redstriper

I bought one of these new when they came out - the fretted version and haven't seen one since. It was a very good Precision copy and compared well with my friend's genuine '60s Fender. I didn't have it long - traded it for a new Wal, but that's another story...

[quote name='Jerry_B' timestamp='1329764236' post='1546978'] It's just people expressing their personal preference and advice, remember - no need to take it the wrong way [/quote] Sorry man, I didn't mean to be rude - it's just my warped SOH. I'll delete the post and shut up now.

I still don't see how the lines can be misleading or a distraction and I personally don't find unlined boards easier or more rewarding. I also use [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]muscle memory, my ear and the characteristics of the fretboard - but I like to use my eyes too and the fret lines are an invaluable guide.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]If they are so off putting and you don't need them, you don't have to use them - but if they're not there, you don't have the option.[/font][/color]

Fret lines make a big difference to me as someone who looks at what their playing - check out Jaco on youtube and you will see he spends most of his time peering at his lined fingerboard. If you don't look, or if you are blind it makes no difference, but if you use your eyes, why not have the lines? I disagree with the stabiliser analogy and I don't see how fret lines can be misleading or distracting, particularly if you are used to a fretted bass. I've never heard of anyone selling a lined fretless bass in favour of an unlined one because they found it distracting. I have the Tanglewood Rebel mentioned above and it's a lovely feeling and sounding instrument with TI flats, but the lack of lines is a problem for me. I drew pencil lines because the side dots are between the frets, which is not much help. Sometimes at gigs, it's hard to hear the notes clearly and fret lines are reassuring - you don't have to use them if you don't want or need to, but they don't get in the way. The Squier is by far the nicest fretless bass I have played and compares very favourably with my friend's '64 de-fretted Fender Jazz. I didn't like the Vintage one as much, but a lot of people prefer them, so it's a matter of personal taste - try before you buy.

I have both lined and plain and I much prefer the ones with lines. It's handy to see what you're doing and reassuring to know you're in the right place without having to listen carefully to every note. My recommendation is the Squier VM.

That sad old bunch of novelty act no hopers didn't deserve you man - it's their loss, not yours. And if they ask you back, tell 'em to shove it right up their rattlin' bones.

Lots of bands are using a cajon instead of a kit these days, it takes up less space in tight spots and it's much easier to carry and set up. It does need micing up unless it's a very quiet acoustic set up, but It can sound just as good as a kit for some genres in the right hands and there are lots of examples on youtube. Here's a good example: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/165036-a-new-take-on-superstition/page__hl__superstition"]http://basschat.co.u...l__superstition[/url]

The original strings are unpredictable, they can last ages and then suddenly snap with no warning, which is no fun at a gig. The pahoehoes are much stronger and I haven't had a breakage in over a year. Use cheap all purpose silicone spray on the pahoehoes if you find them too sticky, not the talc you use on the original strings. You can't easily mix the 2 types because the pahoehoes don't like talc and the originals don't like silicone spray. I recorded all the tracks here [url="http://myspace.com/redstriper"]http://myspace.com/redstriper[/url] with my Ashbory.

I've used both the low tension and the regulars and there's not much difference except the low tension are a bit stickier, both are very low tension anyway. There's no problem fitting them to the Ashbory and no mods needed - that was only on the early pahoehoes. I got mine from road toad in the states before they were available here, but I've seen them on ebay and purple turtle in Stockport sell them afaik.

just pay up and I'll tell you what it's like

bagsy first month.

How many of us are there on basschat? Why don't we all pitch in and buy it between us - then we'll have a raffle with the bass as prize.

[quote][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I certainly will [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] no problem. It's first rehearsal with the band is on Wednesday.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]It's first outing at a gig will be in March.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]So either I will be contacting you then or posting a 'what a great gig' in this forum![/font][/color][/quote] Thanks, I'll be interested in how you get on with it. [quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1328557755' post='1529122'] Tone is 90% technique. Good on ya! In the words of carl thompson "the only thing a heavy piece of wood is gonna give you is a double hernia." [/quote] How I wish this was true, but it isn't for me. I only use one tone and it's a deep smooth sound that I can't get from any other bass except my old heavy beast - and I've tried more than a few.

Sounds like you have a similar problem to me Blademan - bad back blues! In fact I was about to buy that boat paddle from Nigel when you snatched it from under me My favourite bass is an old 'cusomised' Fender Jazz with great tone and playability, but it weighs 10.5 lbs and it's ugly as sin. I also have a Squier VM fretless that is lovely to play, but hard work at a gig. Then there's the Ashbory, which I gigged for a year, but I always come back to the old Jazz because it feels and sounds so right despite the weight. I'm still looking for the perfect light weight alternative and I've tried a few from Sinsinidos to Streamlines via Hofners and Yamahas - none have the tone of my old Fender. I haven't tried a boat paddle yet though, so please give me first refusal if you decide to re-sell yours. Steve.

Cob in Bangor is closing soon, it's been there since 1979 with the same owner - seems a shame.

Apologies if it's been posted before, interesting film about the demise of independent record shops. [url="http://www.indiegogo.com/Last-Shop-Standing-Documentary-phase-2"]http://www.indiegogo.com/Last-Shop-Standing-Documentary-phase-2[/url]

[url="http://www.awesometapes.com/"]http://www.awesometapes.com/[/url]

[quote name='leftyhook' timestamp='1327959813' post='1519638'] the share option under the youtube video. copy and paste. [/quote] Right, thanks - I was just pasting the URL.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1327952537' post='1519423'] Put the address in and the site does it for you: [/quote] Thanks, I did that but it didn't work.

Yes very good, but how do you embed youtube videos?

I found it a most entertaining video with some great laugh out loud moments. TF seems a very nice chap and really into his playing, which I thought wasn't too shabby at all. It's very dated of course and it shows how much things have changed over the years. Funny how some old stuff is still cool (Jamerson, Familyman etc.) and some just hasn't stood the test of time.

I can't embed this but it's well worth watching if you haven't seen it already: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eDdAOsY-mnE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eDdAOsY-mnE[/url] -

Cheapest I can find GHSs is here: [url="http://elderly.com/accessories/items/M3050.htm"]http://elderly.com/accessories/items/M3050.htm[/url] Half the best UK price at only £30 for 2 sets including delivery.

I emailed Lakland to ask if their flatwound strings are the same as the GHSs Precisions after reading that they are on their forum and got this reply: [color=#2A2A2A][font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=3] [quote][color=#2A2A2A][font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=3] i don't know, frankly. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#2A2A2A][font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=3] i had heard at one time that ghs, who makes our strings, were going to change their formula to match ours, but i have no idea whether 1) that story was acurate, and 2) if it was acurate, if it came to be.[/size][/font][/color][/quote] Has anyone compared them I wonder?[/size][/font][/color]