Musky

[quote name='Fraktal' post='561275' date='Aug 5 2009, 04:48 PM']I had an Ashbory and loved its tone, but in the end I had to sell it because I couldnt get used to the extremely short scale. Just a few inches more would have been perfect because intonation is a big concern when playing the tiny bass. Are those wood models commercial? Would be nice to order a custom "XL scale" in case those arent already, cos I see those string knots dont have much string left, at least the Rickenfaker.[/quote] I don't know whether they're available commercially, but I found that picture via a google image search which led to [url="http://www.largesound.net/bass/index.php?PHPSESSID=525fe36df7945779807b74a3ec266032&topic=299.15"]this thread[/url] on largesound. The guy who made them was the same Mike Tavener redstriper mentions.

I notice on the auction the seller stated that it had been recently reconditioned. Although it might be entirely genuine it does set off some alarm bells that there might have been issues with the amp. I may just be a bit cynical and he may have been intending to hang on to the amp or just wanted to sell it in tip top condition, but it could just as likely mean there was a problem with the amp that needed attention and the guy wanted to shift it on. Still, you'd expect the thing to last more than a few seconds!

I can't say I know the actual size of Fender fret wire, but Fender do sell frets marketed as vintage fret wire.

Just browsing around and came across this picture. I think they look fine as they stand, but I'd be a bit worried that it'd look like you're playing one of those toy guitars once you've got it strapped on.

£31! Just... why? I know it was probably repairable if you had the skills, but still...

I think the issue isn't that Ray hasn't received the goods, but hasn't received the standard ebay (and presumably paypal) confirmation emails. Personally I always contact the seller after buying something just to confirm my address. I wouldn't think twice about contacting the guy.

I think I'd have gone ape if I'd lent out a bass and came back like that.

[quote name='andy boyle' post='558931' date='Aug 3 2009, 03:03 AM']I have a very old beat up looking BB2000 with a maple body,straight thru neck and rosewood finger board.I hope this information can throw some lite on some of issues that some people have,but i have a problem with this bass,it has a twist in the neck,can it be fixed?[/quote] I had a Fender with a slight twist on the neck. I was told it could be fixed by removing the fretboard and planing the neck. Sadly I was also told it wouldn't be a cheap fix.

[quote name='BottomEndian' post='557727' date='Aug 1 2009, 12:39 PM']Yeah, there're a few weird choices for "Best Bass Line". I mean, what about "There's No Other Way" or "Girls & Boys"? And "This Charming Man" for Andy Rourke? Probably one of his most staid, root-heavy lines. Hmmm.[/quote] And Sid Vicious' best bass line was Submission apparently. Glen Matlock's bassline with Steve Jones playing wasn't it?

It's a problem that bedevils any unknown band playing originals. When starting off any band relies on friends for an audience and obviously there's only so many times you can ask them to come along, especially since odds are their taste in music isn't exactly the same as yours. And since the other acts on the bill are in the same same position it's more than likely their audience will clear off as soon as they've played (certainly the case in London anyway). It doesn't help matters as you get older and your friends get a bit more staid and seek the familiar, as someone pointed out in Bilbo's Tribute bands thread. It can be done, though it might take something of a gimmick/stage act/image to pull it off. Seasick Steve, Bob Log III and the Fabulous Penetrators seem to do OK.

[quote name='PURPOLARIS' post='558326' date='Aug 2 2009, 10:52 AM']Yes if you can find one, and err the £2000 remark was a joke [/quote] Jolly good. My humour detector seems to be on the fritz...

[quote name='PURPOLARIS' post='558289' date='Aug 2 2009, 09:52 AM']Oh dear mate, I hope your loaded, that's about £2000 worth of bass [/quote] Errr... I reckon £120 might be a bit more realistic

Look familiar? [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/fender-precision-1959_W0QQitemZ220423583328"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/fender-precision-195...emZ220423583328[/url]

[quote name='synaesthesia' post='554146' date='Jul 28 2009, 04:41 PM']Someone's reading my posts... [/quote] Yeah, I liked the idea of carrying about PVA and lens tissue far more than my suggestion of nail varnish and tights.

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='556574' date='Jul 30 2009, 08:58 PM']As an ex-owner of a Spectrum II, I couldn't wait to get rid of mine. The Westone Super Headless basses are the best instruments they've ever made and they pop up on Ebay occasionally. I think the Bass Gallery had one in a while back.[/quote] That would be because the Spectrum II's weren't built by Matsumoku. (Cheers for that link Jon. Most informative.)

That didn't last long. Anyone here bag it?

The thing is that it's not just got a BIN on the auction, there's a Best Offer option as well. Considering it's had a refin I think it's probably at the top of it's price range, so there's probably quite a few offers going in.

[quote name='WHUFC BASS' post='555625' date='Jul 29 2009, 09:42 PM']Yep it was a black and natural coloured one. Early 1983 version, brass hardware probably didn't help the weight !! Identical to this one... [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Westone-Thunder-1A-Bass-Guitar-Matsumoku-MIJ_W0QQitemZ180388219223QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item29fff9c957&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1121|293%3A2|294%3A50"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Westone-Thun...93%3A2|294%3A50[/url][/quote] That's interesting - that's an ash bodied one. The maple versions were completely back. Maybe my memory isn't what I thought is was.

[quote name='WHUFC BASS' post='555500' date='Jul 29 2009, 07:48 PM']I started out on a Thunder IA. Brilliant beginner basses - weigh a ton though![/quote] Just curious - did you have a painted or natural one? I've only ever tried two Thunders (both natural) and I don't remember thinking they were heavy, though it was a long time ago. The painted ones had maple bodies though.

[quote name='stevie' post='555385' date='Jul 29 2009, 05:59 PM']Well, it''s not really a mystery, but the guy started lying, and when I pulled him up on what he had said, he started to tie himself up in knots with each email he sent. I tried to give him the option of doing the decent thing (he could have sent me another item, because he had more, although I had bought a used one and he only had new ones left), as I don't like leaving negative feedback without very good reason - I've only done it once. He never actually admitted he hadn't sent the goods off, and I suppose I will never actually know 100%. He could just have been a twat. I wondered what everyone's experience was with this kind of situation, that was all. The vote was pretty unanimous. I'll be leaving him negative feedback so that others can benefit from my experience. [/quote] Leave a neg and don't think twice about it. Consider it a public service for anyone else doing business with him.

Yeah, I remember that. I had the book that came out under the name as well - it covered guitar, bass and drums. I didn't look too closely at the bass section as I'd already been playing 4 years, but it was very handy for learning a bit of guitar. I'm not sure a TV programme would really work now, as you've said, because of youtube.

Yep - cheap(ish), cheerful and really nice basses. Made by Matsumoku, who I'm beginning to think never turned out a duff bass. Probably a fair price from a shop.

[quote name='stevie' post='555200' date='Jul 29 2009, 03:17 PM']I'm pleased you all agree with me, even though you only know part of the story.[/quote] Ahh, the mystery deepens. So what's the rest of the story, and when do we get to know the results of this psychological conundrum?

[quote name='nutmeg31415' post='554970' date='Jul 29 2009, 12:03 PM']Newmoon Insurance specialises in insuring musical instruments. Worth a look [url="http://www.newmooninsurance.com/musical/"]Newmoon Musical Instrument Insurance[/url][/quote] It might be worthwhile coming clean and stating upfront if you've got a vested interest. No one minds a heads up but nobody likes being deceived, especially if you're asking them to trust you with their cash.