Burns-bass

We had this about 15 times playing in provincial Manchester pubs. All the requests were polite, so when we were picking down our PA guy stuck on the first album at ear splitting levels. It went down substantially better than our bloated prog rock!

This one has been doing the rounds for quite a while. I remember seeing it on eBay almost 20 years ago! (Was a lot cheaper then). Guess it's just a curio really.

I've had a few of these and they were available for sale new in music shops in the late 90s (when I started playing). The Fender serial number site isn't correct. You have to ask why they would bother reissuing a 10 year old guitar in 1986 anyway! I've had loads of quirky Fender guitars and basses, and the logic you assume would be there isn't.

Thanks for posting. I was aware of this which is why all my recent deals have been in person. I had a heads up from a friend too who worked as a courier, but didn’t post anything. Increasingly, the only way to deal safely is in person. Earlier this week I had someone drive all the way from Cumbria to Bristol to pick up a guitar!

I can tell you which bass sounds the best... (The Chowny!). Found out you guys use Sico Simon for your bass set ups. No wonder they all play well, that guy is a legend and an incredible workman.

That’s a great way to look at it. if Scott’s courses inspire you to pick up the bass, then they’re doing the right thing!

The videos look good (the ones I’ve seen). As someone who was a teacher before, results are all about the effort you put in. It’s a platitude, but it’s absolutely true. You can’t get the most out of these things until you’re doing one or two hours of solid, focused practice every day at least. And simply watching a video once isn’t enough to internalise a concept. The only slight gripe I have with the courses promoted by some bigger agencies and organisations is that they sell a dream that doesn’t exist. There are few studio jobs anymore, and there are a whole host of name session players already on the books. Touring musicians aren’t as in demand either so we’re churning out more and more pro-level players with few opportunities for them to make a living. It’s not Scott’s fault and this isn’t a criticism levelled at him as his courses are targeted at players of all ages and abilities, but apart from the odd success story I’ve met lots of incredible musicians that haven’t found a route into the industry and we’re training hundreds more. Anyway, a lesson with a pro player in Bristol where I am is £35. That’s money well spent. If you’re in the sticks or haven’t got a great teacher nearby, then I think this is a worthwhile substitute. But the first opportunity you get head out and play with others, because we really don’t need any more bedroom virtuosos who can’t hold down a groove.

In a private sale, I'd suggest between £2,500 - £3,000 for a refin. If it's a slab-board, then a little more than that. From a dealer, you could be paying substantially more.

Ed Friedlands walking baselines is a good start!

Another vote for Greg. Transformed my playing in a couple of lessons and is, quite frankly, a beast of a player. Wish I had the time to go back :-(

Great interview, fantastic band.

This is the definition of jazz, I agree. I think the problem is that an aimless drum solo (or any aimless solo) doesn't push the music forward.

I reckon one bass solo is about right per set is right too (unless the player is top quality!)

Like all jazz it can sound great if done properly, and horrendous if done poorly! When you see some real players engaged in the exchange of ideas it can be mesmerising. Also, when you see great players they will only solo when they have something to 'say', rather than assuming they should solo on every tune. I reckon one drum solo a set is about right.

Contract of sale is void if it’s based on false information. https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/misrepresentation-act-1967 Tell the guy the deal is off and learn a lesson from it.

I’d say that’s possible a fair retail price, but not in a private sale; and the refin just destroys the value. A refin vintage Fender is worth about 50% of an all original, and I reckon that stands for these too. We can both agree £1800 is a bit steep!