steviedee

[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.

[quote name='iconic' timestamp='1370861999' post='2106360'] Would/could household insurance cover [i]anything[/i] out of the house when damaged/lost/stolen? [/quote] I think you would need personal possessions cover, you might get it bundled in to your insurance.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1370859301' post='2106293'] "1/ The WAL wasn't insured at all seems the owner was of the [i]assumption[/i] that his house contents cover 'covered' the bass...expensive assumption!" [/quote] I missed that apologies. I have my gear named on my house insurance but I would be iffy about taking such a pricey instrument to a pub gig. I feel sorry for the guy obviously people want to play their instruments and in a perfect world they would go unmolested regardless of the cost but sadly that isn't the case.

My wee boy has just become really interested in my basses which fills me with equal measures of pride and horror. I turned my back for a second and he was cheerily shaking the life out of my Pre-eb Musicman while eyeing up my Wal with a look of enthusiastic destruction. Time for the cases? [attachment=136624:weeguy.jpg]

Could it be covered by house insurance?

Hi I have a Washburn AB35 fretless 5 string electro acoustic bass which has an xlr out so that it can be put straight into the PA. I recently had it setup and I think it sounds amazing amplified. The guys are right there is no way an acoustic bass is loud enough without some kind of amplification. But I definitely think there is certain vibe that an acoustic bass has. My bass is currently for sale but I'm actually thinking of just holding on to it as it's great and I don't have another fiver..... oh and no-one wants to buy it