Marc S

Another alternative is to get a Pre-amp pedal. I bought a cheap Behringer Bass Pre-amp, and can't believe how much more output volume and tonal control it gave me. They're around £25 - £30 new, which isn't much more than a decent set of strings. I was so impressed, I then bought a more expensive, higher quality Pre-Amp Pedal. The Behringer still gets used occasionally - I only paid a tenner for it second-hand... bargain Worth a thought anyway..... Pickups can be expensive. I don't know if Entwistle do a model to fit your bass, but I got PBXN + JBXN's for my P/J basses, and am really impressed with them, considering their prices....

[quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1476224273' post='3152551'] ......I suspect the damage to the body below the controls offers a clue. I think the lump of brick is covering a bloomin' great hole through into the control cavity. [/quote] Yes, this was my first thought too. It just looks so terrible! I can't think of any other reason for doing this - I mean, it's not exactly a cheap copy bass either. Then again, I'm trying to think "logically" perhaps there is no damage to that area of the bass, and the owner doesn't possess any "logic"

Looks great. Same question here though - who is the builder? Have any "special" pickups been used? Looking forward to hearing some clips. Enjoy your fab new toy

[quote name='rushbo' timestamp='1476223669' post='3152546'] Just down the road from me...don't think I'll be bidding, but could help with collection or courier-ing... [/quote] That's a very kind offer rushbo

Hi from a fellow Cardiff based player. I also play DB (well, not as much as bass guitar these days) Who was the guy you had lessons from? Welcome to BC, and don't forget to keep an eye out for the next local bass bash (hosted by Gelfin, who also resides in Cardiff) Do you play the DB through the Markbass, and which model is it?

Hello Bez / Neil, Just saying hi from across the Severn estuary, in Cardiff - can you see me waving? Welcome to BC. Yes, there's plenty of good folk with helpful advice on this forum

Garry, just wanted to say, welcome to basschat and hello from South Wales Still got your original bass, a 77 Jazz eh? Nice. I wonder how many on here still have their 1st bass Cheers now Hwyl! Marc

That's cheap Free P&P too

[quote name='Davebassics' timestamp='1475569639' post='3146911'] ..... I have a Squier CV P that I am A/Bing against MIM and MIA Fender Ps and I'm preferring the CV P every time. It might be because I am used to the CV P but I have to say, the playability, comfort, tone of the CV P have outranked all 3 Fender P basses I have tried it against. The CV P does have upgraded electronics I believe a seymour duncan vintage pickup, I forget the specifics, I bought the bass second hand with the pickup fitted. The only thing I've never been keep on is the glossy neck but its a minor grievance considering I believe I am getting the performance of a much more expensive bass out of a squier. I'd love to compare it to a roadworn P at some point! [/quote] Having owned several US Fenders, and also owning a Squier Classic Vibe P (since P/J'ed & with upgraded pickups) I know exactly where you are coming from. I owned a Squier CV P and sold it - I instantly regretted this, as I liked it so much. So I bought another. I have now played several Squier CV basses, and every one has been absolutely brilliant! I also own a Fender Roadworn Jazz and P bass. The RW P looks superb, plays wonderfully and is very lightweight (lighter than the Squier) and is very comfortable to play. I find the glossy finish of the Squier is really nice (and I don't normally like glossy necks), much nicer than most other glossy necks - but the Fender RW is more comfortable and feels more "worn in". Sound-wise, I am confused though - both basses have exactly the same pickups (Entwistle PBXN and JBXN) the Squier seems to have slightly more heft at the bottom end... but the RW does have more definition at the top end. The only real difference is that the pot in the tone control is a different type. Or maybe it's down to the quality / type of wiring - though I can't actually see any physical difference here... Perhaps it's down to the woods used, or construction? Who knows? But considering the difference in price of both basses when new - there really isn't that much difference. The Squier CV is indeed better than many US Fenders I've played, though I'm sure some would disagree. Having foolishly sold one, I'm glad I bought another, as the Fiesta Red has been discontinued a while, and I'm sure they'll be collectible in future. I definitely own too many basses, but I just can't bring myself to sell the CV again.

After replying to a thread about Double Bass strings, Beedster was incredibly kind, and sent me a set of hardly used "Weedwacker" DB strings. He wanted no money (even to cover postage) for them, and I think this is an act of great kindness. In fact, in any communication I've had with him in the past, he just strikes me as a great guy and top BC'er Many thanks Beedster

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1475456424' post='3146082'] I can see their point. If it gets damaged in transit, then who pays ? Plus my idea of great condition is often different to other people's. [/quote] =1 Indeed. Also, when buying something as personal as an instrument or amplifier, I like to make sure the buyer is happy with it... If I'm selling a bass that I describe as "wonderful to play" that's just my opinion - the buyer may not think so... When buying new from a shop or warehouse, at least you're covered for damage in the post. But when individuals send or receive instruments in the post, I'm not sure all couriers are clear on what protection either the or seller buyer has. I think there's a lot of small print to be read with regard to some couriers. Plus, with regard to basses and guitars, I keep seeing them for sale on here & elsewhere "bought from GAK (Or elsewhere) recently - but have decided it's not for me". Of course, that last point helps sustain a good second-hand market, but I've never bought an instrument without having first played it, or another one which is the same model as the one I tried. Seems more of a "faff" to buy something thinking you'll like it, only to have to sell on and possibly lose money.

Hi there lurkingbass, From some of those pics, it does look like there is a bow in the neck. This is not the end of the world, as long as your bass has a truss-rod. Truss road adjustment is a fairly routine operation - but don't overdo it - take this maybe just one quarter of a turn at a time, then leave it settle a while... Normally, there is a slight bow, in the opposite direction - i.e. concave bow of the fretboard / fingerboard. OF course, this all depends on the design of the bass, gauge of strings and preference of the player etc etc You don't mention where you live. Perhaps you could ask if there's a friendly BC'er nearby who would have a quick look at your bass for you? I'm in Cardiff, and if a newbie wanted an opinion, I know I'd be more than happy to spare a little while & take a look for someone Just ask - most BC'ers are very fine & decent folk, honest Good luck

[quote name='Burrito' timestamp='1475427629' post='3145830'] There's a whole anti-Fender snobbery on forums but a good bass is a good bass regardless of make. The trick is to play what feels right whether it is a Harley Benton or a Warwick...... [/quote] Indeed Personally, I was off Fenders for a long time. That was until I discovered their Roadworn basses. Bought a Jazz, from a fellow BC'er and instanty loved it. I also have a P, also from a BC'er and that's fabulous too. Though I've gigged with several different basses over the years, now I gig with them all the time. If I'm playing a bit of a "dodgy" venue - I use my Squier CV P. As someone else pointed out, it's nice not to have to worry about pickup batteries etc, and I always find Fender's simple controls get me the sound I want, without having to fiddle around too much with too many knobs & switches. Glad to hear you liked the sound of the Fender Flea sig Jazz. I've not had GAS for a while, believing that condition to be well & truly gone - but I do like the look of that Flea sig. Nice to hear a good report on it. Cheers

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1475444729' post='3146018'] I'm right handed and play right handed basses. I've always thought that the right hand, being responsible for timing, is the most important. When I screwed up my right wrist in a bike accident ten months ago, this became even more apparent. [/quote] But both hands have to work "in time", and as Michael J points out in his post above - the left hand has to work in time with the right - but more fine and precise motor movement is required of the left hand, in anticipation of the music and what the right hand is doing.... I say this as a left hander, who has always played a right handed bass. There is another thread on here somewhere which talks about this very subject. I thought I was a bit unique in being a lefty who plays right handed - but in fact, it's more common than you'd think... Left handers have to adapt more frequently; e.g. I have to use Right handed scissors, as I've never even seen a left handed pair But Right handers do odd things too e.g. when eating, they feed themselves with their left hand when using a fork - but when using a spoon, they feed themselves with their right hand - what's that all about? lol It's all a question of degrees though, isn't it? Most people use their left hands or their right hands for some things. As I've had to adapt to a right hand dominant world, I'm quite adept at some right handed tasks, as I'm sure other lefties are.... EDIT: Sorry to hear you damaged your wrist btw

[quote name='roceci' timestamp='1475177583' post='3143858'] Copying records. Put the needle on the vinyl...wait till the lick played...lift the needle...try to play the lick...try to put the needle just before the lick again...aaand repeat. Slow process, but may have taught me something about patience & perseverance. YouTube wasn't an option back when I started. It's an amazing tool & I often use it to see what other people are doing with covers I'm learning. But I can't help thinking with kids learning advanced techniques aged 8 & whatnot, there's a lot of feel missing in a lot of playing these days. Says the old timer XD [/quote] Yes, same here. Youtube really helps these days, at least as a starting point But I well remember lifting the needle on & off records to replay a bit I was trying to learn! I did go along to an adult learning /craft & art sort of place in Cardiff for a while (place called Llanover Hall) but the "tutor" there was a guitarist, who always seemed stoned. He used to tell his guitarist pupils all about chords, but just say to me "play a C, then a D". Didn't really teach me much, but gave me a first opportunity to jam along with guitarists (room full of them) Luckily, a few months later, I had a couple of free lessons from one of my heroes of the bass, Paul Gray (ex Damned , Hot Rods, UFO) which inspired me tremendously. But it was all about trying to copy what I was hearing on vinyl for me; JJ Burnel, Paul Gray, Pistols etc etc Stick with it - and watch plenty of Youtube covers & lessons - but in a way actually "listening" to tracks, without any visual clues might just be the best way of learning; copy, assimilate and create your own basslines anyway. Good luck (and don't take a 20+ year break like I did!)

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1475136636' post='3143255'] I have some on my fretless; ridiculous amounts of mwah with a low action, as smooth as flats but a bit more lively! [/quote] Thanks for that Dannybouy. I've heard others say similar positive things about half rounds. For me, Flats always seem too high tension-wise, and I feel my left hand drag too much for my liking. I've got TI Flats on my fretless, so they're nice & low tension, but still don't feel quite as comfortable to play as rounds... Let me know what you think re tension Dannybouy - I'd be interested to hear Cheers

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1475101444' post='3143151'] Half rounds? I recommend the Status ones. Pressurewounds (SIT Silencers perhaps?) for something a bit brighter. But if you don't mind grazing your fingerboard and fingertips, roundwound steels will sound pretty lively! [/quote] I've never used half rounds myself, but was just wondering whether you'd considered them? Might be worth a try? I recently re-strung a bass with some [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]D'Addario heavy gauge round wounds, and am quite pleased with them. Good luck with your search, and don't forget to let us know how you get on - particularly if you use half rounds Maybe one day I'll get round to trying some myself [/font][/color]