Basilpea

I was idly doing my daily trawl of the web for a Rob Allen, when there on page 5 of Google one popped up. It was up in the wild and woolly badlands of Lancashire but serendipitously I was going near there anyway the following week. I got to the shop and found it to be an immaculate example, although unfortunately without the original Rob Allen case, it had a Hiscox one instead. They had priced it rather optimistically, then discounted it but not enough for my liking, so we had a conversation about the price and eventually came to one that we could both live with - I emerged smiling from the emporium with something of a spring in my step (not something that happens very often these days). This was all just a few days prior to the CV19 lockdown. I've since had ample opportunity to put it through it's paces. I must first say the fit and finish of everything is faultless, one thing I noticed is the tone control appears to make almost no difference. Not sure if that's normal or if it's faulty, but the effect of min to max is almost imperceptible to my ears. The other thing I've noticed is when silent practicing through headphones (I just use a Focusrite 6i6 mixer to add a backing from iReal Pro/youtube/Sightreading Factory etc) there is so much going on in the harmonics & mwah department, I almost find it difficult to identify the fundamental. It is of course different when run through an amp & cab (Tonehammer 500 or ABM500 + Barefaced Big Twin), I'm wondering if the headphone set-up is a bit too "Hi-fi", the headphones are Sennheiser HD600's. I have found the best way to mitigate this problem is with a Nordymute. Changing the strings to Rotosound RS88's did make a big difference, but I think that's going away from what the bass should sound like, and the important thing is not what it sounds like while I'm practicing. Haven't had the chance to try it on a gig yet. So no doubt you are wondering why am I selling the 5 string when I have just bought a 4 string? Well, just prior to this all happening, I located a Rick Turner Renaissance 5 string, and agreed to buy it, but was not able to pick it up before the lockdown, so there will be another NBD just as soon as I'm allowed to make the totally unnecessary journey to collect it. Meanwhile I have enough to be getting on with. Not sure if I'll sell my fretless Starbass 4, I may just keep it as a spare as it's like an old friend, or a comfy old pair of slippers. Here are some more photos - not one of my strongpoints but hopefully better than the others I posted.

I've had problems on certain gigs with hearing myself, particularly when the rest of the band are full-on. I bought an earbox (offer £89 Guitarguitar) which does make intonation much easier. I have now bought a foldback speaker for myself to connect to my amp to see if that is better than the earbox and am about to try it this week on a regular gig which I know is usually problematic. I'll let you know the verdict.

3 steps to heaven - Eddie Cochrane Georgia on my mind - Ray Charles I'll be your baby tonight - Bob Dylan

JOURNEY UPDATE I think we're on the home stretch now. After checking out the Rob Allen (and a fair few others) I think it is going to end up as my No1 bass guitar (5 string). The MB2 just seems to fit the bill perfectly for me. I don't believe I will ever get the one I want on this forum or ebay/facebook etc so I guess I'll have to bite the bullet there. The No2 (4 string) will most likely be between the Shuker and the Joker B ( the configurator is online now and it's brilliant). I'm going up to see Jon in a couple of weeks time so I will make the decision after that. Next will come the Double bass upgrade, but that will be much easier (although a lot more expensive) - I will go and see Adrian Warwick and ask him what he recommends. I'll let you know how it all finally pans out. Thanks so much for all your help guys, the benefit of your experience has saved me so much time and hassle - and probably a small fortune. Hope to meet some of you at the next Bass Bash and buy you a pint.

Thanks for the recommendation, it looks a nice bass but not sure if it comes in 5 string 34" scale. I have to say the modern finish and the general style are less appealing to me than the traditional simplicity of the Rob Allen. These sort of comparisons are really helping me to realise exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for your input.

Sold Thomas my Aguilar cab - flawless transaction, he paid cash and collected the same day. Thanks Thomas.

In practical terms you're probably right Frank, but many would say that, like most things in life, it's all about the journey, not the destination. Although I do have to get something sorted out in a reasonable timeframe before the Corvette 5 does some permanent neck & shoulder damage.

My pilgrimage continues, albeit an enjoyable one. After trying an MB2 very kindly facilitated by EZybass (what a nice guy) I am certainly smitten, he also threw another option into the equation Also following up the Rick Turner Renaissance option mentioned earlier in this thread. Anyone know where I can try one out? I think this journey may be longer than a lifetime, but maybe that's just how it should be.

Thanks Frank, I did look it up and I thought that might be the case.

That's interesting - can you remember what it was about the Shuker that didn't work for you? I ask because I'm going to try one, and I might need to focus on whatever you found problematic. Thanks

That's really good of you Storky, but I'm like a fish out of water on a fretted bass now. Luckily EZBASS has offered me a try of his fretless 5 which is right up my street so I'm going to him soon. Thanks for your very kind offer though.

Thanks, looks a nice bass, a good possibility but a little on the pricey side.

The voice of experience? I know, it was love at first sight.