BassBod

Yep - that one...

Somewhere (?) I've seen a Wilkinson version, still with only two bridge saddles, but with an allen key adjustment so you can "slant" them to improve intonation between the pairs of strings. No idea if it really does improve things, of course, but an interesting idea. BB

Yes - I've got a Realist on my acoustic too - no feedback problems, or at least no more than any other pickup I've used. BB

Yep, that covered it - but I'd go for the Gage/Realist over the Fishman. The Gage sounds much better without impedance matching (preamp) before the amp, and I've found it easier to fit than the Fishman. The Fishman really needs a preamp (really really) to sound ok, and also sounds better if its superglued onto the bridge. I've got both on my EUB, and I use both, but the Realist is much better without eq to compensate. I actually use the Fishman more for its "finger noise"...but that's just me... BB

Bought a neck from Chris - easy transaction, good communication - highly recommended. Unbelievabley good packaging - I mean, more than secure.... BB

That neck looks really thin - I'd be careful what strings go on it...does the truss rod adjuster still work (hopefully its got one)? The Status black plastic flats could be really nice on a bass like this. Plonk. BB

I think you have to take each on their own merits, and costs. I love the Epics, although the fives can be very heavy...but when you get to Series I or II they can get very expensive, very heavy, have terrible balance....mains power etc A lot also depends on how well looked after they are. The hardware is all made in house so if you've not set one up before it can be a bit different. So I would generally try and disregard the "shop" setup on any used Alembic. They are very easy to adjust once you understand the hardware (don't try and adjust pickup height until you now what's underneath them). The electronics are all pretty unique, but high quality and modular. I've found them to be pretty helpful at sending replacements if needed. The F2B preamp is still the best I've heard. BB

Some Barts (the older designs, I think) are a bit "dark" in tone. I put some in a SSI, and they came out pretty quickly. A nice enough sound but easily lost in a gig. Some of their current designs have a different voicing - I also had a great MM style Bart, and there was plenty of top and presence. I ended up with EMG's in mine, with an Aguilar preamp - nice, but I'd recommend the original "boost only" version of the pre, as the the cut option didn't ever get used. The EMG's are very similar to MECs. Just a bit more better (as my son says). BB

Thanks for that - I had a tape of his years ago, used to love it. I've seen Fred live a couple of times over the years, and its always refeshing to hear fantastic and musical playing on a Squier (?) bass. Who needs all that fancy wood. Mind you, i'd love to hear him play that Shuker/Lamaq acoustic Jon told me about... BB

I haven't been amp shopping for years...but I guess this is all part of the current trend to not actually hold any stock, but order in if someone pays for it first. I always thought it worked like this - you have a couple in stock, boxed and ready and you have one or two on display for people to try out. When these demo models get a bit "used" they're sold off at a reduced profit. Its no surprise, given the vast range these days, that you can't expect small local shops to stock much (they still have to pay for it all) but it does surprise me that even UK importers/distributors sometimes have virtually nothing available. And I'm amazed that any shop wouldn't haggle for a sale on a demo model....unless they had another use for it. BB

Worth looking up Birdsong in the states - shortscales, but very light with it? Not cheap mind.... BB

Yep - Thomastik flats, as used on the plank. They're much lighter tension than most flats, so no worries about them being hard on the neck etc. The K&K was the "pure" pickup that Bob Gollihur sells. Its two small plates that superglue under the bridge - a local (banjo/mandolin) luthier did it for me, although I could've done it. I was just a bit nervous 'cause the Martin is in very good condition...and I don't normally work on acoustics, so they feel very fragile to me. BB

Its great to see an old bass, without great "investment potential" get this sort of treatment. Good luck with the spraying, and don't breath that stuff.. BB

I think one maker (Zon??) used to recommend (a little) WD40 for phenolic fingerboards, to keep them black and shiny.....but don't hold me responsible etc etc BB

My experience has been that W necks shapes vary - over time and between neck-through / bolt-ons. My ex-Streamer Stage I (now with our very own Luke Ward) had a great neck, a bit deep (front to back) but very comfy - one of the best basses I've owned. One thing to remember is that your tastes can change - I used to be a J bass person, thin and fast. Now I find that a bit uncomfortable/tiring and prefer a more chunky profile. There's middle age for you! Actually, what made the difference was my Clifton shortscale - it was made with a pretty meaty neck, as anything else on a 30" scale feels like a toy. After playing that for a few weeks I was converted. Good point about having a Warwick neck shape changed - with an oil finish its really not a big job to have it shaved down a bit, as long as its done carefully. A little wood off the back can make a big difference. BB

Just bought a case from the Old Horse - good communication, arrived very well packed and as agreed. Highly recomended. BB

Any chance of a photo? BB

From memory, this was one of the nice Precisions of the era (fenders move on the MM market) - if its a real player, ok weight and has aged well I think it'd be a good buy. You should be able to get that price down a bit...and/or some extras?. The only downside I can see is brass hardware can look awful if it gets too grubby! BB

Years ago, I had an Alligator combo - something like 400w into 2x8's (made by Volt). It was remarkably good, fairly deep sound for a realatively small box, something like a GK micro combo but nicer. The fatal flaw was that it was "semi-flight" cased, so very heavy for the output. I also had an early Ashdown 4x8 - again, very nice sound (with an eden WT300) but too heavy for the the sound you got out. Things may be improving - with newer lighter speakers ths could tip the balance?? BB

My experience - LaBellas are the best "thick" ones, Roto's are ok for old school, but have weird intonation..but also a certain charm. For regular guage the Status ones sound very lively and lovely on fretless, but you'll have to raise the action a bit to compensate for their flexiness. Thomastik flats (not plastic or black) are my favourite fretless string, but look 'em up before you buy, as its a bit of a love/hate string. BB