass with the band playing too. Once you've heard what he did, you'll then be in an informed position about his comments. Also bearing in mind that there won't be so many people around if you try that exercise (unless it's another worship day). [/quote] Agreed. The speaker wasn't directly pointing in his direction and was shielded by a piano, a guitarist and a vocalist. So it could indeed be reflections/standing-waves.

Guys, Thanks for your encouraging words of support. My confidence was, and has been, well and truly knocked-for-six. Maybe I'll suggest he takes up ventriloquism since he is very good at talking out of his @r$£. Hmm maybe not. Thanks, Ross

Morning service - first one with the recently refurbished Spector 5-er. Good gig - the Spector has a really nice tone which seemed to compliment the songs. Anyway, after the 'gig', one of the congregation asked me if the bass had been turned-up, since it was so high that it gave his missus a headache. Speaking to other people confirmed that this guy is a real PITA, and not to worry, the sound was good and he is known to be a smart@rse tw@t. So five minutes after nailing what I thought was a good performance, my confidence has been immediately shot. Still knocked-back a bit after 3 hours. It only takes one.

I have today been asked to play Bodran in a concert with the flute orchestra in which my wife plays. I now have 6 weeks to sort-out the rhythm accompaniment (and solo intro!!) for the 'Irish Washerwoman' - I wish the leader had asked me to supply the bass-line, instead

Now completed. Body refinished using Danish Oil the Colron Liquid Wax Neck resprayed with acrylic lacquer. Frets polished, fingerboard re-oiled Electronics rewired to give - blend, treble, bass and master-volume. Schaller strap-loks fitted. [attachment=107278:DSC_8773.JPG]

Scott, Brilliant lesson. I really like the way that you gradually build the bass-line in easy steps. Thanks for posting this - very encouraging for someone who has previously struggled with walking-bass. Regards, Ross

Latest pic - awaiting neck refin.

Picture post refin. Necks a bit rough though (lol)

I would also recommend this book, [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-Guitar-Design-Leonardo-Lospennato/dp/3000296425/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335292239&sr=8-1-spell"]http://www.amazon.co...39&sr=8-1-spell[/url] A lot of good information which will be of use. Ross

Body now refinished (pics to follow) - Danish Oil (many applications) + liquid wax. Hardware refitted, and electrics re-wired, Volume pots removed. Blend-pot added to front-end. Master Volume pot added c/w pull-switch for coil-tap. Now started on neck. Removed tuners, masked fingerboard and head-stock face and sanded-out the minor dings/marks. This followed by 5 spray coats of clear acrylic, sanded between coats. Starting to show the grain more. Will leave a couple of days, before de-nibbing and a final coat and a polish. I will post pics when I have more time. Ross

[quote name='bertbass' timestamp='1334060465' post='1610253'] No reason why not. You might have to adjust the truss rod a bit after though. [/quote] For what reason? I'm not intending removing that much wood from the neck, just a slight sand to remove the 'dings'. Maybe I could use the damp-cloth and iron method - but would this have a detrimental effect upon the neck stability??

Now that I have completed the re-fin on my Spector body, I am looking at the neck. There a few dings and marks on the back of the neck - which appears to be lacquered. Would it be possible to sand these out (possibly back to the wood) then treat with Danish Oil, but leave the existing finish on the volute and headstock. I was thinking of a few coats of Danish and then beeswax the whole neck. Is this viable?? TIA Ross

De-nibbed with 0000 wire wool and a final coat of Danish applied three days ago - it is hard to know when to stop ("just one more coat, just one more") must be my OCD kicking-in. The finish is now satin and shows the grain off nicely - as it should after 15-20 applications The question is how long should I wait before beeswaxing??

Put final coat of danish oil on yesterday (12 coats total). Now needs to fully dry out before I beeswax and buff

I have an original (non trim-pot) Tonepump in the Spector I'm refurbing. Not too keen on 2 volume pots, so my intention is to replace the two 500K log pots with a dual-gang 500K blend-pot and connect one of the redundant volume pots to the output of the Tonepump. Is this value for the volume pot OK? I've looked here [url="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/695/bp42pickupsbal.jpg/"]http://imageshack.us...pickupsbal.jpg/[/url] and it shows a 50K pot (although this is for the later trim-pot version). Any help please? Ross

Post second-coat, pre flattening-off for coat three [attachment=102881:DSC_8697.JPG] [attachment=102882:DSC_8699.JPG]