Skinnyman

3 minutes ago, Hellzero said:

Ok, after some research, I discovered that the bass player was Ladi GEISLER, a guitar player using a technique of his own to get the "knack bass" sound.

Check this excerpt from his Wikipedia page :

"From composer and big band leader James Last, he bought a late 50s Gibson EB bass guitar, with which he developed his legendary "Knack bass" sound that would become an integral feature in the Easy Listening orchestra of Bert Kaempfert. Later, he used a Fender Jazz Bass model. Most recently, he used a Fender Precision Bass when he was invited to live or recording sessions. Geisler's knack bass sound was a treble staccato bass guitar sound in which the bass string was plucked with a pick and immediately suppressed to cancel out any sustain."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladi_Geisler

 

 

Great detective work, thank you!

I’m digging out the Jazz bass and you know where I’ll be for the rest of the day 😁

As a child, Sunday mornings were full of the sound of my father playing selections from his album collection while lunch was being prepared.

One of his favourites was this gem by the mighty Bert Kaempfert;

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X6bsoyT86LE

I have never quite managed to emulate that bass tone. It was consistent across all of his records and is probably one of the things that got me into playing bass in the first place. To me it seems like foam mute, flat wounds, P bass and a touch of reverb?

And technique,  of course.

Or am I way off the mark and it’s just a big fat P bass sitting well up in the mix?

Any ideas?

2 hours ago, Reggaebass said:

Hopefully the recent new members will stick around for some bass chat , or drop in now and again for a cup of tea 👍

Well, they know where we are now and the kettle’s always on so there’s no excuse not to come and visit form time to time.

Mind you, according to my Nan, last time they was here they brought nylons and chocolates. 

Not so free with the giveaways this time, was they?

1 hour ago, skankdelvar said:

When an Englishman greets you with a cheery 'Hello, you fat bastard' you know you've a friend for life.

I tested this theory (almost) to destruction when one Christmas our office did the 'Secret Santa' thing. I drew a colleague who had recently discovered his house was under threat of compulsory purchase for a road-widening scheme so I bought him a small Corgi toy bulldozer.

Class.

Assuming this was after the first broadcast of Hitch-hikers, a dressing gown and towel would have been appropriate accompaniments. Provided the budget covered it, of course...

The great thing is that our Talkbass friends now get chance to enjoy the Special Relationship that exists between the two fora - and, for a limited time only, at a specially discounted membership price!

PM me for details of how to pay.... 😁

2 hours ago, EBS_freak said:

And if your data and uptime is so critical, the service needs to have a tried and tested disaster recovery plan in place.

Amazing how many organisations take backups and have all sorts of business continuity plans in place and never test them to see if they can actually recover/continue to operate after or throughout a failure.

We used to run across three data centres and every six months would “kill” one of them to make sure that the live systems would seamlessly continue to work. What impressed me most was that we never lost a transaction in flight. 

It cost a lot of money to have that level of resilience. Probably justifiable when you’re handling billions of pounds through the systems every day, not so easy to justify when you’re running a bass forum, vital public service though it undoubtedly is...😁

Edit: Reduced to just £95 because this really has to go! That’s less than a ton for both the amp and foot switch. What a bargain!
 

I bought this off a fellow bass chatter and it's (been) my favourite guitar amp. Regrettably, we're now moving and I've had to quit the band. That means I no longer have a need for this, so...

Up for sale is my Vox AV60 (Analogue Valve) Combo Amp. It's in excellent condition overall with a couple of minor scuffs and some faint marks on the Tolex that were there when I bought it. It works perfectly and I've been really impressed with the versatility of the amp. I've not had chance to gig it and so, although I bought it with the intention of gigging with it, it's just been used as practice amp (thankfully, there's a headphone socket). 

Price of these new is £300 plus £50 for the foot switch - I'm looking for £95 all in. 

The only caveat is that it needs to be collected from me in sunny Cleethorpes (or a socially-distanced) meet arranged within an hour or so of me). PM me if you're interested and we can discuss what's practical.

What isn't practical, unfortunately, is me posting it, Sorry.

Edit; Forgot to say that I am up for trades. I’m well sorted for basses but if you have something interesting at around the same sort of price - mics, effects pedals, that sort of thing...

Loads of reviews on the Web plus these specs...

Full Description

Variable Analog Preamp Circuits

The innovative new AV series features a completely analog preamp circuit with a variety of resistors and capacitors which allow you to select between 8 unique preamp circuits. This impressive design effectively allows you to switch between the sound of 8 classic valve amplifiers. Each preamp circuit is based on an iconic Vox amplifier model such as the AC30 top boost sound and AC15 with EF86 tubes making the AV60 Combo a versatile and powerful valve amplifier.

12AX7 Preamp and Power Amp

The AV60 uses two 12AX7 tubes, one for the preamp and one for the power amp, delivering an even more dynamic sound. The internally supplied voltage is 60V; this high voltage allows the potential of the vacuum tubes to be fully utilized, and lets you obtain natural and powerful distortion reminiscent of some of the most iconic tube amplifiers.

Preamp and Power Amp Mode Switches

Four slide switches allow you to modify the response of the vacuum tube peripheral circuitry. For the preamp tubes, there are two switches: ‘Bright’ boosts the high frequencies, and ‘Fat’ boosts the low end. For the power tubes, you can change the operating point of the vacuum tubes by using the ‘BIAS’ switch to select either a clear and modern sound or an easily distorting vintage sound, and the ‘Reactor’ switch lets you vary the amount of feedback to the power amp, changing the damping factor to obtain a more dynamic, wide-ranging, and crisp sound.

8 Selectable Amp Models

Combined with the tonal versatility of the selectable power amp circuit, the Vox AV60 also features 8 selectable amp models which range from clean to crunch and even high gain. Each amp model has its own distinct tonal flavour and can be further modified with the 3 band EQ and switchable power amp circuit.

On Board Effects & Cabinet Emulation

Vox are no stranger to providing high quality digital effects on their amplifiers and the AV60 is no expectation. Including modulation, delay and reverb effects the Vox AV60 packs in all the essentials whilst allowing you to control each effect independently for impressive tonal shaping versatility. Additionally, the headphone output incorporates impressive cabinet emulation which offers realistic presence and cabinet warmth perfect for silent practise.

Innovative Cabinet Design

The Vox AV60 features a superior baffle cabinet design to provide efficient sound projection whilst the front mounted speaker offers a loud and spacious sound. Combined with a proprietary bass-reflex design the Vox AV60 offers a natural sound balance with rounded lows and dynamic response.

Features

• Eight analog preamp circuits to reproduce the sounds of eight tube amps
• Clean to high-gain tones, with careful attention paid to circuit design 
• Pre and power amp sections use the 12AX7 dual triode tube, delivering real tube sound
• Four modes modify the response of the vacuum tube peripheral circuitry
• Two channels each with independent amp models and EQ controls
• High-quality modulation, delay, and reverb effects
• Send/Return FX loop connections 
• Integrated baffle cabinet design for efficient sound projection
• Front mounted speaker provides loud, clear, and spacious sound
• Proprietary bass-reflex structure delivers natural sound balance
• Power level control allows the volume to be adjusted while maintaining the tonal character
• Headphone output is equipped with a cabinet simulator for realistic sound & presence
• Hi-Fi spec AUX input allows an audio input source to be faithfully reproduced

Specifications

• Inputs: 1 x 1/4" Instrument, 1 x 1/8" Aux
• Outputs: 1 x 1/8" Headphones, 1 x 1/4" Speaker Output
• Other Connections: 2 x 1/4" FX Loop (Send/Return), 1 x 1/4" Footswitch
• Channels: 2
• Power Output: 60 Watts
• Amp Models:
  • Clean 1
  • Clean 2
  • Crunch 1
  • Crunch 2
  • OD 1
  • OD 2
  • H.Gain 1
  • H.Gain 2
  • Power Level
  • Effects
• Controls: Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Volume
• Valve Controls (Pre Amp): 2-Way Bright Switch, 2-Way Fat Switch
• Valve Controls (Power Amp): 2-Way BIAS Switch, 2 Way Reactor Switch 
• Effects: MOD, Delay, Reverb

2 hours ago, Maude said:

The all new Stingray. Now contains Toneworms.'

Are they any good for metal?

😎

1 minute ago, MoonBassAlpha said:

I can see that. I  think it would be more difficult to adjust, with my short arms. 

I have a man from the village comes in twice a week to do mine....

If you have the heads angled backwards to any degree (i.e. second or third pictures), the angle is emphasised when you stand to play it. The "Warwick slant" might look okay in that scenario as it is pointing the heads at you more and thus making it (a bit) easier to adjust the tuning. The "perpendicular to the nut/frets" angle looks (IMHO) odd when you're stood up with the bass at an angle.

So I'd go trad or Warwick from the choices there - and probably trad if I had to pick one.

If you feel rebellious, you could angle them the other way so that they're vertical when you're standing up.

I can see that being quite disquieting....

Oh.

Am I the only one getting adverts for pile cream and surgical supports then?

I assumed it was everyone.

Hmmm.

2 hours ago, Richard R said:

You forgot about a Telecaster: large instrument collection.

You forgot about a cupboard: large house.

Found Telecaster in cupboard also implies: large cupboard.

24 minutes ago, SpondonBassed said:

Cake pie?

Now you’re talking!

5 minutes ago, Jabba_the_gut said:

You can’t invite the others

What? Both of them? 😂

44 minutes ago, Teebs said:

I'm Irish, you heathen

Oh.

A lot of things have suddenly become clear.

You might want to report me now to the folk on the Woke thread, save time later 😁

4 hours ago, Teebs said:

@Skinnyman - do you think you'll be able to make it this time?

Better give the charabanc a good check-over - esp. those dodgy tyres!

I now have tyre insurance 😁 (and I’ve used it after I blew out the sidewall on a virtually new Goodyear).

Whether I can make it all the way from the coast is a different matter

7 minutes ago, RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE said:

Mum came in politely , and advised me that it may be a bit loud

I’m out of TLRTs but 😂

And at least you’d know what time it was; “Half past two in the bloody morning! Turn it down!!”

Etc.

11 minutes ago, Geek99 said:

They may have a baby who naps ...

Fortunately not.

6 minutes ago, Dad3353 said:

No, no; she should keep her lovely piano, and play it as often as possible, either for quieter stuff, special occasions or when the neighbours are out (or invited in for a cocktail evening, hint hint..?). The lecky joanna would be for the more robust repertoire, scales, practising, late night romps. There must be room for another keyboard, Shirley..? 

Sadly not. Not if I want all my guitars and basses to hand 😁 But the Silent Piano thing fits to a “proper” piano and just disconnects the keys from the hammers when activated, leaving them to activate just the electronics. Clever.

Sadly, it doesn’t look like it can be retrofitted so I need to have the conversation about trade in. But at least at the end we’ll have a proper Yamaha piano with the option to play it silently.

Which is nice 

50 minutes ago, casapete said:

I promised myself I wouldn’t resort to lowering myself to their level , although I might have mentioned I had an SVT rig and 2.5k PA system that could be brought into the equation.... didn’t quite come to that but I was close on a number of occasions. Looking back I can’t believe what we tolerated really, now I’m a bit older and wiser I probably wouldn’t be so reasonable.

 

This ^^^

It’s a more than fair compromise IMHO, and will preserve your sanity in the long run.

The Yamaha Silent Piano system seems like it might be an answer. It depends whether anyone will take hers in PX for a reasonable price....

15 minutes ago, jimmyb625 said:

It's very good that you're being this considerate. However, when you discover that your new neighbours are nocturnal and bagpipe enthusiasts, you'll probably wonder why you went to so much effort.

My first guitar/bass tutor had neighbours who were, to say the least, inconsiderate. 
 

Matters came to a head after a drunken Saturday night that went on to the small hours and ended up with a screaming domestic.

At seven a.m. on Sunday morning my tutor gave them the benefit of an impromptu performance through a full Marshall stack turned up to the max.

They never made a sound after that little episode

12 minutes ago, Teebs said:

Take up the triangle instead.

You're welcome!

I used to be the triangle player in a reggae band....😁

1 hour ago, casapete said:

What someone thinks is okay may not be the opinion of a neighbour who is at their wits end

And that’s exactly what I want to avoid.

I’m hoping that i can be quiet enough for there to be no issue - but if there is, I’d like them to tell me. If my practice is too loud and is annoying then I’ll stop and use headphones. The piano is harder but if it’s a problem then it will have to be played during the day when there’s no-one in next door.

I don’t want to cause any problems to my new neighbours and would expect the same courtesy in return - if I need to adapt my behaviour, I will. But if the bookcases, thick curtains and an isolation pad will help the issue even arising then they’re useful tips and worth trying

8 minutes ago, Nicko said:

If you come from the school of thought that your bass is only loud enough if you can feel the vibration through your feet maybe a semi isn't the right choice.

Haha. I really don’t - I just want to practice at a sensible volume. I’m not a guitarist 😁

I like the bookcase idea. Fortunately, I have some of those!

28 minutes ago, Dan Dare said:

Not sure whether speaking with the neighbours will be productive. If someone knocked on my door and said "I've just moved in next door and may make a lot of noise", I'd be unlikely to be overjoyed.

Possibly not but I’d like to hope that I’d come across as being considerate and adding “please let me know if it disturbs you” would hopefully head off any antagonism before it started.

21 minutes ago, Reggaebass said:

The isolation pads definitely do help with the vibration, I’ve got them at one of my houses that has bare  floorboards and you notice the difference 

Thats good to know.

”One of my houses”, eh? Nice. 😁

13 minutes ago, Cato said:

And get Mrs Skinny a keyboard.

Not an option I’m afraid. She’s very, very good and plays a very nice Yamaha piano. 

Headphones are an obvious choice late at night but in the daytime and early evening I’d like the option of playing through an amp or just listening to the stereo without causing the neighbours any issues.

It obviously makes sense to talk to the neighbours and I’ll do that but I’m also wondering if there are any practical solutions that might help too....