Marc S

I've been pondering one of these for a while. They don't come up very often, so I just went for it. Bought from fellow BC'er Bunion, this strange little Wingbass is rather nice. I've been noodling a bit with it today, and I think it's going to take a while to get used to. But effectively, it's like playing a "normal" bass guitar - but only above the 12th fret. I got it for taking as a backup, and to take to pub jams with my local folk club pals. We often end up in tight, cramped spaces, and I usually end up almost hitting someone with the end of my bass. This is really nice construction quality & finish, and I like the sound from the pickup. The neck, such that it is, is a rather strange shape, as I'm used to being able to get my thumb over the top of it.... But I'm sure I just need to play it quite a bit to get the hang of it. I got myself an Electroharmonix Octave pedal, and I've been enjoying playing about with that too. I once had an ashbory, and a ukebass, but didn't like the feel or tension of the strings on either of those. This uses standard bass strings cut down - so feels better to me.

Here come the young - Martyn Joseph

Thanks for letting us know @Woodinblack What sort of sound(s) were you able to get from it? e.g. anything "Precision-like", "Jazz-like" or "MM-like"? etc

Midnight summer dream - the Stranglers

Hi @petebassist Yes, the Quebe Sisters are amazing. Their guitarist was a really knowledgeable bloke, really nice guy too. I attended a workshop / chat session with them while I was there. The guitarist had played with all sorts of famous people, including Elvis! Said bass player had played with Duke Ellington (again, if a Czech Ease is good enough for him! lol) Amazing backing band But the Quebe Sisters themselves came from a completely non-musical family / background. One of the sisters started playing the violin, so the others took it up, and they all became brilliant. They were All Texas Fiddle Champions at one time. Then they started singing, and a studio team said "Wow - when did you learn 3 part harmonies?" To which their reply was "What's that?". Such beautiful voices, great musicians, really nice songs.... and top that with the fact they're all really nice people. I know cos I was sat less than 2m from them. I attended that workshop because after seeing them onstage, I thought I'd probably never get chance again.

Yes, it's a David Gage Czech-Ease. I've got one and I can confirm it's a lovely bass. So I'll ignore NickA's comment lol Mine is a lovely player, with a fairly slim neck. Due to their smaller body size & acoustic chamber, they're a tad quieter than most other acoustic uprights, but it's a lovely sound nonetheless. As well as being lighter, they're obviously that bit easier to cart around. There is a hard case available for them, as well as a quite nicely padded gigbag. I've also seen Danny Thompson playing one, and it sounded and looked great. The first time I saw one was onstage at Cambridge Folk Festival - the bass player from a band called "The Quebe Sisters" had one. It certainly sounded fab when he was playing it. They're not often seen in the UK - so best of luck with your search.

Don't think I saw that one, but I've seen some fab work by Jabba. His workmanship looks absolute top-drawer. Happy NBD

Pigs on the wing - Pink Floyd

Down to the river to pray - Alison Krauss

Another fan of Fast Fret here. I've been using it for quite some time, and not noticed any build-up of anything nor any staining / discolouration. It definitely keeps roundwound strings brighter for a bit longer. I only occasionally need to clean my Flatwound strings with Fast Fret - usually, I just wipe them down with a soft cloth after playing.

I have come back to Sunburst basses, after a short while of them being out of favour for me. There are probably so many around, that they are seen as common - however, I think of the finish as Classic. Everyone should have one in their collection IMO. Perhaps the finish suits a P more than a Jazz - but I've no argument with someone who loves their burst J bass. I tend to prefer a 3 tone sunburst over a 2TSB. I now only have a cheap self-assembled P/J (from Squier parts) - I should really continue to thin the herd, but I just can't bring myself to sell this rather nice bass .......after all, it would leave me without a Sunburst bass at all EDIT: Of course, the most important thing is that the owner likes the colour / finish of his or her bass. So that's the only thing that really matters.

You say the action is low - but make sure the E string isn't too close to the pickup. Although this can often mean that you get a higher level of output from individual strings, I have found previously that it can adversely affect the E string. The theory is that if the string is too close, the magnet can dampen the strings vibrations. Worth a whirl trying to lower it a tad anyway. I find that I have to lower the top of the pickups slightly more than you may think... What strings are you using, out of interest? Best of luck sorting it

Thanks for sharing that video @PaulWarning Still one of my fave bass lines ever

Hi @Clarky - just wondered exactly what sort of bass you're after? Stick type EUB's are obviously the more portable option (From the point of view of their compact size / shape) If you want something with a shaped acoustic body (or even a solid DB-shaped body) then you're adding size / dimensions into the equation. There's an Azola Bugbass for sale on here, which is more compact than a Baby bass - but it's over your upper price limit. Again, the Eminence Upright has a small shaped body and really nice acoustic chamber (and sounds great) but again, it's out of your price range.... Stick basses can be a good option IMHO- they're compact & portable (often, but not always lightweight). Some can produce a more "natural" DB-like tone, but it's never quite the same as an acoustic DB. So I just wondered whether it was something a bit like the Azola, or an Eminence you were after? I've seen a BSX EUB for sale second-hand lately... but again, it's above your upper limit. I'm glad someone bought that Cetus EUB that was on here recently - that looked so cool! And I heard some nice stuff recorded on YouTube with one too. I recently sold my NS Design CR4, and I think one of the older NS WAV's might suit you - cracking basses. Good luck with your search, and don't forget to let us know how you get on - I'm intrigued as to what you go for now..... c'mon, c'mon man - make your mind up! lol EDIT: NS do an "Omni bass" which is smaller than 3/4 and looks good. Again, it will be pricey though....

Sorry to hear that @Jakester Maybe you did talk yourself out of the gig. But take some positives from it. You got through the audition, and some of the band members thought you were pretty good. More importantly though, you learned the hard way that you need to make sure you concentrate on learning those tricky parts a bit more and definitely don't put yourself down after or during the session - there's plenty of other band members out there who are happy to do that Also, don't despair.... it might be that you end up getting called back again anyway, as in Old Horse's post above Or, as has happened to me - you might just meet that drummer or rhythm player, or other band member who you "clicked" with again, in some other band / project, and next time you get the gig. Take some positives from the experience, and build for the next one - and best of luck with it

Looks like you're doing a good job with the refin @Maude I'm really enjoying this thread. And I still wish the young me had bought one of these when I first saw them around. It was probably the "Kay" badge that put me off..... or I needed the cash for Friday & Saturday night out! Looking forward to seeing how the staining goes. But don't make too good a job of it, or I'll have 80's Kay GAS

Definitely, under absolutely no circumstances whatsoever, I absolutely promise! lol EDIT: Of course.... this doesn't stop me looking......