Paul S

If you preferred a pedal, how about a Behringer BDI-21? Cheap and effective.

Another vote of confidence and thanks from me. Basschat forums have given my bass playing another dimension, a depth of understanding and a thirst for more knowledge that I would say improves my quality of life, gives me more interest, pride and professionalism in what I do. As far as off topic is concerned, I live in a rarified bubble and, for me, it is the source of all knowledge and the lens through which I view the world. £20?! bargain. There always are and are always going to be people who make a lot of noise and fuss and hate being limited by constraints, rules and other peoples' logical counterpoints. Let them huff and puff as much as they like - it speaks volumes more about them than about whatever yanked their chains in the first place.

I tried a couple of 'real' Stingrays a few years ago and didn't really like them - too heavy, neck too big - they seemed a lot of money, too, although at the time I would have gladly paid out for one had it suited. I never managed to get my mitts on a Sterling but it seemed a lot of money to pay out with the risk I wouldn't like it, given my experience with the Rays. After reading all the glowing reports I bought a nearly new SBMM SB-14 on here nearly a year ago and it is lovely. I don't know how much of a jump in quality you get by getting 'real' ones, but the SB-14 is good enough for my purposes. Lightweight, beautifully balanced, wonderful neck, great range of (mainly) aggressive tones, massive output (hottest bass I have had - if I don't temper the gain control it goes nuclear). Suits the heavy classic rock band I am in down to a t. At a recent gig a bassist in the crowd came up aftwerwards and asked me if I would leave it to him in my will, cheeky git - I'm not that old.

I'd always been fairly ambivalent about them - enjoyed some of their hits back in the day but never considered myself a fan or anything. Mrs S was always quite keen and we ended up getting tickets to see them locally (Cliff's Pavilion, Westcliff) the night before last. They were superb. Jim Kerr is an absolute superstar, I never realised. He totally engaged with the crowd, had them in his hand from word go. It is a long time since I have seen an entire audience so captivated. And he looks, sounds and moves exactly as he did 25years ago? How does he do that? All in all the sound was excellent and they played their guts out for over 2 hrs. Bassist was ok - about 9ft tall, I'd guess. Did his job. Interesting to see him use a pick for the slap bass bits - he still popped but no thumbs. Just felt the urge to post!

I usually play at little places that are far too small to *need* both cabs (BF Compact and Midget, TC Classic 450) but I prefer the sound of using both together and so usually take them both. Whatever floats your boat, really.

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1366298016' post='2050727'] Well it was never going to be cost effective when you have that guy in the band turning up to play left handed air DB [/quote] He does, doesn't he! Funny old boy, turns up at these beer festival type dos and dances all day long. We dragged him up on stage with us for a while, he loved it!

I like to wear a hat now and then. This one was a nice summer gig, open to the elements - I thought we'd all agreed to wear something colourful. So, I turn up sporting Hawaiian short, linen trousers, Panama hat, shades. Everyone else turns up as though they've just come from the beach! I look like I am part of a different band. In, fact, I am now! [attachment=132845:Brentwood Festival 100711 015.jpg]

I just got some as a result of reading them mentioned again. arrived this am and, from a quick low volume noodle, I think are the exact thing I have been looking for. Better than the bits off my old leather belt! Thank you!

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1366201801' post='2049496'] That must be wrong because I had a Hispanic girlfriend and , by an amazing coincidence considering it is my name as well , she used to use the word "Dingus " for asshole . Many times I heard her saying to her friends on the phone " Dingus is an asshole " . Maybe she was helping them brush up on their Spanish . [/quote] [size="4"][size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]That reminds me of when I was doing some Spanish classes, the teacher demonstrated the importance of the tilde with the example [/font][/color][/size][size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]'Tengo quarenta años' as compared to 'Tengo quarenta anos'[/font][/color][/size][/size] .

Flat Eric answered my plea for a Peavey Fury bass by offering up one from his collection. Great comms all the way through, incredible price (I am expecting the Police to call any minute 'cos I robbed him...) and it arrived in packaging that could have withstood an earthquake. When I eventually got through all the bubblewrap I discovered a pristine gem that surpassed my already high expectations, set up perfectly and not a speck of dust to be seen. An absolute gentleman to deal with, the episode has been nothing but a pleasure from start to finish. Cheers

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1366030792' post='2047440'] Thanks - think its between the wizard trad and Duncan spb1 [/quote] I plumped for the Wizard Trad when these two slugged it out on my P.Bass. The Wizard sounded 'woodier' to me, which was the particular sound I had in my head that I wanted. Then again the SPB-1 sounded exactly like the pup in a late 90s P. Bass I had the loan of for a while - it all depends upon what you want. I'd suggest trying both and see for yourself - you'll move on the surplus one easily enough as folks on here always want nice P. pups.

[quote name='Lynottfan' timestamp='1366037754' post='2047551'] I always thought, not 100%, meant mountain goat or something like that, I stand corrected and yours is much better! [/quote] Goat is Capra. As in Capricorne. Sounds to me like the cabronita have cojones... could get confusing.

Westone Thunder 1A. One thing you could never accuse of Thunder 1A of is lack of bottom end - they have a huge sound, great for rock. Absolutely superb necks, 40mm wide at the nut - wider than Jazz, about the same as the slimmest P-basses. Single split coil pup, excellent build quality, immense value for money.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1365930855' post='2045999'] Paul, I've PMed and offered to collect too. I'm also expecting to be driving to Yorkshire 1st May. I'm sure between us we can cover it with no worries. Cheers Rich [/quote] Sounds like you are offering a better deal if you are driving up that way, too! Let's see how it pans out.

I can collect and package it for a courier if you want a punt on it. I am only 25mins down the road - I don't have any boxes at the moment I am sure I can scrounge one form somewhere.

I believe thats the one I now have - great bit of kit, fitted into my Precision Lyte.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1365509659' post='2040434'] or a 1st series JV, if you can find an example for sale of either...they do show up. They are the best built, most vintage correct you'll find for that money, and are pretty close to the real deal. Assuming you want the vintage feel of course. They also hold their value very well, and will probably continue to increase if its a nice one. [/quote] There was a JV on Gumtree this week that almost doubled in value in the space of just a few days.

I did it with a Westone Thunder 1A once. Worked a treat.

Well, if nothing else it removes the finger of suspicion from any Basschatters.

I used to run a small plant nursery at one point and reluctantly sold plants by mail order. One time I took a parcel to a different post office to my usual and handed the box over. I had, as usual, covered the outside of the box in the words, 'LIVE PLANTS PLEASE HANDLE CAREFULLY' in red capitals. The guy behind the counter took it, weighed it, then threw it in the corner. I said 'Can you be careful I have live plants in there'. He said 'And how am I supposed to know that?' Not sure how many people in the queue behind me went back again after my reply.

It does leave a bit of a nasty taste, doesn't it. Almost certainly it was someone who read this post.

I was 46 when I bought my first bass and, after a few stutters, 50 when I had my first gig - don't be negative! The Trace Elliot combo will suit *all* your needs - home practice, jamming, rehearsals, gigs - unless you have a bad back.

I have the maple MM Jazz neck fitted onto my P.Bass and it is gorgeous - nice snug fit, feels really nice to play - as nice as a nice Fender neck. Be aware that the vintage tint arrives looking like turmeric - it is VERY yellow and, to these old eyes, looks nothing like a warm pale caramel aged tint.

The thing I like about these designs is the symmetry of the double cut away. I had a Washburn Scavenger bass that I really loved but weighed as much as a small planet. This Les Paul Junior/EB0 shape is slightly less pointy but, for my taste, just about perfect. Better proportions, too - the Scavenger was a bit 'fat-arsed'.