fingerz

Hi. So I have a briefcase type flightcase for my amp head. Saturdays gig saw the left locking latch fall off. Im sure a new one could be riveted on, I just have no experience of this type of thing and don't know what kind of business would sort this out for me. Any advise appreciated. I'm just near j18 m25 if any help. Thanks in anticipation. Fgz

Depending on the scale length and tension, I tend to go between DR 40-120 or 45-125. I like these gauges because they don't have a ridiculous B string, and there is consistency as all strings step up by the same amount. Unless you've got a 5 string with issues I don't really understand putting a telephone wire across the fingerboard (Massive novelty B string), and it not being relative to the rest of the strings.. 5 strings tend to have a different feel to the tension in the neck (obviously-more strings!) so it can be tricky getting the tension/sound you are happy with.

You need as many basses as you need. Right?

[quote name='thestick' timestamp='1337983742' post='1668466'] [attachment=108752:DSCF6462.jpg]Heres my new baby, Spitfire with olive ash facing. [/quote] Just stopped by to see some of Bernie's latest work - and blown away by the look of his basses as usual, this one is a beauty! Very unusual to have that kind of figuring on such a light timber. Awesome stuff.

From what I can see there are two options you can try quite easily, assuming that the bass is making the most of it's current set up (ie intonation correct, decent strings, nut correct depth): - Try a tapered string. This is a string that is thinner at the point it runs over the bridge saddle, meaning you have to raise the saddle and that the pressure point is smaller on the string itself. Both will increase tension slightly. or - Shim the neck. THis is only necessary if the whole bridge is set pretty low on all strings and still you have a fairly high action. SHimming the neck will require the bridge saddles to be set higher and increase tension that way. You will have to re-set the intonation if you do this, and if it's not what your bass needs, then it can make it play really badly, so check the set up requires it first. there's loads of guides online if you choose to do this. Also, just check that your pickup/s are not too far away from the E-string. If the pickups are not balanced against the string profile then this can give the illusion that a string sounds weak or faint in relation to the other strings. Hope that is some help ! Fgz

Hi there, Generally the Glock cabs are more efficient than the EBS. I have found EBS to have more of an inherent tonal character to their cabs, whereas the Glock cabs are always more transparent yet remaining fat and natural in their sound. Something I really like. For me, although both are great cabs, I would seriously consider making the investment on a Glockenklang or something like a Vanderkley. The only problem going to really neutral sounding cabs is that it can expose other elements of your gear that you don't like as it's so detailed! But in the long run this is a good thing I guess..! but if you're considering that price range/concept Vanderkley stuff is worth a look too. It's worth buying what you really like and then forgetting about it as it works out cheaper, so bare that in mind when you're listening to the gear.

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1332285754' post='1586274'] For an acoustic instrument this may be true. I wonder if the plastic casing on a Fender Rhodes has any effect. Or the mahogany case for a Hammond. [/quote] Ha, ok, well those parts are not transferring any tone directly out of the instrument. I mean, I've played many active basses, same preamp, pickups and woods but sound different. This is my point here..

If 'grind' is what your after/familiar with (I think that's 'growl' in my speak?!), then the Spector isn't going to give you that like the squire is anyway. Don't read too much, just go and play basses to see what you get on with.

If you want a 'killer' B then it already sounds like you are pretty set up with your GB gear - always amazing for that. And obviously 35" is good for that side of things, but IME drastically changes the rest of the strings.. The only reason I thought I'd chip in is because you say you are playing your Jazz bass a lot (4 string). I've just found a deluxe Fender 5 (Alder, R/w), and it truly feels and sounds totally in the same ball park as my 4 string old Jazz bass that I love. The preamp is fantastic too. I've had loads of high end gear, but really recommend playing these when you see one. I know there a lot of variations within these basses, and all the hand made stuff is amazingly assembled, but the feel and tone blows everything I've had out of the water. Wierd. just saying ...

Ok, so I'm a bit of an expert on this, or at least a geek fascinated with it. Firstly, one persons 'great' tone is another persons 'bad' tone so it's hard to talk about what is 'best'. And although each type of wood has it's characteristics, there are exceptions to that rule. Wood is never going to be an exact science.. All woods have a tone and resonate, and every piece will be slightly different. In my experience, the wood resonance (tone), is REALLY important. What a bass lacks in natural tone, NO preamp or pick up will compensate for. So if you except that the woods you choose are likely to sound WITHIN a certain tone window (luthiers know about what sounds like what so we don't need to go there), how can you determine the outcome? Answer, you can't be sure. A bass tone is a combination of all parts, if the body and neck/laminates/tops speak to you then great. For me, it always seems to be the combination of these parts and how they collectively resonate together that is where the magic is. In that respect, you can't be sure of any tone until it's built and done. Which is why I have always been happiest with basses that I have been able to play first rather than custom builds. But I feel that it's the combination of parts that sometimes work, sometimes don't. It depends on the sound too, I think on a really modern tone it's easier to depend on a preamp to generate a sound. This is all in my experience, and I'm sure some of you don't agree, but I do have experience in this side of things. It's a really interesting and baffling subject!

Nice playing, and good ears ! Thanks for sharing it man. J

[quote name='Gunsfreddy2003' timestamp='1332018363' post='1582273'] Is that Francis Hylton on the bass? If so he has put on a few pounds!! [/quote] No, it looks like Ernie McCone. He's been involved in loads of stuff including Galiano, Outside etc.. An amazing player. Mind blowing groove and feel, just never been in the limelight like some others. Check him out

I've always thought Tom Barney has an amazing tone. But ultimately, the best tone is your favorite one.. It's not for anyone to say what is best is it?