Marc S

I haven't got a photo, or the Bouzouki to hand - but it's one of these... https://www.musicroom.com/ozark-bouzouki-flat-back-oza2222?glid=gb&CAWELAID=120075890000279149&gclid=CjwKCAiAleOeBhBdEiwAfgmXf_D1k-0AlN0iRyZ37d4QVK2CJSpokHSf2ZVgf4KpbHZkw5GvvrwJqhoCXJEQAvD_BwE EDIT: The shop where I bought it weren't aware of whether it's a Greek Bouzouki, but I do recall the description as being "Flat Back" I only just remembered it's an Ozark branded instrument.

I really must play my Bouzouki more. One of the acoustic bands I'm in would really suit the Bouzouki on a couple of songs. My Bouzouki was fairly cheap, and didn't come with one fitted - however, although it was inexpensive, I really like it. I've played on some more expensive ones with pickup fitted... but didn't like them as much as my own. What I really want is at least a volume control on the pickup, and I'd rather not go cutting holes in the body at this stage. I spotted a Shadow pickup that might just fit the bill https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/guitar-pickups/shadow-sh-nfx-ac-nanoflex-acoustic-pickup-preamp-for-guitar?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga3-IvCfbFg42fNTPGnlPDSl26We9_TdLpBWR5ihnSahr0wHSuNGxv0aAllzEALw_wcB has anyone on here used these on a Bouzouki or other acoustic instrument? Or if you play Bouzouki or Octave Madolin - what pickup do you use? Cheers all

I fancied playing mandolin for ages, and as soon as I got one, I also found space to be very tight for my left hand - I just couldn't stop my bass players fingers from straying into areas they shouldn't... there just simply wasn't enough space to form some chord shapes. So I did exactly the same thing, and bought a Bouzouki (though I don't think it's an Irish Bouzouki - it seems longer scale length) anyhow, that is also tuned to GDAE. I did that so I could play the same chords as I was learning on the mandolin. Now what I really need, is time to persist with it, and a decent pickup.

Bought a bass neck from Dave. Great comms throughout. All went smoothly, and he packaged & posted it really well, and in super quick time. Don't hesitate to deal with this trusted BC member. Thanks Dave

Cut Me Down - Lloyd Cole & The Commotions

Night swimming - R.E.M.

Having started out on bass (many years ago) on a shortscale, from which I quickly moved to long scale - I pondered getting another short scale for a while. I dabbled with a Hofner Violin bass for a bit, but found the neck to be too narrow and the string spacing too close for my right hand.... though in truth, I keep looking at them and thinking maybe I should give one another chance? A few months back, I found myself in my local PMT shop, and I really liked the look of a Squier Classic Vibe Mustang they had in stock. It was a cool colour, and looked rather nice, so i gave it a try. It was rather lovely, and it made me look again at the range of Mustangs out there. In the end, I went for a Mex P/J Mustang and I really like it. I can confirm that it's easier on ageing joints & backs @Lozz196. The pickups in the PJ sound pretty good. The pickup in the Squier CV sounded OK, but perhaps a tad weaker than the P pickups in my Mex. But I really liked the neck on the CV - it felt just lovely, as the CV range just do. I have gigged the Mustang a couple of times, and I really like it. I'm also glad I went for the PJ option, as I like being able to dial in a bit of that Jazz pickup (the pickup selector switch had already been changed to a blend pot when I got the bass). I usually gig my Fiesta Red Fender Classic P bass, with maple neck & board, and I really like the "bite" that bass seems to have (it's my favourite sounding P bass ever). So before gigs I now have to ponder whether to take the Mustang for comfort and added J sound, or my P bass because I just slightly prefer the sound from the P bass. Oh such decisions. I'm glad I picked up a short scale again, and one that has better string spacing was a good choice for me. It's definitely easier on my back & shoulders - so it's going to do the longer haul gigs certainly. I must say, I like the look of that HArley Benton Mustang style bass - especially the colour of that one in the video EDIT: Let us know whether you get yourself a Mustang Lozz

Banana splits - The Dickies

Ah, the all too familiar feeling of seller's remorse. I've been there too often myself. However, you can't have ALL the basses you've ever liked... sadly

Really like the range of tones you're getting from this bass. @Andyjr1515has done a great job with this one. When you first asked whether you should "mod" a bass of this vintage - I initially had some doubts - but of course, it's an "ideal" bass for such alterations, because of the modifications it had already undergone. Plus, you were right to straighten the bridge, and Andy was the right guy to do it. Well done @ped- that's a mighty fine bass you have there. I've only recently picked up short scale again, and I like my Mustang. But perhaps I should consider swapping to similar pickups to yours.... just not quite yet

I missed this sad news yesterday. I must have been too wrapped up in the World cup.... This is such sad news. I saw him live a few times. He appeared at Cambridge Folk Festival several years back, and I can recall the sheer joy he just "exuded" after the Surgeons there had saved his life from the huge tumour he had. As others have said, at least it gave us a bit more time with him. RIP Wilko

Nice looking bass 😀 The wonky bridge might have got on my nerves - visually anyway. But I'd be torn about correcting it, as it then wouldn't align with that rear pickup.... hmm a dilemma. I have a liking for a passive P/J - so I think I'd prefer to keep a J pickup there. I'll be interested to see how this project goes. In full agreement with @pedre the quality of the Squier CV Mustang. I wasn't looking for a bass - but I tried one in my local PMT and was blown away by how good it was! Not only that - although i didn't buy that particular one.... i ended up getting a PJ Mustang, as I'd forgotten just how much fun a decent short scale could be.

I'm Mandy, fly me - 10cc