Twincam

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1456475619' post='2989317'] The idea is fine so long as nothing goes wrong... Who ends up responsible if the courier looses or breaks it? What happens if the bass turns up and it's not as described? seller blames shipper etc... could get very messy. [/quote] Indeed this is a worry. I think if you would use this sort of service there would have to be a few agreements made prior. If it's a trusted bc member, and there is good communication and the postage is insured then I think it could work. Saying that I myself probably wouldn't use it to get an item myself, but if someone really really wanted something and I could help them I would be confident it would go fine, as stated there were certain safe guards and communication was excellent.

I think if someone was happy to do this then it's a really good idea. Maybe get a list of members willing to help do this for other bc members. A bit like the bc members prepared to help others in the repairs and tech section. Hopefully folk would do this for free or maybe a minimal charge for say fuel and time.

What is the current heights taken at the 12th or 17th fret? I class myself as someone able to get great setups and as said already above there's a few factors in a good setup then there's a few more in an truly excellent setup. I shall go over some as simply as possible. But really other than the points I mention below there are no additional factors as you asked as long as the bass is capable of being adjusted. Tho I will add in string choice which is another factor. Ok from the top we look at the nut. It wants to be cut as low as possible without giving what I term as back clank (noise behind the fretted note too the nut). Fret at the third and there should be a cigarette papers distance between the top of the first fret and the string (all strings). The frets should be level to a high degree some basses even cheap ones can have this from the factory, but in most cases unless you have a bass which has been hand done or plecked then it will need a fret level, re crown and polish etc. You can check this with a fret rocker yourself. A good general setup so neck relief, string height at the bridge and intonation. Not forgetting the neck angle. Each bass is different. A lighter touch or heavy gauge strings. Flats are great for a lower action too but not essential. These combined will give a low action sub 2.4mm however for a very low sub 2mm action further steps are required. The fret board needs to be in very good shape before it's even fretted no weird ski jumps at the end etc it must be close to perfect. And sometimes ether the fret board or frets sometimes need a little almost microscopic drop off near the neck heal (last remains frets) I believe sadowsky is a fan of this this. If you or any be members are in the north east then I'm happy to do the above work as outlined in the bc members prepared to help other members thread (top of this repairs section). Some great videos to watch are. First vid is rather long the second and third are short vids. http://youtu.be/MBSg1_CRfWY http://youtu.be/_-69eUMYz6Q http://youtu.be/VuLGpxaArkY

I'm on the fence in my opinion. Scientifically it can actually be argued both ways. Say we have a old but well kept instrument that always goes to a luthier so it's frets are good and it's always set up etc. Over time wood does change this is a fact, electrics also change too albeit in a minor way and any roughness will be knocked off in terms of feel. In a way a instrument settles in too it's new form, at a microscopic level we have all sorts of changes. All this has potential to make an instrument different to when new be it good, bad or unoticable. And the older instruments that we keep are generally the better ones anyhow. Not forgetting it probably takes longer than we think to get used to a different bass and able to play it too it's full potential. A simple experiment could easily be performed, It wouldn't be the most sciientic but it would be interesting buy a brand new preferably up played bass, doesn't have to be an expensive one a cheaper p bass copy would be ideal. Then give it an exact setup making detailed setup measurements. Soon as its setup take various measurements of the "fresh" instrumemts output levels, sustain levels, frequency response etc etc. Then play it regularly and every 3-6 months have it put back into its exact setup specs and take the same measurements repeat for a few years and plot the measurements on a graph. Ok not the most scientific experiment as we have changes in the strings even strings in the same batch have a little variation and we have fret wear even if the frets are always kept in good condition there's a varience, but I believe the basic data would give an idea of what we have changing and what is not. I believe that might make an interesting project for anyone maybe a student could do this as a project even.

Why would someone sell anything with rubbish pics like that in this day and age I don't know.

Having a little difficulty finding an all round good sound on my Acg with an 01 pre amp. Clearly a very powerful tool and I am sure there's what I want in there. I understand fully how the filters work alas I'm still not finding an all round tone that is right for me, I thought it was my te combo but tried it on a fender rumble and got something totally different sounding. I can find certain good tones, when trying to find something of an all round tone I'm struggling a little. I either sound to dull/ woolly, too scooped or than overly trebly. This mainly effects the d and g what seems right on the e and a is wrong for the d,g. Any tips. I'm using new fender flats.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1456267753' post='2987349'] Well, have you give up yet? [/quote] Still here, still playing or trying. Just got a lovely Acg bass, that's way to good for my current ability haha

[quote name='Ashdown Engineering' timestamp='1456231325' post='2986805'] Not really, all that takes about 2 mins and once everythings set correctly you wont have to do it again [/quote] Hmmm. And the Doug wimbush vids well he isn't exactly playing in a mannor that would trouble the speakers and cause boominess. Would it not be better to of had some playing that 99% of players would be doing most of the time? No disrespect to Doug or the vids he just wasn't troubling the low end there in all fairness. I wouldn't mind giving one of these a proper test as I've really warmed to the idea of them lately. But I've not seen or heard anything to convince me to track one down especially as i would have to travel. Also that's a big outlay.

[quote name='Ashdown Engineering' timestamp='1456223391' post='2986699'] Hey Visog, Sorry to hear about your disappointment with the B Social. We don't seem to have had an email from you over the past couple of weeks so not sure what has happened there... You could have phoned us though and we would have chatted through any issues whilst you were sitting with the amp... However first thing we would say is that the B Social is quite a complex bit of kit and the fact that you state that you owned the unit for 'two days' is a bit of a worry as we don't think that is really enough time to get to grips with everything... As regards your high output bass this is very odd as we have tested with countless basses over the past year or so including our 18v Status and Doug Wimbish's 9v Spector more recently with no problems at all. The active input is -15db compared to the passive input which should negate any high output issues. Are you saying even using the Active input its clipping on the front end regardless of input gain? AppTek works perfectly and has been a feature on a number of our amps for around 3 years. Did you spend some time to set the app up correctly as this is critical? There are a lot of parameters to set/play with and if this isn't done then the results won't be great. First of all there is per saved set up an input level gain and output level that will need to played with to get the best out of things depending on the bass being used/amp sim chosen/fx etc. Once this is set and all is nice and clean/clear you can then adjust volumes on the actual B Social etc. It is also vital that you set the 'Noise and feedback filter' off to remove latency also turn off the 'adjust to prevent feedback' setting as well. [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]'amp cab variants just providing different levels of boominess - even their own Ashdown models' - again can only suggest things weren't quite set up correctly as there shouldn't be any 'boominess'. Using the EQ within the app and setting the B Social fairly flat should remove any 'boominess' pretty easily(Also turning off the filters I previously mention will help too. [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]If you wanted to pop down and see us in Essex for a couple of hours one day we will happily go through everything with you in person, bring your basses/Ipad/chocolate biscuits etc and we think that within a few mins you would have a different view on things. We know you've already returned your unit but you can come and have a play on ours and if your mind was changed enough you may decide to give one another go... [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Check out the B Social videos that we did with Doug Wimbish on our YouTube channel, there was no tricks, no post production etc on any of the B Social videos and despite using a fairly high output bass there is no boominess or latency issues when using AppTek sims and FX....[/font][/color] https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpmPk7hnfreWxFa0_GDpmJFWAs94ocJEj Anyways let us know if you could pop down and see us as it would be great to be able to go through everything with you in person if we could... [/quote] Sounds like the ashdown b overly complicated after reading that.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1456216317' post='2986595'] Makes perfect sense to me to keep trading basses until you find one your happy with [/quote] [quote name='Cato' timestamp='1456217899' post='2986616'] If you can afford it without forcing your family into penury then that's justification enough. Nice basses make you play better because they inspire you to pick them up & practice more. That's my philosophy anyway. [/quote] Both great points! [quote name='keefbaker' timestamp='1456218127' post='2986620'] Ask her to justify all the shoes she buys first. [/quote] Ah my gf is very frugal and great with money she won't buy anything unless it really is needed or its on offer or she can get it in bulk. Thinking about it she should be praising me as I started off this year with a squire bronco and 200 quid in my pocket and without any other outlay cash wise via trades and sales I've now got an Acg custom. So I think I've did well as we are only two months in too the year. Wal by the time for Xmas? Hmmm given me some good ammo next time the face comes out on acquiring a different bass haha.

I have one bass (Acg), 1 combo amp (trace elliot), couple of leads and two tuners a cheap Korg one and a old Peterson strobe one for setting up. Sometimes I have one or two effects. So I run the bare min, so don't really need too justify. I would like too have another amp thats more suitable for home use and I would like to have a few more effects and some basic recording equipment but again easy to justify. My gf wants me too justify why I must insist on switching my main and only bass several times a year, month or even every week. That I can't justify fully even too myself, especially as my playing level isn't that high. Love the Acg I now have though and can't see me parting with it for some time.

[quote name='Spoonman' timestamp='1456189190' post='2986529'] Hi everyone, So I've been looking into buying some lightweight tuning pegs for my Gibson Grabber, leaning towards Hipshot Ultralites at the moment, but if anyone could recommend anything else they like better, please do. Anyway that's not why I'm writing this. The bass currently has some old Schaller tuners, and when I removed them to check what size lightweight tuners I'll need, I found that half of the mechanism has been superglued in. Hopefully these photos show what I mean... [attachment=213063:IMG_20150908_150201.jpg] [attachment=213064:IMG_20150908_150220.jpg] [attachment=213065:IMG_20150908_150227.jpg] I'll need to get this part out in order to put the new tuners in obviously, but I've no idea how to do that. Is there some sort of solvent that might seep into the cracks and get rid of the glue? Or will I just have to bash them out with some sort of hammer and chisel scenario? Any ideas anyone? Cheers in advance! [/quote] No hammer or chisel lol. Superglue can be easy or a right pain. Use a socket that fits in the hole but on top of the bushing hit it with a hammer gently at first then with more force but first use some superglue remover to help loosen the glue. Then if need use a rounded file on the inside of the hole.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1456184614' post='2986483'] Very much a matter of opinion. They're not just investment pieces. [/quote] Yes indeed. Don't get me wrong I love Fenders, I like how they sound, I like how they look. They have a sense of romance and mojo. Get a good one and it can be the only bass you need. Not to mention they can be good investments etc etc When it comes down to it though they are mass produced, they tend to look the same etc. They have some compromises and the qc can be hit and miss. There versatile but always in a very fender way.

I'm in two minds a classic like as suggested a pre cbs fender. More likely I would get a nice Acg. For an instrument to be used it would blow an old fender out the water. But there is something about owning a "real" fender that appeals.

That is a fairly extreme angle. Maybe try putting the treble side down just as much, sounds wrong but it can sometimes help capture more sound. Of course then try new strings. If all this adjustment doesn't work nor different strings then it's the pickups or the nature of the bass.

Every scene and indeed hobby is being watered down as in general we have more things to choose to do with our spare time. I often talk about this with others. There are many factors in the decline of live music in general some are (in no order) cheaper supermarket alcohol, decline in pubs/clubs, Internet (social and how people find music), smoking ban, electronic music and adding drink driving is now a big no no. It's not dying it's just watered down by various factors.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1456138665' post='2985682'] This is more interesting, IMO. She's clearly very talented. http://youtu.be/qCIpqwJe-6o [/quote] Better than the first but to me and although she can play and is talented clearly, I still didn't think much of it, just sounded like some cool noodling. The guy on that other (Indian?) thing was cool though and had soul I didn't get that from her. No disrespect at all I would love to be able to play like that but I wouldn't. I have not looked into Amy other vids I'm sure she does other things but the two vids I've seen meh. Opposite end of the spectrum are very simple but cool riffs bass or guitar, that can make your hairs stand on end, anyone can play them but not anyone can make one. Not that I'm saying she can't on that either. It's all a matter of perspective I think I'm trying to say. Bit like slap bass or say Mark King vs Adam Clayton.

Is the sound level on open strings? Fret all strings one at a time at the 3rd, 5th and 7th etc etc till the last fret, is the fretted sound equal on some neck positions and not others? Also sometimes instead of bringing the weaker strings closer, make the stronger sounding strings further away! Leaving the weaker strings where they are, equaling it that that. This can effect tone and output slightly but as long as you have a strong pre amp or amp then it can be compensated for and its at least an equal sound.

[quote name='DarkHeart' timestamp='1456054271' post='2984817'] Twincam where abouts in Durham you at? [/quote] Close to you actually. Sent you a pm.

My name is Twincamus Decimus Meridius, bass player of the North, General of the Fretted Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Leo fenderus. Father to a murdered tone, husband to a murdered technique. And I will Learn to play the bass, in this life or the next.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1456060172' post='2984940'] Not my taste, but it doesn't matter whether we like her playing or not. She can play that bass better than 99% of the people on BassChat. She just needs to develop, which will happen. So much for "small hands" making life difficult! [/quote] But can she play better though (at the min) that might be all she is good at and she has fast fingers I didn't really see or hear much else to judge her talent on other than to say she is quick. And it was certainly sped up. And normally I'm all up for prasing people I'm not being disrespectful, but too me I didn't see anything other than a bit of speed there. But no doubt she can play other things well I'm just going by that particular vid. And I didn't notice her playing in the first position maybe she would have trouble with her hand size there.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1455974513' post='2984119'] Just my 2p, but I wouldn't fit a switch... it would drastically increase the possibility of your amp being in a thermal stress situation, which I assume would lead to shutdown. Which could be embarrassing at a gig. For example... [/quote] Well for these situations I know I would have to remember to switch the fan on again. [quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1455976484' post='2984149'] I'd fit a thermal switch on the heatsink near the output transistors and wire the fan in series with it. This, or fit a quieter fan with the same flow rate. Sit somewhere else or wear a jumper if the breeze upsets you. [/quote] This could be a good idea.

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1456010078' post='2984574'] I'd echo the advice for a good physiotherapist - mine pretty much saved my playing career. [/quote] Been told I'm probably as far as physio can take me and that actually playing an instrument will be of more benefit. Was told this long before I actually started learning an instrument. And indeed playing bass has significantly improved things. I'm sure if I had some ways of getting around some of the techniques I struggle with it would improve my playing. So I shall be looking into incorporating them.