BassBod

OK, first thoughts. The Fishman Model B is a good unit, does the impedance buffer thing, has a nicely voiced eq circuit - should enhance your sound. Might not add huge amounts of gain - that's not really what it was designed for. I've used the Fishman BP100 for years - one reason is its superglued to my bridge. That made a huge improvement to its sound - the clips work, but the fit is really critical, and in my experience it always moved around a bit, and that always changed the sound. Mo Clifton glued it on ten years ago, and its still there, and sounds the same. For fitting pickups in the wings (like the Underwood?) its normal to use veneer, glued to the right sort of thickness, or sometimes cork, or shims of maple. Again the fit is critical - too tight and you can ruin the elements, not tight enough and you won't get a good or consistent sound. String noise - my old Fishman pickup has loads of it. Obtrusive on its own, but tends to disappear when playing in a band context, and with (quite) a bit of treble reduction. I think its pretty normal for any pickup that resides at the top of the bridge?? I think my advice would be a visit to a really experienced luthier (someone that fits lots of pickups) or go for another design of pickup - the Realist is pretty easy to fit, and you could never complain of finger noise....you might even miss it. best of luck BB

Not much help...but I looked a year or two ago and couldn't find an active one. There are different organisations behind the current Steinberger "uprights" etc and the Gibson products. That site looked expensive to me! There is a lovely example of the original XL for sale here...I would've bought it in a second if I had the money! Good luck BB

Well, I've used loads...including the Baggs (but not the current Fishman). Good things about the Baggs = strong output, good control over input gain, runs on phantom, has a permanent "low cut" which doesn't seem to mess with your sound but helps with "rumble". Bad points = hard to use a tuner send cable (it needs a return as well, one of those Y patch cables) can be too high output for the PA, the eq isn't really designed for bass, more acoustic guitar. A lot of the variable eq is well above a useful range. I used to use the old Fishman preamp, but that had no DI. It always sounded good, but that was ten years ago..... To be honest, any good quality active preamp/DI will help with most pickups, its a question of which features are useful to you. Most of the time I use a "flat" active DI made by Orchid - the most useful feature is the mute footswitch so I can turn off!

Same experience with a SS1 and Thomastick flats - a very good "old style" sound, but may need a tweak or two (not difficult on a Warwick).

Sorry not to make contact with anyone this time...had to dash home for babysitters...but hats and Tshirts make spotting BCers much easier. Was great to see a real pro, Fodera and all, resorting to gaffa tape. I really liked the way he used effects - pretty subtle compared to most, and even the synth wasn't overused. A great night out....I needed it! BB

Well...I really enjoyed it. Don't get out much (except when "working") so it was a real treat. I'm sure that was Rich in the SWR Tshirt....

Considering its been around the blues clubs of Germany (and to Bosnia) a few times, its amazing - that wax does a really good job of repairing small scuffs etc. I got it "new" around 5 years ago from a not very good shop in Bristol - but it must have been knocking around for a few years. I expect it had been round a few dealers etc etc before they got it. It was in good shape, but hadn't been waxed for a long time. I loved the woodwork and design - great neck, good balance, not heavy - but whenver I used it on a jazzy gig I just couldn't get the warmth I wanted. Luke's Bravewood P bass was just right, warm as a warm thing on a warm day.....but if I could afford a Thumb...it doesn't stop does it?? Based on my experiences with the SS1 I'll hopefuly one day end up with a SS2 or Spector. BB

I think I was the one who put the EMG's and Aguilar into that SS1....so here's my interpretation. The EMG vs MEC isn't a biggie. EMGs (to me) sound just a bit cleaner, with more extended highs and lows but essentially not very different in character to the original MECs. I already had a P p/up doing nothing, so it seemed like a good idea (I've always liked the clarity of EMGs) The stock 3 band preamp started to play up, and rather than spend time and money fixing it, I decided to change it. Never liked the mid control, and felt it was pretty "hissy". The Aguilar 2 band was chosen because it has a frightening bass boost, and also the ability to cut treble (very useful with EMGs if you want a more traditional sound). I also prefer vol/vol to balance controls, unless they are really well designed and don't do odd "phase things". Despite all that, I couldn't get the warmth out of I wanted....so off it went.... BB

As for p/ups, I always liked the old style DiMarzio humbuckers - darker and stronger than trad jazzes, but with a good honk (and no single coil hum). I reckon an Aguilar 2band pre with those would be quite the thing. Trouble is, there isn't much room in a standard jazz bass cavity, so other than a JRetro you're probably going to need at least an extra battery space? Sounds like fun....forget the vintage tone snobs...go for the filth! BB

Can't speak for the Sadowsky, but I've used the Aguilar DB924 (very similar) in this way - to give me an "active tone" option for passive basses. Works well, especially the bass boost. Takes an old style jazz bass from "jamerson/jaco" to "marcus" or "will" . Doesn't seem so useful on a P style bass but I do sometimes use it if I am looking for a heavier tone.

I've got the older DiMarzio (with Allen key poles) in my Pbass - its very good. Does the P thing fine, but has more oomph and is a bit "darker" than standard. My bass originally had a SD Quarterpounder which (whilst impressive and aggressive) didn't sound like a Pbass to me. The SD vintage version is also a great sounding pickup. BB

Yep, I'll be there.....

That should be a fantastic bass - congratulations, and I admire your courage. I bought some short scale strings from Rob last year and he was a pleasure to do business with. Maybe one day I can order a bass as well........ BB

I haven't used them for at least ten years, but I picked up a set of their "cheap" nickel rounds a few days ago, and I was pleasantly surprised. Good sound, even between strings and not particularly rough feeling. Much better than I remember the stainless strings of years ago... My favourite is still the DR Sunbeams...followed by Thomastik Superalloys, or Overwaters. Manson's strings seem good too. Just don't buy DR's in the UK (Germany or America for sensible prices..)

Years ago I used two combos, not really worth the hassle. A more powerful combo with an extension cab option works much better - or just a DI into the PA. The only problem as such is the possible earth loop/hum you often get when linking two mains powered items. BB

British Audio Services in the States look like you're best bet for spares, but there is probably a minimum order. Maybe worth getting new rubber feet/corners to make it worth while. I got some bits from a Gavin at GM Audio (?) in Essex - I think he was working from part of the old factory, but I read that he's stopped trading now (someone correct me if I'm wrong about that..) BB

Yes, I'm sure the only time I tried Warwick strings was the first time ....and later a set of Rotos

I knew I'd offend someone......hope you're looking after that old Pbass, and not putting it too close to the Magnum..... BB

+1 - I've only had this once or twice, and I think its the magnetic pull from the pickups? Lower them a touch and it usually goes away. I've also had a similar "rattle" sometimes, but this is duff strings (normally the E) where the windings are coming apart from the core, inside the string.

Thomastik flats - feel wimpy but sound big and old. Bass wise, anything with a humbucker near the end of the neck, or a Pbass pickup (DiMarzios are good and warm). The old Ovation Magnums are a good bet...but really ugly. Somebody will correct me, I know.... BB

They are very similar to the Overwaters, maybe even the same strings!? I've only used one set of the nickels, but I like them. No "spherical ball end technology" bollo on the current ones, just regular brass bits.

I got there for an hour or so Sunday - great to see an event like this in the South West. Tried a few things out (the Custom Shop Pino Pbass, nice Pbass but very pricey and no better than my bravewood...) and chatted to a few people. I missed some of the luthiers...although everyone could hear Bernie! I did see one of Hugh Manson's current basses there and Andy's wonderful guitars, but there were no Overwaters, Jaydees, Seis, Shukers or my favourite Cliftons. Shame that. I'm impressed with Manson's "own brand" strings - very good for the price. BB

The one I had also had two extra resistors, to stop the stacks reacting to each other - I think it also dropped the output a bit, and made my jazz sound a bit dull and lifeless. Back to the three knobs for me....... BB

The only place I've been searched for drugs, and had the van almost taken apart. Very curteous and professional, but I couldn't help feeling they were protecting their own local suppliers......as much as law enforcement. Probably best bringing your own stuff (PA etc) as the (very few) locals can set their own rates..and get them? BB