SpondonBassed

[quote name='NickB' timestamp='1503556840' post='3359058'] Hi, just bought a bass. Haven't played any instrument for a very, very long time. Any advice or help appreciated. [/quote] First things first. Welcome to the forum. What were you playing before?

[quote name='honza992' timestamp='1503519188' post='3358932'] ...The neck & fretboard is a different matter. I'm told you can heat up a butter knife to take off a glued fretboard, but that sounds complicated and painful. So let us say a short prayer to god of invisible glue lines...... Thanks for reading. [/quote] I was reading about that on another build. I think the chap used a lot of steam to get the timber hot and pliable too. I am not brave enough. I had seriously considered it as a way to convert a standard neck to a 35 inch scale. It's a bit beyond my limits of patience, that sort of thing. I might have a neck job to put out to tender soon. I hear you re: creeping joints. I had a set neck to do on a ukulele build that my house-mate was struggling with. It had a butt joint with a biscuit to locate and secure it. I scraped back the high spots on the mating surface of the neck to get near 100 percent surface contact between the root of the neck and the very slightly curved body whilst leaving a true surface for the fretboard to be bonded across the body and the neck later. Even with that clamped up to a flatted steel beam it was challenging to keep the alignment in two planes simultaneously as the glue squeezed out and contracted due to drying. Looking forward to your next instalment.

Cheers rOB. I like your use of the word temporary. Just the optimistic approach I need, thanks. I have converted frustration into GAS and will fork out for a new multi-meter later today. I set it up for intonation, neck-relief, nut and saddle height last thing yesterday. Well, I went to bed this morning if I'm honest. It was one of those days yesterday where every thing I did proved fruitless due to unforeseen snags. I'd been up from about five and it was just a series of failed attempts to do seemingly trivial day-to-day things from then on. I was exhausted at the end of it all and this morning I am feeling it. It does sit nicely in my lap though. Years of playing paddle basses taught me to play standing up always. Mine have the pull-out leg for playing whilst sat but I don't use it. Without the weight hanging off the strap the bass wants to fall forward and there is no forearm engagement with its body to prevent it. I never felt comfortable with that. I am having to sit more these days so practice is an easier proposition for me now. Although it wants to be played, the standard strings supplied with the kit are remarkably hard on my fingers. I am used to flats but I think these are serrated like junior hacksaw blades. They also seem a lot higher in tension. I was surprised as some folk here say they find flats need more tension than roundwounds generally. Roundwounds are so zizzy anyway. They're coming off pretty soon I can tell you. I have used this kit as a muse to keep me from quitting bass altogether. I hadn't played for over a month! A recent disappointment had made me question why I was putting in the time practising at all and I just stopped. My juices are flowing once more with this bass and already I have put in a bit of silent practice with it. Maybe I'll come into fashion next week and get hooked up with some playmates.

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1503518163' post='3358922'] [size=3][b]Deceased On The Buses actor releases statement: 'I deeply regret use of Nazi symbol'[/b][/size] [/quote] [i]"I'm going to get you Hitler!"[/i] He said.

I put the bass together and strung it. No output. Now I have to troubleshoot. I was getting a headache and I couldn't remember where my multi-meter was so I quit for the day. Still, there's a promising twang from it unplugged. It's got the strings supplied loose with the kit. I'll play it in on those but I am going to restring it with a set of half rounds that I won at Midlands BB4. I'll look for my multi-meter tomorrow.

[quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1503485575' post='3358578'] I missed the 5 albums bit, so to expand: 1 - The Four Tops: Reach Out 2 - Marvin Gaye: What's Going On 3 - The Supremes: Supremes a Go Go 4 - Martha and the Vandellas: Dance Party 5 - Stevie Wonder: I Was Made to Love Her [/quote] I think I would have been glad if my dad had suggested these but his collection of LPs were all classical. Beethoven, Handel, Bach, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, that sort of thing. Granddad bought me LPs of Handel's Water Music and The Tijuana Sound of Brass. I am lucky to have had the benefit of those to listen to even though it was because I had little else. I wouldn't have had the exposure otherwise. Dad would buy me the occasional 45 or two when I was small but they were random choices from chart and film music. One that was particularly memorable was Disney's Jungle Book [i]The Bare Necessities/I Wanna be Like You[/i]. I still love the cartoony vocal delivery on both of those. They've both got a good stodgy rhythm to them also. I still have that seven inch 33rpm disc somewhere. My favourites were a handful of Beatles singles that were being changed out of a cafe jukebox in London when he was there on a visit once. I think he might have got them for free too. They were the ones that tickled my bass buds first.

[quote name='BristolBass' timestamp='1503435676' post='3358302'] If I ever did a few 'twiddly' bits and got a bit of applause our singer was prone to saying 'what are you clapping for? He's only got 4 strings...' - took the wind right out of my sails! [/quote] I've seen this happen with a local band. The bass player was above responding to the remark but I thought it was one of those "in" jokes that is wasted on the audience and is best kept to the back stage area. It suggests that the band are in-fighting. Maybe that sells tickets though...? Whatcha reckon? PS: Welcome to the forum.

What choices would your boys make if asked? That might help you in your guidance.

Ta. Have you got this in tab? [runs away cackling]

[quote name='honza992' timestamp='1503428815' post='3358196'] Couple of quick things. First, I should say that I don't advise you to take any of my advice. Or least not until you've double checked with someone who actually knows what they are doing. Second, let me know if there's anything you want to see in more detail. Or if I've bored you senseless let me know and I'll have single word updates from now on [/quote] The updates are fine as they are. I'm enjoying them.

I stopped applying coats after yesterday's, the sixth. I noticed that the older coats were softening with the solvent in the latest coat. It needs time to go off fully before introducing the solvent again so I've finished early. It looks like four would have been the optimum number of coats with 24 hours between each. I got to install the rest of the gubbins a day early. Cheap thrill. I needed to mod my pups to allow the bridge cable to run out the side and through the neck pup to exit together with the neck cable cleanly into the drilling leading off to the control cavity. I did my C&G in Fitting and Turning way back before Joy Division had to reform as New Order. Nice and easy does it. With that done I am able to thread the cables to clear the pup screws with their springs. It's all going together and ready for the final soldering. Soldering done. What a lovely mess. I put some sticky-back felt on the cavity lip just for fun. I raided it out of Valerie Singleton's drawers when Peter Purvis wasn't looking. Down Shep! Before anyone asks, no, I haven't got a Blue Peter badge. I've always been far too lazy to earn one. Mmmm. I'm feeling it now. Must not get too exited. There is the neck assembly and snagging period yet.

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1503400958' post='3357868'] and .... ? [/quote] Gimme a chance... I don't read score remember so that slows me down. I [i]have[/i] to read the score first because it's written above the tab. Heeheehee. I can tell you that it smells all right but I've only read the foreword so far. I'm building a bass in the back room and that is taking up my time. I have promised myself that I'll learn some of the lines on the new bass to break it in.

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1503388326' post='3357698'] That's my boy, that's my boy Hoisted by my own petard, then, I wait patiently with only a soft drumming of fingers on the table.... [/quote] Er, who's doing the bass solo when the drumming stops?

I was trying to put my finger on what it was I liked about Fagen way back in the eighties. Steely Dan's Ricky' was playing on late night radio once and I woke up to it. It was one of those tunes that would not quit doing the rounds in my head, so to speak. It was released in '74 but I was 12 then. When I heard it in the eighties I was just old enough to vote. I didn't know who the band was or anything. It was one of those blasts from the past and I wasn't to hear it for months after. The next time it was played on the radio, I immediately turned the volume up and sat by the set to make sure I got the details this time. Then I put Steely Dan on my shortlist for LPs to buy when I had a bit of cash. As it happened I found a couple of LPs in a second-hand shop that were well loved and cared for. Thinking back on all of that it was the sort of music that suits late night listening best. I mean those evenings when you haven't anyone around to chat with and you can indulge in a good long listening session. Nightfly was instantly bought when it came out because the radio had been promoting it with the single IGY (International Geophysical Year). Somehow that lyric floating between semi-sarcasm and optimism got me. I don't like all of Fagen's stuff but it's all done well. I like the high production values. If I listened at any other time of day I might not notice them but when I'm alone and totally relaxed of a quiet evening, they work.

[quote name='noc' timestamp='1503396276' post='3357819'] Hi Guys, Found a bass i want to buy. I wont be able to try it before paying for it and it is a long way away to return. I will have a friend who happens to be visiting the sellers country (who knows nothing about bass or an instruments in fact) pick it up for me and fly it home. Its pretty expensive but i cant fly over and try it myself. Its also made by a Luther known for real good quality work. Visually, it looks totally perfect. Not a single scratch/mark/ anything. Now my question is this, what is the likelihood that a well made high quality instrument will be in bad shape after 7 years if it looks perfect on the outside? Im guessing the only thing that could be an issue are the electronics. Its got villex electronics. Yes, i know, never buy unless you can try but if you cant try... The seller assures me its perfect. Help me out here guys? What do you think? [/quote] "I wont be able to try it before paying for it" Buyer beware. No soothing words can mitigate this principle.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1503385565' post='3357673'] That's exactly why I thought it had been missed. [/quote] Well. If no-one else will say it I will. Well done for spotting it Tim. [sup]10[/sup]/[sub]10[/sub]

Thanks Andy. You can never see stuff of your own through fresh eyes. Yes, freehand. I printed a reduced image of the logo to copy from and pencilled it in, using leader lines, directly onto the brass. I followed up with the engraver using a tungsten carbide tip. I am capable of better but it's been a long time since I was able to do that sort of close work. I have vari-focals now and a bench lamp with a massive magnifier built in. Much easier. If I do any great amount of engraving down the line I must modify the engraver or get one that's comfortable to use. That knurled collar is cruelty itself when you're trying to keep a steady grip.

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1503295956' post='3356909'] I bought Rosie Vela's Zazu, I think it was produced by Walter Becker IIRC. Haven't played it for years, better dig it out... [/quote] I'm having a bit of a Finbarr Saunders' moment with this statement. http://viz.co.uk/category/cartoons/strip-cartoons/finbarr-saunders/

[quote name='Shawman' timestamp='1503346804' post='3357525'] With the right preperation I could be in the market for a barney. I'll be sure to make reservations nearer the time [/quote] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y [quote name='TimR' timestamp='1503355498' post='3357616'] I'm surprised more people didn't get it, [size=5]it was fairly obvious[/size]. No one said anything. [/quote] I'm still saying nowt. I haven't been getting it since noticing how big someone's bum looked in swarfega filled waders. I should have kept my mouth shut [i]then[/i].

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1503344785' post='3357486'] Well... Dunning got it. Kruger got it too. I got it, and I honestly think most people got it. [/quote] Heeheehee. It's not like it wasn't in plain view.

[quote name='aidanthorne89' timestamp='1503341463' post='3357444'] Hey there. Have put up a bass for sale (Warwick Thumb) so figured Id say hey on the forum. Names Aidan. I play double and electric bass. Run my own band called duski (www.duskimusic.co.uk) as well as other touring bands including a jazz Indian fusion group called Khamira and A Neo soul band called Slowly Rolling Camera. I also play in an ELO tribute band. What happens next? [/quote] You have to wait until the prancing horses have had their nosebags I'm afraid. Until then, welcome to the forum. Respect to you for playing tribute to ELO.

Got mine now. Just over a week since my mate ordered it me from Amazon.

I wanted to put my mark on this and the supplied Pit Bull Guitars transfer was too big to go between the machine heads on the headstock. I decided to replace the truss adjustment cover with one of my own. I must practice more with my engraving. Still, this will be behind the strings so I'm happy enough. I had originally wanted to make the cover from a piece of "copper" sheet that was handy. When it came to, the sheet was actually brass flashed with copper and finished with lacquer. I was annealing the piece I had cut out with a blowtorch when I noticed. Seeing how it looked finished it was for the best. Copper would have been a bit gaudy in comparison to the polished brass. The brass compliments the frets already but I reckon it will look subtle yet blingy nuff when it's all strung.

I'm happy to enjoy music at my own level. I never wanted to do arrangements or write. The most I want out of it is to play bass and sing. My enjoyment stops as soon as I start looking at dots.