Musicman20

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1398773148' post='2437414'] Actually, standard black ones are quite rare. I have never seen another standard gloss black one in the U.K in the last ten years , except for mine and I had that one made to order in that colour. Strings And Things told me they can't remember any either. I have seen plenty of Sapphire Black ones and Stealth Black , though due to the fact that EBMM palmed a few off on S&T, and also plenty of ones in bright colours, although not in the Tangerine Pearl and Sky Blue you mention because they were only introduced in the last two or three years, and most of the Bongos circulating in the U.K are from not long after when the Bongo came out in 2003 when they were a new model . Your basses were a custom order Gareth, and so you could choose the newer colours. For my taste, the problem with some of the ones in flamboyant colours is that for me, the novelty wears off pretty quickly. I like black, white or red. You are, of course, at liberty to like whatever tickles your own fancy. Yes, the Bongo preamp is superb, very well voiced and central to the sound of those basses. I use my Bongo as my modern, hi-fi active bass and, despite being a creation of the post-Millienium era , it is particularly good for reliving my youth in the 1980's and slapping, popping and totally over-the-top fingerstyle playing are handled with aplomb by the Bongo. It's super- powerful and upfront sound really suits that kind of a style. I love the way all the notes in every register ring out really evenly on the Bongo, too. They are just great basses all-round , in my opinion. It also helps that they are much lighter in weight than most other Music Man basses. [/quote] Actually, you are right on the gloss black! I've not ever seen one...ok maybe one on ebay a few years back, but the rest have been sapphire black or the egyptian smoke from a few years back. Ultimately that means your bass is also rare in the UK. The bright colours are definitely in your face...more so the Tang Pearl, but I love how it looks on the rather modern and bizarre Bongo shape.

To be honest, I don't understand MIDI, how it works and why we use it. All I know is that I have a Korg Microsynth with MIDI connections and I can record onto my Mac with it when using my Focusrite Interface. I've not tried it yet. Basses with midi connections: I have been advised I need a core midi attachment (hardware) to allow me to connect something new I have on the way to my phone. Are there any options for this? Would this also allow me to connect my Korg Microsynth to an iPhone for recording on the fly or just when Im messing about and make something I like? Are there any pieces of hardware that allow me to connect to an iPhone both for recording bass like the Line 6 Sonic port AND allowing midi input for the instrument I have on the way and my Microsynth? Or, do I need two bits of kit? I see that most midi adapter's for the iPhone are not Lighting connections...shame. Cheers!

Recently saving a lot on a new bass means I might try this for fun. It seems rude not to as I have the iphone already! Quick quesiton, and this might not apply to this topic. I have been advised I need a core midi attachment (hardware) to allow me to connect something new I have on the way to my phone. Are there any options for this? Would this also allow me to connect my Korg Microsynth to my iPhone? Are there any pieces of hardware that allow me to connect to my phone both for recording bass like the Line 6 Sonic port AND allowing midi input? Cheers!

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1398762279' post='2437251'] I've asked the La Bella boys for pricing and availability dates [/quote] Cheers Molan. I will probably try a set of these on an incoming bass...

[quote name='theyellowcar' timestamp='1398756075' post='2437173'] Especially this. My biggest gripe with Fender is the 'exclusivity' of particular finishes to £1500+ instruments. Or guitars for that matter (lots of Surf Green Strats/Teles available off the rack!) [/quote] I've seen those Strats and they look amazing. If Fender offered a MIM 50s P and an American Standard P in surf green/sonic blue they would be a huge seller. I just do not understand it. As much as they obviously know their business, they need to research more, get involved in forums/social networking with key members of staff who basically do that as their day job.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1398754763' post='2437155'] Mightn't that be part of the problem? I'm not sure there is any such thing as the perfect band - any more than there is the perfect relationship. There are always compromises to make - it just depends on how much you are prepared to compromise and on what. T'was ever thus IME... [/quote] I didn't say perfect, I said the best, which was in jest to be honest. I do however have a very keen ear for good musicians and I've met a lot of people who do not have any concept of time, and no, I wouldn't work with people who don't have the same drive and are able to play what we want to play. It would be pointless otherwise. I do strive for being as good as possible though....its important to try and be a really good band as there is so much dross out there (and by there I mean everywhere). I would personally count a covers band, at this stage, as a compromise to my goals. It just isn't very exciting.

Anyone seen any prices for these yet? Might be a few months getting to the UK I guess.

[quote name='ern500evo' timestamp='1398759458' post='2437211'] I guess one option would be to buy a used one and have it refinished, at least that way all you're restricted by when searching, is the pup config. Trouble is with Bongo basses, as I found out, used ones don't seem to appear very often. As for the pricing debate, when I was searching for my 4HS Stealth, the cheapest I could find anywhere in the UK was approx £1600 and would have had to wait for it to be built. Other option was Thomann who had one in stock at £1650, I spent what felt like days trawling through MM's euro dealer websites, but eventually got one for £1100 incl delivery from Holland. Ordered tuesday at 3pm, on my doorstep by 8am thursday! So they can be got cheaper, it just takes a bit of searching. [/quote] Ay, and Promenade Music offer great new prices on them. The standard black ones and sapphire black are much more common in the UK, but thing like Sky Blue and Tangerine Pearl...well, there are barely any. One of the best pre-amps I've ever played...in fact one of the best bass designs I've ever played.

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1398715259' post='2436950'] Old argument though, you put them out at you want, but they will sell at what the public want. Too many folk don't do their research on what products are ACTUALLY selling at. It's a 4 string. There's a five on BC that's been up for months at £750 and not sold. Virtually all the Bongo's that have SOLD on here in the last year or so have gone for £650/£700. There are 2 on FEEBay at around £1000 that have been advertised for months, and not sold. It doesn't matter a toss how much they are new now, but this is an old argument. I like the look of Bongo's, a white one would look fabulous. If the guy on the Wirral had his 2004 Desert Gold out at £750 I'd be on the way in the car now. [/quote] Well I've seen some 5 HHs go for £1200 second hand, especially the rare colours. I wouldn't be desperate to sell at the BC crazy low prices. In the same way I wouldn't pay £800 for a JV Squier.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1398701245' post='2436740'] That is my impression too. But most of us up here are a bit easier to please... [/quote] I don't accept anything but the best

Bass Direct have a 5er in.

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1398712443' post='2436897'] There is a STUNNING Desert Gold one for sale on the Wirral, through UK Bass Gear North West on Faecesbook, chap called Geoff Davies. Unfortunately he wants £999 for it, whilst quickly looking on here in the for sale they are consistently going for £650/£700. White would be something VERY nice indeed, but thing is JBF, you would be looking for another one the week after you got it I really do think you have terminal GAS fella! Enjoy [/quote] If it's a dual pup 4 or 5 string in top condition then £999 is reasonable. They are £1500-1800 now.

[quote name='Shockwave' timestamp='1398693283' post='2436598'] Living in London for a couple of years now. Haven't found one interesting band to join that made me go "Wow, I would put in the effort". Formed my own instead. Decent songwriting is almost non-existent. Bristol has/had much more interesting bands. [/quote] Aye, my current idea is write and record it at a basic level (I'm alright on guitar) and just wait for the right enthusiastic people.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1398693045' post='2436593'] Explored Bandmate or similar sites?? Have you left your details in local music shops and venues?? With a Town/City as big as Newcastle I can't believe you can't find 3 or 4 like minded people.... Hope something happens for your soon.. [/quote] Hahah! Me neither. I've tried incredibly hard and done all of the work for people in the past. Nothing has come of it. We had 4 of us jamming at one point. The guitarist, drummer and I clearly knew we could be good. We attempted to audition vocalists. Absolute waste of time and organisation. People didn't show (and didn't tell us) or simply ignored us or added all of us on Facebook then never spoke again. They hadn't even heard us by this point! I'm traditional, I like to meet in a bar, talk about what bands we like, why we play, get excited about it, delegated a few things between us all, then crack on. I met with one songwriter who was convinced she was playing Glastonbury this year. She isn't. She didn't audition anyone, she met up with them and didn't ask about playing. I was told I was 'too formal' after having to go straight from work to meet her. Bizarre! You would think a decent fashionable suit would be a good thing.

[color="#000000"]Maybe this is just purely by chance, but I’m originally from a small town in NE Lincs, and surrounding the town is various villages and other small towns.[/color] [color="#000000"]I’ve since lived in Nottingham, Leeds and now Newcastle.[/color] [color="#000000"]I couldn’t personally, at this stage, go back to the small town way of life. It just isn’t for me. I need to be in or at least near a major city.[/color] [color="#000000"]However, I’ve noticed a weird thing about my old area; we had really interesting original bands. They still do.[/color] [color="#000000"]Maybe its boredom, lack of pubs/clubs, lack of easy transport to get to where you need to be, lack of big gigs, but something about certain small towns seem to lead to really good young bands. I mean, really good.[/color] [color="#000000"]All my old friends still play together, have different bands, are busy gigging, etc. All swapping roles, swapping bands, etc.[/color] [color="#000000"]One guy, from my old band, is now working full time and singing/recording/playing in two alright bands. I don’t know where he gets the time, but he does. The drummer I used to work with is equally as busy.[/color] [color="#000000"]There is small rock n roll band like the Hives, who seem to be getting radio attention. Another band, The Talks, from Hull, have been doing very well.[/color] [color="#000000"]One guy, who used to play shows I put on, is now playing in a grunge band and has been on Jools Holland. He is from my old town. Jools Holland?!?![/color] [color="#000000"]I checked their webpage, they are touring all over the place. [/color] [color="#000000"]Whilst I am very pleased these guys are busy, it makes me wonder what is going on.[/color] [color="#000000"]Nottingham – Played in amazing bands. Really enjoyed it. It took a few years but I ended up joining a band that sold out a few venues, The highlight was playing the large stage at Rock City and selling out the Rescue Rooms.[/color] [color="#000000"]Leeds – Lots of time wasters, but eventually found a really interesting band. I moved so I couldn’t keep this up. We played a lot and they are still going strong. Leeds has a pretty good scene. [/color] [color="#000000"]Newcastle – Nowt. Not one good band....yet.[/color] [color="#000000"]I’ve had the ‘oh you need to settle’ or ‘meet as many people as possible’. Tried that. Tried out for bands who were incredibly dull, and even started a fresh new band, which meant I had to do everything, and I just didn’t want to be the one person who organises the entire band. I’ve even got a lead guitarist at the ready, but we just haven’t met one decent frontman or even a band who need a few new members.[/color] [color="#000000"]I’ve had a few chats with a few other musicians, in their mid 20s, and they say the same, the Newcastle scene seems to be really dead at the moment. Everyone seems to be either playing covers or AWFUL metal. [/color] [color="#000000"]Nothing wrong with covers, but I’m not interested in that. I want to write exciting new music.[/color] [color="#000000"]I’ve tried really hard to get people going, but it seems so dead at the moment. No one can be bothered to practice for £5-6 once every two weeks, they can’t be bothered to write music, they just want an easy way out.[/color] [color="#000000"]What happened to everyone enjoying it, writing, getting excited, all putting effort in, etc etc???![/color] [color="#000000"]I love this city, and although I may end up moving, I don’t want my experience of it to be tarnished as we have some fantastic venues and the people here are as expected; lovely![/color]

Not sure if this is covered elsewhere, but: [url="http://www.labella.com/low-tension-flexible-flats-bass-strings/"]http://www.labella.com/low-tension-flexible-flats-bass-strings/[/url] I'd like to try a set.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1398675612' post='2436327'] Have you A/B'd these two amps? The Fusion is capable of huge warmth and depth of tone - it's a beast. It's loud, too. Admittedly I only had a relatively short time with the amps at bertbass's place, but it was quite obvious that although there are certain variations in the way they do things, they have more similarities than differences. The Fusion will do 'the GK sound' for sure, but it does a [i]lot [/i]more besides. It shouldn't be confused with any other GK amp. IMHO. [/quote] Not side by side like that, no, unfortunately. I picked up on it, and noticed a few others pick up on it, but it could have been settings, etc. The Streamliner sounds like a very expensive all tube pre amp into a recording desk to my ears. Very smooth, musical, but with the ability to have that modern high end sheen. I really like the treble control as it doubles like a passive tone control for every bass you plug in. There is no lack of mids unless you let there be a lack of mids. Just bump up the mid control, same on the baked in GK tone, (although GK tend to have a high mid bump somewhere). I prefer the sound and form factor of the Streamliner, but I agree that the GK gear is great.

Not really. I like a Jazz tone, I like the aesthetics, but the P feels easier to play for me, and the J bass always seems to get lost if you have everything on full. However, a P or J ain't a Ray. Ray everytime for me.

[quote name='bakerster135' timestamp='1398683247' post='2436449'] I watched Jools especially to see these (after many recommendations), and was disappointed...I think they're in danger of becoming seriously over-hyped, and potentially imploding before they've really done anything! I just feel that as soon as the novelty's worn off, they do just end up sounding like a poor man's Black Keys or White Stripes. Like some others mentioned, I feel like Death From Above already did the "lead bass" thing so much better, and they were a lot more exciting! Worryingly I thought the best performance of the show was Paulo Nuttini doing "Diana"! ... [/quote] DFA are exactly that, just really exciting, loud and brash. Royal Blood seem a little safe, not very exciting, and the hype machine could ruin them.

[quote name='Edenburgh' timestamp='1398633832' post='2436112'] Interesting how the tension in strings can vary so much. Used to have a MIM Roadworn Jazz and tried it with Rotosound '77 Flats, but they felt like they were going to rip the neck off when they were tuned up to pitch. Now my '77 P-Bass has Thomastik Infeld flats and they are just perfect (I know it's all subjective). If you can get a hold of TI flats, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Mine have been on for over a year, rehearsed & gigged regularly and still sound awesome...I reckon I've got a couple more years left in them which, in my mind, justifies the slightly pricey purchase price. [/quote] +1, the TI's are lovely and flexible. I have EB Group IIIs on my MIA P Bass and EBMM Ray....both feel lovely! Very smooth, little bit higher tension than TI's, but not difficult to play.

Well, the Fusion tubes don't really add much. They add some harmonic content, but not as much as some people would want. The Streamliner pre really does add a huge amount of warmth and thickness to the tone. It is very obvious especially if you've just played a solid state amp like the Shuttle before.

Wish they would stop messing about and offer all the main body shapes with whatever neck you want, whatever pickups (within reason eg you can have the traditional single coil P), blocks/binding, ashtrays, and DECENT COLOURS. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH COLOURS? It's 2014; just offer normal customers a bass in classic colours like sonic blue and surf green. The latest two colours in the American Standard range are absolutely awful. Cheap red and blue. Nice one.

I, in my school days, did Grade 3 and 5. I never bothered with anymore as I didn't ever use what I learnt and I was too busy sorting out A-Levels following those two grades. Then it was Uni and trying to work/be in a band, so I figured I'd just stick to bass and guitar as purely fun. Some of the Grade 5 songs were quite difficult. I think the speed of the scales, etc, were also fairly challenging. Most of it was much more difficult that the usual rock band stuff, but this is years ago and now I might find it much easier. You could dive in at Grade 5/6 and just take your time?

[quote name='jezzaboy' timestamp='1398632948' post='2436098'] I for one would like to see them return. Britain needs some rock stars to give it large, as they say. Example: Radiohead make an album and offer it for sale for what you think it`s worth. Noel says, I`m giving f**k all away for free. Do you have any idea how much Abbey road studio cost to hire for a day? Arrogant, loud mouthed and rip off merchants but honest with it. [/quote] For some reason the Gallagher attitude just cracks me up. Funny guys who just don't take any crap.

The Streamliner pre amp tubes have a much bigger influence on the tone VS the MB Fusion.