steviedee

Replaced my unlined fretless neck on my ray with a lined one a while back (cheers j0lly j). What a difference, granted I was getting to like the atonal racket I was getting out of the bass but my bandmates are much happier. I know it's considered a cop out but much easier for me!

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1376375195' post='2172866'] Lighter fuel works on nearly anything. If an overnight soak seems to lack results, induce heat. [/quote] Was looking for lighter fuel but couldn't find it anywhere. Old school products, soon to be residing in the 'where are they now' section!

I used some white vinegar left the screws in a bowl worked a treat.

Absolutely loving my Wal at the moment. I've pretty much turned up the volume on and rolled back the tone on every bass I've ever had for the past twenty odd years. But I spent a little bit of time playing with the eq on the Wal and I'm just knocked out by the range of sounds I can get. Anything from that barky midrange vibe to a full on pick attack. Really cool.

I have to say this pretty much happened to me I bought a 4003 a while back, looks amazing. Did some recording with it sounded fantastic, took a wee bit of getting used to. Didn't use it for a while then I dug it out for the prog rock. Put some new strings on it hoping for some clanky goodness and it sounded sh*te. Whats more I couldn't play it. It sounded awful and I played really badly when using it. Got me really down, I was all for flogging it. Moaned about it on a couple of forums was told to try coated strings. So I bought some cleartones and crucially (for me anyway) opted for a heavier gauge. It's like a different bass it sounds exactly as it should and subsequently I can play it. I have to say the Ric is still harder to play than any of my other basses but it's got a unique vibe and it's cool. I suggest heavier coated strings!

Sad news

There was a bloke on Gumtree selling the rockstand but I have this acoustic bass and it's just quite long. It would be great if the angle could be a bit less. Hercules stand looks great but same issue unfortunately.

I'm looking for a multistand just for home use. I currently have a Hercules GS515B [url="http://www.herculesstands.com/guitars/GS515B.html"]http://www.herculess...ars/GS515B.html[/url] which is a good stand just really long. I was looking at the warwick tubular rockstand but the headstocks overhang. So it would need a good six inches or more away from the wall. Anybody got any suggestions? The guitar case stands look like the most likely. This rondo one looks good as the instruments are upright not angled but I can't find them in the uk. [url="http://www.rondomusic.com/gsc2206.html"]http://www.rondomusic.com/gsc2206.html[/url]

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1372520826' post='2126774'] I've just come back from Bass Gear in Twyford. Played a 1980 vintage 4001 through a Mark Bass head and Bergantino cab. Sounded monumental [/quote] That sounds like a cracker.

I'd just like to point out I'm not criticising my drummer, he is a great drummer, it's a pleasure playing with the guy. It's simply because he practices a lot that he notices that when playing with the band he often hits them too hard. I'm the same, runs and lines I play with ease when practicing I get a bit tired when playing with the band because I'm digging in much more. But when you've been doing it or years it's hard to break the habit.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1372504143' post='2126510'] [font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=4]I'd turn right down, then your drummer will have to play softer.[/size][/font] [font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=4]I don't rate floating thumb, maybe that's your problem? [/size][/font] [/quote] The problem being the drummer, like me, finds it difficult to play quieter. He's a great drummer and we've been playing together for years but as soon as the guitarists plug in we just play louder. It's like Pavlov's dogs. I was a heavy player before the floating thumb. [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1372508780' post='2126578'] I play light and so need a lot of gain on the amp... and also a touch of compression to keep the strings more even. That way, I don't need to chase the sound ...and retain precision. [/quote] This sounds like a good call, I'll give it a go. Thanks for the advice chaps.

[quote name='Highfox' timestamp='1372489927' post='2126292'] It's strange I don't remember having any trouble at all switching to my first Ric last year, and not at all once I'd worked out what gauge strings I wanted on it and a quick once over making sure the neck was straight from my luthier. I always thought I was sensitive with basses but nowadays I have no problem going from a Jazz to a Ric to a 51P.. I think it's mostly in the set-up and feeling comfortable on each. [/quote] Maybe it's technique, I'm a bit of a heavy player. I did some recording using a pic and the bass sounded tremendous. Stuck some light gauge DR strings on and tried to play fingerstyle and it just sounded sh*t. My playing was really shoddy and the intonation was out! A week later heavier gauge, coated strings and it's like playing another bass. Sounds is fantastic and easier to play. Everything falling into place which is a relief because I like the bass.

I've been playing with the same drummer for years he was complaining that when practicing he plays much softer and is subsequently much better than when we play live or rehearse. It's a habit he is finding really hard to break. I completely sympathise as I have the same problem. I use the floating thumb technique but can't think of anything other than turning my amp up really loud and trying to regulate my playing. Any tips or suggestions would be much appreciated.

I have to say I'm turning the corner with my Rick. I was having real trouble with it. I just thought I love the look of it but I'm never going to be able to play it. However, changing to a heavier gauge strings has really made a difference. After years of playing and loving Musicman basses the Rick is a challenge but I now really enjoy it and I'm getting the tone I'm after. Unique and idiosyncratic instruments in my opinion but I reckon if you don't start off on one they throw you a bit or maybe I'm just sh*t

Sold my clean boost to Lee, great guy, no problems whatsoever.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1371208300' post='2111169'] Do let us know mate. [/quote] Just put the cleartones on my Ricky and I have to admit I think they are excellent. They feel great the coating is really subtle. I generally find the rick a bit of a challenge but the heavier gauge really helps out.

Is it very sad to say that I'm quite enjoying the process of cleaning rust off my scratchplate screws with vinegar.... don't answer that.

Great stuff thannks

I have an 87 Stingray and am looking for pick-guard and battery box screws any ideas where I can get them? Also any advice on how to clean up dull chrome? Vinegar and coke have been suggested. Oh and lastly any advice on a decent guitar polish!

Personally speaking I hope the guys who own this site do make some money. They have had a good idea and stuck with it and that should be applauded. I've been a not very active member since it's pre basschat days (bassworld?). I'm a bit embarrassed to say I didn't donate any cash until just before the fees came in, which i payed as well. I kept meaning to but just didn't get round to it. The introduction of the fees just served as a reminder that I should pony up some dough for a site I visit most days. In saying that there is no denying that some members are put off by the fees, everyone's situation is different and I'm not criticising anyone. I dunno if the fees system is the best one but I suppose you have to balance between making some cash, pissing off existing members and discouraging new users. It seems to me to be a reasonable solution. I have noticed the marketplace being a wee bit slow but everyone is a bit cautious at the moment. It is a really useful resource on the site so I hope it picks up.

I have to say I've used the marketplace more (just a coincidence though) since the 20 quid tariff came in and have sold a bunch of things, which is great. But the six string bass I had for sale went on ebay in a best offer deal and it must have taken all of 10 minutes before someone bought it so just your luck really.

Just bought a set of these clear tones. Need a heavier gauge for the Ricky and someone suggested Elixirs. Be great if they work out. Reasonably cheap, just over £22 delivered from eBay.