nick

In a similar vein to the excellent new Rickenbuggary post, thought I'd start this one of, for anyone that loves a good semi! Here's my 60's MIJ Commodore. It's actually a 32", but I manage to get away with 34" scale strings because of the tailpiece. Unfortunately had to remove the bridge dampening gubbins as it got in the way of playing. The pickup whacks out a mighty 15k, which I think is unusual for something so old. It's a dream to play, & has a lovely retro tone especially with flats - wouldn't sound out of place in Winehouse or Duffy song. [attachment=9851:Commodore_002.JPG] [attachment=9852:Commodore_003.JPG]

[quote name='cheddatom' post='222894' date='Jun 20 2008, 01:28 PM']I want a chorus pedal that's kind of the opposite of the CEB3 in that it would chorus the lows (variable) and not the highs, so that you can use it as a sort of "doubler" to make your bottom end meaty without getting the wishy washy splishy sploshy splashy chorus effect.[/quote] Me too!

[quote name='Bassassin' post='222865' date='Jun 20 2008, 01:05 PM']I've never seen a manufactured 4005 copy - although that doesn't mean they don't exist! I've seen a couple of homebrew ones - in fact there was a guy who posted on the old BW board who made one, if I remember, he built the body himself & used a bolt-on copy neck & Rick hardware. He posted it on one of the Rick forums too, thinking he'd get some appreciation - but they promptly tore him a new tradesmen's entrance, and told him to burn it. [/quote] Why does that not surprise me....They're a bunch of fanatical rednecks that lot, aren't they? :wacko: Can't bear to see their sacred design plagarised, but forget that many credible players such as Bruce Foxton,Barry Adamson,Hooky... who along with many others, did something to to popularise this bass, actually also played copies. [quote name='Bassassin' post='222865' date='Jun 20 2008, 01:05 PM']About the closest thing I've seen in vintage copies is this: [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shaftesbury-Bass-Guitar_W0QQitemZ250260523648"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shaftesbury-Bass-Gui...emZ250260523648[/url] Which is odd, but hardly a 4005. J.[/quote] Buggar - I was after that myself! Still can't complain just [i](finally)[/i] bagged an SBV500 in a fetching yellow

[quote name='silverfoxnik' post='222570' date='Jun 19 2008, 11:35 PM']That looks really good and the mods you've done are very interesting! Do they change the sound a lot?[/quote] Cheers. Yes they do. I inherited the humbucker/phase switch mod when I bought the the bass. For a while didn't notice it, as I was going through the usual phase of trying to make it as 'clanky' as possible on the bridge pickup, but after using both pickups; realised it's a nice mod - bit subtle though when live. Cap bypass mod, I would recommend anyone to do, who has got an old copy or even original. With cap, very nice retro trebly tone albeit bit lower output than usual. Bypass, more full tone lot higher output. [url="http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Rick%20maint.htm#cmod"]http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Rick%20maint.htm#cmod[/url] Personally, I prefer the tone with the cap, thought it's good to have the option of either. Screw cap mod here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=2229&hl=screw+cap"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...mp;hl=screw+cap[/url] Though as I'm playing nearer the neck these days for some reason (fashion eh!), may take it off.

Here's my old Maya. She's in immaculate condition, not a scratch or ding. Using it a lot more at the moment. Even been complimented by a couple Rickenbacker owners after trying it. Punchy! I've added a screw cap for a thumb rest by bridge pickup, has a phase switch which puts both pickups in & out of humbucking mode when together & I've done bridge pickup cap bypass mod with push-pull tone pot. [attachment=9829:018.JPG] [attachment=9828:019.JPG]

[quote name='silverfoxnik' post='221093' date='Jun 18 2008, 08:28 AM']That's gorgeous! Never heard of that make before... Well, here's my £82.00 Hondo II Ricky copy, bought from Kays catalogues in 1977! Couple of mods; new tuners, nut etc but it's still basically the same cheap old plywood Hondo! TBH, it doesn't play well and it doesn't sound great either but it's been with me for 31 years and it'll probably still be here in another 30! I did all my first gigs as a musician with this bass in all the Punk venues across london, venues like the Marquee in Wardour St, the Rock Garden, The Hope & Anchor etc, etc. So it's just got too much sentimental value to ever part with.. [attachment=9741:1977_Hon...y_edited.jpg][/quote] Peter Hook used a Hondo Rick Copy for a large part of his time in Joy Division (78-80)

[quote name='KevB' post='220265' date='Jun 16 2008, 10:25 PM']Also think of the resale value - spend £500 on the Tokai and what would it be worth if you didn't like it and passed it on compared with, say, what you'd get back from resale of a real ric you had got on eBay for £700.[/quote] +1 Or as Jon (Bassassin) points wait, for a decent with possibly thru/set neck, old Jap copy to crop up, Quite likely you can pick one up for less than the price of a Rockinbetter. You should also be able get at least money spent back if you decide to sell later, as these are quite collectible in their own right. Keep an eye on the Rickenfakers thread in Ebay links or the new Rickenbuggary thread in Gear Porn for makes Sadly Tokai Rockinbetters or any of the other new Tokais are nowhere near the quality of the old MIJ Tokai copies IMHO. For me they are a disappointment really.

[quote name='Bassassin' post='220490' date='Jun 17 2008, 11:49 AM']It's a fair point & well made - but imagine that with checker binding & full width sparkly inlays... And I'll raise you a Kasuga Rickenbugger: [attachment=9715:rbugporn.jpg] J.[/quote] I love the look of bound basses, my Ibby RB920 is one. Unfortunately, abrasions on my R/H wrist & bruised ribs don't agree! Just on this theme & probably totally pointless, it would be nice to see a photo of everyones Rickenfaker. Jon, how many do you reckon are owned collectively on BC?

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='220221' date='Jun 16 2008, 09:23 PM']Soundwise all of the behringer pedals I have bought (and I have quite a few) are easily as good as much more expensive equivalents. The only one I've tried that I didn't like was the Bass Synth pedal, but I didn't think much of the boss equivalent either. The Behringer pedal tuner is good for guitar, but crap for bass. I only use two pedals live - the limiter/enhancer which is my favorite compressor & the silver BDI21 preamp. I used to have the brown acoustic version of that & it really warmed up my Dean Pace electric upright bass & acoustic guitars, but like a fool I chucked it in when I sold my pace & I still miss it slightly. Obviously the construction of the behringers isn't tankproof like the boss equivalents, but if a £20 pedal bites the dust its not a big deal to just buy another. I look after mine and I haven't had any problems with them.[/quote] I had a Behringer tuner, then got a Boss. Regrettably sold the Behringer, actually found it better on bass than the Boss, tracked better particularly on D-string. However, Behringer had a ridiculous battery consumption in comparison to Boss & build quality much inferior - especially battery compartment, which would have undoubtably broken given time & more useage. I have a BDI21, though it wont see that much use now I've got a Trace valve head. However, will definitely keep it, as it's good for recording & when using other people's amps at gigs etc. In comparison to the Sansamp which I had before, I would say it's actually quite good, especially considering price. Sansamp 8.5/10 - BDI21 7/10 With the exception of the plastic box (which seems tough enough for average use) I think build quality on BDI21 is OK. Cheers

[quote name='Bassassin' post='219955' date='Jun 16 2008, 03:58 PM']...although I do find the unbound, dot-marker 4001s a bit bland. J.[/quote] Bland moi?! [attachment=9702:maya.jpg]

[quote name='Merton' post='209724' date='May 30 2008, 04:22 PM']That will sound MONSTER, the 4x12 cab is a heavy bugger but sounds feckin great [/quote] It does & it is! Love the 4x12 - certainly chucks the sound out. More growl than 15's I'm used to, but still solid in the low end. Amp is cracking too. Well pleased

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='212660' date='Jun 4 2008, 06:35 PM']Last time I got some It was from a computer fair. These days I use a canon inkjet to print directly onto (printable) CDs or use lightscribe. If you want to buy online, how about these? [url="http://www.medea.co.uk/buy/pressit-kits-labels-c-30_50.html"]http://www.medea.co.uk/buy/pressit-kits-labels-c-30_50.html[/url] 100 labels for £12.80[/quote] Many thanks - just what I was looking for!

Hi, Could anybody advise a cheap source for self adhesive blank white CD labels & what I should expect to pay - haven't got a clue! Many thanks

[quote name='stevie' post='209552' date='May 30 2008, 12:29 PM']You *never* see any of the vintage SPB-1s for sale secondhand (because players hang on to them). Hot pickups for bass are just a marketing ploy. What you want from your pickup is *tone*, not output. Increasing the output of a pickup normally results in higher inductance, which cuts the higher frequencies and gives you a muddier sound. The same principle applies to guitar, of course, although there are times when fitting hotter pickups to a guitar can be worthwhile (the bridge position on a Strat, for example).[/quote] +1 on the above comment - couldn't agree more. I went from the 'Hot' to the 'QP', neither to my taste. Settled on the Vintage SPB-1 - very happy. Though, I think it depends on what style of music you play, what sound you're after, etc....

[quote name='Paul Cooke' post='210727' date='Jun 1 2008, 08:09 PM'][url="http://www.allparts.uk.com/schaller-strap-lock-buttons-only-p-3885.html?p=product"]http://www.allparts.uk.com/schaller-strap-....html?p=product[/url][/quote] That's the ones cheers Unfortunately, it seems they've only got gold & black ones at the moment

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='210722' date='Jun 1 2008, 07:54 PM']This might sound daft but can you clarify what you mean by 'Schaller type'! I'm having a Spring Clean and I've found a couple of complete sets that I intended fitting to my Warwicks to make them all the same but they are subtly different fitting so I was going to flog them.[/quote] Hi, I was meaning either Schaller or Boston copies ..... Hope this helps to clarify Cheers Nick

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='210708' date='Jun 1 2008, 07:39 PM']Ooooh, now would brass give any sonic benefits [/quote] +1. Good idea!

[quote name='ahpook' post='210695' date='Jun 1 2008, 07:18 PM']darn...now i actually have to go buy a new schaller bridge just to get the shim !![/quote] Why not just get one made, would be cheaper. All you need to do is find someone with ability to cut (and drill) small piece of steel plate possibly 2mm to size - a backstreet welder, or small engineering workshop etc. If you had a decent jigsaw & file, you could probably do it yourself - don't throw your money away on a new bridge!

[quote name='ahpook' post='210666' date='Jun 1 2008, 06:31 PM']yeah, i've tried using the bridge to raise the action, but that didn't work. as for checking the relief, at the moment the strings are so flat against the neck that it's not possible. i wish i could remember if i used the schaller bridge plate when i did the first fit...although i'm beginning to think that i must have.[/quote] When I fitted a Schaller bridge to a Fender Musicmaster many years ago, I had exactly the same problem. I fitted a plate underneath to bring the bridge up a bit. It's not a trussrod related problem. The plate I used was Schaller one, made no doubt in anticipation of this problem, but I'm sure you could either make or get made something similar to suit your needs, and would be cheaper. Hope this helps, good luck with the build.

Hi, Could anybody please advise where I can get hold of just the end pins for Schaller type design straplocks? Only need a few straps for amount of basses I have, & would like to avoid forking out for the whole assembly if necessary. Thanks

[quote name='Merton' post='209724' date='May 30 2008, 04:22 PM']Oooh, you got the one on ebay? Good work! That will sound MONSTER, the 4x12 cab is a heavy bugger but sounds feckin great [/quote] Yeah, I got that one. £450 for the amp & the 4 x 12 cab didn't seem too bad a price + it's local to me. Been after a valve or similar amp with a bit of welly for a while. Band is getting louder & though I love the tone, I don't want to thrash my lovely old 17 watt(!) WEM head - need a bit of headroom. Originally had my sights set on a Bassman, but at the moment they're unfortunately outside my budget, with addition of a decent cab. Never tried a 4 x 12 cab, so not sure what to expect - always used 1x15's before. Picking it up tomorrow, & will give it a road-test prior to next rehearsal. Guess if amp/cab or both are not my cup of tea, I should be able to recoup cost if I sell it on. Hopefully, I will like it.... Can imagine it being a heavy buggar. One thing I may have to consider purchasing next, is a pair of these. Would be nice to find some in dark green to match! [attachment=9214:hernia_trunks.jpg]

I think Tord Øverland-Knudsen from the Wombats has potential [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RVXqMzGit8"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RVXqMzGit8[/url] With a curly lead & what looks like a JapCrap Jazz copy - boy will go far!

[quote name='benwhiteuk' post='209219' date='May 29 2008, 10:18 PM']hmm...fuzz it up my friend. If you want the ultimate then IMO you should go for a ZVex Woolly Mammoth, but their pricy. Try out a few bass specific Fuzz pedals, the new EHX range looks very interesting - the Bass Big Muff should be great. If you want something really cheap and chearful and available right now then go for a Little Big Muff. IMO their great for bass and give a really dirty fuzz (which i love) with top end definition as well as maintaining a lot of the lower frequencies. Each to their own though, but I’d say get a fuzz, maybe not one I’ve suggested but a Fuzz or OverDrive are typical first pedals. There’s others on here that know a lot more about effects than I do so I’m sure you’re likely to get some more advice on this.[/quote] +1 for fuzz I would recommend the Danelectro French Toast, bought one myself of a fellow BC'er. I've tried a fair few now myself, including some good homemade ones. However, this is a good one IMO, & cheap as chips.

Just bought green carpet one myself, with the 1248 (4 x 12) cab. Looking forward to giving it a blast at next rehearsal.

[quote name='Merton' post='208031' date='May 28 2008, 01:51 PM']If I had: a. the arms b. the money c. the storage space, and d. the musical need[/quote] + a new vehicle!