Cosmo Valdemar

Come on people, let's not feed the troll...

[quote name='Black Coffee' timestamp='1426839521' post='2722431'] My first bass was an 'Axe' brand four string which I enthusiastically bought form an ad in Kerrang magazine after saving paper round money for about five months. Never in tune as the bridge pulled away from body when the strings were tightened for tuning. Weighed a ton, you could drive a truck under the strings at the fifth fret, horrible instrument. I actually put black insulating tape over the name on the headstock in case someone recognised it from a distance i was so embarrassed by it. [/quote] I remember lusting after those Axe basses... I would have been about six at the time.

I can only second what's already been said. Likewise I have chosen not to renew my subscription. It's been a traditional birthday gift from the Mrs for the past few years but this time I've told her not to worry - I reckon I get 15 minutes reading time out of each issue. Just for the record (and if mr McIver is still taking notes), major irritations: [list] [*]Ridiculous angles used when taking pictures of basses being reviewed. There have been several examples when I have had little idea what the bass actually looks like. [*]Cartoonish airbrushing of the front covers. I understand the magazine needs to be appealing on the shelves of WH Smith but are we really more likely to buy a copy if JJ Burnel appears wrinkle-free and apparently wearing theatrical make-up? [/list]

This has hit me hard. Iconic player, so inspiring - in both his music and as a human being.

A Maverick Nemesis in a funk and soul band? Tis not normal! Welcome from another local(ish) chap.

Burgubdy Mist Fender Jazz? How could I say no?! Did a trade with my Yamaha BB425 - Mark was an engaging host and sets up his basses to perfection! Looks after them too. Deal with confidence.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1426361644' post='2717387'] Mind you, I bet those twin P-style pickups make it roar like a beast. On steroids. [/quote] They do indeed. I had one of these for a while, it was clear why Entwistle used the PP arrangement for so long! I'm always surprised we don't see it on more basses.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1426361644' post='2717387'] Mind you, I bet those twin P-style pickups make it roar like a beast. On steroids. [/quote] They do indeed. I had one of these for a while, it was clear why Entwistle used the PP arrangement for so long! I'm always surprised we don't see it on more basses.

Incredible find! Coincidentally I was watching John Entwistle play one in the Kids Are Alright vid this morning. Such a cool looking bass.

If the fiver is in the same league as the four string I tried at the LBGS it will be something very special indeed.

I'm not really an Abba fan but if I change my mind, I'll be the first in line.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1426261041' post='2716306'] See Jet at 0.38 and again at 2.10: [url="https://youtu.be/xFyVLsLNEBc"]https://youtu.be/xFyVLsLNEBc[/url] [/quote] And that, friends, is why I lust after a Classic Vibe Precision!

That is a killer looking Precision.

[quote name='BassBus' timestamp='1425982153' post='2712920'] There's only one guy to go to in Edinburgh, Chris McIntyre. He has his workshop right next to Hibs football ground off Albion Road. [url="http://www.mcintyreguitars.com/"]http://www.mcintyreguitars.com/[/url] [/quote] This. I used to use him all the time when he was in Peckham.

[quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1425984853' post='2712980'] I believe that irritable Alex has left to do the knowledge. It might be safe to go back in there again! [/quote] Imagine getting in his taxi! It would be a quiet journey at least

I've just spent a considerable amount of money on tickets to see Paul McCartney at the O2. It's been an ambition of mine for years. It's such a shame that, not being around in the early 60s, I won't understand any of it.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1425899002' post='2711871'] For those who pass through and who 'lose', there is still an industry that can accommodate them e.g. Jonathan Antoine as a classical tenor, Rhydian Roberts in musical theatre, Susan Boyle in her field etc. [/quote] I know she was a little difficult to pigeonhole but it's unfair to leave her singing outside in a field.

Sounds like a Mellotron to me.

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1425580046' post='2708829'] Is it wrong i prefer these knobs over the other 2 styles they have. [/quote] Yes.

[quote name='police squad' timestamp='1425541414' post='2708259'] pickguard off please a la Macca. [/quote] I've got one of these in sunburst - first thing I did was take the scratchplate off, in a shameless tribute to him. I also swapped the cheapo knobs for some proper teacup ones, purely for aesthetic reasons. Finally, and most importantly, get some decent strings on it! It will be twice the bass it is now! Mine's wearing Hofner flats, with the green silk windings. The bass thumps so beautifully now, it's a wonderful little thing.

[quote name='Jebo1' timestamp='1425455850' post='2707436'] Something to keep in mind is that Paul often played root notes whilst recording then over-dubbed the melodic Basslines afterwards. [/quote] Indeed - he would refrain from recording the final bassline until he had heard the rest of the arrangement. The trick, he said, was to do this but make it sound like it had always been there. Not sure why this needs to be 'kept in mind' though, as if it's a negative or something? It's a perfectly reasonable method of composing.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1425461724' post='2707483'] I would not get upset at 3.5 hours. He might have read it and been on the way out to work or something. Couple of days- certainly. But not less than a day. [/quote] This. At least send the chap another message saying you'll need a response by whenever, or you can only keep it on hold for so long, something like that.

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1425394722' post='2706869'] I have exactly the same instrument and I just don't feel the need to look at anything else. Sounds great, looks great, feels great! [/quote] There speaks a man truly contented. I still feel my eye wandering but when I'm playing it I can't stop grinning.