clarkpegasus4001

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1487072259' post='3236699'] Judging by the OP's user name and avatar pic, we might conceivably be talking about a Rick here in which case advising that he uses a different bass is probably not helping. [/quote] I bought my Rickenbacker 4001 at the start of 2006 and it was my only bass for about 8 years. I now have 6 basses including the new Yamaha. The Rick is a moderate weight and i've gigged for years without no problems using the same strap as I have now. The Gibson is also a tad on the heavy side. The Fender Jazz, Musicman Sabre are light as is my Spector Performer I bought for use in a tribute band. I have used the same strap on all bar one and not had a problem at all. I use a different strap for the Spector I use for a Judas Priest tribute band but that bass is light as a feather anyway. It's odd that the balance of the Yamaha is great, unless i have done something to my shoulder? i'm not sure, but it felt far too heavy when I played it the other day. Chances are I will buy a Comfort Strapp. If I still have the same issue after buying another strap i'll have to consider moving the bass on and just use another bass (probably the Musicman as I used that for the new bands debut gig the other week). I need to have the Yamaha set up and I can't take it in for a couple of weeks anyway so I have plenty of time to sort out a strap. Thanks again to all for your imput, it makes interesting reading.

Many thanks to everybody for the response i've had on this subject so far, To answer some questions which may have relevance..... Firstly I hold the bass usually across my stomach and sometimes slighty higher depending what bass i'm using. I move around a lot on stage too if there's room. The bass i've recently bought is a 1977 Yamaha BB1200. I put it on my scales (I don't know if they are dead accurate but they are digital and good quality scales), and it came up 10lb dead. For the first time tonight I tried it with my usual strap and it was heavy on the shoulder although it balances fine. As this bass is 100% original i've no intention of changing any parts on it. Having read what some people say on here i'm edging towards either the Comfort Strapp or the Neotech Mega Bass Strap. As a footnote, I bought the bass to use in my new band which is a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, and of course Jimmy Bain used BB basses, in fact i'm almost certain it was a natural BB1200 like mine when I saw him in Wild Horses in 1978, although it could have been another model BB i'm not sure it was a long while ago! I'd like to get this issue sorted rather than considering moving the bass on as it's a lovely bit of kit and ideal for this band. I hope this info helps with any future respnses and thanks again to you all it's a big help.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1487021053' post='3236353'] Neotech Mega Bass Strap. I've had all the back saving straps, the Neotech is the best. I have 4 of them now! [/quote] Thank you for your reply, are your basses on the hefty side?

I know this topic has probably been done on numerous occasions but I could do with some advice please. I have a bass that is approx 10lb overall weight and it feels heavy on the shoulder using my usual wide leather strap of almost 4" wide (not much in the way of padding though). My normal strap is fine with my other basses. My question is, what strap do you use or would recommend?.I have heard Comfort Strapp are good? Does anyone use those? Many thanks in advance guys and much appreciated.

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1486827846' post='3234839'] Just sold Tony my BB1200 after he sent me a speculative PM - few PMs and a chat on the phone later and we're both setting off to meet midway on the M1 - a great guy and a pleasure to meet him. Would have no problem in recommending him for any basschat related buying and selling. I hope you enjoy the bass Tony, it's one of the good ones out there. [/quote] Many thanks Luke, the bass is a killer! Lovely meeting you and thank you so much for selling me your bass. It will be well cared for.

I've just purchased a rather lovely 1977 Yamaha BB1200 from Luke. Although he had originally removed this bass from sale, I happened to be looking for one of these basses, so I contacted him and he agreed to sell me this gem of a bass. Luke is a good communicator, and a very nice guy, and really easy to deal with. I can't recommend him highly enough. Thank you Luke, this bass will be added to my collection and really well looked after while it's in my care.

Kansas - The Spider https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVCNIWdJz_k

My latest aquisition, a Gibson EB3L takes it's place with my other vintage basses on the settee.

Following on from a highly successful gig at MFN on Saturday, this Saturday (6th August) sees Judas Priest tribute band Hell Bent For Priest make a welcome return to The Frog (Frog and Nightgown), Carlton Road, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 1PH. HBFP will be supported by 3 piece rock/indie/grunge band GÜNK (covers and originals). Expect blistering renditions of your favourite Priest classics such as Living After Midnight, Painkiller, Hell Bent For Leather and many more. This will be our last gig until 10th December when the band play Route 44 in Birmingham, so catch us while you can! First band on at 8.30pm approx, and it's FREE entry for this gig! [url="https://www.facebook.com/events/865735806866819/?ref=22&action_history=null&source=22"]https://www.facebook.com/events/865735806866819/?active_tab=highlights[/url]'

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1469203560' post='3096669'] Thanks for that. I once had to call the council into our road when a fly posting campaign started for a new club a couple of years ago. The owner contacted me to ask why I had not approached him about it because he said it was a "good will gesture" on the part of his customers (was supposed to have just opened remember?) and that he had nowt to do with it and he thought I should apologise for nearly shutting him down. How I larfed. As for the OP, I would hope that you advertise in the real world anyway but only fly post where there is precedent to do so. If you fly post on let's say - virgin territory - you will get slapped. [/quote] The reason I mentioned the fly posting was that.......we were due to play Rock City. I was told under no circumstances to fly post as we would never play there again if we did. The reason was they had been fined heavily in the past for bands fly posting thier events.

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1469182749' post='3096357'] Regarding Facebook, one way of extending the reach of the band's posts is to ask people to share them. For instance, ask all the band members to share the band page's posts on their own timelines. As mentioned above, that can also be achieved by tagging band members and friends, but I would be selective rather than indiscriminate, and tag only those friends and fans who aren't irritated by it and like sharing the band's news. [/quote] Agree with this. and become members of groups and post in those as well. Texting and sending out emails to friends won't harm anything either.

I would suggest all that you have listed but especially Facebook. Posters and flyers all help. Get all the band members to push it as well as the venue. Also the local papers if possible, plus anywhere on the net does does gig listing. Don't fly post illegally or you could get into trouble, and you may lose the gig too.

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1468240836' post='3089466'] they have - I also highly recommend UPS and their access point services. Usually a local newsagent [/quote] I'm glad to hear it. I work for UPS.

[quote name='chriswareham' timestamp='1468108009' post='3088687'] Mmm, EB3L. I acquired one of these earlier this year: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/280502-ndb-early-1970s-gibson-eb-3l/"]http://basschat.co.u...s-gibson-eb-3l/[/url] Suffers from terrible neck dive, but i don't really mind as it sounds fantastic :-) [/quote] Yes I did notice that these basses tend to be a bit neck heavy, but it don't bother me in the slightest. It sounds great even with the terrible flats stringss that are on it so it should sound immense with new strings (and a set up).

I had my Fender pick up done at Bare Knuckle. Great job, but I would have considered Aaron Armstrong had I had seen these recommendations on here first.

[quote name='DBerriff' timestamp='1468137579' post='3088735'] It is a fine looking bass indeed. I personally would enjoy it for what it is, a 44 year old classic. At least one post mentions Dan Erlewine's book. It is comprehensive and based on years of experience. It is much cheaper to have a copy to refer to, than to mess up a classic bass or guitar. P.S. If lighter fluid sounds naff, just call it naptha. [/quote] Yes the condition of the Gibson is excellent really for a 44 year old bass, and it's totally original too. I've just ordered a product from the USA called Eternashine "Players Kit". It's not cheap as such but i'm impressed with the videos and the feedback about this product. I intend to try a drop first on my only non - vintage bass first. I'll let the forum know what the results are. It will take a week or so to arrive.

[quote name='essexbasscat' timestamp='1468134426' post='3088718'] Virtuoso is specially developed for nitro finishes. It's expensive, but it's far and away given me the best results with nitro compared to other stuff. Love the bass btw [/quote] Thank you, it's a really nice axe that just really needs new strings and a set up.

[quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1468072334' post='3088436'] I used the Dunlop polish on my '74 Gibson SG (similar age to your bass) and it had a very bad reaction to it. The finish went very matt and almost sticky. I really wish I'd tried it on the back first! I tried loads of things to remedy it, eventually winning with toothpaste (really!) and a LOT of elbow grease. I'm never letting that stuff near the SG again, but it does work fine on all my other (non-nitro finish) guitars. [/quote] I've never heard of toothpaste being used for that purpose before. Out of curiosity, what/who gave you the idea to use toothpaste? What with toothpaste, lighter fuel, car polish, being suggested i've clearly had a sheltered life and been using the wrong products on my basses! I think i'll go with either the Dr Ducks Axe Wax or Gerlitz No'1 Carnauba wax and polish.

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1468063881' post='3088374'] We use Dr Ducks in the shop - it seems to work on anything and lasts for ages! Be sure to use sparingly though [/quote] I've just watched a video with somebody using Dr Ducks Axe Wax and it's pretty impressive.

[quote name='geoffbyrne' timestamp='1468011780' post='3088134'] Occasionally (because it's mildly abrasive) I'll use car polish - might be just what your's needs - once. G. [/quote] Such as? I think T-Cut would be a bit too abrasive? Or was you thinking of something else?

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1468039556' post='3088206'] [url="http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/product/fiddes-wax"]http://www.wood-fini...duct/fiddes-wax[/url] I would use a good clear wax polish. Its probably similar to Axwax, but a lot cheaper by volume. [/quote] Not seen that stuff before. I'm not bothered about the cost so long as it does a good job.

Here is the bass, a 1972 EB3 L. As you can see, it's pretty clean now (considering it was filthy to start with). It just needs a really good polish and a set up.