ped

I think it might help, but there’s no getting away from the influence of pickup location. The lightbulb moment for me was when I was playing with the ‘virtual pickups’ on the Roland VB99. Basically you can use it to place pickups anywhere on the bass body and choose type, phase and all sorts. There are some basic models built in (60s and 70s placement included) but upon building my own and manually shifting the rear pickup it was immediately apparent how moving it back further gave that sledgy bite to the sound. Before that I honestly thought it was down to the pickup type. I sold all my 60s spacers (although I do like them still) in favour of the wider spacing and haven’t looked back. Since then I’ve watched millions of YT videos and the difference is always apparent (there are quite a few comparison vids out there - sadowsky did one with a back pickup which switches between the two locations which is pretty clear too.

Yeah I do, thanks - Always handy to have around.

Yeah I’ve heard they sound really good and it’s nice and small. Wish it took a battery though

Its one of those things - basses and effects come and go, and now and then you try a combo that just works. For example my FunkULator sounds amazing with one bass but just doesn’t suit another. Good thing is they’re cheap!

Hi guys Had a band jam today and I took my Bassballs pedal as I haven’t used it in a while. It sounded amazing with my passive P. Growly, full and syrupy. I’ve modified the frequency pots a while ago and it just felt like the range was bang on. It started to sound like a phaser without losing any ‘balls’. It’s one of those things that sounds great live for some reason. I had an old 80s version a while back with ‘elephant skin’ texture side and back panel. The one I have now is more of a matte finish. Is the Russian version worth trying out? Some people seem to think it’s a bit harsher sounding. I’ve also seen some green paint versions. Any experience with those? Cheers

Cheers! Yes it does have a nice raspy sound. The difference is in the upper range - slightly more honky on a 60s. The best example I have of a 70s slap sound is in my bass comparison video. That said, for a long time I bought and sold lots of jazz basses looking for that elusive sound - swapped pickups and all sorts. But as soon as I tried the 70s spacing the penny dropped

Let’s hear it! There’s something unmistakeable about 70s spacing slap sound that you can’t do with 60s. It’s like trying to get a Stingray to sound like a Precision

I haven’t yet - I think I need to change the heating element but was hoping to put it off for a while. Unfortunately the part arrived this morning even though I chose super slow postage 🤦🏻‍♂️

I showed my wife and she said have you fixed the oven yet

Anyone is welcome to come and show me how to play my basses! I’m just outside York so if you’re in the ‘hood’ let me know!

I couldn’t get the video to sync with the Celinder no matter what I tried. iMovie would only let me drag the audio or video in straps too larger to get a match. I’m going to use Final Cut Pro next time

Here’s the G&L again if you didn’t see the clip before

Here's one for sale https://www.leboncoin.fr/instruments_de_musique/2005953749.htm?ac=1481102916

I hope that was the swear filter!! haha. Thanks - well if nothing else it's confirmed that all my basses are better than I am which is kind of cool

I posted this on TB as well, and a quick count up of votes (from those who indicated a particular fave) it's very even!! G&L - 7 Ray - 8 Celinder - 6

Every time someone says their fave I go back to listen and think “yeah me too” …until someone says a different one, then I do the same again 😆

This. These discussions always go the same way - “the audience won’t notice” It all comes down to what you enjoy about playing, I suppose. We’re all right! MARCUS MILLER

The characteristic of the spacing is unmistakeable. The type of J pickup doesn’t influence that character - that same 70s snap is there in basses from £300 to £3000

Quite interesting to hear how divided opinions are on which sounds best for this groove 👍🏼

Ah OK. Depends on the music I guess. I still think there's a massive difference and much prefer 70s spacing!

Currently awaiting new strings. Once they arrive I’ll do a new video and put a bit more effort into it

Made me wince 🥲

I’m listening back and I’m embarrassed by all the mistakes!! I might do it again. Yeah each bass has it’s place. I have three ‘play along’ playlists on Spotify, one for each bass

I just recorded this clip. I tried for ages to get it so that the song played and the basses switched between as you go through but I gave up in the end. There's a few mistakes and so on but it should give a fairly good idea of how they sound.

I actually managed to track down what must be the last set for Elixir 40-95s in the country so crisis averted for now.