4stringslow

Don't let other people influence what you do with your life. Decide for yourself what you want and go for it!

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1454199634' post='2967528'] The player. [/quote] This, and the music being played, is surely the only thing that matters? If you think the playing is great then the bass is likely to be deemed 'cool' by extension but I can't see how a bass itself can be cool. It's like anything fashionable. A mini-skirt might look cool on the right person but somewhat less cool on my granny. Context is everything.

Typing this while listening to the Alesis Monitors I bought from Dan earlier today. He was happy to keep them 'on reserve' for just over a week while I arranged to collect them and wouldn't accept advance payment or even a deposit. Exactly as described, they were well protected in their original packaging with all cables thrown in for good measure and Dan was very responsive to all PMs. Couldn't really ask for more so highly recommended - thanks Dan!

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1454074032' post='2966134'] Just got an email from Strings Direct and noticed [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/stands-and-hangers-c70/single-guitar-stands-c463/athletic-stands-athletic-a-frame-compact-guitar-stand-with-neck-support-git-6u-for-electric-or-acoustic-guitars-p10610?utm_source=NEW-Athletic-Stands&utm_medium=email&utm_term&utm_campaign=%5B2016-01-29%5D+%5B107%5D+%5BNEW%3A-Athletic-Stands%5D"]this[/url], which folds as small as an A-frame but supports the neck: [/quote] I use an identical one at home but never for gigs. Not because I don't trust the stand but because I don't usually trust people at gigs enough to leave my bass unattended on stage. If it's not over my shoulder, it's in a hard case!

There are some great music progs on iplayer. I have a 'smart TV' but no aerial/dish so can only access online programmes but I'm never short of something interesting to watch. No need for a TV licence either [quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1453881644' post='2963649'] I thought the Heroes bit was really good. I thought the bass sound was fantastic and not what I expected then it was covered in all sorts of weird noises that sounded mostly terrible on their own but put them all together and it sounds amazing. [/quote] Agreed. A great example of the subtle art of mixing!

Here's a topical report about changing times for live music: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35399194 There will inevitably be a wide spectrum of opinion about such things. The OP (Blue) is clearly at the end where gigging is his whole life and the only thing that matters to him. At the other end there will be people who have never been to a gig in their life yet are wonderfully happy and fulfilled Between those extremes are everyone else. In fact, this basic principle applies to almost anything in life you can think of, from stamp collecting to extreme sports.

You also missed out the "have a wide range of interests because life's too short to spend it entirely on playing bass". It's a big wide world out there.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1453627032' post='2961062'] Blimey. And there goes another one. [/quote] Yes, and the really sad thing is that Death's recent 'harvest' have only been in their late 60s - far too young. I know we've all got to go sometime but I was hoping to sneak into my 80s. Perhaps musicians just wear out faster?

Times change, simple as that. Where are all the dance halls of the 30s/40s?

I think that principle works with all goods - if they are stolen then the seller has no right to sell them in the first place. However, in this case mcnach has cut to the issue in this case. Ownership is being disputed and it's dad's word against his son, so a very messy family dispute and I reckon the OP is better off out of it - especially as a full refund is being offered. Makes you wonder about ever buying stuff from those sorts of places!

[quote name='Ashweb' timestamp='1453407469' post='2959321'] After being informed of it being dispatched he reported the matter to the Police who spent time with the shop owner and concluded that there was no criminal case to answer but as said above there would be a civil case between estranged father and son [/quote] Bit surprised there is no criminal case to answer - surely there is fraud (by the boy) or criminal negligence (by the shop)? Still, seems like the right outcome; bass back to dad and the purchase refunded. A sad story really.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1453204286' post='2957319'] There just seems to be a bit of an air of "if your basses are in good condition your not playing them enough" creeping into this thread and that's simply not the case [/quote] Apologies if I gave that impression, not my intention at all. I don't believe there's a correlation between the state of a bass and its owner's playing.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1453202331' post='2957289'] You can use a bass every day and still look after it though [/quote] Agreed. I wasn't suggesting active neglect. I look after my two basses and associated gear but a few battle scars are inevitable and I don't lose any sleep over them. Likewise, I don't lose any sleep over the dings and scratches in the back of my car and in my house from regularly carting flight cases around. I'm not a museum curator

The 'gift' of any instrument is surely the music it makes, not what it looks like. Keeping a bass - or anything really - 'for best' and only rarely used in favour of a 'lesser' bass just means you're depriving yourself. A bit like owning fine china but only using it for special occasions. What's the point? Use it everyday and enjoy it as much as possible. The music is more important than the gear, for me anyway.

[quote name='sunburstjazz1967' timestamp='1453029347' post='2955627'] Long live speakon connectors! [/quote] I agree. I've seen people with no idea (I'm not saying that's the problem in this case) attempt to cable up a small PA system and simply plug in cables at random, the main criterion seemingly being that connectors actually fit regardless of the types of signals they may be carrying. Thus, speakers into line outs is quite common I wonder if it's a hangover from the PC world? The PC industry has done a pretty good job to ensure that different signals are carried on different connectors such that it's almost impossible to hook up a PC, screw, keyboard, mouse, network and external hard drive incorrectly, while the music world still embraces a Victorian era connector!

TC electronic BH250?

I've found that the size of the screw is less important than its length. There's a lot of leverage on strap points, so the longer the better really. I've had no problems using 50mm screws with Schaller locks. I also use Spax screws, which seem to grip really well.