uncle psychosis

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1390909567' post='2351063'] That's interesting, although I'm having problems seeing how this could have been done with 60s technology. Have you got a source for this information? If you've read the specs for the new Moog Theremini you'll see that this has a control that adjusts the "accuracy" of the tuning from the traditional completely free pitch to rigid semi-tone steps. [/quote] I can't remember where I read it originally---I've read a lot of different books about The Beach Boys---but the Wikipedia page for "Good Vibrations" reckons that it was played on an Electro-Theremin or a "Tannerin" by Paul Tanner. its not actually a theremin at all, rather an attempt at sounding like one: [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro-Theremin"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro-Theremin[/url] [i]The Electro-Theremin, often called the Tannerin, is an [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_musical_instrument"]electronic musical instrument[/url] developed by [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trombone"]trombonist[/url] [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Tanner"]Paul Tanner[/url] and amateur [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inventor"]inventor[/url] Bob Whitsell in the late 1950s to produce a sound to mimic that of the [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin"]theremin[/url].[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro-Theremin#cite_note-1"][size="2"][1][/size][/url][/sup][sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro-Theremin#cite_note-2"][size="2"][2][/size][/url][/sup] The instrument features a tone and [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portamento"]portamento[/url] similar to that of the theremin (or thereminvox), but with a different control mechanism. It consisted of a sine wave generator with a knob that controlled the pitch, placed inside a wooden box. The pitch knob was attached to a slider on the outside of the box with some string. The player would move the slider, thus turning the knob to the desired frequency, with the help of markings drawn on the box. The Tannerin doesn't actually sound much like the theremins of the time.[/i] [i]The instrument was custom-built at Tanner's request. Tanner appreciated the theremin's sound, but wanted greater control of pitch and attack. The Electro-Theremin uses mechanical controls, a long slide bar for the pitch (analogous to the slide of the trombone that was Tanner's main instrument) and a knob to adjust volume. This contrasts with the hand movements in space that formed the original theremin's signal feature. The Electro-Theremin also produces a slightly less complex timbre than the original. This is not due to the nature of the instrument, but due to Dr. Theremin's intentional harmonic generation in the output of the Theremin, which Tanner did not do.[/i]

The theremins used on things like Good Vibrations were modified and had some kind of slide control to make playing in tune easier. I've always fancied one but know I'd get bored of making spooky noises after a while!!

I think the price at least partly reflects the fact that Nile really wanted an [i]exact [/i]replica of the real thing. The original has huge sentimental value to him and in financial terms it must be worth a lot too. Reading his posts online about it it seems clear that he wants to retire the original but have a replacement that looks, feels, and sounds 100% like it. From Fender's point of view, I doubt they are too bothered about shifting too many of them. Its a marketing move---Nile Rodgers is very "in" right now and so linking themselves with him gets themselves a lot of publicity for not all that much outlay.

It could be many things but I suspect your grip is too tight. I used to get similar pain in my palm but lightening my grip helped.

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1390416249' post='2345262'] I was tempted with the TRB 1006, did a bit of research but thought it was a bit steep even at £325. Now been relisted...Don't really need a six as well as 2 Fives...or do I? [/quote] I reckon £325 is a pretty decent price. I'd pay that for one, happily.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1390577064' post='2347138'] I haven't seen anyone TELL the OP what to do, only offer advice (backed up by experience). [/quote] Taking my post rather more literally than intended...

You really don't need a tech to change knobs. They normally just have a little grub screw to attach them! I really like these telecaster style ones: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-NEW-Vanson-Rounded-Screw-Knobs-for-TL-guitar-Chrome-Black-or-Gold-VS002-/120881725102?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&var=&hash=item1c251cbeae#ht_421wt_1161"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-NEW-Vanson-Rounded-Screw-Knobs-for-TL-guitar-Chrome-Black-or-Gold-VS002-/120881725102?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&var=&hash=item1c251cbeae#ht_421wt_1161[/url] You get similar ones, but with a dimple so that you can see where they are set.

There's nothing wrong with learning on a [i]good [/i]acoustic bass. Emphasis on the good. I wouldn't want to buy one sight unseen. The other thing to consider is that the general consensus around these parts is that acoustic basses are almost entirely useless in any other context other than home practice. They feedback too easily when plugged in at gig volumes. Of course, not everyone thinks that and if your heart is set on an acoustic bass then get one. When learning its important that you're inspired to play and if you have your heart set on acoustic bass guitar then thats what you should get. You should play what you want to play, not what others tell you to.

Tough question. If I were you I'd definitely be keeping the Yamaha and the G&L. Beyond that I'm afraid its all just down to preference... ...having said that, the two I'd give the chop would be the P and the Lakland.

I have never understood how anyone can bear to use thin, floppy plectrums on bass. In my opinion it just feels horrible and sounds weedy. 3mm big stubbies for me.

Blimey, how many overdrives???

[quote name='bassman344' timestamp='1388736726' post='2325350'] Pardon my ignorance on this piece of kit. Does the absence of a mids tone control hamper abilities and possible sounds.. Would i be better with the rackable version with the mid option? [/quote] I had a Sansamp and found the lack of a mid control really irritating. I now have a Hartke Bass Attack which I much prefer. Its also significantly cheaper which is a nice bonus

[quote name='oggiesnr' timestamp='1390259002' post='2343384'] Not just with basses. I finally got to buy the melodeon of my dreams (£3,500), sold a pile of stuff (including a couple of boxes, a bass and some other gear) to get it and it lasted 3 months. Fortunately I was able to pass it on to someone else at the same price BUT what I can't get back is one of the boxes I sold to make it happen, which in fact this one was a replacement for, and that is what really gets to me. Steve [/quote] Ouch. If I've learned anything through my travels its to never sell gear *before* the new stuff arrives. Of course, this isn't always practical which can lead to much anguish and regret

I've been in a similar situation in the past but I found that one I bit the bullet and sold them I didn't miss them at all.

If you get bored then you're doing it wrong.

[quote name='Spike Vincent' timestamp='1389608207' post='2335949'] It does seem to be the weight of the bass on my leg,I've switched from a 78 Fender to a Tokai which is much lighter. Must admit I hadn't even considered using a strap at all......I'll give that a go, if I can find a strap short enough. Thanks all [/quote] I always find playing with a strap easier even if I am sitting down. Without one I always feel like the bass wants to run away from me, using a strap frees me to concentrate on just playing the damn thing!

Love it. Very jealous.

Assuming it's the weight of the bass on your leg that is the issue can you assist your strap so that it doesn't rest on your leg at all?

[quote name='RandomBass' timestamp='1389555368' post='2335504'] And that alone is worth the entrance fee to Basschat. Excellent news. Have you managed to get a suitable neck relief? My 414 has a very sold feeling neck, and it's never gone out of kilter on me. [/quote] Yes, the neck seems fine now. I don't really know whats happened, whether the strings have settled in or the neck has adjusted to them/ the weather or what...but its at least playable now! Sam

Inspired by this thread I just got my 414 out...its either because the weather has changed or because the new allen key I bought fits better but I got the damn thing working!!

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1389487338' post='2334806'] I don't mind folk music if it's done well. I'm more into rock, blues, soul, infact anything but badly played. [/quote] For the folk stuff check out The Royal Oak and Sandy Bells. Whistlebinkies has a fairly good range of stuff--from singer songwriters to Rage Against The Machine cover bands. From what I remember they have music fairly evenly spread out across the evening---6ish, 9ish, midnight-ish.

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1389480162' post='2334730'] I'm just about to sell my black 415 if you're interested btw! [/quote] Think I'd have a hard time trying to swing that with Aunty Psychosis... Probably need to try and fix the 414 first! Of course, if it were going cheap...

Whistlebinkies has music every night, but it depends what kind of thing you're into. Weeknights in there can be a bit hit and miss IMO. If you're just looking to wander in off the street and catch a gig though its probably your best bet. There are quite a few pubs that do the folk-music thing, some of them are really good (if you like folk music...).

Good shout. I bought a BB414 last year that I was in love with, but I've been having a sulk ever since I found out the truss rod is stuck and I can't set it up right since changing strings. Think I may cut my losses on it, shift it for a pittance and save up for a 415...

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1389356354' post='2333184'] I'm not convinced about 'right and proper' but it is consistent, which is why I find it curious that we're generally happy to slag off bankers' bonuses while admiring Noddy Holder for making half a million, or whatever, every Christmas on the back of something he did 30 odd years ago. [/quote] The reason I object to Banker's bonuses is because quite often they are based on complete and utter fantasy accounting and they get paid out on the basis of hideously short-cited and short-term targets rather than any kind of long term worldview.The year Lehman Bros went bust they owed less than they had paid out in bonuses that year! Don't even get me started on the concept of giving someone a massive pay-out to no longer work for you either... At least Slade can demonstrate the continued success of their work, year after year. You can't say that about the likes of Fred Goodwin.