spongebob

Stranglers '77-'82.....effortlessly cool.

I do think it's quite hard now, around here as well. Very few people looking. I'm certainly quite picky, but even I wasn't, there still isn't too much about. I started my potential return a few months back, and I've still not got around to getting another bass yet, given the lack of opportunity. About 10 years ago, you could leave a band at tea time, and be in 3 more by lunch the next day! Good days. Stick with it, OP, if you're heart is in it. I'm not sure mine is, TBH!

I bought a guitar practice amp from Glenn Tillbrook from Squeeze. He was selling on rural supermarket's notice board (it was 1997). I traded it in a few years later - didn't know it was him until I got there to collect. Also had a Ricky 4001 that was owned by the bassist from The Luddites. Who? Exactly! They did appear on The Tube in 1983, did a Peel Session, and released some singles - all with said instrument. Bass was, sadly, a bit of a dog's brekkie - and even following some extensive restoration work, it still needed more. I moved it on (explaining its provenance), so no idea where it is now. It was rapidly becoming the bass equivalent of Trigger's broom. I bought it because it was a '74, and a good price at the time. The provenance was simply interesting, as it was nice to know the history.

Few more worthy of mention - Simon Underwood - The Pop Group Jez Kerr - A Certain Ratio Larry Cassidy - Section 25 Glad Dave Allen of the GO4 is already up there. Phenomenal.

+1 on The Gallery. Sold a few through them, they've got such a wide customer base.

Saw Motorhead 3 times, one in particular, Folkestone 1989, left me with tinnitus for days. I was still at school then, which made life a bit of a challenge! Awesome gig, though.....one of my top 3 without a doubt. I was inches from them. Also Dinosaur Jr. twice, both in Brighton. Sensibly, I took earplugs both times. IIRC, their website suggested you did so! Might still do (this was 2009 and 2013). Either J. Mascis' stacks are empty, or he must seriously have good ear defenders. It was huge!

I had a similar experience in recent days with another well-known bass shop. Near 50 year old bass, over 2k....some sparse detail on their side, and a few pics. I emailed asking a few direct questions, after all, who would spend anything like that before knowing more? Instead, got a very brief email back, virtually same text as the web description, no detailed answers or extra pics as requested. Very disappointing.

Those Player series colours are fab. They should give some of US ones some shades like that.

At 11, I was just getting into saving up for my own records. Had a few, not many. Had The Who, The Monkees, Adam &;The Ants...quite a selection. They were quite pricey...£4.99 for an album on vinyl in my local Woolies. I remember going in there, early Summer, to buy an LP. Choices were 'Born In The USA', 'No Jacket Required', and 'Cupid & Psyche 85'. All in the top 10 that week. I liked, from memory, a song off of each. Looking back, this turning point was far more dangerous than I believed at the time.....! Luckily, I went Boss. Next few years saw me becoming quite a fan, although I've not listened to him in years. I am forever grateful that I didn't pick either of the other two....one in particular.....an 11 year old going Phil? How that could have ended scares me now!

I love the Dead up to and including '72, when Pigpen was still in the band. Less keen on the stuff afterwards, TBH....I always think he kind of kept them grounded (well, a bit, anyway....) A lot of the live stuff with him is super. The 'Festival Express' film has got some great footage of them....their version of 'Hard To Handle' is a masterclass in covers.

It's a right pain! I'd much rather buy used....don't want new at all.....it's just really hard finding anything I want at a sensible price. Looking daily at the usual suspects....here, Bass Direct, Cool and Classic (don't really know of any others?) I'm not keen on the new prices, either....I just can't justify it, even to myself!

Thanks chaps. Still thinking about it.... Also deliberating about using Bax. Had a B stock item a few years back, and was as new. Some good savings in there. Returns policy was fine before....although not sure now with Brexit?

So Peach Guitars for the win so far!

I was having an online chat with Guitar Guitar this morning about a potential few purchases, one being a bass. I asked the chap if any of the instruments are checked before they get sent (previous experiences elsewhere of items arriving clearly flawed). I was told that everything they sell is checked and set-up. Anybody got any recent experience of using them? Is this the case? Couldn't find any mention of this anywhere. I can't them telling fibs about it, but having not used them in years, I really wouldn't know! Incidentally, same bass is at Peach Guitars, and they also maintain that every instrument is checked and set.

Another +1 for The Gallery. I've sold a few through there. My last two basses ended up in New Zealand and the US courtesy of their extensive customer base. I love the fact of leaving it there, and forgetting about it until the sale. Totally hassle free, and well worth the commission for me.

Thanks chaps, really appreciated! Glad to here I'm not alone in this - it's funny how taking the plunge back in, is in fact harder than quitting in the first place. I've been kind of forced into a short period off work at the mo, and that's what got me thinking. I did try vinyl collecting in my bass-break, but that didn't go that well, so it's been sold. I'm kind of back at where I left off - and that's the hard bit. Wish I had a time machine to see how things will end up, as I'm not mad on throwing a pile of cash at something which may prove fruitless. It's me, I know!

Hi BC'ers! I've been out of the bass loop for around 18 months. I essentially grew tired of my own playing, the band I was in, just everything, really.....I really needed a break from it, so sold pretty much all my gear through the site here. No regrets. I've kept a look in occasionally, but obviously with COVID, all I've been doing is working 6 days a week, with no real interest in the bass world. However, of late, I've begun to look here on a daily basis.....browsing Bass Direct.....just getting a bit of a bug to play again. I'd done about 25-odd years before I stopped. An old drumming pal contacted me about some possible recording. Spotted a couple of items, the GAS has kicked in a little - I'd really like to almost start over, and really look at scales, technique, etc., which I never really bothered with before. Change my tone. My only problem that's holding me back is my own reservation - ie, the chances of playing out again post-COVID. Opportunities around here were drying up long before I stopped (part of my reason), and I couldn't face being just a home player. I've no interest in playing covers in pubs, either (done that xxxx times over). Not making this easy, am I?! Originals I love doing. Clearly, getting back in takes some cash, fine, but I'd want a decent bass - can't face anything less, as I'd only be selling it to upgrade weeks later! Apologies for the rambling post....I guess I'm just sounding out loud for some validation, and some ideas of what's possible looking forward. I feel I'm ready to start over, just a little hesitant that I'll end up back where I was before.

Sold Jack my Rumble amp. Jack's a new Basschatter, and very clearly a super addition to the community. Payment was instant, and super comms throughout the transaction. Deal with complete confidence! 😀