Stub Mandrel

If you try to play by ear rather than by eye, you will be astonished to disvover you play major thirds a bit flat and minor thirds a bit sharp. But only when playing slowly, when playing fast you end up using muscle memory. Tip, if in doubt go a touch flat and slide up for the mwah. Sharp and slide down doesn't sound as good.

It's asking me for a logon?

Founded by four ex-Marshall staff. https://blackstaramps.com/about-blackstar/

Check that out.

My first cab was a 1x18. It was unwieldy and very heavy... with the German eagle on in this photo.

I have a 4W Blackstar Fly and their bass Amplug. Both excellent. Our Rhythm guitarist has an Blackstar amp. Apparently their techs are ex-Marshall.

Next saturday... a 'young' venue apparently, with a tricky drop off. Hmmm.

"The number of transactions see BIM20230 Systematic and repeated transactions will support ‘trade’."

Went to a 'new' studio last night. 8:30 start which meant a late finish 😞 I'd spent the whole day feeling really out of sorts. Use their Ashdown amp a 4x10 combo and struggled to get anything better than mud out of it. Also, massive output difference between my passive 5 and my active Sire, despite the Sire being set to be close to passive bass output levels, which I've never noticed before. On the way home, I wondered if High and Low meant 'high and low impedance' rather than 'high and low output' basses'? Whoops. Despite our last gig being a belter in terms of audience reaction, we felt we were ragged, not having all played together for three months. In particular we got some feedback that we weren't playing the 5/4 bits of White Room. After spending more time discussing it than the length of the song and nearly dumping it, I said something along the lines of 'for god's sake let's play it and if we get it right, we keep it'. Of course, we all got it spot on. Less discussion about other songs, and other than me finding an extra bar in New Sensation, we pretty much nailed all the songs that had tripped us up. We also had another go at Hysteria and although not ready to gig, we now know we can do it. To my astonishment, the lead guitarist actually commented that the drummer and I had locked together! I think my suggestion that he emphasises 'the 1' helps. It's still scary though. Now waiting for a new gas meter... tracking says the guy has been parked round the corner for 45 minutes, so I guess he's having an extended lunch break...

The case of the cased in cases in-case cases.

I bought an Artcore. I had been thinking of spending £££ on a Gretsch and tried Ibanez out in a little shop in Ross on Wye. I asked the price and though the guy was joking at first! (N.B. little local shop had the same price as online sellers too!) I made a few changes - a Grestch pickup and a green 80s Di Marzio (mostly hidden in a brass cover), a set of Klusons off a Gibson my brother had replaced with better aftermarket ones 🤣 and a 335-style pickguard. In all honesty thee were mainly for looks/fun it was absolutely fine as supplied.

The venerable Snatch it Back play it regularly 😁

Me too, as well, also.

My basses cost me between £60 and £2k. I love them all 😍

That's a matter of opinion and I think a habit or automatic assumption based upon relative quality available about 10 years ago. Well, maybe because I only gig 30-40 times a year then I don't wear them out as quickly as you To be honest, I thought the same. I have a 25 year old Squier bass with all original hardware. The hardware on my 40th anniversary is very good. Thinking about it... my go to had become my Flea signature, as it is such a low stress instrument to play. But of late I'm increasingly turning to my Sire. I've recently realised I am playing my £70 Harley Benton kit P-bass with a £30 Squire neck because it's so nice to play and it sounds killer...

Is it good for metal?

Dean Markley bronze 11s or even 10s.

Don't rub it in 😪

A top of the range Sire will leave change in your pocket and a dmile on your face.

Body armour under your t-shirt.

It depends on many things. But I would say play lots of new and s/h basses in the 800-1500 cost range and see which one you love most. I have real range of basses... most significant skill is knowing when to put a bass back on the hanger. The only one I regret not buying was a lovely 60s WEM bass for 700... there are some incredible older non-fender bass deals out there.

Seems well designed to me. Left and right follow the sides and the bevel line. Top curve continues across the neck and reflects the bottom of the body. Bottom is the only line not related to the body and is different enough not to look misaligned. Much better than a Grabber or a Ric.

Are ramps still a thing? They seemed to be a passing fad a few years back.

The Uberhorn is nice but 2k...

Yes electrically identical but as HZ says there may be practical advantages.