spongebob

Just sold a set of new D'addarios to Tom. We've dealt before (about 4 years ago now!) and Tom is as excellent and reliable as ever. Instant payment, great comms - deal with 100% confidence - thanks Tom!

Interesting stuff - many thanks! Lozz - I actually looked at the Zoom last year - looks very good, and not badly priced either. Good call. I suppose I'm just looking for a bit more control and grunt in my sound, I'm sticking a Ric through the Markbass mostly (occasionally P with flats, but I'm EQ'ing more with the Ric in mind).

It's taken me a long time to work out those filters! [size=4] [/size]

Going to treat myself for Christmas with a decent DVD to relax with following suitable refreshments on the 25th [i]and[/i] 26th! I don't really buy many music DVD's - any suggestions for any decent bass-related ones? I suppose I'm looking at the new Rush 'Clockwork Angels' one - got the audio, but went to the tour, so wouldn't mind the DVD. Other than that, maybe something Jaco/fusion related....or maybe something else?

I've had my 121P amp and New York cab since 2009. Only issue (so far) was a problem with the tweeter in the cab. Had to have it looked at and repaired when it was just over a year old. I like them - I bought them primarily for the weight. Easy to make a quick getaway LOL! I've never had any negative comments about my tone - and I've played a variety of basses through them, Fenders and Rics. The amp alone is no good at all IMHO - you need the cab in every situation. My only gripe is even the two together can still be a little lifeless and lack presence at times - but they are small and lightweight, so I guess that's the compromise. I've always found the EQ a right PITA - sometimes I've had to work really hard to get a decent tone. My previous amp was a very heavy Trace Elliott - never had the same issue with that, it always sounded massive....which the MB for me never has matched. Would I buy again? Don't know. I'm aware now of more manufacturers making similar equipment, probably cheaper. I'd probably take a drive up to Bass Direct and see what I could find! [size=4] [/size] [size=4]Hope this helps.[/size]

I was watching some Youtube stuff about tone, etc., and there was mention about pre-amps (Sansamp Tech 21?) I've been playing for about 20 years, and have never used one! Could somebody please explain what they do, and the point? I play direct into a Markbass 121P amp and New York cab - would a P.A. assist my tone in any way at all? For your average pub/club gigger, is there any benefit? I just assume that I EQ with the amp/head - I can't understand what a pre-amp would do. Sorry for being a dummy here - I'd just like to know more!

Interparcel - their standard services use UPS, and every experience I've had with them has been brilliant. You can insure as well, which I never fail to do if selling.

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1387023215' post='2307493'] This is a great post with some fantastic info in it. I think this deserves a sticky [/quote] +1. Loads of valuable links and info to refer to.

+1 great responses, I too am being educated! Do I assume that the yearly fee on say, Tunecore, mean that if you stop paying after the first year (for example), that your releases are removed from sale from the various sites? If this is the case, is a free site like Awal (suggested above) a better bet?

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1386948912' post='2306738'] Apparently, Geezer had just aquired that Rickenbacker in a swap deal done that night backstage with Glenn Hughes for a Gibson Thunderbird and decided to do the gig with it. [/quote] I read in a book written by a Sabs roadie that their stuff was stuck in customs, and that's why GH lent Geezer the Ric for that show. Like many rock stories, their seems to be multiple variations! I remember reading somewhere where Geezer denied ever using the Ric except for that one gig. I swear he's using a 4001 on parts of 'Never Say Die' - 'Junior's Eyes' for example, and from memory, some of the other songs as well.

On the Van Halen tip - got to be 'Women And Children First' for me, their best IMHO. 'Fair Warning' a close second. First two albums are stone-cold classics as well, but I think 'W&CF' just clinches it for me.

We're going to recording an EP just after Christmas, and will be putting it out digitally soon after. Artwork all ready to go! My last band did the same, but the 'band leader' took care of it, so my knowledge is limited. I think he uploaded through Tunecore - seemed to be quite quick and easy, and the stuff is still up there on Amazon, iTunes, etc. Saw some of it for sale in some place in America last week! Because he dealt with it and we split up, I've go no idea how many were ever sold, and never received a penny! Has anyone on BC done this? If so, any tips on the best 'seller' to go with? They all seem to be in $. Do I assume that once you pay the fee, it's available digitally forever through the normal sites? Any tips and experience welcome. [size=4] [/size]

My own fave - 'Tyranny And Mutation' by Blue Oyster Cult. I must know every note on this one! [size=4] [/size]

I didn't know that! I wonder who's bass it [i]really[/i] is then?

4004's are much more comfortable to play IMHO. I've had a few - a Laredo and 2 Cheyenne 2's. I found that I could get a 4003-esque sound with a bit of EQ'ing. To me, there a bit like a Ric on steroids! However, to me they just weren't me. I just prefer the older look and slab body.....but anybody coming from a different bass perspective would probably love them. They can be a snip second hand as well, as they remain quite a minor interest to most.

'Heaven And Hell' is indeed a great album. My fave Geezer records - 'H&H', and the much (in my book) underrated 'Never Say Die' - amazing playing on that one.

Saw him live in 1988, with Joe Lynn Turner (famous wig-sporter) on vocals. Great player, very dull gig, Encores went on forever, with just one mega-solo wig-out (sorry JLT) after another. I've still got a pick of his (he threw a load into the crowd) which I grabbed off the floor when everyone was leaving!

I recorded and watched the Nile Rodgers one - missed the series up until then - doh! Hope they repeat the first few soon. EW&F should be good. Only thing I wasn't too big on with Nile was the missing of about 30 years from his career - from Let's Dance, Bernard sadly passes away, and it's 2013 - following about 45 minutes on the 'early' period. Thought they could have covered a bit more. Then again, I suppose all his big production jobs were back in the 80's, so maybe there was genuinely less to cover since then?

There was a MIA P in the classifieds recently for about £650 - seen a few around that mark. I'd personally save a bit of extra and go for one of those - going on your description, it would fit the bill perfectly, and if that's what you're after, doesn't get much better. Otherwise you run the risk of not getting it quite right, and having to sell what you just bought.....I think everyone's been there! [size=4] [/size]

Lovely bass, congrats! Love the look of a Jazz bass, just wish I could play one - I've tried with a few, but we just don't fit together. Shame as they look and sound fabulous.

Even as a Ric-fan, it's a bass which I always suggest proceeding with caution, as the feel is totally unlike anything else. I had a few months away from them this year, and when I got another, it was odd at first, and I've been playing them for a good while! Like Mart said above, it's a Marmite bass, in the truest sense of the word. If the OP struggles with Ric ergonomics, then I would avoid - they haven't changed them (I personally like the shape and feel). I haven't got an idea on the other options, as the only basses I stay with are Rics and P's! [size=4] [/size]

I know a Luthier who told me that out of the box, the 'budget' basses are often better set up than the more 'boutique' (ie more expensive) ones. A case of maybe as well detailed above - if it plays well, people are more likely to buy it off the peg. Whereas a more expensive item you maybe have to be in the market for to start with?