paul, the

My apologies, I'm feeling lazy and I haven't read the other posts. Not being pre-CBS, I wouldn't have thought '70s instruments would be worth a lot. But I think it's more about style than quality. In my opinion, '70s Fenders are the most unique and styalised of all time Fender. Their use of colour, the black pickguard mainly and the simple black logo give the decade a humble honesty which echoes the simplistic but powerful heavy music of the time. I'm sure there's a key thing to do with regression as well. For the prime of the experienced oldie rocker born in the '50s, I bet the '70s P reminds them of their youth and some of the most exciting times of their lives. It might not technically be the best, but it's theirs and they wouldn't swap it for the world.

Alas, no reply on the strings thread. Here's a more appropriate place. [quote name='paul, the' post='11057' date='Jun 2 2007, 03:24 PM']Oh, quick question for anyone: What's the lower limit on importing from outside the EU? A set of strings costing £29 (that's with postage) from America, would they charge duty/customs/whatever? Cheers, Paul.[/quote] Thank you, paul.

[quote name='Darcy' post='2866' date='May 20 2007, 01:16 PM']Very dangrous site, lots of things sparking GAS attack [attachment=153:Telebass.jpg] Never seen one of these before.....interesting Semi Telebass 70's neckbucker and jazz at bridge, wonder what that sounds like?[/quote] Wow. That's just lovely.

I've just seen this on Ebay - it ends in just under 4 hours [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1981-ARIA-PRO-II-CARDINAL-CSB-380-BASS-MADE-IN-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ230137300436QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1981-ARIA-PRO-II-CAR...1QQcmdZViewItem[/url] It's a Medium scale passive (which the seller hasn't mentioned) bass. A three day listing with a reserve. So out of the few people that do see it, few of them will bid. It's the first I've seen in the two months I've been looking. If I wasn't so happy with my p-special and full-scale in general, I would have a go for about £160 myself. Here's a sound clip, it's certainly one of my favourites on the site: [url="http://clanesb.free.fr/bass/fichiers/190420061741574f381a1ff4ffd4c3885de761cbb3b80a.mp3"]http://clanesb.free.fr/bass/fichiers/19042...761cbb3b80a.mp3[/url] (http://sondebasse.c.la/) --- Please let me know if this is the wrong place to post this sort of thing, or whether it should be in 'basses for sale' thread, Cheers, Paul.

[quote name='Paul Cooke' post='11200' date='Jun 2 2007, 09:59 PM'][url="http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/7368"]http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/fl...product_id/7368[/url] postage is a bit ridiculous though...[/quote] I wonder how many sets they sell.

[quote name='Paul Cooke' post='10378' date='Jun 1 2007, 08:14 AM']this is a Bass??? [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index.cfm?method=site.product&product_id=1759"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index...product_id=1759[/url] yup, it's a Bass... [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/images/p_1759_2.jpg"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/images/p_1759_2.jpg[/url] anyroad... I like these: [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index.cfm?method=site.product&product_id=3244"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index...product_id=3244[/url] [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index.cfm?method=site.product&product_id=3072"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index...product_id=3072[/url] [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index.cfm?method=site.product&product_id=3271"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index...product_id=3271[/url] [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index.cfm?method=site.product&product_id=3134"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/index...product_id=3134[/url] only thing is, I don't want to enquire what the prices are... I'd get depressed knowing I could never own one unless I were to win on the premium bonds... OK, what are the signs of that bodyguard coating then? the weird "bars" visible on the rear view? [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/images/p_3293_2.JPG"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/images/p_3293_2.JPG[/url] the thick yellowy looking stuff on the view of the pots? [url="http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/images/p_3293_4.JPG"]http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/images/p_3293_4.JPG[/url][/quote] I went to their shop in Bath. It was heaven - they made an offer on my Kustom Charger, but I hadn't had it long at that point. They had two of those Fender VIs - try finding strings for one!

Oh, quick question for anyone: What's the lower limit on importing outside the EU? A set of strings costing £29 (that's with postage) from America, would they charge duty/customs/whatever? Cheers, Paul.

I'm using DR nckl pltd Lo-Riders (£15). They've lost their zing after 2 weeks of playing and now I really like them. I'm looking forward to trying out TI Jazz Flats and Elite Groundwounds, thanks to Bass ferret's recommendation. Oh and GHS Brite Flats (actually ground apparently). Some string reviews here: [url="http://www.bgra.net/2004/index.php?content=feature&page=strings"]http://www.bgra.net/2004/index.php?content...mp;page=strings[/url]

I agree with the F9 fo' sho'. It's great to have the last line of the verses and bridge laid out for me like that. I was basically playing them, except I was playing the 6th in G#m6 and the flattened 7 in D#7 (both B ). I've got it down now, thanks CK! paul.

It didn't cross my mind to look on the internet. They don't normally have songs like this on there. Anyway the following site has basically the same thing I came up with originally (with the A and D major chords). It also agrees with the 3rd screwy verse I-V idea - which makes me very pleased indeed - As I was worried I was completely wrong. [url="http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.guitaretab.com/w/wonder-stevie/21046.html"]http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.guit...evie/21046.html[/url] --- I'll try out your last post CK. I'm going to keep playing this until I get it right.

Okay, it's late, I don't want to wake anyone up so I'm sat here quietly plucking away at a classical acoustic whilst listening to the song through headphones on a laptop that either plays quiet bass or distorted bass. But that doesn't matter as it's the chords I'm looking for. When I said it changes to A in the verses I think it's actually C# - which obviously makes more sense but I'm used to Stevie's surprises. - [b]EDIT[/b] - I've gone back to A and D. Lyrics from: [url="http://artists.letssingit.com/stevie-wonder-lyrics-as-7c7n6x2"]http://artists.letssingit.com/stevie-wonde...rics-as-7c7n6x2[/url] On the first verse it's after "And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may" it there's a chord change to C# (I think) instead of the regular E. It then does this after second line in each verse. Although the C# still doesn't sound low enough to me. What I'm trying to say (I'm doing a terrible job I know) after "dream" (third verse) with the Eb - I think it all moves up five semitones on to the E. But instead of being I-IV it's now I-V, from the E to the original B. Then like the C# I'm proposing exists at the end of the second line in the first and second verses - on the third verse it's now Gb (after: "Her acceptance is the way we pay") And then the pre-chorus part at the end of the third (screwy) verse "To last through forever and another day" performs a turnaround to the original chord pattern B-E (I-IV). But I'm just working that out now, I think it starts on the C# (01:20). Right I think through "To last through forever and another" C# is played and then it moves to Eb on the day and then Ab before the 4th verse. But I really need to learn the specific notes. [b]Intro[/b] |B---|E---|B---|E---| [b]1st Verse:[/b] B--------------------------------------------------------E-------------------------------------------------------| As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving B--------------------------------------------------------A-------------------------------------------------------| And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may B--------------------------------------------------------E-------------------------------------------------------| Just as hate knows love's the cure | You can rest your mind assure ------Ab----Bb------------------Eb---------C# (although bass plays differently, possibly: Ab, Bb, Ab, Gb) That I'll be loving you always [b]2nd Verse:[/b] B--------------------------------------------------------E--------------------------------------------------------| As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow B--------------------------------------------------------A--------------------------------------------------------| But in passing will grow older every day B--------------------------------------------------------E--------------------------------------------------------| Just as all that's born is new | You know what I say is true ------Ab----Bb----------Eb Ab That I'll be loving you always [b]Chorus:[/b] Ab--------Bb-------------------B-----------------C# -----------------| (Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky) Ab--------Bb-------------------B-----------------C# -----------------| (Until the ocean covers every mountain high) Ab--------Bb-------------------B--------------C# --------------------| (Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea) Ab--------Bb-------------------B--------------F9----------------------| (Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream) [b]3rd (screwy) Verse:[/b] E--------------------------------------------B--------------------------------------------| Did you know that true love asks for nothing E-------------------------------------D---------------------------------------------------| Her acceptance is the way we pay E--------------------------------------------B--------------------------------------------| Did you know that life has given love a guarantee -----C#-------------------------------------Eb----Ab (Gb)? To last through forever and another day Then 4th and 5th verses and repeated chorus+bridge, outro chorus. ---- I'll try playing this tomorrow on an instrument that's in tune. I know a lot of it will be wrong as I'm almost tone deaf. Please tell me what changes to make and if I agree, I'll edit. (It didn't take as long as it looks ) Cheers, Paul.

I had a quick play with an acoustic guitar and t sounds a little funny after "dream." Are you sure it doesn't move up a fourth/ a string? I'll spend some time on it Monday and figure it out properly.

Relatively, that's extremely good value.

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='10714' date='Jun 1 2007, 07:09 PM']There's an Eb half note which comes in on the lyric 'dream' and leads back into the E¦B pattern. Is that the bit you're after? Its a passing note too, so don't get too hung up on how it fits into the key.[/quote] Thank you! That really trips me up. I'll give it a try in a minute.

This is a long shot but: Calling out to anyone with good ears - Trying to play along to "As" by Stevie and I'd like to know if anyone knows what happens after the first chorus? I can't work out the note when the backing singers sing "dream" and then what happens after that before it returns to the normal chord structure. I can't work out whether its a key change or whether "dream" is just a funny note that plays psychological tricks and throws you off. Sorry if what I have asked is unclear. I would greatly appreciate any help. It starts in a major patter in B - going from B to E with the odd A chord. The pre-chorus takes a minor pattern - is box shaped - like VI-VII-III-II (Ab, Bb, Eb, C#) And the chorus minor pattern from the 6th chromatic in B major - VI-VII-I-II (Ab, Bb, B, C#) Cheers, Paul.

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='10377' date='Jun 1 2007, 08:12 AM']I'm thinking of letting my '84 MIJ Precision go, but reading this I'm not so sure I should[/quote] I don't think you should only keep a bass for investment potential. It should be loved and played or it should be for sale. The basses that I own but no longer play (my first bass and my first 4/4), I've lent to friends and family. That way I know they are mine and are safe, but they are still being played - they're not worth much monetarily mind.

Perhaps we need to look at how these basses became so expensive. Looking at previous examples; Fender were the bees knees and their original early instruments are worth the money they are today because because of the required quality control of the early/setup stages of a business - to gain their rep'. This led to bassists using their equipment. Of course circumstances are very different today. You have more of a choice than, Fender or Gibson or upright. There's masses of competition at every level and probably the only way for one brand to leave the others trailing is big name endorsement. Now I see a lot of the cool soul/RnB bands getting time on Jools playing '62 RI Fender Jazzes. What if a few bassists started to pickup the Lakland US Joe Osbourn jazzes instead as they preferred the tone and were immune to brand superficiality. Soon as demand rises, Lakland gets bought out or they just get greedy and lose their ethos. They decide they want to make more money and move production abroad for economies of scale and cheaper labour costs. After years of trading, Lakland has become quite 'run of the mill' due to their availability, low price and association with less respected bassists. The Lakland brand becomes attenuated and loses its integrity. Now the factory that created the original US Joe Osborn no longer exists and Lakland no longer creates a bass to the same standard. Due to respect, lack of availability (damage, people not wanting to sell) and iconic endorsement, original US Lakland Joe Osborn basses increase in value on a gradient of about £1000 every decade. This is of course hypothetical. I'm aware that Lakland Skyline basses are made to a high standard (although heavy I'm told). And with new technologies, basses made in the far east are becoming increasingly better made. --- I think what will make a vintage bass of the future is a compromise between high standards of production, a price tag low enough to get noticed/be a gigging bassist's staple, innovation in design and use by a pro(s). Although word of mouth can be effective. If you mix that lot with scarcity of availability - then you're on to a winner. Warwick's sound like a perfect example of the preceding criteria. However, I can only imagine Warwick improving or staying at the same level of production competence. - But any LTD. Edition or out of production basses will certainly go up in value. Although I confess to know very little about Warwicks. Quality '70s and '80s Japanese instruments are good and have already been mentioned. The '70s Aria ProIIs were great value - Mastsumoku instruments are sought after. Marcus Miller and heavy metallers have used the Aria Pro II Sb1000 - they're already fetching just under £600 and can only go up. Although I'm not a fan of Japanese design from the evidence I've seen, which will certainly hinder them. I (personally) don't think Arias or Ibanezes have 'classic appeal' in terms of style. 'Though they have their charm. I can see Fender's upper range instruments gaining in popularity. Musicman basses also fit the criteria nicely. However, they're very consistent in what they produce and probably smart enough to know not to ruin a good thing. Perhaps non-stingrays will be phased out in order to manipulate the 80/20. Are early Musicman basses thought of as superior? If they are - they'll go up. Rickenbackers....well. Again, they're very consistent. Just to look out for how they deal with future competition as people catch on. My best advice is to look out for new basses with an interesting styling that might just catch on, break the mold and have 'lasting appeal.' Do you remember that catchy T-Mobile add featuring Bedouin Soundclash? Have you heard of Italia basses? maybe in 5 years you will. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zvBD3CsI0M"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zvBD3CsI0M[/url] So look out for new bands or any bands that are playing something a little different. I think electric-acoustics are/will be hot due to their distinctive vintage tone and would suit today's music. If any cheap bass is going to blow your mind it'll be a Korean violin bass copy. Innovations in pickup design are important too. Was there a Musicman style pickup before Musicman? - Any new pickup designs or up and coming pickup makers that have had their pickups fitted as standard will make the bass very sought after. Think Lindy Fralin's in Laklands: [quote name='chris_b' post='7104' date='May 26 2007, 12:49 PM']Several years ago Bass Player magazine compared the pickups on a highly rated early 60's Jazz Bass which had spent it's whole life in a Nashville studio, pumping out hits, with Lindy Fralin JJ vintage replacemants. The Fralins won! If I was going vintage I would start by checking these out.[/quote] Thanks chris b! --- But more than anything, if you get a bass and it's; reliable, it sounds, plays and feels as good as an expensive/well known instrument - hang on to it for dear life.

[quote name='BigBeatNut' post='10340' date='Jun 1 2007, 01:14 AM']Thought I'd post pics of this to see what you think. I've always thought the colour was unusual and it's recently occured to me it might actually be rare and valuable. Anyone know what this finish is called ? It's a slightly opaque red, that gets slightly more opaque towards the edges of the body. Unfortunately this isn't seeing a lot of action at the moment. I'm thinking I might find an alternate neck, unlined fretless, so it'll be more likely be played.[/quote] It's lookin' scrummy. A real rocker. You're right, get a fretless neck on it.

[quote name='setekh' post='10343' date='Jun 1 2007, 01:26 AM']now I'm confused...there are actually 3 Bill Lawrences? hope you got the real thing mate...its gotta be annoying to think you're getting something good and it ends up being a knock-off [/quote] Don't worry the man. -- THE pickups you're receiving will be perfect. They will be lovely and snuggly and they will wholeheartedly satisfy your bassy muse.

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='10071' date='May 31 2007, 06:29 PM']Bootsy slaps I'm afraid.[/quote] Heh, I must have repressed that. I know him for his fingerstyle funk. - He's one of the best in my opinion as well. "Bootsy is one of the kings of funk. His approach is minimal, not flashy, but he knows how to add just the right emphasis to make people move." -Wheat on Bootsy's playing with James Brown on the JB CD.

[quote name='ali-stare' post='10073' date='May 31 2007, 06:30 PM']looks dont matter as the bridge pup is covered by the ashtray[/quote] What bass is this?

[quote name='chris_b' post='7104' date='May 26 2007, 12:49 PM']Several years ago Bass Player magazine compared the pickups on a highly rated early 60's Jazz Bass which had spent it's whole life in a Nashville studio, pumping out hits, with Lindy Fralin JJ vintage replacemants. The Fralins won! If I was going vintage I would start by checking these out.[/quote] Lindy Fralin do p/j set if you're after a vintage tone. By no means cheap though. I don't know how much pickups generally cost but these would cost about £160 to bring over to the UK - but that's a guess. --- Question: ARE p/j pickups special in anyway? Or can you throw any p-set with any jazz bridge pickup? Cheers, Paul.

[quote name='Hamster' post='9926' date='May 31 2007, 03:06 PM']FC - added into new Australian Luthiers section!! - Thanks Paul - I presume you're looking at using Ben Crowe at Crimson Guitars, It's only up the road from you so pop in and see if he can do voodoo on the banana bass. Hamster[/quote] You sir, are a one in a million.

Cheers Hamster! I had no idea I had a luthier near me. Do you think they'd do a setup. My friend's bass has gone seriously concave and his action is ridiculously high. Do you think they'd sort it all out and re-string? This is like...epihpany. Thanks again, Paul.

[quote name='Brandonh' post='9685' date='May 31 2007, 03:32 AM']Well I looked up Duck and im pretty happy hearing him I will check out some others tommorow.[/quote] What kind of music do you like to listen to, or would like to further explore? I can assure you that our recommendations are top-notch but if you're not interested in the style, you won't be motivated to play. I'm still uncertain about what you're looking for and I'd like to help. The best medicine would probably be to get hold of a lot of different music, try and play along and see what rhythms come (and don't come) naturally to you. I think the best (well known) fingerstyle players have been mentioned that you can get material on - James Jamerson being my personal favourite.