XB26354

Ultralites make quite a difference - if you imagine, say, 50g per tuner at the farthest point from the top strap button, it can make all the difference. I don't generally like necks with high shoulders - you can have it reshaped but there's always a risk that you take too much off. Best done by an experienced luthier. That said I've always found F-basses to have very fast, comfortable necks so maybe it is just acclimatisation... new can often appear "better".

DVD's and books are usually good entertainment and I tend to look at them as teaching/learning aids. Most of them really cover the equivalent of one or maybe two lessons. You also cannot ask a DVD or book questions, or have them explain things in a different way. And despite feeling that everything is fine you'd be surprised how a good teacher could pick on weak areas and solidify your knowledge and technique. It's not just about a bass teacher - I learned some of my best lessons just hanging out with jazz players. Once, a very fine piano player on the South Coast gave me an impromptu lesson on chord changes and substitutions. Saxophonist Bobby Wellins taught me more about playing melodically than any book or CD.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' post='814877' date='Apr 22 2010, 12:26 PM']Beware the weight of some Streamer LXs. I have a '97 Maple-bodied, Wenge-necked VI ("narrow" neck) and it weighs 14lb! It is a monster of a bass though. Try as many as you can. Just to be sure, like![/quote] Bloomin' 'eck, I've got the same model, same year, and it's about 9.5lbs +1 on the Streamer Jazzman. A very versatile bass.

[quote name='Bilbo' post='814731' date='Apr 22 2010, 10:25 AM']If anyone has any requests for transcriptions, let me know. I will do what I can, time allowing (for free - I am not in this for the bread). Be reasonable: I am NOT looking for people to dare me to transcribe impossibly difficult charts. I just want to help if I can and to advocate for the value of reading and transcription.[/quote] Blast! I was just about to ask for some Schoenberg Seriously though, I don't think the OP should have to pay unless he/she wants a professional-looking chart with chords, parts etc. that would take hours to complete. I'd be happy to do any transcriptions purely for the practice and interest!

... and get Chord Studies For Electric Bass by Rich Appleman and Joseph Viola. Reading practie, chord tones, chromatic approach notes, low register exercises and jazz tips in one slim volume. Plus it'll kick your butt every day

Well I like Streamers, as you can tell (look left!) With any Warwick you should be aware of ergonomics. Some wicks leave a bit to be desired in the comfort stakes. I had a Thumb NT5, and whilst it was a fantastic bass, 26 frets + top horn that ends at the 17th fret + hardwood neck made it mega uncomfortable. Corvettes are lighter but the light ash body/ovangkol neck tends to make them a bit neck heavy. All three of my Streamers balance well, feel good to play and have knockout tone.

Normal nut spacing is 45mm for a 5, 47mm for broadspaced. I've got one of each on the wall Spacing at the bridge is definitely 20mm for broadspaced, however with the side to side adjusment I can get my Jazzman from 16.5 to 18.5mm. One factor I have always liked about Warwicks is the adjustability - nut, bridge, no screws on the truss or electrics cavities. Broadspacing is standard on the Stage One 5 and 6 only - you can specify it on the LX5 and LX6, any other model would be a custom shop order. I'm also starting to be convinced that the reasons why Warwick B's are so tight feeling and sounding are 1) angled back headstock and tailpiece much lower than the bridge and 2) wenge boards. All 3 of mine have different neck woods, body woods an electronics, yet they all have that same punch at the bottom end.