Marc S

[quote name='MikanHannille' timestamp='1450827144' post='2936325'] Received this from Mark earlier. [url="http://s37.photobucket.com/user/hessler312/media/001_zpsjc4pkx3y.jpg.html"][/url] And a quick doodle with it. [media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyW20ML1Wj4[/media] Sorry for the sloppy playing. But the bass itself sounds amazing. [/quote] Looks amazing! Love the lighter relic Enjoy your Christmas present to yourself Happy NBD too

Hi Tobie, Just thought I'd add a recent experience here I'm not a particularly religious sort of person myself - though I respect the rights and thoughts of others who are - whatever religion they may be I play regularly in a local folk club, which is located in the Church hall. Several regular church members attend the folk club It's a real community spirited club, and the hall itself is used for many local community events and functions A few of us from the club have been playing charity events, including a couple of Townswonen's guild fundraisers, and a couple of gigs at a local old-peoples home. The old folks at the home have really loved our visits, and enjoyed what we play for them... However, a church event recently really made me question why I play for free, and whether it is appreciated. Several of the folk club members (2 of whom are regulars at the church, and help out with basic maintenance and laundry etc) had volunteered to play some Christmas carols at a fund raising Christmas Fair, held in the Church hall on arrival, several of the regular church group all but physically accosted us, when my wife & I arrived! They shouted that we were not to get in the way, not to move anything, and told us there was no way we could bring in all these amplifiers & equipment. I only had a tiny, portable bass combo and my bass! They repeatedly and aggressively told us that we were to come and just sing for them, whilst standing outside We couldn't get a word in edgeways, and the more I tried to tell them that we only had 2 guitars anyway, and there was no way they'd hear us and what's more - it was raining heavily! - the louder and more obnoxious they got! I turned away and said "Merry Christmas to you too" and my wife said "Thank you for such a Christian welcome!" Later they complained that we didn't sing for them! This has made me question playing for any such group at all, and generally given me a bad feeling about playing charity events Certainly, I would not play for that particular church group again. And this was the church my parents and most relatives were Christened in, and/or married in. I'm sure this is not the sort of "experience" you were asking for - but I'd say, approach such events with caution As some people just can't understand why you need an amplifier, let alone what a bass is .... or why you may not wish to stand outside in the rain!

Mine turned up on Saturday. Very impressed with the quality Again FuNkShUi - thanks for the heads up on this

Innovation silver slaps are great strings. I had them on my last bass. Once I need to replace strings on my current bass, I was hoping to replace with silvers Hope they do continue to make thrm, and that quality & consistency are kept to the current high standard

Hi, I had a B&H double bass a while ago. It wasn't a 400, but another model The finish was peeling a little on that fingerboard - but I was told it was ebony, and not another wood that had been ebonised The peeling didn't affect playing in any way, and a luthier had a look at it, and said it was fine It just happens through ageing and use, and a re-finish was possible, but most likely wouldn't make any real difference he also said that B&H at that time made beautiful instruments, and they have stood the test of time It was a beautiful bass, which I only sold because I had upgraded. Sounded great, looked lovely I'd say if it's not broken - don't fix it! And as others have said, you're always looking at what else is out there (not restricted to DB by the way!) So just enjoy your B&H - it's becoming quite vintage now

Just ordered one of these as you speak so highly of them FuNkShUi Thanks ever so much for the recommendation. I had to chuck a gigbag recently, as the zip ended up getting stuck all the time So this is a welcome replacement Cheers again

[quote name='tony_m' timestamp='1449936476' post='2928177'] Don't think this one's been posted yet, check it out before it gets dropped! [url="https://www.facebook.com/bassplayersunited/photos/a.103359063082133.6994.103346473083392/950326021718762/?type=3&theater"]https://www.facebook...?type=3[/url] [/quote] Lol

Thanks for that FuNkShUi I could do with a new gig bag Pity I'm so broke at this time of year! lol Will keep an eye on that though - it's my birthday shortly after Christmas..... Mrs S will be hinted of this

Not a blindfold test, but interesting comparison with Squier P's and J's, compared directly with US and Japan Fenders Ignore the overdramatised commentary a few minutes in - and watch out for the edit clips where he switches between basses I think the Squier CV's come out really well in this comparison https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Cd98DH__U

Lovely looking bass Think I'd go for the tort plate

[quote name='Sumbabba' timestamp='1449780046' post='2926834'] Yes someone needs to do the blind test and clear this up once and for all! Hopefully that'll bring the price of vintage P-basses down and then I'll be able to afford to buy one :)Except I'll then be buying an inferior bass I have to say I'm not keen on the look of those Roadworns, I think there's something a bit naff about artificially reliced basses. I'm after a rosewood fretboard anyway, I just don't get on with maple ones. Maybe I'll look at some of the RIs, what are people's opinions on those? Let me guess... they vary in quality right? [/quote] I used to think that "artificially worn" guitars are naff. However, that was before I actually played one I'd heard people rave about the Fender roadworn basses, and tried one which was for sale on BC I was instantly smitten! - I honestly cannot express just how good these are, apart from saying neither of my 2 US Jazzes was anywhere near as good. Fender have obviously built these with very high spec and finish The aged, worn-in feel is very convincing too - somehow, Fender have made it feel like it's been round the block As for its' appearance - I've had several bass players come up to me at gigs and ask how old that Jazz is! When I tell them it's only a few years old, they're amazed! It's a convincing look, apart from the fact that they all have the same wear pattern I've owned many basses over the years, and tried many many more, and nothing would make me part with my Roadworn Jazz It is more playable, comfortable and sounds better than basses I've tried which were 3 times the price Honestly Sumbabba, don't knock them till you've tried them. I was off Fenders for years, having had a real vintage one My RW has made me re-evaluate my thoughts..... Re the discussion about blindfold tests. There are videos somewhere on youtube of such tests Guitars and basses are tested. In the main the tests are Squier Classic Vibe guitars, v Fender US, v Custom shop Surprise surprise, most blinfolded players choose the Squiers! EDIT: I also usually wax lyrical about playing RW's at gigs - it's really liberating. I'm usually over protective about gigging mint basses But rather more relaxed with my RW - it really doesn't matter if it picks up another scratch

[quote name='spiltmilk_2000' timestamp='1449787645' post='2926965'] +1! I was flying to a gig in Edinburgh and a kind friend who lived that way said he'd loan me a P bass for the night. When he arrived, for some reason he had brought a Ric instead....... Anyway, since then, Ive played another friends with the pup cover removed (whilst seated) and had no issue at all. Loved it! Morale of the story? make sure you try a Ricci before buying one! :-) [/quote] Indeed, try before you buy - but a good point about the pickup cover / guard too I'm not sure how keen a shop would be, in allowing you to remove one of these if you were just trying So make sure you try one (or more) with the cover removed. It's a valid point, cos my faker is more comfortable to play than my Rick but I'm sure this is partly because I took the cover off that straight away As said above, that cover seems to be right in the way of the sweet spot, where you want to play But it also seems to make you move your right hand, which may even contribute to the "digging in" of those unchamfered edges....

[quote name='Highfox' timestamp='1449667455' post='2925748'] I tell you what, give the Roadworns a try as well.. [/quote] Another vote for Fender roadworn basses here. Although I've not tried a roadworn P, I have a roadworn Jazz, and that's my fave bass I've ever played That includes 2x US Jazzes as well! I've heard many players rave equally about the roadworn P They're made in Mexico, but are made to a higher standard than Mex basses. Finished in the US too, I believe As someone else has said, you could try a Limelight P too. Mark will make one to your own spec I've tried 2 Limelight P's and they've both been fantastic basses - really convincing sound, feel & appearance and at a fraction of the cost of a real vintage Fender Let us know how you get on