Musicman20

I think the topic has got out of hand. We are in a current trend for everything 'vintage' and everyone is praising flat wounds! I've heard that string manufacturers are having to concentrate more on flats than they normally do due to the current trend for EVERYONE to have a P bass in sunburst/rosewood/tort with flats. I've got one so I'm just as guilty! Just look at how many bass manufacturers have started knocking out high end P basses. Js and Ps will always be popular, but I remember when the whole grunge movement was around and Fender basses weren't as popular. It's all a cycle. Fender don't care as Ps and Js will sell no matter what, but they must be selling very well at the moment. Me? I have the traditional basses, but if a band can't handle a Stingray 5, then they need to get a grip. It's almost classic in its aesthetics anyway!!! I won't stop owning and playing 4s, so I suppose I can be flexible. It's worth bearing in mind that I'd be more concerned about my appearance in a band over the gear. If its a band following a certain fashion or style, the player is probably more focused on compared to the instrument. Turn up in frumpy old loose jeans and scruffy t shirts and they might be judging you when you think it's the bass haha!

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1356910402' post='1915151'] Rendered irrelevant by the mid driver in the barefaced cab, which gives it about 4k more, especially so off axis. [/quote] Compact?!

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1356899630' post='1914980'] I think the Super12 would be more fitting with the GK MB500s sound, but the best person to ask is Alex himself. He really is excellent on the customer service front, and will recommend a product based on your needs, not his till receipts. Having had a Compact, I found it lacking it that aggressive bite that is needed for Bruce Foxton type tones, so I contacted him and he suggested the Midget - and he was right. So, bearing in mind ShergoldSnickers`s comments about the Super12, it sounds more the area you`re after. [/quote] I have to agree about the bite/aggression of the Compact. It may not be for the OP. Super 12? Also note, the new Genz NX2 2x12 is getting rave reviews and is now loaded with Faital drivers, and is about 48lbs! It will cover a lot if ground, and its £720! Bargain.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1356892845' post='1914839'] I was talking about Gary Moore. What part of that world could be described as "hobby"? Playing for money is an established part of the music world, or are Orchestras only supposed to just play for fun. [/quote] Wasn't specifically aimed at your post. Playing for money at a 'normal' is almost dead unless you are in great band. Most cover bands are now a waste of time unless you are the cream of the crop and get a decent wage from it. If you are compromising and only earning £60 a week from it, id rather play originals and get absolutely nothing, (not aimed at anyone's circs)! Playing when you are with an artist or when you are the artist, and its a real wage is totally different. It then ventures into fame.

[quote name='mbellishment' timestamp='1356893798' post='1914856'] Yeah, I think there's been some confussion... I certainly wouldn't be b!tching and moaning if I was getting paid for it... I'm talking about playing the local Head of Steam or whatever with a bunch of nobodies for the fun of being in a band! I'm also not talking about turning up with a neon yellow Warlock, with neck LEDs and Adam Bomb style pyrotechnics protruding from the headstock, while wearing my Ronald McDonald costume... I'm talking about a honey burst Stingray, which from a distance, to an untrained eye, under venue lighting, might as well be a tobacco burst Fender! [/quote] I'd just play it then. It's quite a traditional looking instrument

Oh if we are taking this into 'job' world, then yes, if you get told to play a certain bass, then do it. Same with any job. That can also takes the fun out of music and can ruin the whole ' hobby' side of things (I know a few people who felt like this even in their late 20s!). But, if you are set for a career in music that can happen.

I'm sure glad I don't play bass to make a living, judging by this thread.

Unless you are being paid sunstantial amounts of cash (and I mean a lot more than £60 a gig per member) I would just play what the hell you like. As long as the bassist holds the groove and works well with the drummer, who cares? A good tone is a good tone, so I understand some basses sound 'wrong' in certain bands, but that must be pretty rare. Originals and unpaid (eg for fun) - no rules. Do what you like.

[quote name='mbellishment' timestamp='1356738112' post='1913195'] Is it just the Newcastle music scene where this is an issue, or is it found everywhere? In the past I have been turned away from bands for the sole reason I play a bass with 5 strings on it... I've read on music forums "they would have been great if the bass player wasn't playing a 5 string bass"... and even had friends whom I've collaborated with musically for nearly 10 years now suggest it would be 'better' if I played a 4 string. It seems in many instances to be a fashion thing, or that only 'metallers' play 5 strings! I've heard some people say they don't even look like basses to them! I find it very odd. I know some folk that play 6 string and the insults they receive are even worse. I wonder what they'd say if someone in Newcastle turned up to an audition/gig with a 10 string or a chapman stick! Anyone ever experienced this? [/quote] To be honest, I'm finding it very hard to find a band that's worth the time nevermind what bass they want...banning a good classic looking 5er like a Stingray is ridiculous. I know I need to be patient but all I find are time wasters or kids who haven't been in a band before.

[quote name='mbellishment' timestamp='1356642518' post='1912031'] Hello peeps, been a lurker for a while to see what's selling etc, but couldn't resist registering and uploading some pure porn pics of my filth machine! Love her haha [/quote] Stunner!

Great to see some of us playing in original bands. Cool style...kinda Rocky Horror meets mod and punk. I like it. I mean this as a compliment as well (I'm 31...so not young) but its good to see an 'experienced' player doing their own music. Yeah...legs as well....heels

Yeah they need to sink more money into the strings! I've not heard one good report on them yet.

We should start naming and shaming. Then writing to them as noted above. It's in their interest.

I love this finish. Get a Tort guard!

You have a 7 day return policy anyway. If it turns up and it appears faulty, you don't pay a penny. GAK are probably the most on the ball general music store in the UK. They also DO look after customers.

Bruno is one of the best male artists in current pop if you ask me. Really bringing back some style, a proper band, and a hint of rock. His bassist is great. I've followed him on Instagram and he has some great bass gear.

Nice!

Bass plus overdriven tube amp, (Orange amps have a very nice grit to them, as well as a stunning warm clean tone). Most basses sound great with the right overdrive, and pushing the mids gives it a different tone over the typical crap modern metal bass tone. Or, just use a Sansamp BDDI, or VT pedal.

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1356250968' post='1908316'] Yeh - get it on some sort of 0% credit card or similar deal. I know you say you don't want credit but one day you might *need* credit and then you'll have no credit history. Assuming you don't want it on principal rather than you know you have no self-control btw? In the current economic climate, I wouldn't just give a shop money and hope they were still there in 6 months. Too risky! [/quote] Spot on. A store asked me for 50% deposit on a 4 month bass order. Walked away. In this climate its too risky, especially considering it used to be 10-20% and I know for a fact the store doesn't pay for the bass until it actually ships to them. They then have the usual 30 days as well.

0% credit card for over a year ?

[quote name='Iana' timestamp='1356171121' post='1907551'] Just for info I have spoken to an engineer at orange technical. Hr tells me that orange now use jj tubes in their amps and the DI issue has been resolved. Took the top off mine yesterday and there were a pair of jj tubes installed. My amp is dated may 12 [/quote] That's great that they sorted the DI. The USA guys seem to love this amp, and pay a lot for it! I have the 200b and I'm always tempted by one.

I like the bloke...makes him even cooler than he has basses.

I think the whole guitar/bass market is currently VERY focussed on classic designs, such as the Precision and Les Paul. I am aware there has always been a massive market for them, no matter what, but I remember a time only 15-16 years ago when it was quite different in the guitar shops. Especially with basses. Nowhere near as many 'classic' style basses, and EBMM basses were quite rare!