The Bass Doc

[quote name='Sibob' post='686158' date='Dec 16 2009, 11:21 AM'][url="http://www.metasonix.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36"]http://www.metasonix.com/index.php?option=...=view&id=36[/url][/quote] Imagine having one of those amps and it stopped working - you'd have to post that the F***cking F***cker was f***cked.

[quote name='stevie' post='685694' date='Dec 15 2009, 08:47 PM']They sound like they were designed for guys in dresses.[/quote] In a recent meeting my band mates decided we needed some new material and I suggested gingham. Tumbleweeds were in evidence.

Yeah, Sounds Live deserve a good mention - it's owned and run by two bass players (allegedly).

[quote name='4 candles' post='685613' date='Dec 15 2009, 07:45 PM']When someone says string spacing is 17mm, what part of the bass is this dimention from?[/quote] Usually at the bridge - middle of string to middle of next string

[quote name='Huge Hands' post='685566' date='Dec 15 2009, 06:51 PM']Howard is.... common[/quote] How very dare you.

You'll have to try to remove it anti-clockwise - screwdriver across the flats? New ones are available from Fender (via Allparts). Don't know that square would work any better - we'd all need to have access to the right key whereas allen keys are already out there.

Ooops ^^^^^ forgot to say 'allegedly'.

[quote name='chardbass' post='685521' date='Dec 15 2009, 06:20 PM']Your 5 prototype had been brought in to college poss by Neil Harland- played that bass for 10yrs straight.[/quote] Small world... I recently sold Neil a pre-CBS Precision. played for 10 years straight? You're not straight anymore then?

I've got copies of the official Fender spare parts list from the late 60s/early 70s in which our little black plastic friend is referred to as a finger rest. However I quite like the sound of tug bar.

Grott Guitars are indeed a miss - if you had anything stolen from you, at least you knew where to look first (allegedly).

[quote name='Al Heeley' post='685344' date='Dec 15 2009, 04:05 PM']Does it matter to the value if it has been refinished?[/quote] 'fraid so - in my experience about a grand's worth of difference on pre-CBS basses. Sad but true.

The High Bridge shop started life as Chris and Andy's - that's Chris May and Andy Preston. Then I think it was Guitar Express (couple of different owners) and then Spenders. All of the info here is without predjudice, subject to contract and of course 'allegedly'.

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='685319' date='Dec 15 2009, 03:48 PM']Any relation to Sp**ders...?[/quote] Nope - different kind of fraud, allegedly.

Allegedly PG cmmitted a fraud and dissappeared, allegedly.

[quote name='Conan' post='685307' date='Dec 15 2009, 03:41 PM']Howard Satterley![/quote] Err...that's me. Still active in the workshop department. Cheers.

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='685227' date='Dec 15 2009, 02:32 PM']They still had torts in '73, but.. that one ain't original. It's a repro. I'm fairly sure natural wasn't a stock colour in '73, too.[/quote] Agree with the above - the plate is a 3-ply one so obviously repro. Reckon it's a 'strip down' so popular in the mid to late 70s.

I think I have one tucked away somewhere, although my supply dried up a little while ago. PM me and I'll try to find it in the morning.

Another one that 'plays like butter'. I would assume it would be more tasty in a jam session.

It's sounding like 'straighter and raised' to me but you would expect it to be harder work at the top end. Then again the sound of fatter strings towards the body end is not very rewarding and you would be better crossing over on a 5 and leaving that top end for the higher strings which presumably don't choke as much.

[quote name='Beedster' post='681702' date='Dec 11 2009, 08:56 PM']Uh, yeh, like I'm gonna get it back What your thinking on straight versus relief Doc?[/quote] Same as most guys on here - 'slight relief' only. With La Bella Flats it's possible to get a low action which is relatively buzz free because they have less 'zing' to begin with. My method would be to try totally straight to begin with, just to prove it can do that, and then back off say a quarter of a turn or so till you see a little daylight appear when fretting top and bottom. The final adjust will be saddle height which has to suit your playing 'weight'. This can only be judged by how hard you hit the strings, where you play at the body end and whether you use fingers or plectrum. This last set of criteria is why I can never pretend to set a bass up for someone else unless I see how they play first of all. Everyone is different. A final thought - if Sting were to use a 5-string, would the B buzz a lot? (sorry chaps)

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='681671' date='Dec 11 2009, 08:16 PM']It's a fine art. I would recommend a professional.[/quote] Looks like you'll have to send it up to me then Chris. It may take a while as I've got quite a few gigs around Christmas.

[quote name='Beedster' post='681610' date='Dec 11 2009, 07:07 PM']Do you have a set to hand Doc? The strings on it are OK and I was going to use the La Bellas I bought from you a couple of months back, but I do like those big fat Deep Talkers![/quote] I've got a set of lightly used (on fretless only, so no little dinks will have appeared). I can ask my 'secret' supplier about a new set on Monday if you like - they're smuggled in especially for me via Columbia hidden inside crates of heroin so as not to arouse suspicion.

Try approaching him with offers (but don't mention the War).

[quote name='Beedster' post='680330' date='Dec 10 2009, 03:06 PM']I have to admit that when I'm not playing it I kinda find myself just looking at it [/quote] Quite, and the bass? For proper settling in you need a set of 'Jamerson La Bellas' - 52-110.