Born 2B Mild

+1 for D'addario nickels. They feel soft, which I appreciate when using fingers instead of a pick. Also, they are'nt expensive and I like the lack of textile winding so that fraying doesn't make the bass look tatty. And the different coloured ball ends are a nice touch too!

The studio I have been a couple of times recently has this old Ampeg amp in it. On the front it says V 68 240 watts R.M.S. My googling efforts haven't been fruitful, so to satisfy my curiosity I wondered if anyone here could enlighten me?

[quote name='markl' post='604651' date='Sep 21 2009, 03:39 PM']No worries on thread hi-jack all here to help each other. This might help on your Q-Tron problem though [url="http://www.effectpowersupplies.com/electro-harmonix-24dc-100-520-p.asp"]Effect Power Supplies[/url][/quote] That's a good link, cheers. However, I have a couple of 9v pedals plus a Line6 tremelo pedal, so I'd quite like to feed 'em all.

[quote name='alexharvay' post='604577' date='Sep 21 2009, 02:30 PM']Again, I will recomend the [url="http://www.diago.co.uk/pedal-power/pedal-power/overview.html"]Diago[/url] (like many other, I'm very satisfied with it). Check out their [url="http://www.diago.co.uk/powerstation_compatibility.html"]compatability table here[/url] to see what all their different adaptors will and won't power. An expensive option I know but I'm glad I went for it.[/quote] It's a neat compatability table but it rules me out for the Diago...I have an Electro Harmonix Q-Tron, and I can't find my chuffing mains lead for it! Sorry, don't mean to hijack your thread, markl. It just might be we are in the same boat.

Eamon, I can't reply via eBay because I already had responded ...to your question about shipping to Kildare, so I hope you see this! It's looking like £30. Cheers, Phil

[quote name='Bassassin' post='602501' date='Sep 18 2009, 08:15 PM']These are mid/late 70s - later Columbus copies (branded Series 2 &3) are Korean-made. Not 100% sure but the MIJs look like they came from the same Rokkomann factory that built Maya & El Maya. Considering how common Columbuses were, there's not very much info about them. I s'pose with the ashtrays if they look consistent with the age & wear of the rest of the bass then they're probably the ones it came with. J.[/quote] Thanks Captain. I'm playing it right now, and it feels like it has just been brought home from the shop, brand new. The only I.D. on it on the outside, apart from the headstock logo is the neck plate that simply says "Made in Japan".

[quote name='Bassassin' post='602406' date='Sep 18 2009, 06:13 PM']That looks in lovely nick - Are the 'trays original? Jon.[/quote] Er ...how the heck do you tell? I'm selling it as I acquired it. The person I bought it from had it for a few years, and his brother had it for about 10 years before that. Do you know what period these were made Jon?

Since placing my order with Mr Shuker, I've had to have a good look round to see what I can turn in to cash (four sons at University at the same time, man!). So I'm letting go of my favourite eye candy ...it's [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Original-classic-1970s-Columbus-Fender-Jazz-Bass-copy_W0QQitemZ200383678651QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item2ea7cc48bb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14"]on the bay now[/url]

an Ace of bass?

i give you... A Clef of bass players.

I like the new single "Time Flies" and will give the album a go.

[quote name='Born 2B Mild' post='594236' date='Sep 9 2009, 07:49 PM']I'll own up to one bargain ('cos it's a keeper). A five string Ibanez SR505 that is so fast and smooth, it plays itself. The best £100 I've ever spent on eBay![/quote] Finally got round to snapping a photo of it. It's not in the best condition, cosmetically, but then I like 'character'.

On the whole, I agree with the sentiments of the OP. However, there's a place for instruments at both ends of the performing spectrum. A basic bass made with inferior materials can sound awesome at a gig, where amplification, atmosphere and mind-distorting stimulants can add up to more than the sum of the constituent parts. However, in the studio, those buzzes, dead spots and crackling electronics can't hide. Another factor is that the (typically & relatively) increasing affluence of the bass player in later life means more expensive options being affordable and preferred.

I'll own up to one bargain ('cos it's a keeper). A five string Ibanez SR505 that is so fast and smooth, it plays itself. The best £100 I've ever spent on eBay!

Mine is a black 1996 Standard V with a rosewood neck. It's roadworn but has the mojo. I got it in June and I absolutely love it. I forgot about that Fender sound. For a passive plank, it punches well above its weight, to the point that it is now my main gigging bass. I have pimped the scratchplate, control panel and knobs. I wouldn't mind changing the tuning knobs to lightweight elephant ear style hipshots at some point. It doesn't seem heavy to me, but then I have a couple of sixers that weigh more. The B tension is fine and notes are clear, but not as good as the 35" Spector I sold recently, or on my 35" MPG. My main criticsm is the through-body stringing, but fortunately, the Fender strings that fit are very good and not expensive. I know what you mean about the P bass sound. I generally just use the neck pup only. Infact, I'm now going to be getting a five string P-bass next year. That way, I hope to keep to five strings and retain the fender sound but also keep it nice and simple.