Nodd

I'm sure I read an article on Talkbass, a NAMM report, saying that Gibson were making lefties in all ranges now. Can't seem to find any availability except for the EB and some Thunderbirds. If Gibson are, will Epiphone follow? I feel the call of a Jack Cassidy, or maybe a Midtown... anyone heard or seen any info? Nodd

I've just ordered a couple of sets of the black Aurora strings. I have been using the Roto Nexus, I lked the tone and loved the look and quite liked the apparent softness of feel. Hate the 'rainbow' silks. The coating started to wear off after a couple of hours of live (finger) playing, but I used them all last year. I'd used the same set since November and the 'E' went on Sunday during a gig, they were beginning to feel a bit wobbley towards the end. When I took the remaining strings off I was surprised by how worn they looked and felt. I'll see how the Aurora ones turn out otherwise I'll be back to Slinkies, Elites or Roto. Update to follow Nodd

Anyone noticed the lefty G&L SB-2 going for €649 on Arnie's site? Bit of a bargain? http://www.leftybass.com/e_start.htm

got Rotosound Tru Bass on mine

Here's a pic of my '75 P headstock [attachment=146617:photo-10.jpg] No "precision bass' hope this helps, Nodd

Thanks GJ, a good start

The slightly 'modified' but original pickguard on my '75 Precision is falling to bits...see photo. I chopped it into a smaller version shortly after I bought it, I need to get a replacement. I have emailed 'The Bass Doc' to get a quote etc. and await his advice. In the meantime, I thought I'd seek the benefit of the BC collective intelligence on this. Has anyone come up with a solution or modification for the inherent weak spot at the jack socket on the Precision pickguard? In addition to the weak plastic, the screws and holes at the bottom of the pg have become corroded and unsafe due to decades of sweat and a little blood! On the Jazz, Fender replaced the plastic with a chrome plate for controls and jack socket. Is there a Precision version out there? Any thoughts or advice gang? Cheers, Nodd [attachment=146098:p-bass pick guard tail med..jpg]

Fender P lefty, During one song, (in the old days prior to midi) I would leave a padlock on the synth key to hold the note whilst I played bass on the verse. I would then knock the lock off with the head of my bass turn around and hightail it to my mic for the chorus vocal. Cue girl in stage wing popping head out to see what was going on.....Sp-dang!!!! I made the chorus, next thing I saw the medics tending to her on the ground, oops. Met her 20 years later, she reminded me of the incident, I was sure I could see the "Fender" logo imprinted backwards on her forehead! Nodd

I had the privilege of trying an [i]early[/i] version of the new Super Compact with my Walkabout and compared to my Wizzy 12. the speaker knocked the Wizzy sideways and I know Alex has since improved the cab. Its on the list for Xmas. Nodd

Absolutely, top, top amp...

Thanks All! I got a very prompt and helpful reply from Garey Noble at Mesa, as well as a reply from Westside the UK distributors, nothing from supplier Thomann.... Bottom line, all good now. On Garey's advice, I opened it up, tightened and cleaned everything and checked on the FX loop. Connected that across and cleaned. That was it ! Ran well at rehearsal last night, all night...phew... Thanks for the reminder WoT, great minds etc. I remember web comment on that anomaly, Nodd

Walking from the car to the front door the other night, Walkabout in official Mesa gig bag when....ping...clang! wallop! Clip on shoulder strap breaks, bag plummets, amp hits pavement! Had a quick look and check later, thought I'd got away with it, but, No! Cuts out in middle of next gig, comes back on, make it through gig, since then intermittent faults. I have contacted Mesa to let them know, and to ask for advice on service/repair. The gig bag was only 4 years old and only used for car to stage trips. I'd advise any of you fellow Walkabouters to have a look at the strap end clips, might be worth a cable tie reinforcement or summat. Any advice on someone who could be trusted to service/repair in the Brighton area? I have previously used M.J. Still, Portland Road., Hove for my other amps, he has been great, but this is a Mesa/Boogie! This is the best amp I've ever had, better than my long term Orange (from '75), Fender Bassman and the rest. Not a happy bunny at the moment. Nodd

I have an Eko AB4, fretless, which I've had since '81. TBH I used it for the look on a couple of videos and then for practice at home. A couple of years ago I fitted it with a K&K transducer from Bob Gollihuhr's which improved it, I could gig it without a DI. Now I have a Fishman Platinum Pro Eq and it really has come into its own - sound wise. OTOH, it is a monster fat boy, the neck is forward of where you'd expect it, its difficult to find a comfortable playing position. it cannot compete seriously in a totally acoustic scenario outside of a living room. Recently, I was specifically asked to play it on a session for its sound, the studio engineer had his doubts until it was plugged in - directly in and told me it sounded great... I have used it live through My Walkabout and Wizzy 12 with success. Definitely a different sound, not trying to be, it just is... Whether you NEED it? well.... Nodd

I have the pickup cover on my P, always have. It provides a thumb rest point. It also allows me to have the p/ups at a better height if I was able to play directly over the p/up I'd have to lower them as I tend to dig in and strings would click on the pole pieces....(tsk, tsk, poor technique) OTTH the bridge cover gets in my way so its off> Each to his own.....

Currently, I'm playing bass in: A Cajun/Zydeco band - Fender/EUB A Blues band - Fender/EUB and acoustic folk duo/trio - ABG/EUB I'd like to add some thing a bit more 'out there' eclectic and electric, but perhaps that's just greedy....

Thanks Chaps, having looked thro a loooong Dean topic on Talkbass, the consensus seemed to be Tru Bass or La Bella 760N. I will have a look at the saddles to see if they can be 'modified' to accept the wider gauge. Or, has anyone done that already? Nodd

Hi Gang, I recently acquired a Dean Pace EUB. I believe it is fitted with Rotosound Jazz Bass flats. I want to change the strings to try and tame the sound a bit. The current flat sound from the instrument is quite 'brittle'. It needs some help from a Sans Amp to become more DBish, I also use a touch of chorus and reverb. I use black nylon Tru Bass on my acoustic f/less they sound OK but feel odd. Has anyone here got a Dean? What strings do you use? Any other tips to tame it? Cheers, Nodd

I am in tune with my Welsh cousin and as I have oft opined, my '81 Eko is as good as I have heard. It is fitted with a K&K transducer, no tone controls, just straight out thro the tail pin it sounds good. Rotosound trubass too, although i might try flatwounds some time. I do occasionally use my BDDI, more often to help when doubling on the Electric. Don't know what the new, round sound hole, versions are like.

I agree about the neck thing on Ricks. I so wanted one, until I played one - a righty - at a jam. I thought this feels weird in the neck department, At jams I frequently flipped over right-handers to play. Then I followed this thro years later to actually trying a lefty, with the appropriate amount of tenners burning a hole in my trouser pocket. As soon as I fretted, I thought "this is weird", I just couldn't get comfortable on it. I was really disappointed but it just felt completely wrong...and that was that.

I remember a foggy wintry night getting picked up for a function band gig. loaded up and drove 30-odd miles to the gig. Unloaded, amp, speakers, leads, 12 string, flute, bass pedals, mic and stands...but no fecking bass, and I'm a lefty! Eejit! Such was the nature of the gig the punters didn't notice, but I sweated thro embarrassment and ribbing all night. ...and then had one of the 'social' club members advise me that my flute was [b]too long [/b] and didn't need "that bit on the end"!

Gentlemen, I thank you for your sagely advice. EBS freak's guide is very helpful. Perhaps I need to wear my glasses more often, or more likely use proper scales... it weighs in at just under 10lbs, perhaps it's because it is a lefty. (There has to be some reason it cost all that extra!) Nodd

Recently I have had a couple of 'near death' experiences with my Precision. The Schaller strap buttons have popped off mid-tune resulting in a tumbling bass! At around 14lbs it doesn't bounce very well. I'm not a rooted-to-the-spot kinda guy and I had a couple of previous accidents with strap disconnections. Didn't fancy the Gaffa tape remedy, so went for strap locks. I have had them on for a few years now with no issues. I first thought I had not clipped the strap ends into the button properly, then it happened again. I noticed that the 'U' shaped strap end had turned around and with the open end up it was easier for the strap end to pop off the button. Closer inspection revealed that the spring loaded central locking pin had become very worn, these do not protrude very far into the strap button on the bass anyway, but the worn pin renders it all very unsafe. Might be worth any of you with these strap locks checking them for these symptoms Any advice or comments on alternative solutions would be welcome. Nodd