SpondonBassed

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1494958503' post='3300004'] The threaded end goes into the back of the bass. The 2nd one is for the lady bassist who might want more stability (I'm sure there's a male version with a hoop instead of a ball). [/quote][attachment=245452:BoggleEyed.png]

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1494926796' post='3299574'] Thanks for the suggestions folks (although I'd rather use switch cleaner to clean switches rather than WD40). I emailed the folks at Servisol and they're going to send me some spare tubes as they don't supply the spray tubes any more. Silly, really - I use the tubes almost every time I use the stuff...which is why they get lost I suppose [/quote] In fairness, they are not retained very well. The idea that you can just pop them back into the elastic band around the can is fine when new but the rubber perishes very quickly if you get fluid on it. Maybe someone will remedy that one day...

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1494936361' post='3299711'] You mean one of these? Just need to build up my core strength. [/quote] Yup. But I am not sure about where the second one should go... I suppose folk might pay extra to see. I'm not [i]that[/i] broke yet. PS; Are you saying those are what I was joking about only they're real?

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1494923913' post='3299544'] I practice sitting down but sort of sit on the edge of the chair so the strap is at full length with bass on my thighs, if I practice the normal way sitting down my wrist starts to ache very quickly, I guess I've adjusted my style to allow for a low slung bass (I play pick only) [/quote] Both of my "paddle" guitars have a flip out leg to help with playing when sat down. Still, I have to do what you do and for that reason I seldom sit while playing. I don't adjust strap length between the two though. So far I'm managing the small amount of pick practice that I do fine. It's worth bearing this topic in mind however if I start to do serious playing time.

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1494920374' post='3299508'] Simon Gallup goes lower -I'm sure [/quote] Maybe maybe not. I am not about to announce a contest to see who has the lowest hangers however. Heeheehee

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1494917720' post='3299481'] Totally disagree from a legal point of view, once you've told them they will be handling stolen goods if they sell [/quote] Fair enough. Point well made.

Have you considered just using WD40? Its moisture displacement properties may stop you needing switch cleaner in the first place. Observe basic precautions of course.

[quote name='Bassmonkey' timestamp='1494883272' post='3299346'] Last year, I had my amp and gig bag stolen. My Orange Terror Bass along with micm wireless pack, bag and leads has now turned up at a local cash converters. I've rung the police and reported the find and await their response. I have the receipt and will contact PMT (where I bought it from) to get the serial number in the AM. I am concerned that it may be sold so plan to go in first thing. Anyone suggest best next steps? Cant believe its turned up since last October. Andy [/quote] Don't let the shop know if you can still avoid doing so. As said already see if you can secure the gear with a deposit. Even if you never get that back it's worth it for a beloved guitar. The Police may take some time.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1494913008' post='3299438'] Many straps have 2 holes on the tail end about 4" apart, could you not make use of these if you really need to be adjusting your bass height? Reading chris b's post, I think he's suggesting the same, but with strap locks. I don't adjust my bass height regardless of playing fingers (which is the majority these days), slapping or with pick. The bass is the same height whether sitting or standing. Bellybutton at the middle of the bass. [/quote] You are lucky to be proportioned that way. The crowning achievement would be for you to arrange a belly button bearing attachment to your guitar that allows subtle guitar rotation in the style of ZZ Top.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1494889776' post='3299414'] I reread that and it sounded like I was saying put 2 straplocks on the bass. . . what I meant was keep the button on the bass (in the usual place) and put 2 locks on the strap. [/quote] Even better!

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1494879278' post='3299297'] ...I dont slap but if i did I'd probably have to wear the bass higher though. [/quote] Unless you have one of those thumbs that naturally bends back on itself nearly at right angles. I've noticed how that seems to be an asset for slappers lucky enough to have those sort of knuckle joints.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1494878512' post='3299284'] Low end, low strung strap. Simples, innit. [/quote] Hooky. Mind you he said in interview that he might have reconsidered his strap length now that he suffers with his shoulder and neck. He was THE lowest of the low slung bassists of my era. It is an impressive look for the stage but I often wondered if he ever sat and practised at "normal" height when no one was looking.

[quote name='Burrito' timestamp='1494876411' post='3299266'] I think you just experiment and find a balance. I use both and try not to get too drawn into any of the countless rows across all the forums in the "pick vs fingers" debate. A bit of practice and you get used to flipping between the two at any length. [/quote] I admire those players who can do finger style with a pick tucked away in their plucking hand ready to seamlessly transition to pick mode and back. Try saying that out loud quickly! One day I hope to be capable of that. Not great if you have CTS though I suppose so plus one for the alternating strap button idea.

[quote name='Bottle' timestamp='1494871695' post='3299222'] Sorry to have completely missed this one snot-monster arrived on Friday and I've been reduced to laying on the sofa over the weekend blowing copious amounts of green gunge out of my nose still, managed to shift through the whole "Line of Duty" DVD boxset...... Next year, well we shall see! [/quote] I hope, at least, that it was Trace Elliot green in keeping with the theme of the day... Get well soon. Catch you next time 'round.

[quote name='AdamWoodBass' timestamp='1494862312' post='3299105'] All good points guys thank you. Just to clarify I tend to play for a couple of hours every day and have a pretty structured practice routine, and like ambient said I too used to play for 12 hours a day at uni and probably 15+ afterwards when I was doing it for a living. Nowadays I try to get a "shed session" in maybe once a month where I'll spend a whole weekend working on tunes but I probably have overdone it a little recently. I think I will take a look at my strap height though, as I'm probably not doing myself any favors there. [/quote] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/305744-pick-vs-fingers-strap-length/page__view__findpost__p__3299160"]http://basschat.co.u...ost__p__3299160[/url]

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1494862601' post='3299111'] Agree with ^^^^ unless you are in a 60s cover band in which case I think they are supposed to be placed just under the chin aren't they? [/quote] Anywhere between the chin and the waistband will do just fine. [attachment=245347:HighWaistband.png]

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1494855219' post='3299020'] Local education authority. [/quote] Thank you.

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1494832427' post='3298733'] ...A 20 second google found a backline rental place in Barcelona I linked him to exactly something suitable. He rented something else. [/quote] Sorted then? Good one.

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1494671693' post='3297729'] Can i be honest. Ive listened to it without a beer, and its not as good. There called beer headphones.. Erics guitar playing is annoying. I will stand by Mono's bass playing though. [/quote] Hahahahahaha! Good lad.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1494851508' post='3298960'] Yes I thought they were great! [/quote] Heeheehee. Nice to see we agree on some things then Pete. I'd like to see their show live, if not actually attend one.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1494850060' post='3298938'] ...it saves having to have a check done with several LEAs. My cousin when she first qualified 6 or 7 years ago had to get one for each LEA that she taught through. Where she lived was on the border of 4 counties, so 4 DBS checks. [/quote] "LEA" = Law Enforcement Agency right? I am not thick but there are many "LEA"s when you look. There is another thread however where I am being made out to be thick or less than normal somehow so I'll forgive you if you think I am too.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1494839649' post='3298801'] That's not true at all, £65 online through the official government site, who told you that you can't do it? [/quote] I am assuming you mean this; "The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is now the [b]Disclosure and Barring Service[/b] ([b]DBS[/b])" [url="https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview"]https://www.gov.uk/d...-check/overview[/url] I was a volunteer for Sight Support in Derby where I visited a blind chap at home who was a canal enthusiast. They were both getting on in years. He was totally dependant on his wife at home due to various age related issues. I was there because he needed help cataloguing his life time collection of photos and other material while his wife needed someone trusted to stay with him while she either got some badly needed personal time or she got to catch up on her sleep. Sight Support required me to answer the questions on a CRB form. There was no fee. That was about ten years ago. Things have changed.

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1494837886' post='3298786'] I am a long time member of the MU. I believe that Unions are a good thing. It is MU negotiated fees which are paid by the media. As soon as that splinters then the fees take a complete nose dive - and this is from the companies which would have no material without the actual performers. When I have had TV companies messing me around about payments, one phone call to the Union makes the magic happen. People talk about going it alone and independance and all that - media companies love that stuff. For them that equals paying less. In Welsh TV there is even a non union and a union rate of pay. You can guess which is the lowest. This despite the production company doing their initial costings (and getting funding) using MU rates. Obviously there are all sorts of situations where the Union can be seen as ineffective, but if you have a signed Union contract for a date then things tend to go very smoothly. There is also the aspect of industry lawyers looking over any contracts offered to members. Is the MU perfect? No, nothing is. But I prefer it to no union. I do not use it often but when I do it is effective. If it does not operate in the sphere you are working in then it is obviously not effective. [/quote] That's a good answer for the pros whilst recognising that the MU is not omni-present. Cheers Owen.

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1494832087' post='3298729'] They were but he's never criticised them for it. He was also shipped back and forth across the country to his grandmothers place twice because he was struggling to fit in at his school in California. In some ways, the experience with his parents gave him a fantastic grounding for being a producer, if you think about it. [/quote] Yes. That was my point really.

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1494702592' post='3298039'] I might take you up on that..! Once my ops and stuff are over (end of month or so, with any luck..?), I could lift the curtain on the days and nights of a retired sedentary armchair ex-musician with time on his hands and a barrow-load of projects 'on the go' at any one time. Be afraid; be very afraid. [/quote] As long as you make sure that your y-fronts are on beneath your dressing gown when you lift that curtain I am sure we'll cope. Looking forward to you getting all that hospital faff behind you so's you can pass down the knowledge in comfort.