scrumpymike

Thanks Norm and MoJoKe - see you tomorrow! Btw not sure whether I ever posted my mobile no. in case of need - it's 07770 946135.

[i][b][u]The last (pre-bash) post[/u][/b][/i] Just a few last-minute thoughts: Could anyone who's bringing amps also if possible bring - a mains-cable extension to run from the dozen or so outlets we'll have in the middle of the hall. Could anyone who's bringing basses also if possible bring - straps; stands; and suitable monitoring equipment with cans if you plan to try basses out in the 'quiet room' (I'm putting a small mute-switchable amp/cab in there for general use but I'd be grateful if anyone else with similar kit could bring it along). I'm also told by Basschatters with previous 'bash' experience that those with acute hearing or of a nervous disposition should bring some kind of hearing protection (although event management will intervene if the decibels are too many for too long). I'll bring some of the disposable ear plugs I use on the bike just in case. See you tomorrow

Pinball, Dom in Somerset and therasonic450 - thanks for the updates and look forward to seeing you (hopefully) all. Mike

[b][i][u]BASH UPDATE[/u][/i][/b] OK everybody, you've got the venue details in the OP, now here's the most direct route from the motorway for those without satnav: Exit M5 at Junction 25 and follow signs for Taunton; this eventually takes you onto the Toneway dual carriageway; after crossing the major traffic-lighted junction with the A38 (landmark is brick-built Creech Castle diagonally opposite on your RHS) you'll pass the big Audi dealer (up the grassy bank on your RHS) and come to a major roundabout; town centre is left but you TURN RIGHT at the roundabout, which takes you up over the Obridge viaduct; you now drop down to another, smaller roundabout (landmark - the Obridge pub on the left-hand corner). This is where it gets a bit nadgery! Go straight over the roundabout onto the small road that runs thru Priorswood residential area (this narrow road is traffic-calmed with a series of tight bends); at the top of the hill turn left at the mini roundabout (landmark - Priorswood small shopping precinct on your RHS); keep straight on to the T-junction and turn right onto Cheddon Road - this heads out into the countryside and you're virtually home and dry now; you'll drop down the hill into Rowford hamlet, pass the school on your left - and see the entrance to the Memorial Hall facing you at the first road junction. NOTE The building shown in the pic is a private residence - for the hall, go thru the big gates and along the driveway. (The right turn at this junction takes you into Cheddon Village, which is just 100 dwellings and a nice church.)

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1490716645' post='3267342'] Both Chowny and Gillett Basses are reviewed in this months BGM, hopefully we will see them both at close quarters? [/quote] Stephen mentioned that - shame that the mag's they've given him for the bash will be the previous edition.

[quote name='grogg' timestamp='1488653885' post='3250856'] Thinking of investing in an acoustic bass guitar as I play in a band with 2 acoustic guitars, accordion and Cajon. Feel like I'm not quite keeping up appearances. The ones I've tried in the past seemed tonally weak. Any recommendations? Don't want to spend a lot. [/quote] I was in the same situation a while back when playing with a folky singer/songwriter. Ended up using a nice Ibanez Artcore electro-acoustic with flats thru a small practice amp. Sounded great and looked a bit less intimidating to the woolly-pully brigade. If I win the lottery though, it will be one of these - they're made just up the road in Bristol and Mike Gillett is bringing a couple to this Sunday's S-W Bass Bash. [url="http://www.gillettguitars.co.uk/video"]http://www.gillettguitars.co.uk/video[/url]

[quote name='Risk101' timestamp='1490680089' post='3266899'] Just arrived - beautiful piece of craftsmanship - looking forward to hooking it up to my rig. The action was so low that even open strings buzzed - the neck relief seems ok so I've lifted the saddles a little The woods used are outstanding! [/quote] I specified the same set-up on both of mine - ultra-low action and 045-105" strings. My Cazpar (early autumn delivery) was perfect but the Elwood (arrived 5 weeks ago) was just a bit too buzzy. I think with a marginal setup the temperature swings you can get in winter/early spring - especially in a factory in Poland - could well be a factor.

[quote name='Chownybass' timestamp='1490625646' post='3266571'] That's a shame. I was looking forward to checking them out. They look great. [/quote] Same here!

[b][u]Bash update: Zilla Cabs[/u][/b] I've just done a last round of phone calls to our event sponsors, basically to say "Thanks again for your support and see you Sunday." Anyone hoping to sample the wares of Bristol cab manufacturer Zilla (me for example) will unfortunately be disappointed! Despite agreeing to attend and multiple contacts from me by e-mail and telephone, boss-man Paul now tells me that he's not available next weekend - go figure!?

[quote name='GazWills' timestamp='1490043346' post='3261756'] Hi - I've only just seen this thread, and I think I can make it too. If any interest I can bring my 1970's fender bassman 135 head, though unable to transport my cab down, so I'll need to borrow a cab if anybody wants to try the amp. Lots of pedals, plus a 1989 stingray and a 2003 AV62 P bass, depending on what I can fit in my car! [/quote] Sorry, only just added you to the list - look forward to seeing you mate!

I totally understand T-Bay and Thunderbird's point of view - and I'd probably feel the same if I didn't already own one of these basses. But I do (2 in fact) and, like mcnach, this wouldn't stop me buying from them again.

[quote name='Chownybass' timestamp='1490462898' post='3265324'] Scott is doing a gig in Hong Kong unfortunately. He did want to come down though. [/quote] Gig in HK versus The Big Fat South-West Bass Bash? Tough choice that; I'm guessing Scott tossed a coin and we lost

Thanks for that! So much feeling - even when she takes her foot off the pedal.

[quote name='BassBunny' timestamp='1490376337' post='3264761'] Switchcraft are regarded as THE jack socket to use as they are really well made and last without either falling apart or oxidising. If you check out any of the postings on here where inexpensive basses are "upgraded", the jack socket is usually the first thing to be changed for a quality item like Switchcraft or Neutrik. [/quote] I think that's what I'll do. As a result of this, I've already increased my knowledge / tool kit by learning how to use / buying a digital multi-meter - so why not do the same with soldering irons? At least the neighbours (Screwfix round the corner) will be happy

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1490213998' post='3263369'] Seven weeks in this Friday. Anyone know what the waiting times are like these days? Depending on how close it is, I'll have to start flogging some gear now! [/quote] My custom Elwood was 12 weeks though I know Adrian had to wait for the white Haeussel pups on special order.

[quote name='BassBunny' timestamp='1490359813' post='3264577'] I am staggered that a bass of that quality/price is being fitted with a cheap and nasty Chinese jack. Unbelievable. I would change that for a Switchcraft or Neutrik one straight away. [/quote] Agreed! Just Googled and the ones you mentioned only seem to cost between £2 and £3 or am I missing something? They look the same as mine - is there a better, more expensive design?

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1490309192' post='3264283'] I had a dark fire, this was worse than mine, but only just [url="http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum/index.php?topic=361.45"]http://www.futuregui...hp?topic=361.45[/url] [/quote] Just looked at the pic - that's a bit scary!

Just heard from Stephen Chown. He's really looking forward to the bash and says that Scott Whitley is hoping to be there too. Here's a link to the new Chowny SWB-1 vid showing basses from the first re-designed, Indian-built batch as demo'd by Scott. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRq82kdoOGk"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRq82kdoOGk[/url]

Sent the pic to Adrian M who commented that the quality of stuff from China can be variable. After inspecting and fiddling around with this jack socket, I'd say that the plug-hole feels a bit on the large side, making it possible for the plug to go in at enough of an angle to de-form the contact as pictured - especially if it was slightly bent in the first place. This would explain the fact that everything worked fine for the first 3 weeks. Hadn't spotted that 'iffy' soldered joint btw!!

Just got round to investigating this and found a low-tech problem requiring a mechanical fix with a pair of pliers! Can't see how this could happen unless it was already bent before it was fitted!

[quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1490169982' post='3262716'] Wow I hope this place is big enough...it looks like there is a lot going on. Someone needs to change the list of stuff that I'm bringing (no 0 in the list). I have sold the G&L Tribute and Thunderbird so I'll bring something else instead [/quote] The main hall is a good size and there's a big stage, separate meeting room and large entrance foyer. The fact that the nearest neighbours are a mile away will be a big plus (apart from my friend Denise in the lodge-house - but I can slip her some ear-plugs, sedatives or, if all else fails, resort to the tranquilizer gun). I'm thinking of setting the main hall with a spine of back-to-back tables running down the middle with space between tables to allow access and accommodate larger amp stacks. The idea is that whoever brings kit will be able to display their wares on a table top with their amp underneath/beside the table facing outwards. The meeting room can be a (relatively) 'quiet room' where people can try basses through a few small amps (I'll put my Eden D-class and Barefeced One 10 in there) - muted with cans or using other ambient-noise-less equipment when the room gets busy (the foyer could be used in a similar way). I'd thought of setting our commercial sponsors up on the stage with a PA for them to say a few words about their stuff and for me to make the odd event announcement - or even apply the occasional touch of 'management lite' if Acoustic Anarchy (great name for a band!!) starts to threaten the proceedings. However, as this will be my first bass-bash, any other suggestions based on experience will be more than welcome!! I've removed your sold stuff from the list.

[quote name='burno70' timestamp='1490043384' post='3261757'] I got a short scale Elwood just before Christmas and totally love it. It took all my will power not to order another one straight away! It was a stock bass and the workmanship, fit and finish is 10/10. It's light weight, well balanced , looks lovely, and most importantly it's fantastic to play. I will be getting another one but will wait until later on in the year. [/quote] +1 - except the bit about getting another one (I've already got it and it's a Cazpar 4p). Had mine for about 3 weeks and it's a 4a with chambered body, Haeussel P + J/J, Delano 2-band and lightweight bridge / tuners.

Thanks all, I've decided to persevere with fault-finding myself on the grounds that it will be quicker and easier for all concerned and I'll learn something along the way. Adrian's sent me a replacement switch.

[quote name='scrumpymike' timestamp='1489233564' post='3255338'] [size=5][b][i]BASH BULLETIN![/i][/b][/size] [b][u]T-shirts[/u][/b] As promised, more info on the 'official' commemorative T-shirts (see pics posted a few days ago): Price is [b]£12[/b] and sizes are as follows: [b] S[/b] = 38" [b]M[/b] = 42" [b]L[/b] = 44" [b]XL [/b]= 48" [b]XXL [/b]= 52" [b]XXXL[/b] = 56" NOTE: These are the actual physical measurements of the shirts I've already bought a few samples to identify me and the bash team and check out the quality. If you want one (or more) please pm me so I can put an order together - I'll need your payment by this coming Friday March 17th to ensure that you get yours on the day. [/quote] [size=5][b]Last call for T-shirt orders today please - I'll be placing an order tomorrow morning![/b][/size]