SpondonBassed

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1501783129' post='3347374'] Here's a couple of photos of the one I used to own, the space under the black plastic on the back is FULL of electronics. The combination of the optical pickup and piezo works very well, although there is is still a good deal of handling noise from piezo which isn't helped by the amount of chambering in the body, and TBH the space hollowed out for the electronics is actually a lot bigger than the actual upper bout chamber, so even the "solid body" model is still fairly hollow body! Also the optical pickup takes some setting up - firstly you have to align the LED and sensor vertically with the string and then you have electronically balance the signal from each string by adjusting a series of preset pots that can only be accessed by taking that huge back cover off. All in all it's a bit of a faff, and you really ought to do it every time you change the strings, so while the system potentially lends itself to lots of string type experimentation, the reality is that once you've found a set that work for you, those tend to stay on it. I was lucky in that I really like the first replacement set I tried - TI Jazz Flats - and so I never go around to checking out anything else. Having said all that I'd definitely have another one if I could find a tasty looking fretless 5-string. [/quote] Nice one.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1501760349' post='3347179'] That will be the [url="http://lightwave-systems.com"]Lightwave[/url] system. When it was originally launched it was also available for selected luthiers to build into their instruments. Zon and Sei amongst others offered this option. These day AFAICS it is only available on [url="https://www.willcoxguitars.com"]Willcox Guitars[/url], so the only way to get the system into your own build would be to buy a bass with it fitted and cannibalise the bridge units and electronics from that. The amount of electronics inside a Lightwave/Willcox bass is staggering. I used to own a Sabre A Bass which was mostly hollow - the top half was chambered normally and the bottom half plus a large section under the bridge housed the circuit boards and battery pack. BTW as well as the optical pickup system the Lightwave also incorporates a piezo element in each bridge unit. [/quote] Yes. I was reading that from a link on the Sei webpage. It is an interesting idea because it allows non magnetic strings to be used with an onboard line out to an amp or a desk. Piezo on its own has certain undesirable characteristics that might be favourably complemented by an optical device. It is also said to be a better signal if the guitar is MIDId up. From what you say it would certainly be beyond my current ambitions. Technically though, it tickles me. [i]Also, Mick might have to buy a Willcox Sabre and knobble it for parts if he wants you to make one Andy so I think you're okay for a bit. Hang on... he's standing right behind me isn't he? Oh Hi Mick. Good to see you mate![/i]

I am exhausted just reading that! Things youngsters have to do to afford a mortgage these days. I sometimes forget how good I've got it.

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1501679052' post='3346496'] Think you may have quoted the wrong person. But if you're still interested, my great grandad was involved in supplying the army with horses in WW1, and resettling the few that were left atterwards. In 2014 a television station ran archive footage of the horse resettling, my cousin happened to be watching and recognised the old boy from a family portrait. I was able to record the footage and grab a still. I thought he might like a run out 100 years on so he's been my avatar ever since. [/quote] I think that is a cracking story to have for the family table at Christmas reunions down the line. Very fortunate that it happened at all. I am lucky enough to have grown up with my paternal grandfather in the house when I was little. I have a photo of the three generations - Grandad, Dad and me with a proper sulk on for being photographed in school shorts. To have found your great grandad's image when he was at work and in his prime is remarkable.

Andy? Slight diversion; I was looking at Sei's website just now and I see that they have a bridge with an optical pickup. Have you any knowledge of those?

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1501756910' post='3347132'] I'm sure you didn't mean this in any bad way, and i have no doubt Andy wont correct you, but trust me when i tell you Andy is no average hobbyist. Yes he makes the basses from his house, but it has no effect on the end quality of instrument produced. His bass surpassed most of the instruments I've ever played (including customs), and was only equal to a couple (A couple of Sei). Like i said, i'm sure you didn't mean this to be taken in a derogatory way, but i just wanted to point this out Cool build concept again Andy. Look forward to seeing the results [/quote] You are quite right on all counts. You are perhaps unaware but Andy and I have met on a few occasions. I am quite sure he understands what was said. That you thought I was being derogatory was, well, interesting. It is good that you know his work however. You might appreciate my intent better if instead I said that he is a gifted amateur luthier. Actual apprentice trained luthiers are not going to have to down tools and go home because of his work. Having said that, it would be difficult not to choose Andy when deciding whether to go to an untried luthier or the man I know and trust because I've seen his work first hand. If I owned a Sei, I might not be saying that though. TFTF (Thank feck tomorrow's Friday)

PS. My kit build is going by the working title of [i]Ibanesque[/i]. I think I took the idea from what you said before.

Is there any reason other than complexity to stop you from doing fanny frets? That top man. It's like an other worldly landscape seen from orbit. Good on you for making instruments more accessible! The making and repair of stringed instruments needn't be one of the dark arts any more. No longer is specialist knowledge and equipment kept behind closed doors. Never-the-less, I don't think cottage craftsmen like yourself are a threat to any time-served luthiers. It seems that some middle ground has opened up in the demand for stringed instruments like we've never seen before. The pros will still get their guitars built to demanding spec. The wealthy will still be able to capture the grains of exotic woods forever so we can appreciate the beauty of them even after they're all extinct. Mass manufacturing will still churn out cheap and cheerful utility instruments. Everyone's happy! [size=2](tsktsktsk it's not even going to be a six string bass ffs)[/size] [size=2]Heeheehee[/size]

I've put in a lot of time with the neck. Two evenings of rubbing down, first with 400 grit Abranet and 1200 grit paper sheet. After levelling the frets I lightly dressed the fretboard. It is worth mentioning that the adhesive from the masking tape I put between the frets bled onto the maple and was a sticky problem for a few moments. It was okay after I removed the excess with a rag and the final rubbing down removed the last of it. I think the metal polish I used when finishing the frets must have reacted with the masking tape adhesive. Worth noting for next time. Sanding the maple of the neck was where I started to notice little details coming out of the grain. I was careful not to overwork it and round off the edges too much whilst breaking them to make them smooth to the touch. The defect on the fretboard is only really noticeable to me and then only by feel. It polished out quite well with just a light witness in the form of a slight flatness on the centreline of the fretboard. When the strings are on, it will not be noticeable. The final job was to rub lemon oil into the finished surface of the rosewood. It got two coats and I might give it another today. I scuffed the shine on my frets a bit during the final rubbing down but I half expected to have to re-polish them anyway. This is where it starts to get exciting. I rubbed the first coat of Danish oil onto the maple. In the photo it is matt yet, in real life, little swirly blobs are shining out at me like little bits of mother of pearl. The colour of the wood has warmed and has a gentle glow to it. After I've taken the nibs off with 0000 wire wool It will get another coat today. Same again tomorrow then I'll see if it needs further coats.

Nice. I especially like that you are concealing the neck through on the front. I'll forgive you for the additional strings but only this once mind...

Welcome Cornetto. I have an entry level Steiny as listed below. I am thinking yours must be a step or two up from mine. I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on ownership if you care to share them on the forum.

Welcome Flaxholmelis. Good to have another Derbyshire lad onboard. Now you've boosted our number I reckon we're only a prune short of a movement. You been to any Open Mic nights yet? [url="http://openmikefinder.com/UK/England/Derbyshire/"]Derbyshire Open Mike Nights - Open Mike Finder[/url]

[quote name='mikel' timestamp='1501671749' post='3346400'] Nah, It was called The Word. [/quote] That was one strange show.

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1501660091' post='3346217'] slight diversion; I found a useful guy for setups in Sutton IN ashfield. [/quote] Is he in that music shop two doors down from the party shop?

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1501664314' post='3346286'] No, that was the Beatles. [/quote] Word

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1501493603' post='3344948'] There's Jools Holland. Up here, in Scotland, we have The Quay Sessions [url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05x1ylt"]http://www.bbc.co.uk...rammes/b05x1ylt[/url] I can't think of any other UK TV show, that is set up to specifically, broadcast artists, playing live music? Considering how popular music is, it's strange that TV companies don't make more of them. We have hundreds of TV channels broadcasting, mostly, total sh*te. Why don't they produce more shows like Jools Holland's. Bands would be queuing up to promote their tours/albums and they would be cheap to make. Does anybody else know of shows that I'm not aware of? [/quote] Vintage TV has some "live" sets. I recently enjoyed watching Wilko and Norman Watt Roy playing to camera as if at a dress rehearsal. They nailed it. Norman fell ill at a gig soon after. I am hoping he's doing well with his recovery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY3FRojnW4Y Vintage TV channel numbers for the various broadcasters are on the YT page just below the clip. Maybe not a place to find up and coming acts however. We could do with some more right enough. I'm thinking the additional exposure would benefit the bands featured too.

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1501580418' post='3345595'] ...But my problem is, why do people get embroiled in things they don't actually want to do? Just odd. [/quote] I have to think twice these days because I'd easily commit with no thought for my advancing years. Is that maybe a factor? It's such an attractive idea to recapture one's lost youth that it is hard not to jump at such an offer. Having slept on the idea however gives the mind time to go through all of the cons that were hidden by the initial excitement at the idea. It might also be the result of discussion with senior management at home. Good luck. I wish you triumph over adversity.

Let's make this a 50 page thread and find out on the way.

Oh no. Here we go again; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gcjb7iNddI At least Dave isn't bitter...

Gear snobbery aside... [url="http://www.thatericalper.com/2014/12/11/watch-two-musicians-play-a-guitar-made-from-a-broom-and-bass-made-from-a-shovel/"]http://www.thaterica...-from-a-shovel/[/url] It isn't country but the geezer on the left could cut it. The site itself looks interesting. I'm off to look at this bit now; [url="http://www.thatericalper.com/category/isolated-tracks/"]http://www.thaterica...solated-tracks/[/url]

You're welcome. Thanks for the interest.

I am the only one I know who doesn't have to look at me. How the heck would I know what I don't look like when I don't even know what I do look like?

[quote name='Cato' timestamp='1501013744' post='3341848'] I'm sort of glad I learnt to play by ear before the youtube days. Don't get me wrong, these days if I want to learn someing the 'tube is my first port of call, and it was especially useful when I finally got round to learning to slap properly. But I also like it when I hear something brand new and I can visualise the patterns involved in playing it, even if I may not have the right key, I think that comes from the early days of learning, when I was wearing out tapes, listening to the same few seconds over and over again while working out a part. [/quote] I can still do that (play by ear) from certain YT clips as long as the featured "artist" isn't all about playing [i]TV presenters[/i] and isn't infatuated with the camera. It's also good to be able to look at the neck of the guitarist's axe as he/she plays. I used to do it in our band years ago. Even if I have tab notes, it's useful to see a clip of the piece being played too. No-one wants to play with me now that I'm old and hairy so YT fills the gap where my band mates used to be. Like yourself, I'll hear something interesting and try to work out in my mind what neck positions etc would work before picking up a guitar to try it out. This applies mainly to clips rather than tutorials but I consider them relevant as teaching material all the same.

Thanks. I wanted to get that done before getting into finishes. See my post above; http://basschat.co.u...ost__p__3344392 There is a UK supplier with a similarly styled kit. It might even be sourced from the same place. I think they charge less overall and being domestic there may not be import charges separate from the kit price. I didn't see them before I'd decided on this one. I might look at them for the next build.

Frets dressed and polished.