Kiwi

[quote name='BigRedX' post='58979' date='Sep 11 2007, 09:32 PM']All created by Bas Wittenberg in Holland. These two are my particular favouites, but there's all sorts of instruments on the site; basses made of corrian, covered in fur, there's even one or two vagually conventional J-bass types...[/quote] Bas actually joined BW late last year, he makes some really interesting stuff. I've always had a mild hankering for Spalt basses. There's something elegantly functional about them. I particularly like the adjustable body, but you'd only have to do that once after you'd purchased it. There were some prototypes available on the Spalt site with [url="http://www.spaltinstruments.com/forsale.html"]movable pickups[/url] but I haven't seen any of them on the production models. Apparently they sound quite good as well. [attachment=2251:ad1f_3.JPG][attachment=2252:ae80_3.JPG][attachment=2253:MSSPALT_...ote_Bass.jpg]

For me, finding a keyboardist has been outright most difficult, they usually are so versatile and independent and can always keep themselves busy. There are loads of drummers out there but finding a good one who can hit things with feel has been even more difficult than finding a keyboardist.

They're an awesome band, so much energy and focus!

[quote name='Beedster' post='53432' date='Aug 31 2007, 03:43 PM']I look great in a wet suit. Does that count?[/quote] I find the extra support of neoprene keeps my figure looking svelt.

[quote name='spree' post='58951' date='Sep 11 2007, 08:22 PM']like the A-Team?[/quote] No, possibly more like Timmy Mallett.

Yeah, great idea if someone is looking for cabs with a bad attitude.

Well if any of you would like to start doing them as a serious thing for other members let me know. We might be able to work something out on the site for you.

[url="http://www.myspace.com/lonesharkbass"]http://www.myspace.com/lonesharkbass[/url] You're quite sprightly for a man of 100. Welcome

[quote name='Stewart' post='58460' date='Sep 10 2007, 10:04 PM']Try and get to hear as many as you can, and take the CD you want to hear with you [/quote] Good topic for a separate thread maybe I use Miles Davis' Tutu usually, the title track has a good spread of frequencies.

[quote name='MacDaddy' post='58449' date='Sep 10 2007, 09:34 PM']Charic has already recommended Yamaha HS50M monitors. Any other opinions advice?[/quote] +1 and I paid £125 each from Soundcontrol (and this was after talking them down)!

We're having this conversation in my band right now as our photo shoot is coming up next Sunday. We're a bit resistant to the idea of a uniform as such, whats important to us is that we're distinctive and memorable - our individual personalities will count most for that. But the girls all have such divergent dress senses that its hard not to look a little chaotic. For example, one of our singers likes her bangles and jangles, another is more urban chic and a third tends towards gamourous. Its hard to reconcile those tastes into a look as such. However, the Spice Girls did a pretty good job of it and I'm still trying to crack their formula. I think the lack of accessories helped a lot, they didn't generally wear patterns onstage and each of them chose a look that didn't overlap with any of the others. Of course, in some ways the singers are the easy bit. The musicians are a little harder because we are in more of a supportive role and so our personalities aren't so crucial. I completely agree about black and the backdrop - we've had this experience ourselves mainly because the lighting was rubbish at most of the venues. If you look at some of the Jools Holland HipHop/RnB DVD acts most of them are looking good wearing black. I suspect this is because the lighting in the studio was a lot better than we've had on stage. Wearing something lighter in tone definitely helps lift the band out of the background a little.

Does it wink an LED at you when it whistles? It might be trying to catch your attention.

Yes I have a Mesa and they are not made any more either and they don't come up for sale very often. There was on one Ebay a couple of weeks ago where the auction was ended early, and that was the first I'd seen in well over a year. If you don't mind the mono route, there are also 70's Burman PowerPak PA power amps but they put out a maximum of 140W and they weigh more than the Strategy 400.

Beautiful job sir, if you have a middle initial going spare, you could get yourself on Bill's list of providers! In fact, if you ever feel like making cabs for others, let me know. I must try to hear these for real some time. I hope you bring them to the next bassbash!

[quote name='Paul Cooke' post='57283' date='Sep 8 2007, 07:51 AM']question is, do Mike Dirnt and Frank Bello actually use the Squier Signature Editions named after them on stage???[/quote] I think it depends on the player. I've rarely seen Doug Wimbish play his sig Ibanez but Gary Willis uses his regularly.

The limited edition models DO sell to enthusiasts, you only have to look at the ridiculous number of Ernie Ball limited editions that get released every year and the only significant difference for almost all of them is the paint finish. The Anniversary models sometimes have something else thats different (like a mahogany tone block whatever that is) but they're all snapped up by fans. As for endorsements, they're the most effective way to sell instruments to people who might otherwise not get a chance to hear or play a bass if a music store isn't convenient. Many younger players will purchase an instrument unplayed and unheard if its played by a famous bass player. At the end of the day, its all about perceptions of value rather than what you actually get and branding is important to that. You should probably have a go at people who buy these instruments if you feel strongly enough about it. The manufacturers wouldn't do this if people didn't purchase the instruments.

+1 for Hotrox, I've had excellent service from them and great value.

[quote name='cai!' post='57139' date='Sep 7 2007, 06:43 PM']i just said, "im sorry i cant afford the best bass in the world, i play bass because i enjoy bass, not because i have a fancy expessive instrument"[/quote] I think you handled that superbly. Was he stuck for something to say in reply?