ped

Thanks for the feedback so far, some great points. Points 3,4 and 5 are just ideas really, not especially critical. I think charging a percentage is a good idea, but it's actually quite hard to implement without some sort of modification, ala the new classifieds section. This is also what Talkbass have a simple one off fee. However we might later be able to offer extras to paid members like they do (but you already get an avatar for free!) This is what a flat fee is best at least to begin with. The average passer by would have to weigh up the cost against using something like eBay, and I think we can happily compete on those grounds. Smaller items could be sold in a sub-forum for items totaling less than a certain amount, where listings are free. One day when we can afford it we may be able to introduce a % fee (capped to not penalise people selling expensive things). I also feel ANYONE should be able to view the marketplace, after all, it means there's thousands of potential new customers for you to flog too. This is good for footfall and for you as a seller.

[quote name='Earbrass' timestamp='1354624439' post='1888221'] Am I the only one who doesn't see any pics in the new Classifieds section? This happens in Firefox and Chrome - I just get grey squares where I imagine the pics should be. EDIT: I mean the thumbnails - I can see the main images in the actual ads [/quote] The uploads system is broken at the moment (fix happening at the moment) so it's all grey there at the moment.

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1354624239' post='1888214'] 1 I like the regular market place. 2 I always leave a donation if I make a sale and would prefer it to stay that way. I guess though that some don't, so I understand the need for a fee. My donations have probably amounted to more than the suggested fee . 3 the bump button would work, although not sure if it's necessary really 4 good idea 5 the seller should be free to give what details they want to. If they don't then it's their problem and the item may not sell or if it does, then may be not for the best price. [/quote] Hi Gary, yes, thankfully kind souls like yourself donate often, which is very kind and has fuelled us thus far. I'll see to it that donators get access in return for donations made, or something like that, because you're right, many have donated in the last few weeks.

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1354624209' post='1888211'] I prefer the new classifieds section by far. However, it's a nuisance that some items are posted in there whilst others are still using the old forum. It's got to be one or the other IMHO. Adding a 36 hour bump button would only encourage people to get their friends to write useless replies to bump it up instead. [/quote] Yes sorry that was our fault, it wasn't/isn't clear. We'll use one or the other, though.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1354624141' post='1888207'] Part of me is thinking, 'Ha! I just knew the Classifieds were going to cost money!' and another part is thinking, 'If I owned BassChat, I would have charged a sub A LONG TIME AGO...' People don't like change. Particularly BassChatters, who are a conservative lot. I support your latter six points completely, Ped. Clear and concise ads sell stuff, simples. Keep the regular marketplace forums for chatting about stuff for sale, and have people link to a proper ad in the classifieds. Then you get the best of both worlds and everyone's happy. I would be glad to cough up a nominal sum for the privilege of using the classifieds - as long as you're not expecting a donation as well! Look at the alternatives, people! eBay, anyone?? Gumtree?? I don't think so. [/quote] Thanks.. yes I'd actually like to try to give free access to recent donators if possible, as a thank you.

[quote name='Wooks79' timestamp='1354623661' post='1888192'] I much prefer the old style of buying and selling, but think a 36hr bump button would be good! I'd be happy to pay a sub to use it too. [/quote] Thanks - I'll show a link to the plugin later so you can see it, it's literally a button next to 'post' which says 'bump' but it's greyed out for 36hrs each use. It even shows how long left until it's clickable again. Quite neat...

Hi guys Please see this thread. Thanks for all the feedback http://basschat.co.uk/topic/193461-bcs-new-classifieds-section-your-opinions-please/ ped

Hi guys Thanks for all the feedback. Please take a look at this thread http://basschat.co.uk/topic/193461-bcs-new-classifieds-section-your-opinions-please/ Cheers ped

Hi, yes I noticed it's a blob rather than a star now (though still a star in mobile site). It's on the list. Actually this whole 'bug' is something that's fixed altogether in the new software update which we're pricing up right now. Literally as we speak!

Hi everyone. There have been a few threads about the new classifieds section. The reason behind it was to initially have thumbnails of products next to their regular forum thread. However that was difficult/expensive so we found this marketplace plugin which does that, however in a different format. Installing and sorting it has taken a while, and it's caused a few problems, too. However it still isn't finished, and I don't know how long it's going to take. It's been quite a difficult transition, limited by budget and time constraints. Several people have mentioned that they prefer the 'regular' forum layout of the marketplace, for several reasons: 1 - it allows conversations about items 2 - it works better from a mobile device 3 - it's less rigid However there are also some problems with it: 1 - some people don't state prices, making work for mods 2 - bumping - some people bump more than once in 36hrs 3 - lack of detail in some ads can be frustrating. BC is YOUR forum, so we have listened to your feedback thus far on the (as yet) unfinished classifieds section. We certainly don't want to do something that you lot don't like. However we also need to make some money for the forum; recent developments with attacks and what have you have reinforced the need for constant top notch security, too. How would you feel if we: 1 - carried on using the regular marketplace forums 2 - charged a yearly subscription fee to be able to post adverts there (~£20) to help pay for developments 3 - installed a new 'bump' button which only works once every 36hrs on your thread 4 - develop the marketplace to allow thumbnails next to threads for everyone 5 - develop a better form for selling items with fields for things like location, price, etc to make adverts clearer Feedback greatly appreciated. As you now we're generally tied down in what we can offer at this point because of limited funds, however things can change and be modified and improved as we move onward. Ideally we'd make it all free, but you'll understand that we aren't able to afford that with advertising becoming difficult and the huge numbers we support here on BC. Do you prefer the old forums to the new classifieds section?? Cheers ped

The MAIN reason we wanted to try this is because of the thumbnails which will make browsing through much nicer (IMO). For that, this plugin was the easiest and cleanest way of doing it. To have thumbnails on the normal forum isn't possible. If it doesn't work, we'll go back to a normal forum. Just let us give it a shot and we'll go from there.

Well all I'm going to say is that if it doesn't work, when it's finished, we'll modify it or lose it. Nothing ventured... If people decide to go elsewhere then that's up to them, but I can't think of a better place to sell a bass, regardless of the selling format. We'll see. Even I have yet to be convinced, so we're all on the same page.

OK guys Had a busy weekend and we have now fixed a few issues; all we have left is the image uploader and a few small niggles. We're looking ahead now; I've secured the services of a great developer who has the time to commit to being the BC tech guy, long term. He has a list as long as my arm so as the money trickles in we can knock them down. Where the problem for us before was finding the support and being able to communicate our needs to those who offered, it looks like we're now settled on that front. Thanks to all who have donated thus far; I've just sent off a bunch of thank you emails to everyone, as ever, to your paypal email addresses. The donations box is back on the homepage and I'll also have a link in my signature soon, good idea! Cheers to all ped

Also the 'paid' marketplace listings which display an image as the thumbnail rely on at least one image to be uploaded for it to work, so until it's fixed, we're sipping fumes! We have plenty of server space and bandwidth.

Hi guys yeah we're fixing it now. Cheers

Yes we're working on that now, cheers ped

I've been using E2c headphones for a long time with my Vbass unit. It seems they have been replaced with the Shure SE102 - can anyone confirm this is the case, and are they exactly the same sound? I know there might be better sounding IEMs out there but I'm used to these and what I hear from them is exactly what I hear on record when in the studio so I feel they very accurately produce the sound of my bass. Funnily enough I don't like them for music at all. Cheers ped

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1354384370' post='1885457'] I would also love to buy stickers, and I think they were included in the original list of new merch for sale when the shop was going to re-open (which it did in September IIRC), but I seem to recall Ped saying that the samples he got weren't of satisfactory quality for the price, or something along those lines...? Can anyone help? [/quote] In order to have some decent vinyl stickers to sell if have to spend some cash on stock and also post them all myself which just isn't possible currently.

Hi guys I have spoken to our new web developer today. We've discussed plans for ALL the updates and customisations we need, including a general site update to the latest software. It's going to be great to have the constant support we so badly need, but this is also going to either cost us quite a bit of £ up front, or it'll take a while for things to trickle through. Your donations thus far have helped us pay the costs incurred by the recent trouble with the malware thing and the random bugs here and there. We're really grateful for every one of them. Some people have asked me 'how much should I donate' because they don't want to appear insulting by sending a small amount. Truthfully there is NO amount too small, but most people donate between £5 and £20.. please see i'm only saying this to help people feel less insecure about donating, rather than saying you need to donate a certain amount. So please keep them coming in and I'll be able to send the new developer off with a list of jobs to do THIS WEEK, which will make the site better for us all. Many thanks ped

Hi guys Check out my post on the BC blog about my visit to the Warwick factory in Germany earlier this year. Let me know what you think. Cheers ped I’m sitting in a Turkish food establishment in East Germany with a Californian and a South African. How has this happened? To unravel the unusual situation I found myself in, as I tried to eat my kebab without its contents falling all over my aforementioned friends, we have to rewind a few months to my desk in leafy Berkshire where Californians are scarce and kebabs are frankly better packaged. Warwick Factory visit - Hand finishing by chiscocks, on Flickr Garey Noble (Warwick Social Media and Artist Support) and I have been in contact via Basschat about a potential visit to the company’s headquarters and manufacturing base in Germany. Garey is as Californian as they come. Big white teeth, casual ‘strolling along the beach’ gait and healthy looking sun blushed skin. As he came down to meet me and David, my South African friend, he smiled and welcomed us into the dazzling Warwick office/showroom. The building itself sits at the top of the sleepy town of Markneukirchen which itself is nestled close to the Czech border in Saxony. We were here to check out the process of making a Warwick bass. I have played a few in my time and had heard about some innovative processes coming out of the shop floor which I was keen to look at. Dave was mainly there for the free food. The first day started with dinner at the hotel with Garey who brought along a few friends from the company. We had arrived a few days before the famous ‘Bass Camp’ event where players from around the world stay with the company and have masterclasses, jams and hangs with some great players (Lee Sklar, Steve Bailey, Ralphe Armstrong, Alphonso Johnson, Guy Pratt, TM Stevens, Jonas Hellborg, Jacki Reznicek, Antonella Mazza, Andy Irvine, John B Williams, Regi Wooten, Gunther Gebauer, and Wolfgang Schmid). It’s obviously a busy time for everyone concerned. The meal was extremely tasty; our hotel, the Alpenhof, had an extensive menu of traditional German dishes and although it was impossible to have a normal cup of tea we were made to feel extremely welcome. At dinner we spoke to Chris Kunitz who runs the custom shop in NYC. He handles Artist Relations and later introduced me to a band called ‘Ghost’ who you need to check out. Warwick Factory visit - Garey Noble by chiscocks, on Flickr Accompanying him was Andy Irvine, a bassist who has played with so many people I have lost count. Now, Andy is a supporting artist and product specialist. Judging by the fact he had to ‘make room’ for me to join his facebook I should say he makes friends as easily as he lays down a tight bassline. It’s no surprise – he’s one of the most humble and down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure to share a pilsner with and I’m fascinated by his stories of session playing and his time playing for house bands as a youngster. We return to our rooms to find a kitten playing outside. He comes in and we let him attack my camera strap until he’s so tired that he falls into a deep sleep. He’s so tired, in fact, that we have to literally scoop him up and put him in the hallway. Had we killed him? Find out next week. Only joking, we didn’t. He looked so much like Dave’s cat, Pebbles, that we called him ‘Keisel’, which my phone says is German for Pebbles. The next day we arose to a wonderful sunny day and went to the factory to start our tour. It seems that quite a few people come here to tour the factory and it’s a well-rehearsed fully featured walkthrough showcasing all the amazing stages of production. Warwick Factory visit - Chopping by chiscocks, on Flickr As you’d expect, a company who use the tagline ‘The Sound of Wood’ is meticulous in its choice of material when it comes to building a bass. This was the single most impressive thing we saw on the tour. There’s a wood store outside where various woods are piled high to dry for years and years before they are dried out and suitable for use. The smell in there is incredible. Some of the wood is labelled FSC, which is testament to their innovation in producing guitars efficiently and with maximum care. FSC is the Forest Stewardship Council, and there are just a few manufactures in the entire world who are certified. It ensures an un-broken chain of custody for sustainably managed wood. They currently have FSC Wenge, Ebony, Maple, Ash, and Rosewood.In fact, the whole facility is built with sustainability in mind; the solar panels and woodchip recycling produce enough electricity to benefit the town as well as the facility itself. Warwick stock over 45 species of wood, and if you include the varieties (flame, curly, etc) its about 65 different woods. All wood is air-dried a minimum of 3-5 years, and some of the pallets have been drying for 12-25 years. There’s a custom wood store around the corner containing some fascinatingly rare and valuable woods. We’re not allowed to take pictures in there. These will be selected by a customer who wants to design a bass from the ground up. There are many options a customer can choose, adding to the exacting standards of the company and their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Warwick Factory visit - Fret Wire by chiscocks, on Flickr I love innovation and know that the ‘best way’ is often not the ‘cheapest way’, or the most profitable. Warwick know this too, and after years in the making and customization of a machine used by BMW they have perfected a new system which lays frets into pre-cut grooves on the fretboard, but not quite to the edges, leaving a strip of wood down each side of the neck. These grooves allow the fret to sit without pushing the fingerboard wood away and also because they are cut in there’s no ‘overhang’ along the edge of the neck, normally cut and sanded off by other companies. You wouldn’t notice it at first glance. Some players wouldn’t notice it at all, however it’s attention to detail like this which is really nice to see from a company you might have assumed were producing thousands of basses a week. They actually produce around 25, between Warwick and Framus. What used to take 8-10 hours now gets 30+ hours of attention. Next the necks are joined by hand to their bodies, cut by a 5 axis CNC machine. The fit is so tight that you barely need bolts to hold the bass together. It now goes for finishing by hand before it’s sent for painting. Here, innovation leads the way again. The basses are painted using a huge range of colours and finishes of which there is no limit – we even saw a bass being airbrushed with a picture of a cat for a Japanese customer. Once painted, the bass is exposed to a UV lacquer process. The finish is water-based and non-toxic, which is then exposed to UV light inside an Oxygen-free, nitrogen charged chamber. It’s the thinnest on the market today, and because it cures in an oxygen free environment with no chemical reaction it’s about 92-95% clear, like a diamond. Traditional finishes are only 85% clarity. After that we follow some muffled slaps – we end up in the area where the basses going through their quality control and electronics stage. Racks of basses of all colours are waiting for their setups and it strikes me just how many different shapes and finishes are available. We also see the presses used for making the hollow body instruments and end up passing through into the final part of the tour, the showroom. Here’s customers can try a range of instruments ranging from off the shelf models to one off chrome coloured customs with inlays of all shapes and sizes. We also had time the following day to have a tour of the Warwick and Framus museum in the town. We were fascinated to find out how much history is behind the brand. It was well worth a visit and cemented the ‘family’ aspect of the company. Here’s a video they took of us taking the tour. They MADE me say something at the end, and I look like a right tit.. On the final day, our hosts had invited us to a big BBQ event where the employees were invited to have a drink and some amazing food before the impending ‘Bass Camp’. I sat next to Jonas Hellborg and funnily enough all we talked about was paintballing. Company President, Hans Peter Wilfer, had been with his son recently and was describing how he cowered behind the little wooden buildings screaming like a little girl. It was great to meet Hans Peter, a man I had heard so much about – described as a gadget mad young-at-heart guy with a sense of adventure, I found him to be hilarious, warm and friendly. His employees hold him in great esteem, and I can see why. He’s deeply passionate about design (even his glasses have Warwick bass necks along the arms) and his enthusiasm is infectious. Our hosts were extremely welcoming; from the minute we were picked up at Nuremberg airport by the ominously named ‘Mr. Brown’ to the hasty pretzel munching on our departure we had a great time. Dave managed to buy lots of cakes, I managed to buy some cat dropping shaped chocolate from the local Netto (Katzenzungen, look out for them – gave them to my granddad) and we also enjoyed the massage chairs at the airport with our remaining Euros. Overall we were massively impressed by Warwick. They say as of Summer 2012 they are producing the best instruments they have ever made. If you want to see the factory for yourselves, you can try the ‘Virtual Tour’ – Warwick have tons of pictures and info on their website, because they have a lot to be proud of. Warwick Factory visit - Neck Sander by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Factory Floor by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Ready To Ship by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Final Inspection by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Polish by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Painting Stage by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Sanding by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Neck Sanding by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Adjustment by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Fret System by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Wood by chiscocks, on Flickr Warwick Factory visit - Showroom by chiscocks, on Flickr

Yeah we've had reports from one or two others saying the same. I've asked for help on this. Hopefully that'll be fixed too soon. I'm currently wondering if this will EVER end.

[quote name='Florin' timestamp='1354192543' post='1883306'] ..it is hard to be sexist in a company that is literary run by women :-) [/quote] I had my suspicions about Hans-Peter

[quote name='Florin' timestamp='1354191364' post='1883274'] Well ped, you still can join the contest, :-) [/quote] Too late, I've glued it back on now

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1354191114' post='1883268'] Lol, what even? [/quote] Asschat.co.uk's main competitor

Aww man I just shaved my legs