4000

I wish I had 57. I've currently got 6, although I haven't seen one yet as it's in the States being refurbished (and has been since I bought it). I don't gig with the Alembic or the Sei, mainly because the Alembic s uncomfortable weight-wise and the Sei doesn't work with the band I'm currently in. I use all the Rics though, depending on how I feel at the time, and I play them all (I actually play the Rics least at home). What Id like to know is what does the missus say? Mine goes apesh*t about me having 5! She [i]hates[/i] bass gear. Still, that's probably as much to do with me as the gear; just another thing to give me grief about!

I'll be there. In answer to the queries, I think it's well worth it. You get to see some of the world's top players and ogle/try loads of nice gear too. What's not to love? Just take ear plugs, just in case; several hours of punters all playing Teen Town (or whatever the tune du jour is) gets a bit mind scrambling in the end.

[quote name='tauzero' post='291399' date='Sep 25 2008, 12:54 AM']It isn't as if Anderson was alone in that - Bolan and Bowie wrote stuff that was almost as nonsensical. In fact, most song lyrics are pretty incomprehensible, or have some hidden meaning (apparently Radar Love is all about some dead bird, and for twenty-odd years I've thought it was about longing to get home to his missus) and the only straightforward writers I can think of off the top of my head who write straightforward unembellished non-allegorical stories set to music are Jim Steinman and me.[/quote]

Bowie went through a phase of feeding his lyrics into a computer which randomised everything. Can't get much less narrative-based than that.

I used to be in a band with Ian Wright (no, not that Ian Wright). We once got a refusal letter from a record company saying "no Arsenal players allowed".

Nice to see some guys with real taste on this board. Nice to see some more guys who've noticed Leigh out there too. Hey Nik, you getting this? Jake, yeah, you're right, Leigh was getting a shift on on some of those old tunes. Great lines too.

I'd love a ProII, but all my attempts to get one seem to be stymied; they always appear when I've got no money and disappear when I have (which admittedly isn't that often). With regards to the 4000, as I say, I just crank the bass at the amp, although I'm not really a big bottom type of guy anyway (well, at least in this respect ) as you can probably tell by most of the guys I like. I guess every 4000 probably varies somewhat too.

[quote name='Jake_M' post='291278' date='Sep 24 2008, 09:38 PM']To be honest, i only mentioned the accident for the sake of a good anecdote. It was as good as new after JayDee finished with it. Still in excellent condition overall for a 35 year old instrument, hardly a mark on it. Its all just part of its "character" now. :-)[/quote]

[i]We[/i] know what they're worth. That's all that really matters.

[quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='291307' date='Sep 24 2008, 10:11 PM']It makes me well up everytime I hear the end section, after `farewell, farewell' where it builds and builds! I think the system at our crem is one of those old `falcon' cassette players with some wuff series speakers which of course, would be floored by Awaken! I know its a morbid subject to a lot of people but I actually `died' aged 16 - I have a serious nut allergy and during a very severe allergic reaction, I recall floating off somewhere - it felt amazing on the way there - but I came back very suddenly when the doctor pumped me with the syringe - what a bastard, I was enjoying the ride off the planet! Don't want to go just yet (more basses to buy!!) but its not the end, as far as I can tell![/quote]

I start to go at "Master of Images"....by the time Rick & the choir really kick in I'm usually in floods.

That's an amazing story, and not morbid at all. Having been a hospital porter for 2+ years a while back I have put many a person in the fridge come the end and I have to say that it gave me great faith in something else, as it truly is like the thing that made the person who they were has left the physical shell behind.

Yeah, more basses to buy, but unfortunately even more to sell before I can even begin to think of doing that. Blast!

[quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='291163' date='Sep 24 2008, 07:08 PM']Awaken is my all time favourite piece of music - I'm having it played through a 15Kw Turbosound pa when I'm cremated!!! Saw Yes play it live at Wembley as part of the `Union' tour - it brought me to tears - most moving and very spiritual.

Agree with the 90125 aspect - that album was very groundbreaking (some great tunes!) and without it, Yes may not have been able to carry on as it provided a major fiscal boost to the collective coffers!! Big Generator is awesome - `I'm Running' and `Shoot High, Aim Low' being particular faves! The Talk album is another often overlooked albums![/quote]

Hey, I'm having that played at my do when I go too....hope I can manage to book a decent PA because I'm not having it go through the system at our crematorium!

It has that effect on me too, every time. Genius.

As Chris is probably my favourite bassist I think in many ways I'd be over the moon to be compared to him, although it'd be nice to be told I had an "original voice" on the instrument.

Bilbo's bang on about Jon's "impressionistic" lyrics, which are actually some of my favourites for that very reason. That's [i]art[/i], chaps. Even my mate (who doesn't really like Yes) agrees.

Yes are one of my top 2 or 3 bands of all time, and personally I [i]like[/i] that overwhelming sincerity. Bilbo's also spot on about Going For The One, which contains arguably my favourite piece of music of all time, Awaken (well, that and Shine On... by Floyd). One thing though....less of the "and all with a pick stuff". Personally I think people who play with their fingers are just pretending the bass is their todger.

I've got a 73 4000 and although it could be argued they're light on bottom end, personally I feel that's what the bass control on your amp's for.

Seriously, my 4000 has never been found lacking in anything I need. It does indeed sound as near to Lemmy as any Ric I've ever played (which is [i]loads[/i]); it's sooooo aggressive, and yet with a quick tweak of a tone control can be made to sound quite sweet. Extremely versatile, can slap to your hearts content on it, it cuts through anything; great bass. All my other Rics sound restrained in comparison.

In terms of worth I'd have said around £750 before you mentioned the accident. Unfortunately they're not very popular which hinders their value. However to all those who want a great Ric for minimum expenditure, go and get one!

[quote name='Waldo' post='289993' date='Sep 23 2008, 02:25 PM']I'll have you know that I've got a custom made pipe organ on the way, with synth bass pedals, LEDs and everything!

[/quote]

Nice avatar....

[quote name='jamesf' post='290245' date='Sep 23 2008, 07:00 PM']I'd personally love a singlecut design, but would worry about the weight of it - anyone know if this is an issue? I think some people have just got it right when it comes to singlecut designs (Sei and Shuker spring to mind), and the shape of the flow of the solid upper 'horn?' into the neck really sets them apart from the stunted-looking ones. I mainly want one because of the neck stability and sustain, but they are unjustifiably expensive compared to many other excellent basses.

I love the shape of my Bass Collection at the moment - any high end clones knocking around?[/quote]

I have a Sei 4 Singlecut (the first Series 2 - was built for Alex at the Gallery) and it weighs no more than eight pounds, probably less. It's the lightest bass I own, and with the exception of a Westone Quantum headless (Steinberger-esque) probably the lightest bass I have ever owned. I wouldn't worry about the weight if I were you.

I think a lot of it has to do with what you get used to playing and the individual ergonomics, although obviously your own sense of aesthetics come into this. I was never a great fan of the Fender look at the start because everyone except the bass players I like (with the exception of Phil Lynott and Gary Thain) played them. The players I liked played Rics, and I loved what they looked like (I really like 50s and 60s American cars and that's what they remind me of) so that started me off. Of course once I got used to playing them most other basses, particularly Fender, felt funny; I have a nightmare ergonomically with the majority of Fenders.

Always liked the looks of the Alembic Series basses, and of course when I first played one the neck felt similar to a Ric, so that was that for me as well. Also I'm not a huge fan of the bolt-on aesthetic anyway, practical as it may be; from a design perspective it's not really very complete. I'm also not really a fan of small bodied basses because I have terrible trouble with them ergonomically; the comfiest bass for my right hand is actually my Triple Omega Alembic (I'm 6ft). The downside is because I have back problems big bodied basses generally weigh more and I could do with as light a bass as possible, so it's a constant juggling act to get something comfortable.

Regarding the Sei jazz, I know Martin was very reluctant to make them at first but was gradually talked into it by a client. Martin is very keen on keeping his own shapes, and I completely understand that. I prefer designs that I feel really make a statement and are not particularly derivative, but many like the Fender shape and want something familiar, hence the popularity of the Fender and Fender clone. One thing I'm not big on is fancy-wood Fenders. The 2 aesthetics just don't match IMO; same goes for fancy-wood Rics. I like a fancy wood bass to look very organic. I love the Alembic almost-Art Nouveau style.

If I could afford it, this would be sooooo gone....ah well. Best of luck with the sale!

Ok, I'll bite. Not usually big on negative threads, but this seems to have stayed good natured.

Heavy basses, especially ones that you love to death but cripple your knackered back when played standing up; especially when they took you 20-odd years to get. Actually scratch that, it's life that ruined that part! The bass is wonderful....ok, every bass that I want but can't have because it's too heavy. No, that's still life that's the problem....

Marcus Miller. SMILE!!!!!!! IT'S EASY!!!!!!!

Heavy gear, especially when you know you can get your ideal sound out of it for peanuts but can't carry it anymore (please step forward the early Trace pre-Kevlar 4x10s)...actually scratch that, that's life too. Grrr.

I second hating "less is more", and for your consideration cheerfully submit the much more apt "enough is enough (is enough)".

People who say you're not a bass player if you use a pick. Try having arm problems that mean using your fingers is an arse; learning to play with a pick in the first place has saved my playing life.

Fender-type (wide) spacing. If I had hands like the Hulk ok, but I've got decent sized hands and it's still way too big.

Aguilar GS112s. Will be for sale as soon as I can afford to replace them and work out what I'm replacing them with. Pants, I hate 'em. They have all the articulation of a stoned Chav.

Tweeters. Hate them more than Marcus. One question; why does anyone want to sound like a bottle being thrown at a greenhouse?

Forearm contours (on most basses). I'll have my bass without built in RSI thanks.

Neck dive.

Basses that sound great in the shop that don't work in your (my) band. How many times have I been caught out? Most of them. How much have I spent finding out? Double Grrr.

People who cant accept that what doesn't work for them might work for someone else. I don't fancy Angelina Jolie. Doesn't stop Brad Pitt wanting to er, you know.

And probably lots of other things......hmmmm.

Gear I want but can't afford, that's the worst.

The Gallery is my fave; Martin & the boys are absolute stars. Can't praise them enough. Overwater has always been great too, lovely chaps. First time I went up there I had a wonderful (and expensive!) day; I've got all the time in the world for Chris & co.

I used to really like the Bass Centre when it was in Wapping, and the Brum version was great too. Enjoyed the Manc version when Napper was there; he's a good lad. Also the old A1 Music when Nigel and Drew were there; Nigel's a top bloke, and it was nice to see him at Bass Day a couple of years back.

Just a Day by Feeder springs to mind.....

The various catalogues I have list the 1153 at 57lbs. The one I had was considerably heavier than either of my Aggie GS112s which are 42(?)lbs. Great cabs though, like them much better than the Aggies, and am thinking of going back; it's only the weight that's worrying me as I have chronic back problems. I think the early ones were 300w and were lighter; I have an old catalogue somewhere.

Must admit I thought mine was MDF....a mate has it now so I'll have to check with him.

[quote name='Tusknia' post='274692' date='Sep 1 2008, 04:12 PM']You won't get much for it.
Tell you what, I'm in a generous mood so I'll give you £500 to take it off your hands [/quote]

Add about £1100 to that and you're on.

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='274235' date='Sep 1 2008, 08:59 AM']yeah but she was the one who told me "this is a bass shop" when i asked for Chromes.
Still, i dont go in to shops for advice, i do my research first and normally just go in to get a price and if its good enough ill buy, dont care too much about the staff.[/quote]

I meant she was [i]niiiiice[/i]....although she was nice as well (if you get my drift). Always pleasant to me the few times I went in.

I just ignore most of the staff in typical guitar shops, most of them seem to know very little about bass gear (yes, i know it's supposed to be the Bass Cellar..). That's why whenever I do have a query or want some decent advice I go to the Bass Gallery. None better. Has to be said that these days I usually try and find out stuff beforehand, much like yourself.

[quote name='The Funk' post='264481' date='Aug 18 2008, 12:43 PM']That was Simone who left a while ago. She was great.[/quote]

Yes, she was very nice. Shame about the other pillocks though....

Still for sale....

[quote name='steve-soar' post='273534' date='Aug 31 2008, 09:41 AM']Rimsky-korsakov!!!!!!!!!
It's frothy,mannnnnn.[/quote]

LOL!!!!

+1000 though. Staggering. I want one I want one I want one! How's it compare to the Alembic sonically and playability -wise? And is it as heavy as expected? BTW, nice Kingbasses...

Hey, I played on that tune! ..............................................(only joking )

[quote name='Sarah5string' post='269587' date='Aug 25 2008, 04:44 PM']I noticed today that the neck on my (new) Dean is slightly bent from the 5th fret up. I say slightly as it's not massively but enough for me to notice. Apparently it's an 'up bow' bend.. (good old google). Have a gig on saturday and need to sort out the intonation and action and was going to do this tonight before I spotted the bend. It's not too extreme so I was wondering whether to leave it? I read that apparently necks should have a slight bend... but the neck on my 5 string is bolt straight.. so I don't know which to believe..
What do you guys think?[/quote]

Assuming that it's just a neck relief issue, the amount of relief you should have in your neck depends on how you play and your personal preference. Rickenbacker and Pedulla (and probably Alembic since that's how mine came) aim for dead straight. Other manufacturers and luthiers will advise differently. But really, it's down to you.

I usually gauge my necks by feel and sound (I like a touch of fret buzz); one way of judging how straight it is is to fret your E at the first fret with your left hand, fret the twelfth fret with the thumb of your right hand, and tap the string around the 7th with your extended right hand fingers. You should get a reasonably clear tapping sound. It you don't, it's generally considered too straight. If there's a lot of fret clearance, then it's too forward bowed, again as a generalisation. As I say, this will depend somewhat on your preference; if you play harder you will likely need more relief, and the lighter you play the less relief you will need. Assuming there are no other neck issues, a tweak of the truss rod either way should suffice. Apologies if you already know all this.

Ah, beat me to it....I should type faster!

[quote name='Merton' post='266185' date='Aug 20 2008, 11:51 AM']Have you had any interest in this? Surprised if not, it's a cracking (if bloody heavy!) combo - addition of castors is a must IMO. Have a free bump [/quote]

I once enquired about having castors fitted to my old one (since sold it to a mate) but Trace advised against it, claiming the vibration in transit could damage the valve stage. To be honest, given the weight, I think I'd have taken the chance. They are indeed very good combos; extremely punchy.