Cosmo Valdemar

I think some of the Signatures can run in stereo, and the Anniversary. John's WGFA at Shepperton tone was one of the first that really made my ears prick up as a kid. It just sounded like nothing else. Still doesn't!

Absolutely stunning. Congratulations! Does it run in stereo? THE key to the Alembic sound IMHO - certainly to Entwistle's. A Series (or similar) Alembic is without doubt my ultimate dream bass. Probably never gonna happen 😂

The frequent use of 'was' suggests this person isn't in the band anymore...

Meh. I like ESP basses, but these are just existing models with minor tweaks. New designs would have been nice. The acoustic bass might be new, but I skimmed over that one.

Well done mate! I do love Stingrays, but the only time they've ever really worked for me is drop tuned with a pick through a distortion pedal. Doesn't stop me from wanting another though! That's one bonus of being bandless - you can play whatever bass you like without having to worry if it suits the band or not. I reckon you'll be after a fretless next...

There was a reprint a few years ago without the edges but it's proven nowhere near as popular.

I only ever use the neck pickup. I despise the word, but I can only describe it as 'lush'.

Colin Grigson played one of these.

My one does 😊

I think they came with rounds back in the day, which is why John Entwistle got through so many of them - he'd snap the strings but couldn't buy replacements so had to buy a whole new bass. My Longhorn came with rounds when I got it new in 2005. Very distinctive tone, a hollow twang far growlier than you'd expect. I was never able to play it live as it refused to stay in tune. Useless tuners. I also have a Hofner Ignition Violin bass. Contrary to earlier posts I find it to be rather limited in what it can do - luckily, that big dull thump is just perfect. Massive bottom. Mine's wearing Hofner flats. No issues with tuning that I've noticed. There is some neck dive but it's really not a concern as the whole bass weighs about as much as a tissue.

We seem to have derailed this thread somewhat.

It's... not great. Definitely the Rick though.

Geezer played that Rick on the Never Say Die album as well, or a least a Rick of some description. Despite what he's said about only ever playing the Rick live.

It was a Rick on Burn I think... I'm sure I read an interview with Glenn where he mentioned using the Rick to deliberately retain Roger Glover's sound. Ironic really as his tone was completely different.

Whilst looking through the rather marvellous new Stormwatch reissue, I came across this picture - Barriemore Barlow playing this very bass! According to the text, he played the bass on Peggy's Pub while Dave had a turn on the mandolin.

The master.

I can't really answer your questions Ray, but that first picture of you playing is an absolute joy.

I once had a dream in which I went into a guitar shop and asked to have a go on the Aria Black and Gold they had on the ceiling (?). The shop kindly obliged but when it was handed to me it turned out to be a Hohner Steinberger copy. Not wanting to appear rude I played it, only to realise it was the GREATEST TONE EVER. So great that a crowd soon formed in awe at the sound. The dream was years ago, before I'd ever played an Aria SB, but I still want to try one of those Hohners.

Correct! Not rockabilly! It's my wife's 40th - I've hired the hall and put together a little band especially for the evening to play some of her favourite songs. I had forgotten all about this thread and stumbled upon it when I was Googling parking at the venue.

And... I'm playing there on Saturday 🤣

Try the front pickup. Worth remembering that MT splits his signal into two amps to separate the clean lows and dirty highs.

MT's used a few different basses over the years. The first album was recorded with a borrowed Fender Jazz that he disliked. Pilgrimage is a Rickenbacker. Argus and Wishbone 4 are the Thunderbird, front pickup only - despite MT's insistence that he recorded Argus with a Rick! Completely different tones. I believe There's The Rub and New England are a Fender Precision, although There's the Rub is very distorted and could be anything.

This. Having owned several Ricks before, I bought this one with full knowledge of their quirks and foibles, and was determined to make this one work. I've since replaced the bridge with a Hipshot, removed the pickup cover and restrung with DR Fat Beams, and now she's an absolute dream to play. But still utterly eccentric, borderline manic sometimes. Through my Tech 21 dug pedal, it's THE sound.

Let me live in your country...

The body shape reminds me of a Washburn guitar from a few years back... with a Rickenbacker scratchplate.