Nicko

Mine are set to off as I've never found these add anything to my sound. I reckon they should remove the circuits, offer this as a stomp option and make the amps cheaper. Discuss....

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1452970502' post='2955254'] Yep, rounds for sure, and a 50 will add a fair bit of oomph. If you tend to play on the D & G a fair bit it may be worth doing a "hybrid" and getting 50 & 70 for those two, then keeping 105 & 85 for the E & A (means ordering two sets of strings though, unless you can buy singles on your fave brand). I`ve found on a Precision that seems to even things up a bit,bassing up the treblier strings, which also have the pickup nearer the bridge (never worked out why Fender did this). Have to admitthough, nowadays the D & G are pretty much decoration only for me. [/quote] The reason for the question was a[size=4] [color=#4D4D4D][font=Tahoma, Arial]EXL160 Nickel Wound Bass, Medium, 50-105, Long Scale come with 105, 85, 70, 50 as opposed to the original fit fender 7250 which is 105, 85, 65, 45. Quite a few songs I play use the D and G string a lot, and the balance isn't quite right. I'm also assuming I wont need to adjust the nut slots for these.[/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1452961799' post='2955136'] What strings have you got on currently? Do you like them? [/quote] This will be the first time I changed the strings so they are the original fit Fender 105-45 nickel round unless the shop set the guitar up with something else which is unlikely. I have no specific problems with them other than the G string lacking a bit of oomph.

Probably been done to death, but I think its time I changed my strings. I don't do this very often so I don't get much opportunity to try different strings. I play alternative/indie type rock. I'm assuming the normal string for this job is a roundwound. I never payed with anythig else before. What's the general guidance on suitability fo diffent types of string by genre: Stainless/Nickel wound Round/Flat/Pressure wound/half round A slightly different question, will a 050 G string string give any noticeable difference over 045? The standard 045 on my bass lacks a bit of punch

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1452700349' post='2952581'] Really? Not being an arse here, but I'm genuinely surprised if what you are saying is true. I've never met any bass player who has said they have bought anything because of "x" player, let alone Dave Swift. But then again, I'm not a marketing guy or in charge of purchasing for a shop so what you saying could be true! My viewpoint, and I may be pretty ignorant here, is that Aguilar have a set of products that are loaded with selling points - which in themselves make the products sell. The DB750... what's their competition? Well, theres not many big block amps like that to choose from certainly... and the THs are great products which sound very different to the MarkBass, TC, Genz etc with what they are competing against. Aguilar seemed to have nailed that "vintage influenced but lightweight" in terms of their class D stuff. I would have thought that alone would be a bigger selling point... How many people have bought Dingwall, Citron, Sadowsky, Fodera, Rob Allen, XYZ because of seeing/hearing them in Swifty's hands on the TV? I would wager that those people are in single figures, if present at all. Conversely, Berg have zero endorsers... yet seem to have put them in a position of high visibility and with a great reputation. Now whether they as a brand are selling cabs in a comparative number to Aguilar, I wouldn't know. My gut feeling is that the endorsement thing is primarily to score points over a different brand - "we've got x player" - but I don't think the consumers really care... but I do think consumers are impressed by pages full of endorsers - as stated before and in your last paragraph Barrie... especially if they are guys that they have heard of. I still don't reckon there's many people buying on the strength of one person using it, with MK being the notable exception. [/quote] I agree to an extent. I'm not so much interested in what they play as whether I can recreate a sound that I think I hear them generate. So when I was looking at amps I checked out GK because Flea uses them, But I bought a Markbass in the end, but that's not the point.. Fleas endorsements would appear to be a bit worthless in terms of "I wanna sound like that" since he's played so many different basses in the past it would be almost impossible to figure out what bass was actually played. In terms of actual signature basses some strike me as pretty odd or so specialist that they would have limited appear. The Steve Harris is a case in point. Even if you like a mirror scratchplate (I dont) and the neck profile(I dont) and the SD pickup (thats better) how many players want a west ham logo on their bass? I wouldn't and I'm a Hammers supporter.

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1452627117' post='2951853'] Considering the Nate Mendel P bass seems to sell quite well perhaps Fender might twig there's a market for P basses with a Jazz like neck [/quote] US Special is exactly that. Without a sig or endorsement.

[quote name='mingsta' timestamp='1452694468' post='2952501'] Not ego at all. You want to be PART of something that people think is awesome. Now if you'd said you wanted everyone to think YOU were awesome, that's a different matter. Gross generalisation here, but I'd imagine that most bass players in gigging bands are good team players, who take satisfaction in a good team performance rather than personal glory. I know I've done my job if the music grooved and everyone was dancing. The reality is that only other band members or a select few punters will appreciate a tight rhythm section, but that's fine by me. I only went out and bought a bass because my mates wanted to start a band when we were 15 and that was the only slot available. But since then, my association with the instrument has heavily influenced how I listen to and appreciate music so its now hardwired in to me and I can't imagine playing any other instrument (though if I had the time, I'd love to learn a bit of drums and guitar to make me a more knowledgable bass player). [/quote] I agree, but I think you missed my point. I don't play bass cos I like it, I play bass because the side effects are a basic need.

Bounced off this thread [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/276750-missing-my-mojo/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/276750-missing-my-mojo/[/url], got me wondering why we actually do what we do. I never wanted to be a bass player, but I find it very rewarding being in a band and making a contribution. Its something I never felt I could do as a guitarist but I like to think I'm a pretty good bass player. I'ts great when someone pays me a compliment, whether its a member of the band, or a punter saying that the band was awessome. I need to be part of something other people think is awesome. Some people would say this is ego. I think its a more basic need. I play because my Id demands it.

Is it just me that never had enthusiasm for picking it up in the first place? I regard the actual playing of the instrument as a necessary evil of the reason I'm in a band: 1. to let the deeply hidden creativity out 2. to have fun 3. to take my mind off the day job 4. to spend time with a group of like minded people who otherwise have little in common 5. to actually do something I might eventually excel at (unlikley but you never know...)

[quote name='william64' timestamp='1452689391' post='2952413'] It looks many of us search for reliable reviews before we make the decision. The problem with me is there is always one particular product I am thinking about. So all my search turns to be only a purpose to justify my first instinct. Rarely have I changed my first idea, which is my bad habit, I would say. [/quote] No, I think your approach is entirely reasonable. You know what you think you want, and check to see if it really is.

[quote name='chriswareham' timestamp='1452460440' post='2950181'] Try the "Join My Band" website? Seems to work quite well down here in that London, where it seems to be first port of call for people seeking band members. [/quote] .........but beware, it also attracts wannabees that have ambition and no obvious talent. I have never successfully recruited a singer from JMB, although I have joined a couple of bands. If there's a decent open mic venue in your area, or a decent am dram group doing musicals you could worse than starting there.

Well, I cant say I'm that keen on any of them, but in what way does the author qualify as the arbiter of good taste? Some of the commentary is funny in a school playground type of way. The authors biog is [color=#000000][font=Arial,]Before landing at Mandatory.com, Paul honed his skills at a variety of web sites ranging from Maxim.com to SI.com. In that time, he's done everything from review DVDs to interview LeBron James. His current passions include YouTube and Twitter.[/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial,]So he has masses of talent then.[/font][/color] This is like judgng my character from Katie Hopkins rant. [color=#000000][font=Arial,]Who the bigger A***hole really?[/font][/color]

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1452517007' post='2950657'] I can't say I ever really practice with the intention of improving my playing. I only pick up my bass if I have some parts to work on for one of my bands, or I'm writing new material etc... ... this probably explains why my playing hasn't got any technically "better" since I was about 17 [/quote] +1. I only ever pick the bass up to learn a new song. If that requires learning a new technique I'll "practice" until I get the song right (or drop the song and realise the limit of my ability).

Rock and Roll Suicide is probably my fave Bowie song to listen to

I like radiohead. This isn't their finest moment.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1452150431' post='2946928'] When I alternate, I leave the controls untouched on bass and amp and use no pedals. I play with a pick very close to the bridge, and I play fingerstyle either over the neck pickup or sometimes over the 24th fret. Two completely different styles resulting in two completely different tones. Surely that's the point? And don't call me Shirley. [/quote] +1. I play about 50/50, dont change the settings at all between most songs.

Of the pedals on my board: TC Electronic Polytune. Essential EBS Multicomp - the old compression argument will go on and on, but I think this sounds better than most. Mooer green mile. Used for a coupe of songs only, and it really isn't good for bass EH Micropog. Bought to fill out the sound when we were one guitar band but does so much more MXR 6B equaliser. Used to get the bass to stand out from the mix

Played briefly in a band with a great drummer when I was at school - he went on to make a living in session work, and then opened a drum shop I believe. Since then I played with some good guys, but no one that could touch that spotty 15 year old guy. Such a shame I wasn't good enough to really appreciate it back then.

Mine are called the black one the other one I do however name some cars. My current piece of junk is called Colin, cos its boring and I couldn't think of a more boring name (sorry if your name is Colin).

Almost none on the bass, cos I'm lazy and don't practice much in any case. I pick up the bass for learning new stuff for the band (covers) and every now and then when by creative juices get flowing. My originals will likely never be played cos the band doesn't seem interested in originals. I play quite a lot of guitar stuff but don't have any intention of ever being a guitarist in a band.

[quote name='Doctor J' timestamp='1450826854' post='2936324'] I have better pics somewhere I cant find right now, but it's the same kind of idea [/quote] Nice, but can't help noticing the drum sticks - whats the solution for storage of the kit?

The Strokes are all extremely "posh" at least as far as this description can be used for Americans.

Another vote for "class doesn't exist". If you have to work to live and are working class whether you are sweeping the floors or running the cleaning business. If you suddenly win the lottery you are still working class. IMO there is an underclass (those that either can't or wont find a job) and an elite who are born into a life of leisure - what we used to call the aristocracy but now includes any number of "really classy" people like Tamara Ecclestone and Cara Delevingne. On the other hand there are real socioeconomic grades between which people are essentially mobile. This used to be the old A, B1, B2 etc, but is now simply 1, 2, 3 etc. For example I started off SEC cat 5, and would regard myself SEC cat 2 now. The US of course categorises people by both educational standard and income. To the question the OP poses. No. The media persist in hyping people who largely don't deserve it using whatever backstory they can find

In theory I suppose it would be feasible if the longer scale neck was just the right scale length, and joined the body at the right place so that the distance between the bridge and 12th fret is still exactly half the total scale length. Since the Starcaster is 30" and the precision is 34" you could get away with it if the distance between the body joint (back of the neck) and the 12th fret was 2" longer on the P than on the starcaster. If its close to 2" the bridge adjustment might make it possible. However, the OP says he loves the sound of the Starcaster, and it wont sound the same.

I'm assuming that the titles come out roughly the same because the subject matter is similar Try writing about your love of, say, second order differential equations and I'm sure the title would be unique.. Although Coldplay might have got there first with x and y, and to be honest Linear Homogeniety could be Zep's "The song remains the same". I'll get me coat.