Skybone

All I can add is "go for it". Yes, it will take longer than you may think, but if you're new to an instrument, just take your time, practice regularly, and have fun. As for the "lefty" / "righty" thing, try a few different instruments out, get what feels "right". You can only find out by trying some out. For your first instrument (and probably the first few after the first), buy from a shop, not online. They should help you choose the right bass for you. Don't spend too much either, you can get some really good basses for not much outlay.

AFAIK, they should provide all the info needed to get it through customs. If in doubt, email them & ask.

Very good video, and great version of a great song

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1499420274' post='3331433'] I've played a ton of different basses over my 35+ year tenure and I'm with you. It cracks me up when you see people asking the width of the neck at the nut or the radius...a millimetre here or there on a four string bass, shouldn't really make a whole lot of difference. [/quote] And I've played a ton of different basses over my 30+ years playing, and I certainly notice those few millimetres. I'm amazed that they do make a difference, but they really do to my hands at least.

Have you seen the ESP/LTD Stream? Number6, I might have to enquire about that Tokai at some time, though I can't afford to be buying more basses just yet...

The sheets have turned up, haven't had the chance to measure them up with the scratchplates yet though, might be another few weeks before I get the chance (itching to make a start though! ).

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1499017498' post='3328620'] They're all 4 string basses, what difference does a few mm in neck width really matter? [/quote] True, but those few millimetres make a big difference. I've owned a few Jazz basses before, I've owned a few J bass inspired basses with the J bass necks, I've owned P basses & basses inspired by P basses, I was always quite happy to swap between them (thought I'd never owned any more than 1 at any one time until recently). When I had the 4003, I bought a Jazz to replace it, but I couldn't "gel" with it. I thought about it a fair bit, and it boiled down to the neck, it was just too narrow for me and really didn't feel comfy.

So what's the verdict?

I had a PODxt Live for a while before the HD, so I know what you mean, obviously put the Compressor before the Auto Wah and leave it on. No harm in trying it out. I managed to get one up & running the other week, but it didn't quite sound right at rehearsal. I'm just going to have to try a few different things out (including using the expression pedal wah).

T'bird GAS going on quite badly at the moment, thankfully, I can't afford one. The through neck Epiphones & the Gibson models all have the Jazz like 38mm wide nut, which is too small for my hands, so that means looking at the bolt neck Epiphones or a set neck Tokai which both seem to have 42mm wide nuts. Unfortunately, the Tokai's seem pretty thin on the ground just now (possibly a very good thing though! ).

Still a good looking bass though. 12string, I'm still jealous of your collection!

Great tips hamfist, that was basically the plan, though I was considering dusting the jigsaw off to cut out the basic shape. No bevelling for me thankfully.

Sweet. Knew the Faker bug would get you again!

I forgot about using the Dremel, good job I've got one too. Great tip, thanks! I don't have a router, just saws, files & a drill (and the forgotten about Dremel). The plan was to use the old scratchplate as the template & cut from the back of the sheet. use the drill to do the corners of the pickup cut out & use a hacksaw to cut the rough hole out, then finish with files. Using the cutting disc on the Dremel will make doing that, and the TRC that bit easier.

Has anyone ever had a go at making their own scratchplates? I had a couple of mirror scratchplates made for my 2 Faker's last year, but then I managed to break one when adjusting the neck pickup. Swapped the broken one with the good one, then put the original 'plate back on No.2. I did some searching for replacement 'plates, but no one seems to do a proper pearl 'plate for a Faker. While trawling eBay, I found some sheets of pearl plastic for a reasonable price, so I thought I'd take the plunge and order some. Has one ever tried making their own 'plates from scratch? What tools did you use? (saws / files / etc.)

Congratulations!

Do they still sound reasonably bright? Flats or Rounds? Is it a one off gig, or the start of a run? If they're Roundwounds, and you have a few gigs coming up, it can't hurt to change them now & play them in a bit (especially if you have a rehearsal before the gig). Especially if you're a bit anxious about it being the first gig. You have the piece of mind that you've checked your gear, and done any necessary maintenance required and everything's in top condition. Though saying that, if you're happy with your sound, carry spares and only play lightly, then leave the old ones on.

The Renegade's do get a good write up, and there's plenty of people who are happy with theirs on the FB Faker's page. Does anyone know of anywhere that sells guitar rewiring kits? I'm considering creating a new "loom" for one of my Fakers, using Retrovibe pickups, and keeping the "loom" it came with so it can be retrofitted if ever they came to be moved on... Just an idea...

Tony Pettit of Fields of the Nephilim (though he uses Warwick's these days I believe) Rocky from Voivod used one for a while, but is usually seen using a Ripper/Grabber. Geezer only used the 4001 for the Never Say Die Tour video. Apparently, he hated it, but somehow had forgotten his bass that night, and had to borrow one off Glenn Hughes. Leo Smee from Cathedral switched between a Ric and a Thunderbird. Scott Reeder used one while he was in The Obsessed & Kyuss, but then switched to Ibanez ATK's.

[url="http://www.rightonstraps.com/en/mojo-collection-paisley-blue-strap.html"][u][color="#0066cc"]http://www.rightonstraps.com/en/guitar-bass-straps-mojo[/url][/color][/u] I found these a while back, look interesting, and made in Europe.

Yup, Original Scratchplates are recommended.