StevieC

Cheers, chaps. Very useful info which I'll pass on...I don't much care for the thing myself but the styling is definately of it's time!

Hi all, Last night the guitarist in our band brought along a Burns 'Flyte' bass he bought in 1977. It's a four stringer (naturally) with a weird double-wing body, large chromed pick-ups and a very pointy headstock. It's finished in a creamy yellow gloss, and has volume and tone rotaries and a pick up selector swtich. I tried it out and unfortunately it doesn't sound good to my ears. Compared to my Fender Jazz, the output is really low and thin-sounding but perhaps that was what Burns basses were like back then. It's quite playable with a shallow, fast neck and low action. I thought I'd impose on the collective brain power of the BC ers to find out a bit more about this bass, so what's the story, and do people still collect these basses? Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Steve.

[url="http://www.philjonesbass.com/products-combos-suitcase.htm"]http://www.philjonesbass.com/products-combos-suitcase.htm[/url] Oh Yes and it's got two channels, which is rather handy.

Hi sgsjx, May I put my hat in the ring by suggesting the Phil Jones Bass 'Suitcase' 200 W combo. Not one for the 'bigger is better' grunters, it's a 4 x 5'' 200W combo, beautifully made, with loads of tone and punch. It's light and can fit in the back of my small car. It's spot on for small to medium venues, although I have also added the 4B extention cab which fills the sound out and adds approx 100 W. (Our guitarist ain't called Decibel Derek for nothing) You should get the combo for your budget. Just try one and I'm sure you'll be well impressed. It'll be interesting to find out what you eventually choose.

[quote name='Pbassred' post='162325' date='Mar 23 2008, 08:32 PM']I use the entrails of a dead cat soaked in parafin wax. I can't believe this is ANOTHER "what strings" post. Oh wait. Yes I can.[/quote] With respect, Pbassred, there are loads of newcomers (like me) to this site who either; a) Forget to do a search first. Do a search and find there's an old thread which doesn't quite match what they want to know. Give these people a break and lay off the sarcasm, although I do admit this is a pretty boring thread. I've been playing for a long time and there's so little difference between string brands (except the price) that it's not worth the debate.

The previous post kind of puts things in perspective... The mighty 'Take Cover' had a great gig last night - a 21st birthday party in a local pub lounge. About 100 people there, who were well up for a dance and a good time. I feel like we're starting to get the hang of putting a good set list together (by that I mean in the right order) and keeping the gaps between songs as short as possible. I was also pleased with my sound AND I managed not to spill any beer on my gear this time!

[quote name='Sean' post='167996' date='Apr 1 2008, 11:01 PM']Oh yes it has! It caused quite a stir to and some of us don't like to mention it. Do a search...[/quote] My apologies - you're right, there are plenty of references. Which side do you fall on as a matter of interest?

[quote name='StevieC' post='165452' date='Mar 28 2008, 06:27 PM']That's a Hohner Jack 5 headless if I'm not mistaken....I used to own one. Absolutley loved it, but P/X'd it for a Warwick Corvette 5 which was even better. Ah, the memories....[/quote] Back on topic, I also love Fender teles (like a lot of posts) for some reason. White or sunburst would be the preferred colours. Probs something subliminal from the second gig I ever attended: Are you ready for this....? Status Quo, in about 1985. It was their 'End of the Road' tour which I find really funny as they're still going NOW (LOL) (First ever gig 10CC around 1984 at Newcastle City Hall) I suppose I should start a new thread about best/gigs attended, and dream gig (who you'd love to play with on stage) unless someone else fancies doing it?

[quote name='Dillsfretless' post='165027' date='Mar 28 2008, 08:03 AM']If I had a guitar, Hmmmmnnnnn .............................. Hold on! I just remembered I got loads A few extras not on that old pic now, American strat, cheapo thru neck, tele copy. Ultimate playability goes to the Fly, But what I hanker after is relic strats.[/quote] That's a Hohner Jack 5 headless if I'm not mistaken....I used to own one. Absolutley loved it, but P/X'd it for a Warwick Corvette 5 which was even better. Ah, the memories....

[quote name='funkyhobbit' post='164860' date='Mar 27 2008, 10:12 PM']Allreet Steve, good to have you owa on basschat LOL! whats the name of the band you play in?[/quote] Funkyhobbit! LOL We're called Take Cover (Yes I know, bad name, but we don't take ourselves too seriously) Our next gig on 4th April is a private 21st Birthday bash for a student nurse and her mates. It'll be in Whickham if you know it. Our line up is bass (natch), Lead vocal/electroacoustic, rythym /lead guitar, keys and drums and we have learnt and played around 75 songs in the 2 years that we've been together.

Alright there Lee, Some nice gear you've got there. My first bass was a new 1985 Squire Precision. Wish I still had that, although I love the tone of the Jazz I have now. Seems to suit all the covers I play in the band. Sounds like you've chosen to do some enhancements to your old Jazz. You pleased with the results?

[quote name='Huge Hands' post='160305' date='Mar 19 2008, 04:09 PM']Ha ha, so they'll try Paddy McGuinness out with an atomic mouth burning pastie, but not stottie! I'd love to hear that long story sometime. It's good to hear that fellow members are well connected.[/quote] Ah, those pasties...not to mention the mince pies which leak everywhere.

[quote name='Ba55me15ter' post='160261' date='Mar 19 2008, 02:40 PM']Another greeting from a fellow Geordie (and fellow PJB owner!)[/quote] So I'm not the only one then! - Which model do you have and what do you think of it? I bought both the Suitcase and the 4B from Guitar Guitar in Newcastle. I think the guy's name was Steve - he seems to really know his stuff and some of the basses in that shop are [b]most[/b] desirable. I was viewing one of the amp threads, where folks have posted photos of their rigs. There are some fantastic rigs amongst them; I used to play through a Trace AH350SMX head and 4 x 10 cab myself, but I honestly couldn't stand the hassle of carting it all around now. The PJB stuff gives me all the bottom end I want.

[quote name='alicedear' post='158769' date='Mar 17 2008, 08:33 AM']My amp is a Warwick combo, and is becoming too small for my needs-at least in my mind-so will soon go! Ive also had thoughts of buying a decent 5 string-Warwick if I can afford it. So that's me. Any thoughts on the merits of different amplification or the best 5 string basses for around £500 would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading this! Kevin.[/quote] Welcome alicedear, I'm also fairly new to the site, but amazed at the friendliness and good advice on this site. I'd thoroughly recommend the Phil Jones Bass 'Suitcase' combo if you're still looking for a new amp. It's rated at 180 W and sounds really punchy despite the small size and weight. (Easily fits on the back seat of my Suzuki Swift) You can, like I did, purchase the matching 4B extention cab, which brings the output to 300 W which IMHO is ideal for most gig situations. The amp has two channels, which is great for twin-bass situations. As a matter of fact, I used to own a Warwick Corvette 5 String, and really wish I'd held on to it! Bye for now.

[quote name='Rich' post='159596' date='Mar 18 2008, 01:47 PM']Hey, what a cracker. And surprise surprise, it's that Palladino chap again Speaking of whom: 'Music For Chameleons' and 'We Take Mystery (To Bed)', Pino-powered Gary Numan tunes. Also: 'State Of Mind', by Fish. Sublime bass by the godlike John Giblin.[/quote] I had no idea it was Mr. Palladino - mind you, the tasty solo is played on a fretless so I should have known! John Giblin - didn't he play for Simple minds after Derek Forbes left? (Once upon a time album etc?) Someone mentioned 'Glittering Prize' earlier. What a bassline but the recording seems to be slightly off concert pitch so I can't have a play-a-long LOL Cheers - I'll check out those Numan tunes

This IS interesting. I also went 4 - 5 - 4 and I'm now quite happy with four strings. I suppose that's probably because; a) I've persuaded myself that four's fine. The stuff I play (covers) was originally recorded on a four. (If you know what i mean, no real low freq. stuff) c) It's cheaper!! (The bass itself and the strings) It's only when I'm playing along to someting like 'Animal' by Toto that I get a bit frustrated. (Fab bass line BTW - check it out) No doubt off topic, the last five stringer I owned was a Warwick Corvette (Bubinga/Wenge). I really, really wish I'd kept that bass!

[quote name='Cantdosleepy' post='159752' date='Mar 18 2008, 05:00 PM']To put the cat amongst the pigeons- Solutions for problems we don't have: Active electronics in a bass.[/quote] You've got a point there - I play a Marcus Miller Jazz but much prefer the passive tone. As a result, the active switch never gets touched.

It could be worth a try! Wispas were brought back by popular demand, so why not the humble stottie? Not wishing to name drop, I was chatting to one of the Greggs brothers the other day (long story) and he said the only 'standard' product they make is the sausage roll. Greggs operates nationally because they keep on buying up other businesses so everything else is made to suit the local tastes. It might therefore be a bit of an uphill struggle to persuade the 'powers that be' that the southern softies can handle a stottie. (LOL)

and The Tubes - 'Tip of my Tongue'

There's a load of songs where, IMHO the bass line makes it. Here are a few examples; King - Love and Pride Ian Dury & the Blockheads - Rythym Stick Nick Heywood - Take That Situation (Bet you'll have to look that one up!) Moloko - Sing it Back (To prove I'm not a total eighties throwback - Have a listen)

Aye, There seems to be a few Geordies (including exiled ones) on this site. Thanks to all for the welcomes. The last gig I played was back in February at the Rose and Crown in Winlaton (a far flung outpost of Gateshead for those that don't know) The place got so hot that my amp tripped out on overheat during the last song. I shouldn't have put it so close to the wall, and I'll have to watch that next time...

All right there Huge Hands - I've also just joined the forum - They seem like a decent bunch! Don't worry about having cheap gear! It usually sounds just as good as expensive stuff unless you're recording thoughtful pieces in a pro studio!

Greetings! I've been reading all the posts for a while now, and thought I'd do the decent thing and register. I'm a very keen amateur bass player of 20-odd years. (Is it really that long?) Into all sorts of styles, but I seem to listen to an awful lot of Rush, It Bites and Jamiroquai. I play in a 5-piece covers band playing the odd gig in pubs and hotels, and I play in the Sunday morning band at my Church. I don't know how to (permanently) list my gear at the bottom of each post - maybe someone will point me in the right direction - but I'm currently playing a sunburst Fender Marcus Miller Jazz 4 through a Phil Jones Suitcase and 4B extention cab. Phil Jones stuff hasn't had one mention on Basschat as far as I can see, but it's fab and would recommend it to anyone. I've had the Marcus for about 18 months, and love it to bits too. Anyway, I look forward to getting involved in the site. Bye for now...