PaulFenderJazz

How does it play? I was toying with contacting him about a build, but just don’t know the brand or reputation, I assume just due to low volumes.

11 hours ago, Downunderwonder said:

Bubble wrap is false security. It can't take up the energy of an impact the likes of falling out the back of the van. Not much can.

 

Your mission is to keep up appearances and make it difficult for them to break it.

 

1 box far too big.

1 box just big enough.

A large number of small sturdy boxes.

Stanley knife.

Bubble Wrap.

 

Wrap cab in enough BW to make it snug in the just size box. You can make a just size box from two identical boxes that are the right footprint, tops cut off and jammed together. 

 

Take your multitude of small boxes and cut them up through the guts so you make a bunch of corners. These you nest around the corners of your just size box so it fits in the oversized box. Pack the leftover space with squishy stuff for show.

Thanks, great advice

6 hours ago, Waddycall said:

I sold a rumble 115 cab on here recently and sent it via parcelforce. I dropped it off at our local post office. I went a bit overboard on the packaging but would rather do that than have it arrived damaged. 

I put a layer of thick cardboard over the grill with 3 lengths of 2 x 1 timber taped to it as reinforcement bars across the speaker grille then put a layer of bubble wrap over the whole thing and then a layer of cardboard and lots and lots of tape. Worked a treat but took me hours!

Wow, that’s impressive! I am planning on double layer box and bubble wrap…..

7 hours ago, stevie said:

I wouldn't put people off using the Post Office. I've always found them quite good. However, I always use a broker like ParcelToGo, as recommended by @BassAdder27, as they are a lot cheaper for the same service.

Thanks, good advice

42 minutes ago, BassAdder27 said:

Yep loads but never post - courier 

 

I recommend DPD as the shops use them too 

 

Parcel2go is a good place to book or go direct to DPD online 

 

Make sure you add the insurance just in case 

 

Ive always kept the original boxes so that’s easier. 
 

 

Fantastic advice, I’m useless at keeping boxes! 

Not sure if this is the right forum, but has anyone posted cabs or amps they’ve sold? I was after guidance on safely packaging for example my NY121 or CMD121 to send to buyers. I’m concerned about making sure they arrive safely!

Cab still for sale

33 minutes ago, lownote said:

Where are you in Suffolk?

Selling my 121 cab as I don’t get to use it anymore. Lightly gigged, but I can’t see any marks at all and works perfectly. Comes with Roqsolid cover. I’m selling my CMD 121 combo as well, will accept an offer for the 2. 

Selling my 121P as I just don’t get to use it anymore. Lightly gigged: a couple of small marks on the amp fascia and one corner, see photos, otherwise perfect, and no issues in performance. No marks, tears or pilling on the cover. Comes with a Roqsolid cover. Selling extension cab as well, see separate ad, I’d take an offer for the 2

7 hours ago, ezbass said:

I so very much want one of these. White with a roasted maple neck & fretboard. I’m most envious. 😍

 Thanks, they really are worth the money once you can save up!

8 hours ago, three said:

Absolutely beautiful - what a lovely, understated but very classy colour.  I think the finish will have been from Bow - utterly superb work.  I picked-up a Mullarkey a few months ago and it's been a revelation.  I've spent years with active only basses but Viv's approach to passives works incredibly well.  Playability is superb on these and they're just such good fun - a joy to pick-up and play for hours.  This looks like a new(?) approach to the control layout - is it VVT?  Most I've seen are VT with a three-way pick-up selector.  A very lovely bass indeed

Thanks, really pleased with it. The colour I asked for was Lake Placid Blue metallic , I think this is actually a bit bluer and sparklier than that, but I think actually better than I had planned 😀. I asked for the VVT controls as they work so well on my AP Mustang: as you say Viv’s default is VT plus selecter. Would love to see a picture of the one you went for: as you say they are superb

Went down to Camden at the weekend and collected my Wilcock Mullarkey. Viv’s been building it since May and it’s been worth the wait. A beautiful looking and sounding guitar. Instantly my favourite!  

Thanks everyone for all your advice, invaluable as always!

Can I pick the brains of our resident techs? My Markbass CMD121P is making the occasional crackle when turning the master volume or gain knobs; I assume there could be some dirt built up in there somewhere? Any tips on how best to cure the problem? Cheers 

On 20/10/2020 at 20:56, ahpook said:

Middle-ageing bass players with bad backs and aching joints

 

Count me in there! 

On 20/10/2020 at 17:01, P-Belly Evans said:

For me, the tone of my Mustang is to die for. I am not fazed by scale length, string spacing, weight,  4 or 5 strings (never played more), active or passive. I love all my basses, but man the Mustang sounds so cool - especially playing funk with a plectrum for some reason........ 

Same here, I’ve found the tone works really well across multiple genres. I switched from a Jazz to a 4003 to the Mustang and haven’t looked back, plus so easy to get through a long gig (when they return) without your hand cramping up! I have a MIM PJ, which sounds great, but also my fave is my AP which can deliver a real range of sounds.

Quick update, Tanglewood arrived, initial impressions good, flats on order, so we’ll see how it sounds once they’re here. Thanks for all the advice!

1 minute ago, Wylie said:

My Hofner Contemporary Series "Club" bass, with the exact neck and general set-up of the violin version, was indeed a lot of trouble. Reducing the factory action took a lot of time (and some dollars as well). With reduced action, the bass was a very good one. The Contemporary version was $795, including case, and well worth it, I felt--after the adjustments.

Thanks, v useful to know, I’ve actually just pulled the trigger on a used Tanglewood, hoping that as it’s not new the set up should be OK

1 hour ago, TheLowDown said:

I think the HBs are made at the fair price, and the Hofners are charging much more than they're worth.

Good point

47 minutes ago, grandad said:

Just the Hofners of the ones I've tried. All need medium length strings though to accommodate the bridge position.

Quick update, I just went for it on the Tanglwood, due to arrive Tuesday. Merry Christmas to me!

32 minutes ago, grandad said:

Just the Hofners of the ones I've tried. All need medium length strings though to accommodate the bridge position.

Ah, right, I see Höfner sell their own branded so I guess those are a good bet. I  didn’t know about Tanglewood doing one, I found one used online for similar price to the Aria, thinking it could be well worth a punt!

1 hour ago, TheLowDown said:

The Harley Benton one is decent

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_beatbass.htm

I wondered about these as they’re so cheap: any view on comparative quality, as the Höfner, etc are double the price?

3 hours ago, grandad said:

https://www.expressmusic.co.uk/products.asp?code=319515&name=pre-owned-legend-by-aria-violin-bass-sunburst&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5vb-BRCRARIsAJBKc6Iq_KXYAnaqfx9MlTH_1wUXtezekeVzkfXqy8xogzY7RnlqumbHjWYaAkiJEALw_wcB

Might be worth enquiring about.

I've previously owned several makes of violin bass including an Ignition but now have a HCT. I've enjoyed them all, each having a slightly different tone. The Hofner pickups are the best amongst the bunch and give the sound I think you want.

I recently acquired a Tanglewood which is hollow and am very impressed with the build quality.

I always fit flats and the Ignition needs strings that fit the small guitar type tuners so special sets are available.

They are a bit of a fiddle to set up but great fun to play.

Then there's the big question - pickguard or not?

Good luck.

Thanks, v useful and I did wonder about the Aria as a good toe in the water. Out of interest, have you found all violin basses to have the smaller tuners, or just the Höfners? Thanks!

 I’m sure this has prob been asked before, but anyway: I’m looking to get a violin bass. Obvious candidate is a Höfner Ignition, but I’m also wondering if anyone’s had experience of other similar priced options, in particular Vintage as I think they have a good reputation as a budget brand. Any feedback on the best option appreciated, I want a full hollow body rather than with centre block, so that will cut down options I know.....