BassBod

I've got drummer envy......never thought that would happen to me!

The Innovation 140H "honey" set will work with the schaller, although they haven't got much metal in them. I've swapped between them a few times and not found it a huge change. They are stiffer, but not like steel core strings. However...I also tried the Schaller and found it pretty weak and boring. I'd also consider a Kent Armstrong magnetic or a different piezo type pickup...then you can stay with the rockabillys and slap away.

I was charged around £50 for re-fitting/correcting a recent replacement bridge...that didn't fit. But that was a part of a general set-up and new strings, so there was some headroom. I would think anything over £75 for just fitting seems a bit steep. But I'm a complete novice in the "classical" world and their ways.

New to me indeed....but I'll need a new anorak soon.

Why not...it'll be new to someone!

Normally, I've found Thomastiks need to have the truss rod loosened a bit (not much at all, maybe a quarter turn?) and then I also move the bridge saddles up (again only a touch, maybe one turn) to compensate for the floppiness. After that they still need a gentle touch, but are very nice when you get used to the feel. Lovely sound.

I've used superglue a flew times - works well, but is a pain to apply and sand back. You really only need the thinnest of coverings to get the protection and sound, so its a good result (depending on the fingerboard condition).

When I had one I found two sets that worked were DR Sunbeams (nickel round) and Thomastik flats (floppy flats). Couldn't decide which was better, but different flavours of the Warwick sound to me.

Aren't they a "part" of the Mansons operation? Some info from owners would be welcome....

You're a brave man. With a plywood bass....

You'll have to get three tone sunburst settee....

Sounds like the perfect reason for an upright bass bash to me.....I can't think of any other way of getting access to loads of basses...some of them affordable!

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1330596558' post='1559863'] I liked the Mono bag but never really though the protection was that good. The Contego wins on that score but is a lot heavier. The Protection Racket is also a nice bag, but it bugs me that they're so deep, you could almost fit two basses in there! [/quote] I think I bought the Levy's bag from you a couple of years ago? What was it you didn't like about them - its my regular gigging bag these days, and apart from limited storage, I find it hard to fault. I even bought a double version (and I don't like double bags!).

I had a bit of a shock when I got my Zeller hybrid set up recently. Completely transformed from a "so-so..not worth the effort" player to something that sounds like a bass should and makes you want to try and play it better. If you've not done it already, could it be worth a visit to good luthier before you start the expensive trade up trail?

Nice one - thats a real treat!

There is a reunion blues bag in the for sales - vey similar to the Levys CM19 in design and spec. Bit of wear, but I'd consider it at the price.

Strings direct used to sell them (Levys) but doesn't look like it currently. I got mine used on here a few years ago and they're still in great condition after a few years dragging around. There is a USA evilbay seller (Doc1rock?) who can do pretty good prices, but obviously shipping and taxes get in the way!

The Contego is a big bag/case...but its fairly light and the strap system is very comfy for longer walks, probably the best I've used. I prefer the Levy's CM19 canvas bag, but mainly because its smaller and (slightly) lighter - the trade off is storage space. The Contego has lots, but everything you put in adds to the total weight. Not used a Mono, but seen them and they look very light but well made.

I think its great that "Paul's" current Wal production is so close to Pete's later instruments that even we (the bass obsessed) can't spot a difference!