imaccer

I bought mine about a year ago. I don't play it as much as I'd like (I wouldn't want to turn into a drummer ), but it's nice for practising timing (and a bit of meditation). It's not cheap, I suppose it depends what you want it for.

Sting - for showing that a bass is not a guitar (Lynott, Quattro, etc, I didn't notice the instrument) Paul Simonon - for making me want to play Bruce Thomas - for making me want to practise Duck Dunn - for showing that less is more Sibyl Buck - for reminding me about what I'd always wanted

They've played here twice, Dec 2007 and Dec 2008, 'supporting' Brian Jackson. Nice guys and excellent musicians - if you get the chance go and see them. [url="http://www.myspace.com/fastthree"]http://www.myspace.com/fastthree[/url]

[quote name='Absolute-beginner' post='620301' date='Oct 8 2009, 11:05 AM']I imagine if there are any bassists here without a gig it must be because they don't want one. Hmm, thats not strictly true or fair! I'm still learning and when I feel confident enough in my playing I'll give it a go, just not yet! SOON![/quote] The sooner the better! If not gigging, then at least playing/rehearsing in a band. I was conned into joining a combo (only roots and fifths they said!) but I soon realised that what I couldn't do at rehearsal (the 'fiddly' bits), I could practise at home for the next week. Then, when you put it all together and play live it's ... indescribable Just do it.

Last week I was in Burgos, Spain, and I went to Dr. Music/Dr. Bass (www.doctorbass.net). Joaquín was busy with another customer at first, but his assistant got the basses I wanted to try (a Spector Performer and a TRB1004). They were given to me tuned and well set up. I was left for as long as I wanted and offered many more basses to try (I tried a Maruszcyk Elwood). When Joaquín was free, we spent a long time talking about the basses and amps in his shop, their design, the pros and cons, etc. Again, I was offered the chance to try [i]any[/i] bass I wanted. Athough I had decided on the TRB, due to unforseen circumstances, I no longer had the money to buy it and I said I'd try to go back in the autumn to get it if it was still for sale. Today I got an email giving me first refusal as someone was interested in the Yamaha. It's nice to be taken seriously as a customer, especially when you don't have a wallet full of cash. If you're in Spain, visit Burgos; it's a beautiful city on the Camino de Santiago (St. James Way) if you're a Christian, and a mecca if you're a bass player Guys, if you take the wife there's a hairdresser's nextdoor. Girls, there's a great selection of basses!

[quote name='chris_b' post='529061' date='Jun 30 2009, 09:39 PM']+1. That explains why I'm no good at tapping; you can drive a London bus under my strings!![/quote] That explains the state of my fretboard 3mm at the 12th.

Cheers, but I've got a switchcraft on order from my local shop (should be here midweek). I'll be getting another volume pot when I've got my head round the wiring and feel a bit more confident . I've put more masking tape round for the moment. Thanks, Ken

[quote name='bassman2790' post='524506' date='Jun 26 2009, 08:29 AM']If you look closely at my avatar, you'll see that my BB415 now has two volume controls and one tone control. [b]I used the wiring diagram for a standard Fender Jazz from this [url="http://www.fender.co.uk/support/wiring_diagrams_parts_lists.php"]site[/url] as a guide[/b]. My BB414 has had the switch replaced with the almost indesctructible Switchcraft one, freely available on eBay for a few quid. I've replaced the switches in all 3 of my BB414's because each of them broke (except the latest which was was replaced before it had chance to)[/quote] Thanks Bassman, I'll whip the cover off tomorrow and see if I can suss it out . Aesthetically, I prefer the idea of an extra volume control - but if not, I'll put in a new switch (the one I have is already taped up to stop it falling apart). Cheers

[quote name='51m0n' post='525103' date='Jun 26 2009, 07:05 PM']Hey I admit I put the phone down and said "F*** You Then!" at that point, does that count as being professional still? Felt great [/quote] Putting the phone down before saying what you think is always professional

Has anyone replaced the flimsy selector switch (they had to save money somewhere) with a blend pot? What pot do I need? etc. Thanks.

'improved' they say. I'll just 'improve' my Earl Grey by urinating in it

[quote name='OldGit' post='511706' date='Jun 12 2009, 12:17 AM']Well you don't look too phazed and [b]it will be a lot easier next time[/b] ...[/quote] I certainly got a confidence boost from it, next time I'll try to smile and look at the audience (and play) - maybe all at the same time

Here's me from my first gig - last night. Couldn't stop shaking until half-way through the third song, unfortunately it was only a three-song set . [attachment=26902:PICT0050.JPG] [attachment=26903:PICT0059.JPG]

Welcome to the BB414-strung-with-flats fan club I've had TIs on mine for more than a year and will replace them with the same (if they wear out before I do). Yes, much more than 'thud'. I play Come Together with the neck pickup and I get a lovely tone (puts own trumpet back in box). Edit for thud

Good Luck! You'll be fine. BTW, mine's next Wednesday