martthebass

C'mon, lets not get too PC. I have no problem with people laughing at my miniscule skills..............none of us are perfect. Also I cannot play the break in MG (but I can play the easy break in Substitute)

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='64916' date='Sep 24 2007, 06:12 PM']I'd also disagree that it's just Warwick... I've also watched a brace of MM Sterling sell for £400 - £500 and had they been in the right colour etc I'd have had a punt but I'm not in the position at this time of year to chance my arm at something that isn't likely to be a keeper even though I'm certain I'd never lose money at these prices (MM & 'W'). These are just 2 marques that I'm observing as I have a direct interest I'm sure that other than the usual 'vintage' gear prices must be depressed across the board... case in point Wal also aren't making what they were even 6 months ago
![/quote]

Maybe I'm a bit biassed, owning both a Thumb and a Sterling, but sometimes I'm glad that prices get depressed - it sort of supresses the GAS instinct. If you feel you're going to lose a wad of hard earned in changing a bass it kind of puts you off. Maybe I've been playing for too long and things have moved on in these days of +£2K average boutique basses, but I always thought that the afforementioned were 'Pro' level basses. I'm not a pro - so they should be more than good enough for me. 20 years ago I counted myself lucky to own a single US Jazz......that cost £500 when my yearly salary was <£9£.

Anybody remember Rik Mayall in 'Bad News'?

Also, must be hard to play when you're horizontal...

[quote name='cheddatom' post='64792' date='Sep 24 2007, 03:19 PM']I don't really like this idea that I shouldn't be using my nails, or that I should be striving for consistency. I'm striving for variety, originality, and fun!

I don't have very long nails, and none on the left hand as I agree, they get in the way, but, when you pop extra hard with your nail, it has a bite that cannot be attained otherwise, deffinitely not by playing closer to the bridge.

I was talking to my (female) boss at lunch time, and she says she gets her nails painted with some strengthening resin for like £15 so I may go for that when they grow back.

Thanks for the replies so far :-)[/quote]

Guess we must be in the minority. I play on nails on index, middle and 3rd finger, this gives me the tone I'm looking for plus cuts down on blisters if I'm doing a few back to back gigs. I generally just keep 'em at 2-3mm though so that breaking isn't likely and 'handshakers' don't think you're a girl

OTHH when playing fretless the nails are then short enough so you can play on the 'pads' and get the smooth tone if you want.

More pm - popular bass this

Just love the Jumper/Scarf style gig bag. No doubt it will keep it tucked up all snug for those winter gigs :-)

[quote name='The Funk' post='61484' date='Sep 17 2007, 03:06 AM']Nothing wrong with that. It seems like Warwicks are popular mainly with funksters and metalheads - and hardly anyone else. I've never seen anyone else with the model I play though. Not sure why.[/quote]

I must be doing something wrong. I played a whole evening of 70's standards (yes, even Alvin Stardust) the other night on a Thumb.

Not enough.....................wife says 'too many'

[quote name='paul, the' post='57475' date='Sep 8 2007, 06:52 PM']And he likes the P pickup, like me [/quote]

Me also .... on a P

Just yanking yer chain.....it's a slow Saturday without a gig.

So why not buy a P, or an active P or a custom P?

Butchering a poor defensive 'Ray like that. It's inhuman.

[quote name='Sean' post='57427' date='Sep 8 2007, 05:06 PM']Last night (Friday) the bass player in the band band on Jonathan Ross' show had a Stingray with a P pick up in it. The bass was white with maple neck, had the classic stingray shape and chrome crescent control plate with three knobs, 3 +1 headstock and what looked like the usual EB MM Stingray logo on the headstock. The pick up was a proper split p-type and in the proper P bass position i.e. no obvious holes or hack marks where an MM used to be.

Anyone know anything about these? I've certainly never seen one before.[/quote]

For the love of God...Why?

Bassist from the get go me. Had a recent hankering to learn guitar if only to be able to know what to play in a Jam when I can't hear meself properly. Hate it when I ask the key to a guitarist for him/her to turn around and show me the chord - what! They look perplexed when I tell em that playing that chord on the bass would probably sound crap.

Have come to senses - this is too nice a bass to part with. I'd only do bedroom Mwahing with a fretless anyway.

pm's replied to

Can only comment on Sterlings I'm afraid, but IIRC it's just the 4 string version ;-). Points:

1. Didn't find as much difference soundwise between Maple and RW as many people have commented on in the past.
2. Hate the way that the finished maple sticks to your fingers when you get sweaty compared to RW
3. Maple looks nicer.

Personally, IMHO, pickups and strings make more difference than the board wood does. So it's mainly down to cosmetics and feel. But what do I know I play through a Trace.

The MM Sterling is sat in the back and never comes out to play. I purchased this bass from the Bass Merchant as NOS last year. It's a 2004 black on black with RW neck. There isn't a single mark on this bass - not even swirl marks, it really is as new. Full MM HSC and case candy

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='50701' date='Aug 25 2007, 10:05 PM']Yes, Dave's slipping a bit there... I don't know if you tried the JayDee as well, but that's in dire need of some TLC as well. Certainly didn't inspire me to buy either of them! If I ever open a bass shop, all used basses will be set up and have clean strings before they go on sale![/quote]

Yes, noticed the JD in the corner looking a bit sorry for itself - didn't pick it up tho. Have to admit it's the first time I've been into Electro and thought the stock was shambolic. It didn't encourage me to get my wallet out....thank God.

What about the old?,

'could all the good musician's take one step forward....wait, not so fast [insert name here]'

Sorry, I'll get me coat

Size wise (5-7 meself) I find the MM Sterling the most comfortable, balances with a slight upward tilt and the 12th is just in the right place - nice slim neck also. Mine feels a bit heavy though on a long gig. On the other hand a Warwick Thumb gives my arm a stretch session - worth it tho.

Can't answer all these - never owned a Sub. But IIRC:

1. I think the woods are the same (non trans finishes could be Poplar, Alder or even Ash) on both
2. The Ray has a profile where the arm rests i.e. not slab body
3. Think on the active the sub is the 2EQ like the 2 EQ Ray.

Soundwise I did find a little difference to my old (now gone) 2EQ Ray when I had a noodle in a shop but not £400 worth.......however if you're gassing for a Ray nothing else will do.

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='48153' date='Aug 21 2007, 08:41 AM']Hey P,

Played a Lakland DJ at Electro the other day & wasn't particularly impressed. It was very heavy & awkward to play, but that could have just been the setup and the inordinately heavy strings! The sound was very flat and dull, and that was through a MarkBass amp as well. I know a lot of people rave about them, so there must be some lovely ones around.[/quote]

OTPJ, the strings were deader than a very dead thing on that bass - I had a go on it on Sunday am. Struck me that with a new set it would be the mutt's

Very nice.

Love the quilt - that's exactly the same pattern my eyes make when I drink too much Whisky.

[quote name='Old Horse Murphy' post='47619' date='Aug 20 2007, 11:22 AM']I really regret selling my US Precision (went to marthebass so I know it will be well looked after). It was the best playing bass I've ever owned. It was just too thuddy for gigging in the 3 piece. It had to go (to fund my latest purchase) and I'm happy with what I got.

I've sold some beauties in my time (an 80's Status, Fender Jazz, Ric 4003) but the P-Bass was my fave.

Anyone know the way to the closest Foreign Legion Recruiting office?[/quote]

OHM, You'll be pleased to know it saw 'first light' with my [limited] playing last night. You're right about the playing - plays much nicer than I remebered my old (albeit 20 years ago) JV precision. Think the Sterling (though having more 'life' to it) might get left at home even more than it does already.

My 'mistake' was a Westone T3 fretless - px'd it for a G**tar, holds head in shame.....

[quote name='MattyB90' post='44285' date='Aug 11 2007, 08:24 PM']Any decent shops that sell Warwick bass's that you would recommend? The closer to Cardiff the better obviously.[/quote]

Unless you wanted something special/custom I would deffo go used. A used excellent Thumb BO4 went for £543 on the bay last week

[quote name='MB1' post='43359' date='Aug 9 2007, 04:23 PM']Have heard, if its got silicone in it you shouldnt use it!check its ingredients.[/quote]

Not sure but I think this is on the laquer on the bass body/back of neck - the silicone makes the finish go hazy. Don't think it's a problem on the unfinished RW. Having said that you can't beat Lemon oil, a little goes a long way and it's cheap.