fingerz

[quote name='Dazzlovski' post='1085321' date='Jan 11 2011, 11:51 AM']Hi Fingerz I have a great active bass (the NYC Sadowsky with VTC has all the boost that I need) , and my attraction to the Celinder was purely [i]physical[/i] rather than me needing a passive alternative. I know that there are combinations of passive PUPs/Active Circuitry and visa-versa in many basses, but never having had a passive bass (of any quality), a good deal of research seemed like a bright idea, considering the depth of experience on here too. I've looked at J-Update 4's in the past and considered that using one side-by-side with the Sadowsky may offer me little contrast, so I was looking for a classic looking bass, modern twist, great rep. Passive Precision-4 is what I'm looking at at the minute, with their own PUPs on board.. Frustratingly very little info on Celinders out there that I can find too... May come to nothing , but GAS is a terrible thing ! [/quote] Ah. Well, the passive Celinders are supposed to be fantastic - but it's all subjective. I know someone who had a Classic P and still thinks it's the best bass he owned. They have the modern twist looks wise but are very vintage sound wise. He uses older woods for those basses. I don't think you can beat the old Fenders for that sound but the Celinders are a modern instrument so it's amazing what he achieves tonally with them as they are comparable to vintage stuff IMO. If I hear of any I'll let you know. But if not there are lots of P basses around and with the sort of money I imagine a Celinder going for you could have your pick of the bunch.

[quote name='bubinga5' post='1085093' date='Jan 11 2011, 02:01 AM']<<QUOTE>>> Active is the pickups, going through a pre amp in the bass then out into the amp. Sorry to be a nerd Fingerz, but this is not true.... An active bass (unless you have an EMG style active pickup) gets its boosted signal from the preamp.. The pickups are just a microphone for the preamp to process..[/quote] That's what I said! The pre is the 'Active bit' (like you say) - Just wrote the signal chain which has obviously been misinterpreted - my bad writing skills!

[quote name='Dazzlovski' post='1084941' date='Jan 10 2011, 10:21 PM']Bubinga5, yeh... that's the stuff. I'll check it out... The thing I have my eye on is a Celinder, so I'm not expecting it to be completely lifeless. I suppose I'm still confused why a bass (such as your Custom Shop Jazz) benefited so much tonally by adding the redeemer which is not technically a pre-amp. Why don't they just fit things like this at the factory ? Is it cost ? Or is there something about the passive un-boosted signal that appeals to the purists out there ? That's exactly what I'm looking for, a passive with oomph... (or is that technically an active bass ?) Am I also right in thinking that only active circuitry allows you to boost certain frequencies on the EQ , but passive only allows you to cut the treble/HF ?[/quote] Firstly with levels - Active basses GENERALLY have a higher output. It's a simple case of setting the input gain to the right level for whatever you're plugging in. Re Active circuitry: Lots of circuits allow you to adjust the frequencies you boost or cut via a 'sweep' knob on the body or trim pots within the cavity. You then bring the circuit (pre amp) in when you boost those frequencies. With Passive; the 'Tone' knob set to it's full position is the open sound of the Pickups. As you wind that back you're basically knocking down the pickup tone depending on what capacitor is governing the tone pot. I really love passive sound. Active is the pickups, going through a pre amp in the bass then out into the amp. There are only a few really useful pre amps out there in my opinion. Both really do have their pros and cons. It's purely personal. Which Celinder are you looking at btw? I've heard great things about his passive 'classic' basses..

[quote name='jonboi' post='1084963' date='Jan 10 2011, 10:40 PM']Hi there i was wanting my status bass re lacqered etc, im based in essex was wondering if anyone can recomend ( appart from status) thanks..[/quote] I know a lot of the luthiers in the UK out source their colouring/lacquering to companies who do classical instruments/roulette wheels and the like.. If you can't find one near you (sorry I can't help with this) it may be worth calling some of the luthiers (The Gallery,Camden/GB guitars, Brighton) to see if they can help. I think it's quite straight forward but you need to know that whoever you trust with your bass is gunna get it right!

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' post='1078754' date='Jan 5 2011, 04:29 PM']I use the pickups as my thumb rest They are all straight and not abnormal going over the pickups. Pickups are nice and flat. It was on two different basses i had the dull E problem. The pickups are fairly close to the strings[/quote] If it's on two different basses then it must either be whatever you're plugged into, leads or a dodgy batch of strings?? Mustn't it?

Wow, this is a can of worms eh? Is it like it all the way up the E string? or just open? and, is the bass active? I would: Unplug it and listen to it acoustically. If it's noticeable still - can of worms, specially as you've had it with two sets of strings. If the pickups are too close then the magnetic pull will effect the string, the E is the biggest so will have most effect. Are they close to the strings? If it's not noticeable acoustically then it must be an electrical/pickup issue... Interesting..

Hi Alan, There's no probs with this set up.. Only that some cabs/speakers need to be driven quite hard to achieve the best tone. The speakers in the cab you're talking of would be really highly rated so you're not going to be able to drive them that hard. So, have a listen - if it sounds good then great! The plus side of course is that everything will be operating well within it's boundaries so you will have happy gear in that respect.

[quote name='ThomBassmonkey' post='1065912' date='Dec 21 2010, 04:55 PM']I went down to BD a while back and although Mark seemed nice, he quickly disappeared into his office for a phone call for over 20 minutes leaving me stuck in the shop holding a bass. I work in a guitar shop sometimes and I know how annoying it is when people help themselves to gear, especially expensive stuff, so in the end I just felt very uncomfortable and left. I very much doubt that it was deliberate, but it was an hour drive each way resulting in me getting to try out one bass and feel very awkward. The frustrating part was that there was a Lakland JO in at the time (that is on this forum now) that I was considering buying on the day, I ended up waiting and getting a Sandberg instead.[/quote] There's no way this situation is deliberate, Mark's not like that at all. I also understand your reasons for not helping yourself to some basses... But in that shop, nearly everything is high end! And obviously Mark is more than happy for you to try stuff out. I would kill for 20 mins with that shop to myself! Lol. Knowing Mark, I would've just hung out and waited for a cup of tea to turn up whilst trying some nice gear. I totally understand you were after the service, but it's not easy as a one man band in a niche shop. Mark often makes appointments for this very reason, so he can give you his time. Maybe next time eh? Those Sandbergs do look nice btw, maybe I'll check some out...

Hi mate, Well, I had a pleasant experience when ordering my cover. I thought it was well priced (custom made), and good quality, turned up pretty quick. I guess I got lucky? But, I've given up chasing the paperwork that I need for tax purposes. They were pretty awful in that respect, so it seems thats true to form for the Silverstone service. The thing is, my cover (full zip around job), is by far the best I've seen without going to hard cases. It's well padded, and tough as old boots, looks pretty smart too. far better protection than the alternatives who do a relatively thin cover. I think you've done the right thing product wise, it's a shame they've been so rubbish and I don't think a good product should excuse sloppy service. I'd keep on and on trying them and kick off a bit. They have a bad rep in this dept. But i'm sure, when it turns up you'll be happy with it. Total b*tch that you tore your cab recently, bugger!

It sounds like a similar issue to one I had once . Does the 'ping' sound like the plucking of the string between the nut and the machine head? Very taught area but if you pluck there you'll get the idea. Mine was due to the nut not taking all the vibration out of the string - this could be for a couple of reasons: Break angle too small - Try winding string further down the tuning post. Nut set up - Gully (can't think of correct term!) for the string is too wide or deep. Maybe if you've put lighter strings on recently this could have caused it.. It should really only be a simple set up problem if it's any of the above. Like all these things, that's my 2 pence worth. It could be coming from a load of different areas of the bass to be honest, but worth checking this out... Also check that fret is sat flush to the finger board. Process of elimination I expect !

I'm really a four string guy, after years of 5 string playing, I really found my sound on a 4 string. 5 strings are like a necessary evil for me, and useful tools for many gigs and styles... I have been multi-stringed in the past and feel I have nothing to prove in that respect, I'd much rather play with a sound I love. It's probably a vintage thing. Guys into modern tones will play 5's all the time, a no brainer decision for versatility. Vintage/Old school guys will plod around on 4 strings mostly I expect.

I had the pleasure of being involved in a workshop setting and gig some years ago now, with Nitin in charge. We rehearsed under his guidance and got to play songs with him of his and our own. I couldn't get my head around how much of a monster musician he was on many different instruments, yet keeps total sight of music as a whole and the importance of playing with meaning and conviction. Amazing musician, one of the best and most open minded out there IMO. Bad Ass!

Yes, defo second the Pino comment. Always on top form, plays for loads of different artist all of which are 'hip' and give him the space to be himself - why wouldn't you?! Also, I think Tom Barney has great gigs - lots of variety, and a sound to die for.

I've had good experience with their customer services too. Really good support when my old amp head went funny. Good to see it's a common experience!

Hi Ben, just logged on and saw this.. It's out of my hands now i'm afraid... The guy doing it seemed pretty sorted for the run... I could PM you his no if you want to make contact, but it seemed pretty unlikely he needed cover unfortunately.. All the best for now mate.

Hello mate, Speaking from experience, the best place to look after it would be the Gallery in Camden: [url="http://www.thebassgallery.com/"]http://www.thebassgallery.com/[/url] Martin in the workshop is the electronics guy and is a total pro. None of the sucking air through teeth malarky we've all had in the past! A lot of people depend on them to look after their instruments and they always do a fantastic job, and talk sense. Hope that helps, Cheers

I strongly recommend checking out Silverstone covers. They made me a zip around cover for my cab and it was a one off. Sent them measurements, job done. The reason they are worth checking out is that they use a thick padded material which really protects your gear as oppose to the usual thin slip over stuff. I've not seen an other brand who make them so substantial as these ones. Google them and you should get them, worth a look a least.

(I'd have that P Bass in a heartbeat!)

[quote name='matski' post='1026770' date='Nov 17 2010, 12:05 PM']Ok guys, thanks for all the advice. Funny how a lot of people slag off the late 70s Fender Ps, yet when push comes to shove the general opinion is 'keep it'! [/quote] I think the thing is that a P bass, to a lot of people, is not as exotic as a Sadowsky. Some comments are based on Value and looks, rather than sound a playability. If you love the P bass thing then don't expect the Sadowsky to float your boat in the same way. Both sound great, but are different basses, one doesn't 'upgrade' from the other if you see what I mean.

The basses you're comparing are realy different.. The Sadowsky is called a UV based on it's large body shape and old school styling. I think they have single coils, if not it's an option for sure. But sadowsky are modern sounding basses so don't expect old school thump and growl. Though they are fantastic, I don't think it takes the concept of your p bass further - repeating whats been said above - different animals. Good luck, and it's not a bad position you're in!

I think icastle makes a really good point above. Fenders were getting a bit common in the 80's and people looked elsewhere, probably for appearance reasons more than anything else initially. I own an 80's Jazz and urge anybody looking for that old school tone to look around at them. Fantastic bass, done loads of gigs with it, sounds amazing, action is the best I've played. I think the fact that people had more options in 80's took the iconic factor away from Fender form that period slightly.

Thick Poly lacquers protect the body best, it makes sense to coat a body in the stuff when mass producing. Cellulose lets the wood age easier but isn't so protective as it's thin and can go wrong easily when applying - so is not so common... I think a good sounding instrument can have either finish IME. But it does make sense to have timbers that can age and improve over time for me, if you can be careful with the finish that is! Minefield

The question of sound is purely personal. The GB circuit/Pups give a very modern sound accross the board. I did play one with single coils which was a bit more vintage-y - it's all totally custom so that's all up to you. Like i say, very modern sounding basses, powerful eq etc. They balance very well and are exeptionally well made. I owned one for 3 1/2 years and it was totally dependable. + when the builder is on the same island as you there is always gunna be good back up, which bernie delivers all the way. If the basses speak to you, then I think the service, craftsmanship and options are exceptional. You really have to know what you want with these things..

This gig is sorted now. Thanks.