JapanAxe

You'll have someone's eye out with that if you're not careful!

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the layout of Japanese Precision scratchplates is slightly different to that of USA models. If that is so, is it just the positions of the screw holes, or are there other issues to be aware of?

[quote name='Bassman Steve' timestamp='1448095752' post='2912966'] Maybe I've got music all wrong but part of me thinks that if you have to learn it, you can't do it. [/quote] If I can't do it, I learn how to do it.

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1448045447' post='2912738'] Maybe I'm a bit unusual but I find playing a 4 string a different experience to playing a 5 string. [/quote] I don't think that's unusual at all, it's exactly how I feel.

[quote name='mrtcat' timestamp='1448043369' post='2912710'] Shame about the age restriction. I like what you do. [/quote] I read that as meaning the current band is aged 20-30. My age is more than 20[b]+[/b]30, so might look like the band's dad!

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1447973084' post='2912050'] My 5 string has a pair of massive EMG buckers in it. The EBMM forum guys deleted my post! [/quote] Blimey, didn't know EBMM employed Thought Police!

Brett Anderson, early 2000s (i.e. post-Suede, pre-Tears). Dull re-runs of Suede material, poor quality solo album material, and way too much getting the audience to sing the chorus because his voice was shot. Particularly disappointing as I saw Sued twice in 2002 and they were excellent both times - first time supporting Bowie (so had to be good), second time supported by Razorlight, at that time a new band with obvious star quality.

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1447953529' post='2911813'] I wouldn't say any of those are 'necessary' except the tuner and some kind of drive pedal. [/quote] This! Try a few and see which excite you or make you play different stuff.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1447795086' post='2910548'] THe GHS 3050M are long enough for through-body on 34" scale. [/quote] Cheers, that's worth knowing.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1447793535' post='2910514'] But through-body is not always a good idea with (some) flats. [/quote] Also, the extra distance through the body sometimes requires longer strings e.g. my 30in scale Mustang needs 32in scale strings - otherwise the silk would not be clear of the speaking length of the string.

Bored with bass, bored with life...

Just read the article transcript. Scruton's complaint is more about the ubiquity of muzak and other unavoidable background music in public spaces. I agree with him about that part, but I would like it neither more nor less if that were classical music rather than pop. I particularly loathe the endless regurgitation of Christmas hits at this time of year - I wish it would just stop!

I love JJs, excellent quality but not stupid dear, well worth it.

This is a typical partisan conceit. Another example would be the idea that blues, and/or rock derived from blues, is somehow more 'authentic' than pop.

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1446979252' post='2903824'] gig went ok word of advice to anybody considering taking a booking from The Sun in Faversham - as a precaution make sure when you agree the booking and confirm that all parties involved are fully aware of t&c's re the fee [/quote] Eh? Normal pub T&C's are that you turn up and play between the agreed times!

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1447420501' post='2907536'] D'Addario Chromes are pretty bright. [/quote] Yep, I use them on my Pawn Shop Mustang, which is fitted with a big ol' humbucker.

[quote name='rmcki' timestamp='1447360789' post='2907122'] I've had a Sandberg for a few week now, i'd say its a P-bass with options. [/quote] I concur.

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1444386447' post='2882753'] Another Precision. One is great, so two has got to be better, right? The thing is I'm unsure which way to go with this. Options include:[list] [*]Another original 70s model; [*]An original 60s model (£££!); [*]An American Vintage Reissue (aka Pure Vintage); [*]A Custom Shop repro (relic'd or otherwise); [*]A Limelight or similar repro (ditto); [*]A cheaper/newer model to use as a 'beater' or for reduced risk (dodgy pubs, overnighters, overseas gigs). [/list] I will be hitting the Gallery and Denmark St tomorrow. I'm calling it a fact-finding mission for now, but who knows... [/quote] [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1444500353' post='2883741'] My fact-finding mission was a success. Tried a delightful Pure Vintage P (in Sonic Blue) in Wunjo - thought I could definitely go for one of those, but no rush to buy. Then on to the Gallery and a Custom Shop '59 relic P in white with gold 'guard. I spent ages playing it (a good sign when you don't want to put it down) and was all set to make an offer, but after I got the chap to take some relief out of the neck, some of the mojo seemed to go. Weird. Also tried a bass built around a late 70s P neck with rosewood board - played superb, sounded good, looked hideous (to me). The quest continues. [/quote] [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1446408924' post='2899199'] Well the Limelight is out of the running - I wouldn't be comfortable with the fake-ness thing (don't ask). Another London trip booked for next Saturday... [/quote] Sorry to self-quote, but this post would make no sense otherwise. My latest London trip was worthwhile, not least because I discovered how useful Google Maps on my phone can be - tell it where you want to go, specify public transport, and it tells you the bus stop and service number, how to walk to it, and when the next one is due. Outstanding! The Oyster card is a wonderful thing. Anyway, Wunjo had sold their last Pure Vintage, and the only thing in Denmark St that I even wanted to pick up was an original '59 at £9,995 i.e. somewhat outside my budget. New Kings Road Vintage Guitar Emporium (snappy name eh?) had a white P described as 'hybrid 60s/70s', which immediately caught my eye - basically 60s neck and pickup, unknown body (likely 70s from the white paint discoloured to yellow). I notice that the home-made scratchplate was somewhat wide by the controls so I asked them to remove it - sure enough, there was some extra routing, and you couldn't have fitted a normal scratchplate, so I passed. Played and sounded great, but I wasn't feeling the love. Top marks to those guys for helpfulness btw. Nipped up to Bass Direct yesterday afternoon and tried 4 Precisions: (1) 1969 in heavily distressed weird dark green finish - really light, played and sounded great, except for some fret buzz up the dusty end. Could be a high fret, could be an up-turn. Also it looked hideous - I want better for my £2,500! (2) 1993 MIJ in yellowed white / red tort - a real looker, very road worn, good player, but a weak G, even when the lads in the shop had kindly raised the pickup with some foam. (3) 1984 Squier JV in black - completely meh, sounded and played like a very ordinary bass. Did not live up to the legend. (4) CS '59 in sunburst / gold anodised - although my large hands are very tolerant of different neck profile, I make an exception in this case - wide, shallow, with a horrible sharp profile to the edges, completely different from the '59 I tried at the Gallery. Also tried a PJB Double 4 while I was there, and decided it wasn't for me. A practice amp really, I reckon it would be lost the moment someone else started to play. You may think I'm being picky. That's because I am. I'm not complaining though, as I am in the fortunate position of taking my time for the right bass. To be continued...

Cool stain and oil job then!

Bass - live, nope; home recording, yes. Guitar - live, yes for effect or fat boost; home recording, sometimes.