MisterFingers

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1379519305' post='2213635'] They might want to check that no-one has tipped a pint down the back before they issue the refund. [/quote] ..or stripped the innards and returned a shell. Bass amp Candiru!

I have just got a bass back from a luthier which has had a perspex shim put in. There's no doubt that it has affected the sustain of the instrument, so it'll have to go back, as I'm not happy with that tonal change, even though the action is now how I wanted it. I have no idea why he did this (haven't spoke to him yet), as there was a couple of (presumably non-plastic) shims in already. I'd rather put up with a higher action and better tone, than the opposite.

Got you, cheers.

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1378834594' post='2205356'] Truss rod is unrelated to the shim/bridge thing. Truss is there to ensure the right amount of arc relief in the neck, overall action should be adjusted elsewhere, relief just determines how consistent that action is along the neck. [/quote] I understand, but surely something like string tension affects that arc-and the consequence is a higher string action if (for example) you use a heavier gauge. So in that case you would adjust the truss rod [i]and[/i] lower the action at the bridge to compensate. The problem comes when the saddles are at their lowest and the overall action is still too high - and then you would have to insert shims.(?) What's the general opinion on non-wood or paper shims? metal? perspex etc.?

Interesting replies, for sure. I knew that back in the day many Fenders had shims added at the factory - but I thought that these days it was less common due to more accurate cutting and better wood seasoning and selection. I suppose you wouldn't know if your bass had a shim unless the neck was off, or you could see a gap at the neck pocket. I thought shimming was done for a lower action when the bridge saddles were at their lowest, and truss rod adjustment couldn't pull the neck back any more - that's certainly the case with one of my basses. Whether it's a sign of a build flaw depends on how low you want the action and whether it's unfeasibly high before shimming. I can't help but feel that factory shims are a sign of a quick fix to a problem with the build, in order to move the bass along for sale, but that's just an impression. Could be dead wrong, of course.

I'd be interested in finding out whether this is still common. I'm guessing that with computer controlled routing neck pockets are damn tight these days, but has anyone discovered that their new bass has had shims added? Do you think that this affects your opinion of the instrument, or of the makers? I'm genuinely curious folks.

A detached house where I can practise at decent volumes without worrying about neighbours..does that count?

I'd also recommend Reaper as the software to go for jonanlou - A bit of a learning curve with all DAW software, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy to track takes one at at time (if your gizmo only has one input, that is), and then export whatever recorded track(s) you want in order to send to someone else. What make of USB audio interface did you buy?

Who's Geddy Lee?

[quote name='Count Bassy' timestamp='1377608480' post='2189319'] Personally I'm starting to feel a bit uncomfortable with the amount of slagging of that we give this bloke here. I'm not in anyway defending what he does, but some basschat members are starting to act like a flock of vultures fighting over a not yet dead carcass, or a gang of playground bullies, in their eagerness to get in and give the bloke kick when he's down. Not very edifying, and In my opinion this is not basschat at it's best. [/quote] He's hardly down though is he? People seem to buy his stuff - that's their decision, but I can't see why that should prevent us from discussing the (dubious ) quality of his instruments. And as a public service, if the threads here prevent one naive bassist in the making from buying one of his basses and being put off for life, then it's a good thing, surely.

I've just discovered this man....words fail me. So this is what you do when you get to retirement then - set up a business based on your hobby. That is, sell absolute crap to fools. He'll be getting an award from the DTI soon. I can see my basses quivering with fear in the corner at the mention of his name! Say "Mark" three times and he appears and 'sets up' your instruments with a grinder and file. Argh.

I used to have a Masquerader guitar - fine instrument (particularly given the fact someone gave it to me gratis), but I have never played a Shergold bass. How do they sound/play - I'm guessing a P/MM cross?

It has been made out of a toilet seat cover hasn't it? -"good bottom end"

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1377028657' post='2182513'] phone local council - get them to send EHO's around and pull the plug unless they turn down - seems to be all the rage with local councilcs at the moment [/quote] I'm sure that local pensioners have been jamming the phone lines as Slim Shady drowns out their TV dramas, but I'm actually intrigued as to what size of line array they must be using over there - 40K? Birds must be dropping dead out the trees.

Well, I can now hear Eminem as I type - bloody hell it's even louder than the KOL. Argh!

Similar tastes I think - I have a lot of avant-garde material in the Mr. F. archives - including about 10 Stockhausen 12"'s, as well as a whole herd of classical electronic re-issues. I think Mrs F. would rather put up with me plonking away on the amp than have to listen to Morton Subotnick - or Ornette Coleman, come to that!

[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1376609266' post='2176943'] He's so enthusiastic as well and has written some good stuff. I was only listening to him on the radio last month. I used to love those 45s in their xeroxed sleeves that bands sold at their gigs in the 70s and 80s. Still have a few by Thomas Leer and Robert Rental 45s with their felt tip hand coloured in sleeves. I also still have a couple of Sun Ra Arkestra home produced vinyl LPs on their own El Saturn label from the 70s that came in plain white sleeves that were then hand coloured in by the band members! [/quote] Blimey - I have the same ones (Leer and Rental). I also had a few Sun Ra Saturn LP's (now sold), including one which had 4 Rachmaninov piano pieces - stunning performances but not exactly what you'd expect from the label. I once helped June Tyson get her jacket on at an Arkestra gig!

A good looking bass for sure - have you got it yet? Play ok?

I can hear the Kings of Leon pretty well (particularly the bass and kick) tonight. Thing is they are playing in Bellahouston Park which is about 2.5 miles away from my flat, well across the river and with windows shut. Can't stand the band either, natch.

No problem Vtype, glad to help - good luck with the installation.