mr4stringz

Prolapsed L4 and L5 discs 20+ years ago have left me with pretty crap long term back issues. Gigs are once in a blue moon for me these days (probably fortunately) so we largely just play in a shared lockup where our gear is pretty much set up and good to go. Disappeared down a rabbit hole of a cocktail of Tramadol and alcohol a good few years ago that ended up as successful a treatment plan as you’d expect. Fortunately I saw the other side of it and now manage it largely through Pilates exercises and walking as much as I’m able stop me from being constantly in the worst state I sometimes reach to be honest. That said, I’m only a ‘wrong’ sneeze or twist away from a nightmare time. Largely using Mustangs and BF cabs plus having a real diamond of a best mate of a drummer helps me out like you wouldn’t believe too.

That’s a shame. It’s been many a year since they’ve done my neck of the woods in Birmingham and I’ve often travelled to see them. I’ll miss them this time as the closest to me is Nottingham, but I’m already at a gig that night.

Great bands, though I don’t think they’ve ever dropped out of rotation for me. Helmet in their heyday were one of my favourite bands of all time. The current iteration of the band are still pretty great and have a few dates in the UK in December. And Tad? Inhaler is one of my favourite albums ever. Not that they put a foot wrong with anything they released really. But, in answer to your question, I hadn’t listened to the album Shame by Brad in a lot of years until quite recently. In my late teens and early twenties it was a late night staple and it’s still great now, I’d just forgotten that it was for the longest time.

Cracking colour there. Your choice of bridge looks great too.

I see it came with the OHSC.

As soon as you can. You learn so much more playing with others than just playing on your own (fnar).

I’ve no experience of one of these, but from this listing it seems they would have originally come with the ‘spike’ included. https://www.forsyths.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/195894-ned-callen-fretless-bass-second-hand-c-1970s.html

The Mex PJ Mustangs are also jazz width. Personally I’d look at the other options as identified above over them, but just so you’re aware.

Dinosaur Jr. last night at Highbury Garage. Odd as hell cameo from Richard Ayoade amongst others…

Pardon me for assuming what’s ‘under the hood’, but I’d wager that your lack of drive to play isn’t primarily due to the instruments you have and don’t have, but by something outside of that, especially given you’re not currently in a band. That said, if I’m way off the mark, either find another of the bass you’re pining for or head to a bass bash or a well enough stocked shop and see what takes your fancy.

I was about to suggest this very combination.

These days it’s my rack preamp, a Hilbish Design Beta Pre. It’s the heart of my sound in my current band. There can’t be many of them over this side of the pond, and it was very much a right time, right place purchase.

Yep, I’m really happy with where I’m at. Again, a JMJ Mustang is my number one these days (there seems to be a theme developing here), with another Mustang as a back up. I’ve also got longscale options that I’m ridiculously happy with if I decide to go wholesale back to that. Ive been using a Crown power amp with a Hilbish Design rack preamp (a Sunn clone) in my current band for 3 yrs or so and it sounds great. We’re a two piece so the two channels on both the power and preamp make it nice and easy to do a bass/faux guitar thing. BF Two10 for the octave up and a Zilla 2x12 for the bottom end. Couldn’t be more satisfied I don’t think.

Put one of their MusicMan style p/ups in a Harley Benton bass I briefly had. It was definitely a step up from the stock pickup, which surprised me given the tiny outlay.

Very (The) polite of you. 🤣

These days I’m in a bass drums two piece so (for the first time in a band) I’m lost without pedals. I’ll take Bright Onion Isolated ABY TC SubnUp (the Mini will do to save a few quid) EHX Green Russian Muff I think I’ll just about have enough left over for a Mooer phaser. Unless I’m panicky, then it’d be a cheapo tuner.

Prance The Polite Motley Crud (accurate these days). Lazy Gaga Pear Factory ABRA That'll do.

It’s been said many time I know, but that green is a lovely colour.

The E string on the Soap throughout the vid sounds so quiet.

Depends partly on the age range of the participants potentially, certainly if there are a load of young ‘uns. If there’s a mix of ages ‘classics’ have to be the way to go, as I’d say you need something ridiculously well-known that everyone is at least familiar with at the onset for you to have a cat in hell’s chance in 3 hours. Think simpler Abba or Queen songs perhaps, or even bloody Sweet Caroline, much as it pains me to say that one in particular. Easy to sing and everyone seemingly knows it.

Good call, I’m in.

Love this! Looks a cool venue too.

Well, there is Walking on the Moon, but I’ll leave that one there…

The Darkglass wizardry will add a fair heap in cost on in itself of course but, regardless, 100% agree. Also, why do this and not colour match the headstock? Bonkers.

I love dear old TW to bits. Have been most fortunate to have seen him live twice. Love all of his work. This one has worked wonders for me on occasion.