cloudburst

Guys, in all seriousness, this chap is a real easy target. It would be easy for us to be drawn into being Internet bullies. Hows about we set an example as the professionals we are and merely state the facts to help fellow musicians avoid making a bad purchase (which is what I think we all want to do). And that's no disrespect to any of the funny comments. CB

Yea very clever. But, WHY? CB

I originally used Blyth Valley for my Public Liability insurance and also for my Professional Indemnity insurance. Found them to be very friendly and were considerably better priced than the competition at the time (a few years ago). They have since been taken over by Hiscox. I have a feeling the only thing that has changed is the name, but I may be wrong about that. http://www.hiscox.co.uk/business-insurance/public-liability-insurance/ CB

[quote name='SisterAbdullahX' timestamp='1342989366' post='1743595'] Yeah, I love it as well!! If you ever think of parting with it, give me first dibs! [/quote] Thanks for that! Meanwhile - here's one for sale that is identical to mine. Similar condition too. http://www.thebassgallery.com/product_details.cfm?ID=2282 CB

It is only a matter of time until MDP starts making and branding his very own guitars and basses. We only have to delve back a short period in history to uncover evidence of this natural progression: Leo Fender was well known for his fannying around with a blowtorch in order to 'improve' the then-popular double-basses, and came in for much the same criticism on the Internet forums of the day. I see the development of MDP's own brand of instrument as a positive step as there is really so little on telly these days (what with Father Ted having disappeared from the airwaves etc). CB

We really should expect a bit more care and responsibility from the more intelligent rock stars such as Sting. (It probably goes without saying) but nobody should attempt to build a fortress around their heart without a responsible adult and plenty of plastic sheeting. And as for setting somebody free if you love them? Listening to that song has caused all kinds of ongoing inconvenience for Austrian nutjob, Josef Fritzl. CB

We thought Nick Lowe would find it therapeutic when we set to his greenhouse with small hammers. However, he was absolutely fuming! Honestly, some of these rock stars don't seem to know their own minds. CB

Here's what I think the OP is after: Precision = Boom-Thud Jazz = Boom-Zing Rick = Clunk-Clank StingRay = Boomerang-Boing CB

Jamming session amongst very capable musicians = jazz (for those who like that sort of thing). Jamming session in general = a way for players to perform as part of a group whilst remaining in their own comfort zones and accomplishing pretty much nothing. An unfocused, frustrating, soul destroying waste of time that you hate at the time and hate yourself afterwards for allowing yourself to participate. I don't ever want to meet up with my bandmates and not work to a precise plan. I know it's a weakness, but I get really antsy if the guitarist fills every silence in the session with some irrelevant licks. My view is - save your playing for when you're meant to be playing (same idea when we congratulate bassists for having restraint within a song and only playing what is needed). Just my own opinion you understand. CB

Transparent Polycarbonate? I suppose that might be Sellotape. :-) CB

I use a Markbass 801 as a practice amp and it's more powerful (ie. loud and full whilst remaining clean) than some of the [multiple times larger] brutes I used to play through. Like you, I'd been wondering "How do they do that?" But I gave up and just enjoy it. CB

Glad To Be Here by Bernard Edwards CB

Business seems to be going well :-)

[quote name='Johnston' timestamp='1342806809' post='1741384'] And that has become even funnier since it came out they were swingers [/quote] Not a set of keys I'd be particularly charmed to pick out of the fruit bowl. It has to be asked - what kind of person takes the RISK of remaining at a swingers party once Jimmy Krankie arrives??? CB

I've been pleased with my Bose MIE2i earphones. They have a neat silicon device that stops them falling out of your ears without having to jam them up to the hilt into your posterior temporal lobe. So comfortable that you pretty much forget you're wearing them. I'll stop now, as I'm starting to sound like a tampon advert. CB

I'm really hoping to avoid offending people here - so (sincere) apologies in advance. I find Rickenbacker basses a bit confusing. As an example- they seem to be renowned for their unique clunky tone, however, some of my favourite Paul McCartney lines in the psychedelic period, apparently played on a Rickenbacker, have a warm smooth honey tone. My summary understanding (based on only a little experience) of Rickenbackers would be as follows: - Most bass players like the look of a Ric - A small number of bass players love the Ric sound (an important group with a valid opinion, but still a minority) - Almost no bass players rate Rics for their playability Again, I don't want to offend. But how far am I off beam with the above generalisation? And how come Macca's lines sounded so un-Ric? CB

I never took them off my 1974 Jazz from new. Ever. Lucky I never wanted to change the strings. Lucky I never needed any adjustments either. Got so used to playing all styles with them on. Never got in the way for me at all. You folks will probably think this is strange behaviour. CB

Or if you want something for the iPhone/iPad - I've started using Anytune Pro HQ which is £10.49 - there's also a free version which seems to do quite a lot too. CB

I checked the midnight blue one they had a while ago. It didn't seem too bad. Perhaps that's why it was first to go. Have you looked at the midnight blue 4003 in the other shop nearby? Check out the bubbled chrome plating on the bridge. Very poor QC at RIC was what I thought to myself. CB

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1342630901' post='1738322'] Christ! Done the rounds, hasn't it?! Is there any paint left on it? [/quote] The really strange thing is that it is as close to mint as you could get! Perhaps this is actually the only Bongo 4HH that has been made in this colour and everyone just thinks there are loads of them :-) CB