noelk27

[quote name='Buzzardist' timestamp='1389538732' post='2335230']What has ruined things for me is the added VAT on the item. Its an expensive bass and will cost a fortune.[/quote] You can base your valuation for tax purposes on the used "value" of the goods. That would certainly reduce the VAT liability, but it has a consequence for insurance valuation, in the event of damage or lose.

Just ordered a Mac Pro (3.5Ghz 6-core), which has a 256Gb SSD, and will ship with OS Mavericks. I'll be using the latest version of Digital Performer (although also mixing in Harrison's MixBus) with my usual choice of virtual instruments/libraries, including MOTU's Mach 5 and BPM, FX Expansion's BFD3, D:Cam Synth Squad and Geist, Arturia's V-Collection and Spark Vintage, and Scuffham's S-Gear. Typically, I install the highest resolution and largest version of any virtual instrument/library. In addition to the Mac Pro I have two 2Tb CalDigit AV Drives [url="http://www.caldigit.com/avdrive/"]http://www.caldigit.com/avdrive/[/url] which are USB 3.0 enabled (although I'm considering upgrading to the AV Pro version). My interfaces of choice are RME's Fireface UC [url="http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_uc.php"]http://www.rme-audio...fireface_uc.php[/url] (which will require a Firewire/Thunderbolt adaptor - although I'm tempted by the MADIFace XT) and Focusrite's Forte [url="http://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/forte"]http://uk.focusrite....nterfaces/forte[/url] usually tracking using the 24-bit/96KHz option. I'll be abandoning physical faders and transport controls in favour of virtual, using an iPad, and mixing in the box (no outboard processing). As I'm migrating set ups, left to my own devices, I'd most likely just organise myself the way I've always worked. But, I'd be interested to hear what others might do, by way of set up - where they would install the DAWs, virtual instruments and associated libraries, etc, etc - to optimise performance.

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1387870271' post='2316567']I'd held off on the Yahoo Japan Questions answering thing after I found myself offering Japanese teenagers advice on their love lives.[/quote] Eek! Stick to giving them advice about their nuts and rods.

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1387846577' post='2316515']Is that bad?[/quote] It could be worse. Could be me. For sure we'd be seeing ronin visiting our Nippon Gakki thread soon after my first proclamation.

God help us. Mr Twit is the de facto Basschat cultural attache to Japan!

The neck on the 2024 isn't as chunky as on the 1200. Owning 70s/80s 1000, 1200, 2000, 3000 and 5000 basses, as well as current 1025 and 2024 basses, I'd agree that the 2024 is a beautifully built/finished instrument. The rail split pickup design on the 2024 evens out the sound a touch, where the reverse P pickup on the 1200 has a slightly squeezed mid-range by comparison. The 2024 has a slight high-end peak on it's attack that the 1200 doesn't suffer. The 1200 probably has a bit more grunt, although that could be said about the 1200 over the original 2000. Open strings ring very clean on the 2024, but sustain tails off a touch sooner. To date I've found the 2024 to be an exceptionally good instrument, but prefer recording with an '83 2000. The 1025 is a good instrument, but not close to the 2024. The 1025 is also nowhere near the equal of the 5000.

[quote name='jezzaboy' timestamp='1381082709' post='2234180']But if we no longer store bass guitars in the loft, where will all the future e bay guitars come from???? [/quote] Granma's bedstead is the new uncle's loft.

[quote name='Lorne' timestamp='1381012891' post='2233498']What>? I've got 6 under there, If I added another 2, they would stick out of the end of the bed and I would stub my toes every night LOL[/quote] Well, all the cases are typical 70s/80s rectangular designs - around 48" in length. Got them arranged in a U-shape, stacked three high. Guess how many you can fit under the bed all depends on the height of the frame and the shape of the cases. Another half inch higher and I could've fitted another three under there! Which gets me wondering why bedsteads are so far off the floor?

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1380933140' post='2232670']If your loft insulation is in between the rafters the temperature in the roof space will fluctuate with the weather, just like the shed. I'd put the basses under the bed.[/quote] Think you mean the joists: the horizontal structural timbers. Rafters are the pitched structural timbers, which meet at the ridge board. If the insulation were packed into the voids between rafters the attic space would be a reasonably well-controlled zone re temperature. But I'd agree that attics aren't the best places to store guitars/basses. Tarnishing of metalwork and fogging of finish is often the result. Apart from under a bedstead (you can get nine rectangular cases under a double bedstead), stood upright at the back or end of a wardrobe, laid on top of a wardrobe, in a meter cupboard, in an under-stair cupboard.

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1379445981' post='2212878']The headstock looks odd. I don't know what age of Antoria that came from, but I searched on Antoria basses, and couldn't find anything with a headstock that looks like that. The ebay listing says it's an 'Ibanez', but is it really?[/quote] It's an 80s model. Other than that some Antoria models were built by FujiGen, it's got f*ck all connection with Hoshino.

[quote name='Bloodaxe' timestamp='1370460775' post='2101373']Don't suppose you know of a source for correct pattern knobs? I'd be up for one over a half a dozen (or better 5 + 2 selectors).[/quote] Nope. Used to be able to get bits from a few guys in Japan, but their supplies have dried up. Getting difficult to get genuine bits for older (80s and before) Jap instruments. Now in the habit of buying to cannibalise.

Are there any differences between the Fender era and pre/post Fender era Ex Factor instruments?

[quote name='Bloodaxe' timestamp='1370384096' post='2100246']Shame about the knob though.[/quote] Knobs.