BassBod

Hi Martin, Don't bother with shops (I'm in Bristol) - sorry if that sounds a bit miserable, but they don't ever seem to carry decent bags. Look at Thomman in Germany? The Warwick bags are fine for general use. The "better" ones are actually a bit better, so spending nearer £40 will get you more padding than £25 but still the same basic design. I've used a "Royal Premiun Line" for a couple of years with no problems. I think the fake leather ones were the best quality/price I've seen, but they are harder to find. The best I've seen are the Levy's canvas and the Harvest canvas (Overwater), both pricey but very durable. Good luck BB

My first amp was a Sound City 50 - was pretty good really. The Carlsbro replacement was not a better amp, but it was a lot smaller, lighter and didn't smell so bad...there's progress for you. I wouldn't pay more than £100 even if in good nick, (with mullards and gold plated mains plug.. ^_^ ) BB

Great news about Paul...all the best for the future of Wal. BB

I think the jack is just a standard Switchcraft stereo - shouldn't be a difficult fix. I'd replace it rather than clean it up - otherwise you're waiting for it to happen again? if you're not happy soldering then look at the luthier list on here for someone in your area. Good luck BB

I'll admit to some dots as well...its a bass guitar habit! There are always those gigs where you just can't hear yoursely well enough (I often don't use an amp and rely on stage monitors). Its worth remembering that when you meet someone with a "snobby attitude" about position markers you can be pretty sure they've never played a "loud" gig. I sometimes think about removing them.....but stil haven't. Close your eyes and see if you need them? At least they don't light up. yet. BB

I agree the Thomastiks are great sounding strings - the only ones I've found without a nasty "edge" to the sound. But (and its a BIG but) they are a pain to use at first - the gauges are unusually light (think Mark King..) and on top of that they are very flexible, so you will probably have to change bridge and nut (and probably truss rod) settings to make them playable. Also, acoustically they are soft - the lack of "clank" does make it a warmer sound but at the expense of acoustic impact - not an issue on a Turner bass but a consideration if you're planning to play unplugged. BB

The ebony board is a good sign - I think a set of strings (to your taste) and a bit of a set up should get you on track. Maybe get a pickup fitted at the same time? Remember that ply basses were also designed to be more durable, not just cheaper to make. Have fun BB

I've got a an old Czech ply - it really depends on what's wrong with it, and how much you're prepared to invest. Broken bits (endpin, nut, tuners?) aren't too pricey, and fixes can be included in a pro set up. New pro-fitted bridge is a good idea, again not expensive and you can also include a pickup installation. I'd look at this type of work as giving the bass a fair chance to sound its best. A few changes can really make a big difference. Where I would stop is major structural work (taking the top off, neck off..) or replacing the fingerboard. The bass was constructed to a certain level, so you have to always bear that in mind. On mine I've fitted a new adjustable bridge, changed a dodgy endpin and stripped the peeling fingerboard finish. It sounds ok (with Innovation strings) for old school thumpy stuff. But it's never going to give the complex woody tones that a "better" solid top bass could. That would cost me a lot more - and I play EUB most of the time, so its never going to make sense to invest that much in an acoustic bass.

One other thing - sounds obvious, if you get the bass set up think about putting adjuster wheels into the bridge. This enables you to change string height (ie start low then move it up by small amounts over a few months, then back down if it's too high for comfort). The real purists will say they mess up the sound, but when you're getting started it can be a big help. Enjoy... BB

Now that's a bit of a subject - do a search here (?) and on Talkbass, then look at Bob Gollihur's site - his summaries and prices are the best I've seen. Any idea what's on your bass? Also, what sort of sound are you looking for? Favourite players? Double bass strings vary more in construction, sound and feel than bass guitar strings, and of course cost more so you'll want to think about this one... I'd suggest Thomastick Spirocores or D'Addario "hybrids" as a good start, unless you're really wanting to use a bow lots. BB

Now that looks very nice - so what's deal...sound feel...what p/ups....(I could go on) BB