Paul S

I need 2 x stacked knobs in black for an Ibanez. I looked on eBay which lists some from sellers in USA and Hong Kong - anyone know of any in UK? Ta!

I had DR Black Beauties and Green neon for a while. I quite liked the feel - not as harsh under the fingers as round wounds, nor quite as zingy when you first put them on. But I am a pick user with a heavy hand and the finish wears off in no time at all where the pick hits the string, which spoils the look (and which is kind of the point). Black ones can be patched in with permanent marker but that doesn't last long either. I have ditched idea now, gone back to flats.

On the rebound from the Vulture. It will end in tears, mark my word.

The bass I feel most comfortable with is a bitsa Precision I have gradually put together to make the best bass for my own purposes. Black MIJ Fender Precision body, natural maple Mighty Mite Jazz neck, Wizard trad pickup, P-Retro, Hipshot A style bridge, La Bella Deep Talkin' flats, Hipshot detuner. All bought on here, I might add! Weighs in at 8.5lbs, the neck is just right, it sounds exactly like the P-Bass tone I carry in my head and I can use it in any situation for any band. A close second is the JV0 Squier Precision I bought recently - with no tinkering it is simply superb.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1385930446' post='2293817'] Alex was 100% professional and communicative when I bought my '69er. It wasn't the quickest turnaround I've had on a cab order, but then I don't expect McDonalds-esque speed when I'm ordering at a Michelin restaurant. I also don't expect a craftsman to be on email all day, I expect him to be crafting. I've had far worse problems than that described by the OP with far better known amp and cab manufacturers. [/quote] This, really. I bought a Compact and then a Midget, both took longer than originally predicted. Now I have them I really couldn't be happier and any minor irritation I might have felt at the time over delays are long gone. As someone said, Alex doesn't have a bad bone in his body, his company is just a victim of its own success. If the orders are late is isn't because he isn't on the case, it would be for a genuine reason. For me they represent the very best value cabs out there.

What you should do is ignore the Youtube vids (unless they are by The Bass Whisperer - I still can't believe you joined, Ed!) and simply ask on here what a particular bass is like. The first response will be from someone who thinks it is the best bass he ever bought, the second from someone who believes it is the worst. The third will be from someone who hasn't ever tried one but can heartily recommend something completely different. Then I will probably recommend buying a Westone.

I recently bought a Halfords tool bag [url="http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_255214_productId_261431_langId_-1?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=mptawl&istBid=tztx&_$$ja=cgid:5302137724|tsid:35522|cid:119462284|lid:18283950120|nw:search|crid:21270118204|dvc:c|adp:1o1|bku:1&gclid=CIWX1Zm9j7sCFa-WtAodQksAiA"]http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_255214_productId_261431_langId_-1?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=mptawl&istBid=tztx&_$$ja=cgid:5302137724|tsid:35522|cid:119462284|lid:18283950120|nw:search|crid:21270118204|dvc:c|adp:1o1|bku:1&gclid=CIWX1Zm9j7sCFa-WtAodQksAiA[/url] It has enough pockets inside and out to organise the contents a little bit - not perfect but a lot less rummaging than before. This is just for rehearsal - I have a large old Samsonite holdall that contains the rest of the 'gig kit' into which I stick this small holdall - a kind of 2 tier system.

I noticed a small but discernible ripple of comforting warmth in Basschat and wondered what had happened. Did my weekly peek into intros and saw why. Hello!

I just had a rummage through my drawer - got loads! I assume they'll get sorted?

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1385818914' post='2292508'] No, that neck is like that. From a fretless Squier VM Jazz, made from "ebanol". It's very very dark. [/quote] Ah, righto, that explains that

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1385809581' post='2292374'] As a bass player you have to lock with the drums (and they have to lock with you) but, sorry, all this "we have to play to the level of the drums" is rubbish. If your band has a drummer who can't vary his volume fire him and get a drummer who can play properly. [/quote] Actually it makes perfect sense, I just don't think you are reading it the right way. Unless the drummer is using an electric kit the loudest thing acoustically in the rehearsal room and/or on stage is the drums. Irrespective of whether the drummer can vary his playing or not - all that means is that if he can, then everyone can turn down a bit. If he can't, then everyone turns up a bit. But the volume that everyone needs to match is that of the drums. If the guitarist is too loud, tell him to turn down.

That looks really nice - good job. The fretboard looks very dark - almost black - just how it came or did you do something to that too?

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1385734953' post='2291662'] Hmmm so it would be unlikely that a replacement bridge would be available with only three screws... I'm rather not be drilling any more in the bass [/quote] Hipshot A has just 3 screws. It would solve your problems. Not cheap, though.

I had this with a Jazz bass - I changed the neck for a Mighty Mite and it all ended up being very slightly out of alignment when I put it back together. I fitted a Hipshot A style bridge, which is an exact retrofit for the 5 hole Fender, which has sideways adjustment for the saddles. All perfectly aligned now. A better bridge, too - great piece of engineering! The slight angle of the string at the saddle hasn't proved to be an issue.

Westone Thunder Jet just listed [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321262066650?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321262066650?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649[/url] low starting bid of £35 and only £10 postage. I reckon this will go for a song. These are really nicely made, all black hardware, great necks (22 fret), also much lighter in weight than the 1 series. Sound is a little weak out of the box but a really good starting point for pimping. I stuck a SD 1/4lb'er and a P retro in mine and it was a monster - currently with The Bass Doc having a Musicman humbucker fitted!

Keep a look out on the classifieds here as they often come up after people try them and don't get on with them. I have just changed all my basses back to flats after a period of roundwounds - I just love the tone. And I mainly use a pick. As to which brand - that is very subjective!

Bought some strings in a smooth, rapid and hassle-free transaction. Good price, promptly dispatched. A pleasure doing business.

Amp + BF Compact = Amp + BF Compact + BF Midget =

Somebody Told Me, Killers. I've heard it covered by loads of bands (even Tony Hadley, recently!) but not once played correctly. I tried to do it as per but found getting all those slides, with hands going up and down, to keep in the groove was really hard. That band no longer exists so I don't have to concern myself any more.

What about this Washburn Vulture? [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111224594009?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111224594009?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649[/url]