Gunsfreddy2003

Hi Russ, Off to my first rehearsal with her tonight so will let you know how that goes but really looking forward to it! Do have to keep having a peek in the case to remind myself that it is actually here!! Cheers Mark [quote name='EBS_freak' post='432448' date='Mar 12 2009, 02:24 PM']So Mr Gunsfreddy... hows it treating you? Still loving it? Haven't heard from Psychoandy in here for a while... you're not dead are you?[/quote]

I have owned a Sterling and a fretless 'Ray and both were sent on their way after a period of time! The Sterling had a great sound on it's own and was perfect for using in the studio but in the live context it just did not cut through - I changed amps a few times before I realised that it was actually the bass that was causing me the problems! I play mostly jazz/funk so it was supposed to be the bass to have/use but just did not do it for me and I would certainly echo the opinion that some strings cut through a lot more than others - not sure why that happens. Having said that when I listen back to the slap bass sound on a track that I recorded using the Sterling I do still think, "Man that sounds good!!" (not the playing you understand just the tone!!!) [quote name='AndyMartin' post='431037' date='Mar 10 2009, 09:45 PM']I've owned 3 Stingrays now and I can only echo most of the comments here. I just love the feel of them. The pickup placement is perfect for me. I rest my thumb on the pickup and I like the extra string tension back there near the bridge. The necks always feel great. I like the unfinished back and you can get the action down really low with no fret rattle. I like the Stingray sound solo, though it is a bit thin, but in a mix the A, D and particularly the G string just disappear. I tried everything to correct it, different strings, EQ settings, pickup height, compression but never really did, so I always end up back with Fenders. I've seen this discussed on the Ernie Ball forum and Sterling Ball admitted that the active electronics are voiced to give that sound so I guess a lot of people like it that way, and the ones who don't post in threads like this [/quote]

It certainly is worth the wait - it plays fantastic and is everything that I was hoping it would be. I think I have said this before but the fantastic thing about Bernie's basses are that not only do they look fantasic but they play and sound amazing too. For me this just combines everything that I am looking for in a guitar and is well worth both the cost and the wait. I think that there is also something very special in working with the guy that it is building it for you and being involved in the whole process from start to finish - having always had mass produced instruments (even Warwick) this is just completely different. Who would want a Fender??? Now I know people rate other luthiers such as Shuker etc but Bernie is a gem, a real character and IMHO also happens to build the best guitars in the world! I would recommend him to anyone with no hesitation whatsoever. [quote name='EBS_freak' post='431089' date='Mar 10 2009, 10:42 PM']Aye its a sweet bass. The walnut really works, they just look so understated classy. When you see them in the flesh, you just can't help being drawn in my them. Bet you are well chuffed Mark. Worth the wait eh? They just feel and sound... "right" don't they? I love them anyway. J - You pinning your hopes on Vegas for accelerated putting the name down on the board eh?![/quote]

Can't say fairer than that - free t-shirt with every bass. Saw Bentley in the flesh today too - that is a sweet bass! Couldn't resist a quick noodle on her!!! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='430952' date='Mar 10 2009, 08:26 PM']Ah - so you got one of those ridiculously overpriced t-shirts with the free bass too?[/quote]

Ok I know that I am now officially in the club (hell I even got a GB t-shirt today!) I have tried to change the pic already but will try again now! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='430936' date='Mar 10 2009, 08:14 PM']Exactly. ...and again. Come on. You don't need that stuff now... you got proper toys [/quote]

Yeah I think that a maple board would have looked terrible! What does pos mean? Mark [quote name='EBS_freak' post='430825' date='Mar 10 2009, 06:24 PM']Looks great - betcha glad you didn't go with the maple board now eh? One question... What's that pos doing as your avatar?[/quote]

OK OK OK! Just got back from Bernie's after a fantastic day picking up the bass and chatting to the man! I have not had time to take any pics yet so these are some that Bernie has taken or had taken. Don't know what to call her yet but can advise that she plays like an absolute dream and sounds fantastic. To say that I was ecstatic would be a gross understatement! Let me know what you all think? Mark [quote name='EBS_freak' post='430228' date='Mar 10 2009, 11:02 AM']Mr Brown, come in Mr Brown. Put the bass down and post some pics.[/quote]

Threats, threats and more threats!!! Mind you I know that Ferret does live near by so better watch out! [quote name='bass_ferret' post='429124' date='Mar 9 2009, 10:17 AM']It wont be there in two weeks time [/quote]

It is honest!!!!! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='429075' date='Mar 9 2009, 09:16 AM']2 weeks time. Likely story...[/quote]

LOL - yes going in 2 weeks time! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='428988' date='Mar 9 2009, 01:16 AM']Let me know what day... so I can go the day before and bring it back to the Midlands.[/quote]

Yes but he has to endure a Tina Turner gig first!!!! Hoping that the bass is everything that I want it to be and more - quite nervous now. A lot of money to spend if it ain't perfect! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='428154' date='Mar 7 2009, 06:45 PM']Good show! That's another one out of the door. Bernies at the O2 tonight... Backstage pass - alright for some! Meanwhile, I'm still sitting in the Slug and Lettuce in Soho... Anyway, enjoy the bass![/quote]

At long last the call has finally happened! Bernie called on Friday and was playing my bass and told me that it is ready to go! Even made me listen to it for a few seconds - now that it torture! Hoping to go up one day in the week to get her - can't wait. Will post some pics as soon as I have her home. [quote name='EBS_freak' post='419816' date='Feb 26 2009, 08:35 AM']Yeah - I wonder what made you change your mind to electric pink...?[/quote]

It matched my shirt! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='419816' date='Feb 26 2009, 08:35 AM']Yeah - I wonder what made you change your mind to electric pink...?[/quote]

LOL - No plans to change my mind just interested to know how the two compare sound wise! [quote name='bass_ferret' post='419796' date='Feb 26 2009, 07:39 AM']Your Rumour is back from the paint shop so its too late to change your mind. Looks loverly.[/quote]

Interesting to hear the thoughts on the two different models from you all - which one in your opinion is best suited for funk music which is mostly tight fingerstyle but does have a fair bit of slapping in it? [quote name='bass_ferret' post='418585' date='Feb 24 2009, 05:43 PM']Yes I would say thats exactly it. Its probably more than the through neck. The body is alder as opposed to swamp ash (although it is lighter but thats probably the bridge and metal knobs and will be fixed when it gets stealthed). If I cut all the bass from the Rumour it sounds more like the Spitfire but if I boost the bass on the Spitfire it sounds nothing like the Rumour [/quote]

Chomping at the bit is an understatement - just waiting for that call now! Tell me more about your new Rumour? I have a couple of gigs booked for March and one in May but our keyboard player has just announced that he is leaving the band which is right pain in the arse! As soon as I get the Rumour I am going to gig it though! Have a couple of options ref the EBS kit - just working out which is best for me right now. [quote name='EBS_freak' post='410841' date='Feb 16 2009, 10:43 AM']You are doing OK! You are right at the top of queue... me and ferret are way, way down! Ha ha. Mind you, it's not as though I have a lack of GBs is it? My next one is going to be cool... a complete departure from my Rumour 5. Yeah, it's another Rumour... So... you got any gigs coming up soon - when is your Rumour going to get it's first outting? You must be chomping at the bit now! Oh yeah, did you make a decision about your EBS kit?[/quote]

yes spoke to Bernie early last week and he was aiming for the end of the week and mentioned that he would call if it was ready but I did not hear anything so I assume that there was a slight hold up somewhere. Should get that call any day now! Mark [quote name='EBS_freak' post='410067' date='Feb 15 2009, 02:23 PM']Didn't see it - but when I did speak to him on Thursday on the phone he said that yours may be ready on Friday... it's got to be very, very close now![/quote]

Any sign of my rumour Russ?

Snap - Behringer works ok on 4 strings but useless on my 5 string. Occasionally works on the harmonic but not very often. I will change for a Korg when a 2nd hand one turns up at the right price. On the plus side the blue light on the Behringer is fantastic and makes my Aguilar amp look very sexy! [quote name='jim_bass' post='400468' date='Feb 4 2009, 09:54 PM']I bought the behringer one and just manage with it, but I don't play a 5-string. I just play the 12th harmonic on my E if the tuner is having a bad day [/quote]

Oh I see. I am for my sins! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='386102' date='Jan 20 2009, 02:09 PM']Nah - not in the advertising business... just flirt with photoshop now and again.[/quote]

I hope so! That should be no problem a mate of mine is a photographer and did a good job on my Warwick helping me to sell it on the 'bay! You can see what he did on: www.mattbrodie.com/thumbbass I have already lined him up to take pics of the GB once I get my grubby hands on it! Are you in the advertising business then? [quote name='EBS_freak' post='386086' date='Jan 20 2009, 02:00 PM']Don't worry dude. The 4 will be fine! I'm flirting with the 4 at the moment and I am loving it. The 4 and 5 influence my playing in different ways - both good! If you loved 4 before, you'll love it again. As for the wallpaper, make sure you get some suitable pics of your bass when it is finished and I'm sure something can be knocked up.[/quote]

Hi Russ, Great - but would look better with my Rumour on it! Getting a bit worried now I bought a KSD 5 string from Bernie when I was down there last and hated it at first just could not get used to it. Now I have sold my Warwick and have been using the KSD as my main bass for a few months I am loving it and really worried that when the Rumour (which is 4 string) is ready I will hate going back to 4 strings! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='385835' date='Jan 20 2009, 11:25 AM']Gunsfreddy2003 - hows the wallpaper looking?[/quote]

I was kindly given his slap bass book as an xmas present and it looks pretty good stuff but I just have not had time to look at it yet! I have never learnt how to do the tapping thing but have to admit that it sounds fantastic! Great for a bass solo!! [quote name='EBS_freak' post='382024' date='Jan 16 2009, 08:28 AM']Yep - an arrangement from his forthcoming solo book. I can't wait to get my hands on that book! His books are excellent.[/quote]