SteveK

I'm afraid I'm of the view that anything played on a B string just sounds ugly. A few years ago, in a sad attempt to move in to the 80s, I had a custom Stingray 5 built for me. I spent many months getting comfortable with it - It looked gorgeous - it played beautifully - it sounded wonderful... until you involved the B string... anything played on the B just sounded ugly! My (non technical) guess is that to get a B string to ring like a piano, the same as the higher strings, would require a ridiculously unplayable scale length. I wouldn't deny though that 5ers have their place, particularly in the session world: If it's a choice of doing a Stevie Wonder session in Eb (JTUK mentioned Eb being SW's deault key) with a 5 string, or sticking to my 4 string guns and staying at home, then perhaps I could tolerate that B string ugliness

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1427966076' post='2736319'] I was wondering because mine takes about a full turn from mid point to get the neck straight, (every time I change strings I return it to mid way and set relief) but I've read that some folks have given theirs several full turns and been ok. I always worry about running out of truss rod even though it's only happened once (not on this bass) [/quote] Under normal circumstances (if the bass is playing well), or changing string gauge, there should be no reason to touch the truss rod when changing strings. The words "[i]Given theirs several turns and been ok[/i]" and "[i]Running out of truss rod[/i]" are worrying, My advice would be to leave the truss rod alone and take the bass along to a reputable tech, to either setup... or repair. Once you've got your bass in good playing order then do some research, there are probably many Youtube vids explaining the whys/hows/do's and don'ts of truss rod adjustment. It's very easy, providing you know what you're doing.

[quote name='planer' timestamp='1427211923' post='2727263'] 'going forward' Where else can we go? [/quote] [quote name='icastle' timestamp='1427213840' post='2727317'] You mean apart from backwards or sideways? [/quote] Now you've done it... Up & Down have seriously got the 'ump!

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1427109472' post='2725766'] [font=Helvetica][size=3][size=4]I’m not a DIY enthusiast… I’m a bungling amateur. [/size][/size][/font] [/quote] My advice would be to leave well alone! You may end up with holes in the plasterboard big enough to get your fists in. Use a pro, or at least get a mate who has a little more DIY experience. It shouldn't take a professional much more than 1/2 hour - and that includes a tea break! If you really want to do it yourself, remember...USE THE CORRECT TOOLS FOR THE JOB.

Seems pretty clear, from VA's website: [b] [i] "Musical instruments[/i][/b] [i]If you’re planning on bringing a musical instrument with you, bear in mind it may not fit within your hand baggage allowance. If it exceeds the hand baggage allowance measurements, you’ll need to check it in (and pay an [url="http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/baggage/additional-baggage.html"]additional baggage fee[/url], if it takes you over your check in allowance). However, rather than checking it in on the spot we’ll still ask you to carry it through to the airport security checkpoint (subject to relevant Airport Security approval). As instruments are especially fragile, this ensures safer carriage. It will be taken at the departure gate for loading into the hold of the aircraft, so please make sure it’s suitably protected when you pack it. Alternatively, you can carry a maximum of two instruments onboard if you book a seat for each one. Each instrument cannot exceed 75kg (165 lb) and its centre of mass should be no more than 30cm (12 inches) above the top of the seat cushion. For any questions about bringing a large musical instrument, please contact us in advance of your flight."[/i] I haven't imported anything for a number of years, but in the late 80s I was gifted a couple of basses from Warwick, and even though they were gifts I still had to pay something like £400 in import tax. Of course things may have changed since, but my guess is that you will have to pay something.

This thread, ladies and gentlemen (or are we not allowed to state gender here), is a perfect example of why I rarely post on BC. The BC registration form should include a simple checkbox: [i][b]I confirm that I am grown-up[/b][/i] FWIW She nailed it - made it look and sound effortless - I enjoyed it - Thanks Bubinga 5 for posting.

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1425912594' post='2712096'] [b]James Blunt[/b]: Noel G: “[i]I ‘d never draw on my own life for songwriting inspiration as it would result in songs more boring than James Blunt's.[/i]" James Blunt: [b]"[i]For once, I agree with him.[/i]"[/b] [/quote] Class riposte from Blunt!

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1425841908' post='2711370'] Contracts are a two way thing and using them means that you need to be aware that if you (a band) decide (or have to due to unforeseen circumstances) bail on a gig or booking, would the other party be entitled to remuneration/compensation? Just playing 'Devil's Advocate'! [/quote] A friend of mine and promoter of big shows in the 70s/80s suffered serious financial loss when Prince "bailed" on him. The fee was never recovered.

I've seen this reported in a few mags over the past couple of weeks, and I'm obviously missing something Isn't it basically a MIDI controller with a couple of gimmicks thrown in? Along the lines of [url="http://yourockguitar.com/"]http://yourockguitar.com/[/url] , but made to look less like a guitar.

You've all been had [url="http://worldnewsdailyreport.com/former-beatle-ringo-starr-claims-the-real-paul-mccartney-died-in-1966-and-was-replaced-by-look-alike/"]http://worldnewsdailyreport.com/former-beatle-ringo-starr-claims-the-real-paul-mccartney-died-in-1966-and-was-replaced-by-look-alike/[/url]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1424897116' post='2701751'] Do you enjoy a dance? [/quote] Well, if yer askin'...

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1424884099' post='2701571'] It was exactly to do with the post in this thread that I quoted. Hence, I've no idea what you mean. [/quote] Had a quick look through the thread - can't see any post that remotely suggests "young people are crap". But, hey-ho, moving on... With regards earphones: They are convenient, they take up very little space in your pocket... but that's about all they have going for them. I use a pair of Sennheisers that are considered to be pretty good - IMV they're ok, but I wouldn't call listening to music through them a[i] "[/i]particularly enjoyable experience".

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1424879985' post='2701520'] There's rather too much 'young people are crap' on Basschat. Disappointing. [/quote]You may or may not be right - not sure what that has to do with this thread though!

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1424807993' post='2700728'] Have you got an iPhone? Have you heard what music sounds like on one with a half decent pair of earbuds? You sound like you don't know what you're talking about, that's a stupid statement with no grounding in reality. I DO have an iPhone with a half decent pair of earbuds and the varied music I listen to, from Delius to Rush, all sounds rich, warm, deep and very detailed. [/quote] Ouch! My daughter has an iphone and earphones - it sounds atrocious! I think she's fairly representative of the way "young people" listen to music these days. They use whatever is supplied and don't realise the difference a decent pair of phones can make. I've tried educating her, but she shrugs in a kind of "whatever" kind of way!

So, while some say, "Good on Kanye, speaking his mind"... it now seems that Mr West hadn't even heard Beck's album, and after hearing a track or two, said, "I bet you that album is really good". Aside from my complete indifference to his "music" and my hitherto lack of knowledge of the KW person, I am now slowly moving around to the "He's a knob" camp!

Now that this thread is towards the end of its shelf-life, I'll add... Manfred Mann's Earth Band (my band of 30 years) found itself on the Kanye West track "So Appalled". Manfred's response was to take KW's track, fiddle about with it a bit, and then put it back out on his album. Recycling's good, right(?)

[quote name='sharkboy' timestamp='1424208522' post='2693936'] But then that opens up the whole "is sampling stealing?" debate [/quote] Not really! You say: [quote name='sharkboy' timestamp='1424206880' post='2693918'] Just because it's not your cup of tea doesn't make it any less valid artistically! [/quote] Indeed, for me though, it's the sampling of significant "Grooves" and "Hooks" that makes "it less valid artistically".

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1424211738' post='2693981'] Fair comment? Electronic tuners? How do they help your ears? [/quote] Eh? EDIT: Not wishing to put words into his mouth, but my interpretation of his post is that Mook was merely conceding that [i][b]perhaps[/b][/i] time saving devices have their uses after-all, allowing more efficient use of ones limited practice time.

[quote name='sharkboy' timestamp='1424206880' post='2693918'] [b]He's not anywhere near as untalented an artist as a lot are making out in this thread[/b] - he's made a couple of albums that have in no small way defined the rap genre in the last decade or so, [/quote] Part of his problem for many is, [b]he's[/b] nowhere near as talented as [b]he[/b] makes out in other publications. KW says,[i] "Beck needs to respect artistry and he should've given his award to Beyonce".[/i] Perhaps Mr West should himself "respect artistry" and give any awards that he may have won to all those artists that he's ripped off/sampled. [url="http://www.whosampled.com/Kanye-West/?sp=1"]http://www.whosampled.com/Kanye-West/?sp=1[/url]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1424188774' post='2693628'] So you recommend everyone to attend formal classical training so they all get the most rapid and effective development? [/quote] If Mook was interested in being a "classical" musician, then, that would be good advice. However... Assuming that we all have a limited amount of time per day to devote to our instrument, having things like Youtube, electronic tuners and any other time-savers allows us to spend the rest of our allocated time to something more beneficial - that would include proper ear-training exercises.

You enjoyed it - nothing else counts. Your friend "has a point" but only as much as it is only his opinion.

There is the assumption that a "pro" jobbing bass player wouldn't have the time to participate in a forum such as - this is false! "Pro" musicians experience a lot of hanging around and are only too happy to have something to distract them from the endless hanging around or the boredom of sitting on tour buses. These days, Tour buses, hotels, backstage areas etc all usually have wifi - time (or lack of it) is not the problem! I don't know to what extent BC advertises itself, but my guess at the lack of pros is that most don't know of BC, and those that do are maybe loathe to participate for fear of coming over as the "Big I am". Threads such as the "Compression" one, only confirms their feeling. I've just looked at the thread... what a disgraceful show! FWIW I too steer well clear of compressors on stage.

As far as I'm concerned, an on/off switch would be just as useful on a P bass... or an active bass, come to that!

[quote name='billfaro' timestamp='1417616492' post='2622265'] Who's idea was to cover Blinded By The Light. [/quote] Manfred has long been a fan of Springsteens writing and was his idea to cover the song.The 8s staccato piano motif was suggested by Mick Rogers who, by the time the song was recorded, had left the band (he rejoined in 1986, and is a member to this day). An interesting little factlet: Although the BBTL vocal was mainly Chris Thompson, Manfred thought it would be nice if Bruce himself appeared somewhere on the record, so the "Madman Drummers" vocal section towards the end was left clear for him. Even though Bruce was on the road, Manfred was able to get his hotel number and duly called... Manfred: [i]"Hey, is that Bruce?"[/i] A very sleepy Bruce: [i]"Y-e-a-h! Grrrmmph!"[/i] Manfred: [i]"Err... don't worry... I'll, er... call back another time".[/i] Manfred never called back, and sang the part himself. BTW I joined the band in 1986 so played no part on that record.

[quote name='billfaro' timestamp='1417185698' post='2617951'] Every now and again a Group or a Singer will release a cover version of an original song. I very much like Manfreds Earth Bands cover of Springsteens Blinded By The Light. Manfreds Version. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJh47LybCkU"]https://www.youtube....h?v=xJh47LybCkU[/url] Springsteens Version. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjxbOe7p8C0"]https://www.youtube....h?v=yjxbOe7p8C0[/url] [/quote] Been with the band for nigh on 30 years and played that song at every single show... could envisage the odd complaint if we didn't! Hendrix's cover of All Along the Watchtower is simply sublime.