silverfoxnik

[quote name='6stringbassist' post='88124' date='Nov 13 2007, 10:18 PM']I think that most people are really missing the whole point of ERBs. They are not normal bass guitars, they are an extension to a bass guitar, as an F1 race car is to a Vauxhall Nova, you wouldn't use an F1 car to take the kids to school, or race a Nova in a grand prix. Sure they can be used, as a normal bass, you can stand there in the pub and play Mustang Sally for half an hour if you are that way inclined, and only use the same notes as on a four string, which is what people keep saying....."I had a 6 string and used it in my covers band, I didn't use the extra strings so I sold it..etc, etc". That's not THE role of an ERB. OR....you can explore all of the harmonic possibilities that are open to you ie. I can play chords and a bassline at the same time, a melody and a bassline, a bassline and solo at the same time. Not something that you'd do down the Duck and Ferret on a Saturday night I agree. But in the right musical setting it works great...I was typing this while Dood was typing his answer above, a good example is John Myung, he uses it in the right setting. I play in a four piece jazz group, featuring bass, drums, guitar and sax. When the guitar solos it's just me and the drummer behind him, playing chords and bass notes fills the whole thing out. When did you last see Matt Garrison (he plays a 5 string I know, but it has the range of a 6 string), or John Patitucci, or Steve Lawson, or Michael Manring, or Yves Carbonne playing the sort of songs that a pub band plays, they don't, they use the ERB for what it was intended for, that is playing BEYOND the role of a normal bass.[/quote] +1 - that's the best summing up of this whole debate IMHO. I've been reading this thread today and must admit that it's done my head in a bit - partly because I don't get what the fuss is about? As I see it, if people want to drive a Lamboughini in an urban environment and they can afford the taxes and fuel costs involved, let them! Or, if some people want to spend thousands of pounds having plastic surgery to look better, younger, sexier (in their eyes), let them.. And if creative, musical people who may have started off playing 4 string bass guitar (like we all did most probably) decide they want to develop their talents and skills by taking the instrument onto a different and new level, great! As far as I know, playing an ERB doesn't harm other people, infringe my moral, civil and legal rights and does in fact entertain an audience of punters out there who want something a bit new and different!

Great thread Chris! Haven't seen you around much lately and you've come up with a blinder! Well, it's a very interesting question and it does make me wonder about what I like or value in the basses I've got now or had over the years.. And whether it's me investing them with qualities I [i]think[/i] they have or [i]want[/i] them to have, as opposed to the basses actually having those qualities in them??? A few years ago I bought a JV series P Bass Squier off Ebay for £300. The seller's photos were pretty poor so I took a punt and hoped for the best. When it arrived, it was in absolutely immaculate, pristine, never been played condition and I was completely stunned. So, I phoned the guy up and he told me that when the JV Series were first issued, he bought 2 P-Basses and 2 J-Basses and kept them under his bed... For 23 years.. So, there I was with this cool bass that sounded great, looked wonderful and I was feeling pretty pleased with myself..especially as the JV series was becoming more sought after. Trouble was, I never played it.. So for 18 months it just sat there in it's case looking wonderful but never used.. And that's because I was too scared of damaging it. So I put it back on Ebay with some very clear photos and I sold it to a collector and virtually doubled my money Around the same time, I bought a 1984 BC Rich Eagle on Ebay, also for £300. It duly arrived from the States looking like it had been very well gigged, it had plenty of battle scars and has plenty of 'mojo' and 'authenticity' about it.. I still have it, love the sound of it and wouldn't dream of selling it.. But the reason I kept the BC Rich, yet sold the Squier on is because the BC Rich is comfortable to use, I'm relaxed when I play it and so it brings out the best in me as a musician. It's not because the BC Rich has more mojo or authenticity than the Squier - they both had that in abundance to me - it's because it suits me better as a musician... Picking up another point made, I never think of the other people who've owned a bass before me either.. If a bass is old and sounds good (to my ears), then I believe it's because the quality of the workmanship, construction and parts (especially woods and pick ups) was superior at the time it was built to the production values in present day basses. And of course, I realise that might be a completely false assumption on my part.. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that I agree that owning older, vintage objects like basses, does cast a certain spell on us by putting us in touch with the past..And because we hold nostalgic views, feelings , perceptions etc about the past in relation to the present (especially with music which is so emotive anyway), we subconsciously give those vintage objects more value and importance.. And though I'm as guilty of that as the next person, I don't think that it's always about the perceived value of older authentic instruments... For example, I had a '66 Jazz that I sold without a moments thought some years ago simply because I didn't like it.. Sorry for rambling on a bit... but it's a very thought provoking thread !

[quote name='Shockwave' post='87671' date='Nov 13 2007, 12:10 AM']Is that a neck thru right there? And yes, It belonged to Lorne, I bought a Mock bass off of him and played the eagle whilst there, And fell in love, Wanted it for for over a year and got a chance to buy it, An offer i couldnt refuse, Sold practically half my collection to buy it. [/quote] Yes - it's a neck thru 1984 model, probably one of the early NJ (New Jersey models), though it doesn't say it on the headstock. I had a beautiful 1978 model like yours (stolen unfortunately) with that fantastic active circuit, but this one I have now is passive. But it's a great sounding bass nonetheless I thought I recognised it... You did the right thing buying it, that's for sure!

[quote name='Beedster' post='87778' date='Nov 13 2007, 10:40 AM']Got the bass back and Martin and his team did an awesome job. The headstock is immaculate. I'll post pics ASAP Chris[/quote] Look forward to that Chris! Haven't seen you on here that much lately - how are things?

[quote name='The Burpster' post='87791' date='Nov 13 2007, 11:26 AM']Nik, Shame... But of course the screw will come out provding you didnt solder it in! Its a damn shame your not a bit nearer me as I could have a go for you. I'm pretty confident it would work. Bob. PS hoping to hear from brother soon... Oh and PM me if you need any more tips on the above technique I'll give you my fone number incase you need more help![/quote] Hi Bob OK - will PM you... Thanks Nik

[quote name='DrGonzo' post='87683' date='Nov 13 2007, 12:47 AM']My general rule with FX loops is this... If it alters gain or tone, stick it before the pre amp, if its playing with the sound (i.e. delay, trem) stick it through the loop. Although them other dudesw is right, there's no better way of finding out than to f*ck about with it for a good couple of hours until you work out what way is best.[/quote] That makes perfect sense to me! Unfortunately, it isn't applicable in my case as I'm using a multi-fx unit for all those different things..

[quote name='G-bitch' post='87805' date='Nov 13 2007, 12:00 PM']Those Peavey TVX cabs are ported to get a reall good extended low end - so it's more about the tuning than anything (in addition to the fact that they are well made with good components!). Only cab you'll find that beats it is the Ampeg SVT 410HLF, but for the money it ain't worth that tiny bit of extra oomph.[/quote] Thanks for that info - explains a lot! Seems these Peavey cabs are really good value then... But whatever, I like the sound which is what matters most in the end.

[quote name='Shockwave' post='87583' date='Nov 12 2007, 09:29 PM']Not enough love for BCRs on the forum. Here is my Custom shop Eagle. Used at 2004 winter Naam on the BCR stand. It was made in 2003. Full electrics, Top notch top quality and all the extras. Some people have commented on the white pickup covers not really fitting the bass. But i have an appreication for the 80's Its all mahagony Neck Thru with Walnut stringers, Ebony board. The best bass i have ever owned.[/quote] Great looking bass! Did it used to belong to Lorne? +1 to all you said about 'not enough love for BCRs on the forum'; they may look a bit different to the norm but in my experience, they are often amazing sounding basses... Here's mine with it's 80s white Dimarzios!! Nik

[quote name='The Burpster' post='87533' date='Nov 12 2007, 07:41 PM']Nik, How good are you with solder? I was going to suggest heating the brass part and putting a small amount of solder on one cleaned side of it. Whilst its still molten, wipe of the solder leaving a very fine residue (or 'tinning') on the surface. it should no longer fit the hole of teh saddle. Put the saddle in your domestic oven on its hottest setting and let it come up to temp. Put the tinned brass insert in teh freezer. When they are both at their extremes of temp. (wearing gloves) take the brass insert out and with a spare screw in it (all the way in so all the threads are used) Gently tap it into the saddle. let it all come to room temp and should be locked in place..... Bob.[/quote] The honest answer Bob, is 'crap'! But I'm so impressed by your idea that I might have a go.. What's puzzling me is whether the screw will then come out when everything has returned to room temperature? Nik

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='87505' date='Nov 12 2007, 06:49 PM']I've found that it pays to experiment. I've had amps that sound better with effects placed before the amp and yet I can't even do that with the TF which has to use the effects loop. My pedals sounded better in the loop of my H&K but the Tech amp sounds better with them in the front! Not trying to be condescending but there is no absolute 'right and wrong' just go with your own judgement.[/quote] Good point! And I hadn't thought of that to be honest. I guess we're all looking for absolutes when it comes to our gear, music etc? I'd better do some experimenting then....

[quote name='jacko' post='87617' date='Nov 12 2007, 10:31 PM']p.s. macca is a bloody good bass player. it's pretty hard playing his lines with conviction AND singing over them![/quote] Macca's basslines are really unique for the era I think.. He was very musical and melodic and I think if it was ever possible to hear a mix of the Beatles tunes without his basslines, you'd suddenly realise how good they are! As for Heather Mills, there aren't words that even come close to describing how superficial and phoney she appears to be.. How she can think that British people will have any sympathy with her I don't know? Macca's contribution to the world = writing some of the best and most popular songs of the 20th Century. Heather Mills contribution to the world = getting voted off an American Ballroom Dancing show and pissing off everybody who knows her, works with her or reads about her. No contest! Sorry for straying off topic but this kind of thing really infuriates me!

[quote name='The Burpster' post='85118' date='Nov 7 2007, 08:32 PM']I've seen this advertised before by them ........ The bits that get me are:- i) it works..... ii) it has a case? These guys must've been out the back of the shop smokin' when they came up with this idea..... [/quote] Or, for those of us who are old enough to remember, they must have been watching that 60's show Land of the Giants, or the Kenny Everett 'big hands, praise the lord' sketch

[quote name='steve-norris' post='87014' date='Nov 11 2007, 07:52 PM']Looks like a gotoh 206 to me, great bridge, might be worth looking at warmoth they had a few of these bridges still in stock fairly cheap, other wise good luck as i think they may be discontinued. [url="http://www.warmoth.com/hardware/bridges/bridges.cfm?fuseaction=bridges_gotoh_206"][url="http://www.warmoth.com/hardware/bridges/br...idges_gotoh_206"]http://www.warmoth.com/hardware/bridges/br...idges_gotoh_206[/url][/url][/quote] That looks like the one Steve, thanks. I'll get in touch with them and see what I can find out.. [i]"Nik, have you taken the saddle off and flipped it over? I can only think that they out a brass insert in to allow it to articulate. I would have thought there was some means of retention for that bush/insert that may have just come undone. If not and it is just a plain insert that fits into the sadle without articulating I have no idea why they did it but an idea for re fixing it.[/i]" Hi Bob, yes I've taken the saddle off but couldn't see how the brass insert stayed put.. I should have looked at the others really for clues but I needed the bass in a useable state as I had a run of 4 gigs... But as Pbassred says: [i]"Sounds like a job for epoxy or loctite (not superglue!) . Could you post some pictures for a better angle? Preferably with the brass part withdrawn from the bridge completely. The fact that you have one piece inside another piece means that something held it together in the first place."[/i] Something must have held it together in the first place..?? My plan had always been to get Graham Wheeler my local luthier to set up the bass and as I've now got 2 weeks before my next gig, I'm going to do that on Wednesday and see what Graham says when he takes it apart. In the meantime, I'll check out that Warmoth/Gotoh link of Steves.. It's amazing how tricky a little problem like this can be to sort out, especially when parts or basses have been discontinued!! If I get any time to take more detailed pictures tomorrow or Tuesday, I'll post them up.. Thanks for the help folks.. Will let you know what happens later in the week. Nik

Simply stunning! For what it's worth, I'm with the 'leave it as is' crowd on this one...

Hi Folks, just wondering if anyone has a view on which is the better way to use your Fx in a chain: 1) bass > compressor > amp > amp send > Fx > amp return or 2) bass > compressor > Fx > amp I just tried option 1) for the first time and to my ears, it sounded cleaner. But having done 4 gigs over the last 2 weekends, I'm feeling pretty tired so wonder if my judgement is as it should be? My Fx unit is a Zoom B2 1.u, compressor is a DBX MC 6 and amp is a GK 700 RB.. Thanks Nik

[quote name='stingrayfan' post='86934' date='Nov 11 2007, 05:03 PM']Parcelforce have it held to ransom until I give them 69 quid. Hopefully pick it up in the week.[/quote] That really annoyed me when I first shipped a bass in from the States!! Another time, Parcelforce charged me £13 to 'let me have' the DBX MC 6 compressor that I had bought for £25!! Hopefully it'll all be worth it once you've got it [i]"It sounded immense! The T-max is probs the best sounding amp I've used to be honest." "used my afore mentioned 2x2x10's with a T-max. Great amp. The pre amp valve was really cool cos it had a pre and post gain so you could really fine tune how hard the valve was driven. Probably getting quite hard to find now."[/i] That's high praise indeed! I saw one on Ebay a while back but it was pretty tatty and too far away to check out in person, so I didn't bid... Hmm, I might keep looking around now after what you've had to say.. Thanks!

Here you go: [url="http://www.gbguitars.co.uk/"]http://www.gbguitars.co.uk/[/url] Last I heard they were about £750 new...

[quote name='man_at_arms84' post='86853' date='Nov 11 2007, 01:23 PM']I use a 410TVX with a peavey 1X15. I used to use it with a Peavey Tmax amp and sounded phenominal. Recently having troubles with mine,using a sunn 1200s but thats probs my own fault, as the person I bought the rig off played it fine for 5 years. Excellent cab. (until recently!)[/quote] That's quite a rig to lug around!! bet it sounds good though... What are the T-Max amps like? I've always fancied one because of the twin channel facility and I like peavey gear generally.. Isn't it a tube pre-amp?

[quote name='NickThomas' post='86818' date='Nov 11 2007, 11:50 AM']Shame there's no more details . I'd like to know who's playing etc[/quote] Nick, you can ring Dave Barnard on 07933 177780 if you want more info (got his number from the Portland's website). Hope all's well with you BTW? Nik

[quote name='stingrayfan' post='86794' date='Nov 11 2007, 10:35 AM']Cab sounds great. I look forward to making you a really low offer for it, when it appears in the 'For Sale' section in three months time. [/quote] Sarcasm is of course, the lowest form of wit Matt, even if what you say is most likely to be true!! It does sound bloody good with the GK head and the Roscoe Beck though; so much so I haven't used the Lakland with it yet! In fact, the switching on the RBV reminds me of your G&Ls and on that note, any sign of the new L2000 yet? Nik

[quote name='jhk' post='86804' date='Nov 11 2007, 11:03 AM']Its probably too late notice for most ,however,looking through my friday`s brighton Argus this morning there`s an interesting listing. Bass players masterclass at `The Portland Rock Bar` in brighton Sunday 11th November from 1 p.m. onwards ........... admission £3.00. There is a contact number of 07933 177780.It does not say who is there. I do not have anything to do with this event so it`s up to others if they feel they want to investigate. Hopefully this is the right place to post this! I`ll have a look myself as I live in the area. Apologies if this is listed elsewhere and I`ve just given everyone a dose of `told you so!`[/quote] It's being run by a very well-known bass player in the Brighton area called Dave Barnard.. The Portland has a lot of live music on and Dave plays there regularly so it's kind of 'home from home' for him. Before I joined my band (Burning Organ) I saw Dave dep for them at the Portland last year and he's really good... I heard about it from Mervyn who has a shop in Worthing called 'Amps n Bits' and he's going there to sell and buy lots of bass gear. Mervyn has lots of Ernie Ball stuff (including some Stingrays/Subs) on the go as well as some vintage goodies too, which is his forte. Might pop down there myself as it's only 30 minutes by car and I've some speakers I really need to sell, Nik

Very nice collection but the Ric and the black P-bass really do it for me!