solo4652

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1326796448' post='1501959'] Hmm, now you mention it my Blazer also seems to gravitate to the right a little too. Further thinking on the subject reminds me of how my old 54' Precision (MIJ Sting RI model) also did that too, so maybe look into the '51 and '54 RIs they're excellent basses and if you're prepared to spend another £50 you can upgrade the pickup to a delano or Seymour Duncan jobbie that IMO sound much more versatile and crisp. Truckstop Ps, aren't Blazers just awesome? How do people spend all that money on MIM Fenders when you can pick up a Blazer for around £150?! [/quote] Interesting that you report that not only the Blazer but also the 51 reissue and the Sting swing to the right. I wondered whether it was simply to do with the weight distribution and strap button placing of the Blazer, but perhaps not - maybe slab bodies in general tend to do this? I've been looking at used 51 reissues and also the Lakland 44-51 as possible replacements for my Fender P. Anything else I should be considering? More and more I'm choosing my Blazer over my Fender P (Blazer's more comfy and cut's through a little better) and over my expensive USA G&L ([i]very[/i] rich tone). Only slight problem with my Blazer is it's Candy Apple Red - not my favourite colour. Finding half-decent Blazer's for £150 is now becoming more difficult, dammit. Steve

I use floating thumb technique. For best results, you need to push your right elbow forward, which is tiring. I've noticed that my Ibanez Blazer (slab bodied - no contouring) sits on my right hip rather than across my belly and this brings my right hand closer to my body, largely doing away withn the need to push my right elbow outwards. Having the bass swung round to my right also swings my left hand round to be a little more in front of me, which I like. I'm wondering whether this more comfortable playing position is to do with the Blazer being slab bodied? If so, I'd be interested in looking for other (slab) basses that naturally sit swung round to my right. Any thoughts, please? Steve

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1326460818' post='1497490'] Try [url="http://www.lodestoneguitars.com/"]this[/url] [/quote] Thank you. "Lodestone" it is, then. Armed with that info, I've been able to uncover loads of stuff about the basses, which I'll pass on. Thanks again, Steve

In my band, the guitarist and his wife make a living from setting up, relicing, repairing and trading guitars and basses. They've been telling me about some basses they've bought to sell on. I said I'd see what I could find out about them. Details are scant, but this is what I've been told: They're badged as "Lonestar", (possibly Lodestar) Possibly made in Czech republic for Ashdown Carbon reinforcing rods in the neck Errr, that's all I've been told. I haven't actually seen the basses, but I have seen some poor phone photos that give no useful information. Anybody thrown some light onto this mystery? Googling produces nothing. Steve

[quote name='LemonCello' timestamp='1326365271' post='1495963'] Thanks for that. In order to use all the functionality, print etc you have to subscribe? Is that right and the site is US isn't it? LC [/quote] I get what I want without subscribing. Quite often, I use Songsterr to correct the errors on some other Tab site, and then print out from the corrected site. I find the Songsterr tabs pretty accurate but sometimes the suggested fingering doesn't work for me. As with all Tab sites, you have to approach it with a degree of scepticism - but probably not as much as other sites. Yes, I think Songsterr used to be Bassmasta.

I find Songsterr really useful. If I'm learning a new song, I go to Songsterr first - it's the most accurate tab site, in my experience. Not only that, you can hear and see the bassline at the same time. You can pause and rewind while you consider whether the suggested fingering suits you. It's my default tab site now.

I've always struggled with the theory side of music, and I glaze over rapidly when I read about it. The reason I've persisted is to know what to do when I play something wrong, rather than knowing what I'm doing when I play something right. Theory as an end in itself still leaves me cold, but theory as a way of solving problems "forces" me to pay some attention. Three practical examples: You look something up on a bass tab website. You play it, and you know it's wrong (very common, sadly). Now what? I used to stumble around until I eventually played something that sounded right - trial and error, really. Now, I'm much quicker to realise something's wrong, and know what I [i]should[/i] be playing just by learning basic scales, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths. Last week at rehearsal, we were playing She does it right - Dr Feelgood. I'd learned it in copy key of G but the singer wanted to shift it to A. The rhthym guitarist said "It's simple twelve-bar blues using 1, 4, 5 progression." 6 months ago I'd have not a clue what he was talking about and I'd have had to say "Leave it with me - I'll be OK for next week". Embarrassing. Now, I'm much more able to key-shift on the hoof. I used to play in a band that did some originals. If I was lucky, the songwriters might be able to give me a basic chord-sheet for a new song. What then? Just play the roots? A little theory really helped me to come up with a vaguely interesting bassline. OK - It's all a bit belt-and-braces, but regarding theory as a practical tool to enable me to solve song problems helps me to feel motivated to learn the basics. Steve

I'm following this thread with interest. I have a Barefaced Compact and a TC Classic 450. I play a USA G&L L2000. I'm finding that the combination of the G&L and Classic 450 can get pretty tone-rich and warm/thumpy pretty quickly. I'm also a little concerned about volume levels at a gig - I have a rather light touch and I'm beginning to wonder whether I'll need more oomph to be comfy alongside 2 rock guitarists and a fairly heavy-handed drummer at gigs. The Shuttle 6 deal (rated at 600W/4 ohms)for £400 looks inviting, but would it actually give any more cut-through and loudness compared to the Classic 450 (rated at 450W/4 ohms)? It's all so confusing. Steve

Folks, Let's all move on. It's not a problem. My Line 6 is dead and I've ordered a replacement. Everything's fine. It's the night before NYE. Peace on Earth and goodwill to all men. Steve

[quote name='Big_Stu' timestamp='1325249105' post='1481289'] If that was just over the phone I'd be wary of putting any business his way, especially since you're local. [/quote] I must say I was a bit surprised. I thought he could at least have had a look and then gone through the repair/replace options. As soon as I said it was a Line 6 he lost all interest. He'd already half lost interest when i said it was solid-state and not valves.

I've just ordered the Eden E10. £150 new. Fingers crossed.

Folks, My Line 6 Studio 110 combo has died and needs replacing. I'm looking for a cheap-but-decent 1x10 (possibly 1x12) combo that gives out at least 50 w. It needs to be small enough to hide behind a sofa, but not sounding thin or weedy. I don't need loads of amp modelling or on-board effects. Budget is £200 max. Shortlist; Eden E10 kickback for £150 Ampeg BA112 for £170 Orange Crush 50BXT for £189 Which is best? Steve

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1325181229' post='1480705'] It is what people used to do instead of buying new gear. [/quote] In my case, DIY = Destroy It Yourself!

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1325177839' post='1480648'] Can you solder? Redoing all the places where pots an jacks meet the PCB might fix it, it its scrap anyway, be good learning. [/quote] Solder!? Errr - what's that, please?

[quote name='guyl' timestamp='1325175188' post='1480579'] Dave Lunt - in Stockport. Excellent. 0161 432 9698. [/quote] Thanks. I've just spoken to him and he quickly decided it's "beyond economical repair". These are about £180 new and, without even seeing my combo, Dave said that it wouldn't be worth fixing! Time to go shopping for a replacement? What shall I buy?

Folks, My Line 6 Studio practice amp is misbehaving. It's suddenly lost a lot of volume, and what output remains is muddy and woolly. I've tried it with different power leads, basses and instrument leads all to no avail. Can anybody recommend a good amp technician in (south) Manchester, please? Steve

Ooops - decimal place error! Title now corrected.

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RICKENBACKER-4001S-1964-SUPER-RARE-/390375804845?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item5ae4360fad"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item5ae4360fad[/url]

[quote name='JPS' timestamp='1324461936' post='1474369'] I must admit I'm finding it harder than ever to find a band. Don't know if that's my age (I'm 42), the economic climate taking its toll, or me having unrealistically high standards - i.e. wanting to play with people who can actually play, stay sober and display a vaguely professional approach (e.g. turn up on time, learn the songs, rehearse occasionally that sort of thing). Of course I could just be rubbish and socially dysfunctional! Down here - in East Kent - the only options appear to be metal, classic rock, or twentysomethings playing originals influenced by the Kings of Leon. [/quote] It's definitely not an East Kent phenomenon! I too would reagrd myself as somebody who can play to a reasonable standard, stays sober and displays vaguely professional behaviour. But, since finding a band has proved so hard, I'm now wondering whether I'm rubbish or socially dysfunctional. I lasted 3 rehearsals with my last band before receiving the most unbelievably patronising email from the band leader who then went on to post a rude and defamatory reply to my "available" ad on Join My Band. I complained to the moderator who promptly removed the message. Outrageous. All-in-all, not good at all for your confidence and it can make it hard to keep looking. Having said all that, I've been approached by some people who seem really friendly and keen to meet me. They've been very receptive to my tentative suggestions about their setlist and I'm looking forward to meeting them next week. Fingers crossed.

Thank you Dave. I'm having a pause for thought about my bass playing, and the sort of bands I'm looking for. I don't know what your recent experience is, but I've found that there are plenty of bloke-rock/classic rock bands out there that need bassists, and there are plenty of young songwriters who want to break into the bigtime with their own brand of Ocean Colour Scene/Nirvana/I am Kloot type stuff. Full respect to anybody who gets out there and plays what floats their boat, but neither of these are quite what I'm after. Straight-forward, semi-cheesy, good-time party music, with easy-going people is what I seek, but it's proving elusive. Maybe I'll have to use the Christmas break to have a bit of a serious re-appraisal of what I'm offering and what I'm seeking. Edited, having stuck my head in a bucket of cold water for a while. Steve

[quote name='Strewth' timestamp='1324324301' post='1473073'] Hi, not sure I've I've got deja vue, or whether I've contacted you before? We formed a group about 3 months ago that hasn't amounted to anything, so we are trying to get like-minded people together in the new year to form a really good covers band. We want to do covers from Rolling Stones, Dr Feelgood, Neil Young, right through to Kings of Leon, Miles Kane, Vintage Trouble. We are putting adverts out for a drummer and rhythm guitarist, and a bassist. I am the lead guitarist, got lots of gear and all the band gear we'll ever need. We rent a rehearsal room in Prestwich Manchester for about £125 per month between us. My wife, Joy, sings backing with some songs of her own, and we have a couple of possible lead singers to try out for us. If you'd like the setlist, and a couple of links to our last charity gig send a message to [email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email] cheers Ash [/quote] Hi Ash. I've replied to the message you sent to me via Join My Band. Thanks, Steve

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]Folks,[/color] [color=#000000]I'm looking for a covers band playing good-time soft-rock, pop, soul, motown, indie in Manchester, Macclesfield, East Cheshire areas. I'm reliable, hard-working, easy-going, prepared to help lug the drummer's kit at rehearsals and gigs and I learn songs before rehearsals - yes![/color] [color=#000000]I'm not looking for record deals or world tours. I'd very happily settle for a friendly bunch of people playing for fun and beer money.[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]I'm regularly searching the usual band-member websites. To further increase my chances of success, maybe somebody can help me find what I'm looking for,[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]Steve[/color][/font][/size]

I'd emailed the seller twice for details, which he provided promptly. I decide it was worth a punt, if only for all the bits. It think it was due to end later today, but it's been pulled. Shame - I was getting quite excited. I've emailed the seller this morning to see what's happening.

See: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Jazz-Bass-Fretless-COPY-NOT-ORIGINAL-/260915909689?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cbfccd439"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Jazz-Bass-Fretless-COPY-NOT-ORIGINAL-/260915909689?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cbfccd439[/url]

Sold for £496. Hmmmm...