Skybone

For some unknown reason, I have been looking into potential bridge replacements for my Fakers. As my Faker has a 34" scale length, the bridge is a little further forward than a standard Ric, so a pattern Ric style bridge is out. There's the Hipshot Ric replacement bridge, but again, the saddles are further back to suit a Ric. There's the Badass style bridge, which IMO, doesn't look quite right on a Ric / Faker. Anyone tried a replacement bridge on their Faker?

Not having enough time to dedicate to learning the songs, lack of "spark" with the other band members, realising that I hate playing covers (the odd one's OK for a bit of "fun", but not a whole set). Was offered the gig, but after 2 rehearsals, I realised that being in a covers band was not the right thing for me.

I used DGCF for a long time. My trusty old Korg DT10 was excellent, though the Korg Pitchclip & TC Polytune Clip work very well too. Got an old Korg DA30 that handles it very well too.

It sounds like the disorganisation of the situation is getting to you more than "stage fright" by the sound of it. Talk to the guitarist & drummer's Mum (the "Mum-ager"?), try and get more info, especially regarding set length, ask her a bunch of questions to ask the promoters (though be careful or you'll end up "volunteering" your backline). Instead of rehearsing one week, maybe take the time to have a good talk with the guitarist & drummer about the band, and find out from them where & what they want to do. It sounds like you need to pre-arrange a set list a few weeks before a gig, and rehearse the set prior to the gig. Mention that this "play it by ear" attitude is making you uneasy, but also mention that you really enjoy being a part of the band and that you enjoy your musical interaction with them. Remember, like all relationships, good communication is key.

Just remember to give it all the usual checks, condition, neck etc. Have a look at the bridge too, good old tail lift.

Going amp-less has it's advantages.

Reasons for getting fired from a band? Because the other band members are/were bellends.

Get it if it's up for a reasonable price. Great basses, very accurate copies & highly regarded amongst the Faker fraternity.

Been doing a bit of research into DAW's, since my bundled copy of Cubase LE 8 stopped working (problems with the eLicenser more than the software!), decided to give the PreSonus Studio One v3 Artist a go. The reviews reckon it's easy to pick up, which will be handy...

In no particular order: Geddy Lee Geezer Butler The rest of the top5 change on a regular basis(t). Jason Newstead (primarly for Voivod & Flotsam & Jetsom) Youth & Raven Lemmy Scott Reeder Steve DiGiorgio Cliff Burton

It's worth a try if nothing else. A lot of the guitarists who use them say it's really good. I made the mistake of re-flashing mine yesterday. Didn't realise that you just can't copy & paste old patches from backups like you could on the PODxt. It took a while, but I rebuilt my "core" patch.

Are you going to give the "4 Cable Method" a try when you use the amp? Indeed, the HD Bass pack is essential, though the B15, Bassman & HiWatt models all sound good too, just not as good as the SVT & GK models.

Were you using it with an amp or through the PA? The Helix does seem like "the next step", but it's definitely out of my price range! By the time I can afford one, they'll be out of production!

IIRC, it's an early/mid Noughties guitar, the serial no. on the back of the headstock will be "C0*******". Made by Cort (the "C" in the serial) in Korea, next 2 numbers are model year ("04" 2004, "05" 2005 etc). The design comes from the mid/ae 70's when Ibanez wanted to "make their own mark", by bringing out their own design rather than copies of other makes. The Iceman is part Firebird/Thunderbird (shape), part SG (solid mahogany body, set neck). Not to be "mistaken" with the Paul Stanley "PS" model, as he has a hissy-fit if you do (the PS's had a maple cap). There was also a Bolt Neck ICB200 made for a 2 bass, 2 guitar line up in the IC range.

And the verdict after a month or so... Love it, sounds great, a bit fiddly to get set up "just right", but well worth taking the time.

One that I particularly liked on the PODxt was the good old SVT and cab model. Still my "go to" model on the HD500x too. I never tried to emulate anyones sound, I just set it so it sounded good to me. Usually full mids and a hint of reverb.

Very cool, and what a top bloke your mate is. Enjoy your new bass.

If an engineer doesn't look after his tools, would you trust him to service your car? Always look after the tools of your trade.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1465555344' post='3069179'] Lost Prophets with elements of Muse. Nice. [/quote] Lost Prophets? Maybe not the best comparison, especially for a young band. Good luck to them I say, at 15 were you mature enough musically to have your own voice, or were you trying to emulate your influences?

Just use the original strap button screws, so long as they fit in the new strap lock buttons. I always use the Schaller strap locks, and the screws provided with them are always a good replacement for the stock strap button screws.

I bought a G&L L2000 Tribute unseen off the back of magazine reviews and BC recommendations. Great bass, really well made, nice action, great neck etc., etc. but sonically, just couldn't get it to sound "right" for me. The last Fender Jazz I owned, great player, well made, just didn't "feel" right or sound right for me. I'm currently GAS-ing for a German built, long scale Warwick Star Bass, but without trying one first, I am certainly not going to part with any cash. If I were to make a recommendation on "best bass", I'd say a Rickenbacker (or a RickenFaker), but I know for a fact that they aren't for everyone.

Still loving the HD500x.

Thing is, the "best bass" is completely and utterly subjective, I would recommend that you take yourself off to a number of your local (and looking at your location, not so local) music shops, and try a shed load of basses out, both new & "pre-owned". Look at stuff on the internet, but try them out in a shop first.

PiL next weekend

They are definitely a "try before you buy" bass, and try as many as you can too. I lusted after one for years before taking the plunge on a 4003, gutted when I had to sell it, but times were tough. Thing was then what to replace it with? Bought another Jazz, but really didn't get on with it after the Ric, so started to track down Faker's. Bought one, and never looked back. Would love another Ric mind, but would definitely try as many out as I could.