Kongo

[quote name='Protium' post='874635' date='Jun 22 2010, 05:48 PM']Because of how close it is to the bridge you don't get a huge amount of bass from the MM, but instead a really tight mid sound which mixes well with the bassier sound of the P pickup. I'm comparing here to a Jazz bass bridge pickup - Not as much bass, but a much tighter and "middier" (is that even a word??) sound. Again I have to say though, this is mainly due to the pickup position. I expect if it was further up the body it would get closer and closer to the traditional MM tone.[/quote] Wow that's such an inspiration! I wanted to fit an MM pup to mine and dual output it (instead of the P-bass / EB-0 combo), that looks awesome and so neat it's unreal...

[quote name='onenation' post='878317' date='Jun 26 2010, 06:03 PM']I'm playing Death Metal, in the vein of Entombed, Suffocation, Mortician, etc, the whole bass is tuned down 3 1/2 steps from E to A. (A,D,G,C,F). I thought that was pretty extreme! Do other bands go lower still? Damn![/quote] They sure do, Death Metal is often tuned up to my ears now (usually around D-standard), take a look at these silly gauges: [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/2639-warwick_black_label_darklord_bass_strings"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/26...rd_bass_strings[/url] Warwick Darklord set F# B E A .085 / .105 / .135 / .175 That's friggin armoured cable your playing! And it's not just warwick, it's gettin to be popular enough for Rotosound to join in and a mega fraction of price: [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/5806-rotosound_drop_zone_plus_stainless_steel_rs66lh_85_175"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/58...l_rs66lh_85_175[/url] Rotosound Drop zone + 85 / 105 / 135 / 175 I occationally de-tuned my B down to G# if I really need to, but with guitarists being in Drop-B as middle ground, I just use my 6-string in standard...I don't like detuning much, bass isn't built for it as well as guitar and not many amps can handle it. I use 45 / 65 / 80 / 110 for 4-string standard tho and the same but with 30 high-C and 135-145 low-B also in standard so I guess detuning makes my bass feel alien as the guage is already the same as you would use to detune. For A tho, which isn't very detuned (Korn used that tuning), you can get away with a 130 or 135 depending on your bass, scale length and playstyle. For crazy tap solo's and the like many Death Metal bassists do, a little slack wont hurt ya. The bassist from Meshuggah (STUPID 8-string detuning) actually tunes his bass UP a half step tho (Bb,F,A#,D#,G#), so if you ever get into the really detuned side to the point your amp can't do it, might as well be in the same octave haha! Have fun.

I've used many gauges over time on the same bass in many different tunings, it won't warp the neck, all you have to do is adjust the truss rod, ever so slightly but not by much. On 4-string I currently use: 45 - 65 - 80 - 110 in standard tuning, so no, your neck will be more resiliant than u think. It was designed to take it.

Another ones goes down...how many has that been this year? Damn...

[b]The Bass Book: A Complete Illustrated History of Bass Guitars[/b] Read up on the history of the bass...very inspiring. Or: [b]Bass Culture: The John Entwistle Bass Collection [/b] If you jus wanna GAS over some visuals...

[quote name='XB26354' post='733483' date='Feb 2 2010, 10:12 PM']Sold a Yamaha TRB-6II to Kongo - he paid immediately and was a pleasure to deal with - and patient whilst waiting for me to sort out a box![/quote] Indeed, the -exact- model I GAS'ed over for years but never took the dive. It is my main bass and I'm still using it now, flawless, well looked after and has aged well. [quote name='nickcarey' post='877090' date='Jun 25 2010, 08:24 AM']Sold some strap locks to Kongo. He paid immediately. Pleasure to deal with. [/quote] Can't thank you enough, I'm gonna buy these for all my basses, the powerful anchor they provide, whilst still allowing you to disconnect your strap so it doesn't do damage to your bass in it's case is a much welcome bonus.

My Strap locks arrived, condition as described and in a timely manner. Loving the anchor whilst being able to still remove my strap when placing my bass back in it's case. Sorry for the extra work u needed to do refunding my double payment, but it has to be said you did just that so people buy with confidence, this is a 100% honest seller. Thanks a lot.

Oh rubbish I was gonna recommend mine only it was from an Indie UK company and Im afraid the name has long since been worn off... Suede backed padded leather, 4" wide. I play a Yamaha TRB6-II, very well know for their stupid weight and I cannot feel it with this strap. I want another one but I can't find em, shame cause it's perfect length. (why do they make leather straps 10 foot long?) Edit: Oh wow, nvm guy above me has found em online, happy days! [quote name='Pkomor' post='874545' date='Jun 22 2010, 04:14 PM'][url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WIDE-COMFY-PADDED-Brown-Leather-Bass-Guitar-Strap-NEW_W0QQitemZ200486503668QQcategoryZ20831QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DDLSL%252BSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BIEW%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D8%26pmod%3D200479458464%252B200479458464%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7637124453149121462#ht_4010wt_1137"]This...[/url][/quote] I got mine in black a few years ago, comfiest strap I've EVER used! Only issue is it's not really stiff, so over years I guess it could stretch somewhat...not that I think mine has.

[quote name='velvetkevorkian' post='872802' date='Jun 20 2010, 05:42 PM']Get Stuart Clayton's "Ultimate Slap Bass" book and hammer through it. Very good resource IMO, which goes from the basics to the almost impossibles and everything in between. Its also a satisfyingly thick volume, so it feels like money well spent on your bookshelf [/quote] Omg I was 1st to reply and completely forgot to list that book! It takes you from baby steps to Wooten and above (yes indeed), a very THICK book with ring binding so you can read it on a music stand fine, complete with a CD that sounds good, no rubbish bass tone here. In fact, go to Amazon and order a copy now...really is the best advice. Youtube is also a good resource if something in the book confuses you.

[quote name='benzies123' post='873120' date='Jun 20 2010, 11:16 PM']It's odd. Over the last year or so I have owned almost exactly the same gear as you. AH300-12 and a trace 4x10 along with the old Yamaha TRB around the same age (except mine is freltess and 5 string as you have probably noticed)... just thought I would point that out. Back to relevance - those indeed are the strings on my yamaha 35" now, so all should be well![/quote] Can't fault you for it (Hide's the Ibanez as things are gettin scary)...eheh...eheheh...uhm... Ty for the advice anyways, guess I got stuck into knowing where my strings are always stocked (and the fact that they know me by voice should I call) that I forgot to do what I did in the first place; search for cheaper car insur...er bass strings! This sure opens up gauge options (6-string super long come in one gauge for some reason...) and I can always pick and mix i.e. 4-string set with high-C and low-B to my tastes.

One of my favs right there...*sigh* such inspiration one could only dream of getting even 1% close to causing them self. Ty for the link, broaden many brains if they haven't already watched it.

[quote name='Johnston' post='872410' date='Jun 20 2010, 09:25 AM']I remember back in the day the catalogues had Encores and Squiers. Now it's encores and starcasters, which look like affinities and the squiers are starting to get rated. Are Fender trying to get a brand name in for cheap stuff and try and get squier away from the cheap moniker into a more budget-mid range role.[/quote] I'd recon so, as Squier has a better name these days, and as the build quality is gettin better, why not make it a middle of the road, almost MiM Fender? Good business, and great for muso's who want a Fender (in build if not name) without the price tag. And with money tight as it is these days, what better time to do it? Starcaster tho, unlike Squier, DOES look naff in logo. I'm happy with my 3 Squier's I have tho, always have been.

[quote name='benzies123' post='872658' date='Jun 20 2010, 03:23 PM']This is where I buy mine - not exactly in the depths of cyberspace [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/D'Addario-EXL170-6-Regular-Light-6-String-Bass-32-130_W0QQitemZ320523765612QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&rvr_id=&cguid=cfc3d77d1250a0aad24091b0fa47e4ac"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/D'Addario-EXL170...24091b0fa47e4ac[/url] These aren't extra long though... I don't think this is a problem however as these strings go fine on my 35" scale TRB and I'm assuming your TRB isn't a freak of nature 37" jobby? I have found them for around £26 incl. postage here [url="http://www.soundsliveshop.com/p/D'Addario_EXL165-6_Bass_Strings/DADD-EXL165-6"]http://www.soundsliveshop.com/p/D'Adda...s/DADD-EXL165-6[/url] in case those ebay ones ever go out of stock for a while. Hope that helps P.S I can't agree with you more about Rotosound, all my heroes (apart from John Patitucci [D'addario]) play them but I just hate them![/quote] Nope, Standard '98 TBR6-II, 35" scale length. I hadn't tried standard length on this bass yet tho, from ur exp, sounds like they fit. For some reason I always forget about Ebay...

I love Hipshot for tuners, put them on anything I can. As with the D-tuner, it's amazing it works so well. If you find it doesn't quite go back to E from D, and they usually do, jus give the string a little tug away from the fingerboard when you put it back in, but if your strings are well stretched, shouldnt be a problem.

I'd wager the Hipshot BT7, but I don't know what the 60's Viba tuners look like from behind. The post width looks about right tho. Be prepared to drill a few holes maybe, Squier tuners sometimes have 2 fake screws on them, so they are held in with 2 instead of the 4 they look like they are, might have changed in recent years. Either way, VERY easy to fit.

[quote name='Protium' post='871635' date='Jun 19 2010, 12:14 PM']If it is likely to cost £100 I would consider a replacement neck - MightyMite are a very good straight swap and you could pick one up for well under £100, but depends if you want the genuine Fender.[/quote] I've been lookin at some Mightymite necks, so they do ship to UK then? I need a high quality neck for my P-bass, the other one I bought didnt last a year!

[quote name='fender73' post='870737' date='Jun 18 2010, 01:01 PM']yamaha attitude for me please, sea foam green or Candy Apple Red[/quote] Seconded, or a Urge II. My P-bass is becoming more and more like an Attitude as we speak...a few features...actually ALL features on that bass will work for me 100%! I want the Seafoam Green tho, even tho he plays Lava Red, Seafoam Green is the colour I associate...Black looks like any other P-bass (such as mine!)

[quote name='BassBus' post='872034' date='Jun 19 2010, 07:23 PM']...or Squires are becoming too good?[/quote] +1 Starcaster is the kind you get from Argos etc when u get these "budget starter sets". We've all noticed it for a while but it's now apparent, Squier's are getting too good. My P-bass started as an Affinity, and even then it played awesome. IN fact, until I get it's neck sorted (Maple fingerboard version I bought), the old neck has gone back on...smooth as you like! Just change the pups and it's good enough, never mind the rest I did.

Larry Graham perhaps, then into Marcus Miller, jus going by his feel as much as technique. Slap as a technique isn't hard, but the feel and approach I found harder to begin with, as like yourself I'm more Rock and Metal orientated. Being able to slap like this guy, without sounding cheesy could take months or years, depends really. His feel is too good! Fav'd the vid for later. His music diet is probably full of this kind of music tho, so listen to as much funk and, beleive it or not, Gospel has some mad slap bassists, you dont need to praise god to listen to it.

[quote name='The Burpster' post='870200' date='Jun 17 2010, 08:28 PM']Any 'named' aftermarket pups are a hike to its performance. Certainly the SD 1/4lb ers made it into a monster. The stock ones are OK but if you are after a particular tone then the basdic instrument will carry it off with the pups in that aim to achieve that tone.[/quote] That's what went into mine! (one of the pics I used when I sold it) Tone, volume, sustain all went up by a mile!

[quote name='Randy_Marsh' post='871040' date='Jun 18 2010, 06:49 PM']Love that, and iv never really liked the slapped P sound. I'm a changed man haha[/quote] Me neither, until I watched this guy: Changed me forever. I love the "Board" sound of the E string slapped lol.

[quote name='benzies123' post='869974' date='Jun 17 2010, 04:07 PM']Look around and you can get that set posted for less then £24, an absolute bargain! I've settled on D'addario strings now, they really are the sh*t! I think they utterly wipe the floor with Rotosound and Ernie ball etc. Mmm, I need some new ones.[/quote] Indeed, I DETEST Roto's, as much as I like supporting our own they don't work for me, despite many of my fav bassists using them, I hate the extreme feel to them and they seem to come with half tone and die fast, but thats me and my own skin Ph to blame. Tried Ernie Ball...whereas they are a good second they don't deliver like D'addario. I used to use Elites Stadium series until I got some that came with a touch of rust and started breaking. Warwick also tried all but black Label, the Red Label can cut through rock, never mind skin! and the Yellow label were...well...Never again. Even on my P-bass I've gone Prosteel, jus changed from my glass feel Nickel D'addario's to Pro-Steel, fancy a custom gauge tho. I'd love it if you could direct me where to get em for £24 tho, Ive been a customer of Stringsdirect for ages but feel the prices are going up too much considering you cut out the middleman.

I use an odd method I self dubbed the "Mimic Infusion Process". For as long as I can remember I've been doing this...started off with Steve Harris, onto Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, Billy Sheehan etc etc etc. I learn about their play style, what makes them tick, and focus on learning as much as I can by learning their songs and then pulling them appart. Why did they play that lick? why was it played in this why? Why was it useful to them and how could it better myself? I delve into it as deep as I can before I become borderline copy cat (play wise not look wise), then I back off and ween myself of it by going back into my songs, compositions, exercises and techniques and when my side comes back strongly again I find that that players style and influence has indeed embedded itself into my playing, my mind and hands have fused with my way and this players way. With each player it's become such a journey. I dunno if this is perhaps some insane way of learning but I like it, at first it was accidental I mean, Harris was all I knew! Now tho I have a more structured take on it. So to recap: Get to a level of your own playing Become inspired by a bassist (must enjoy them, no point in forcing) learn their songs Pick them apart Identify techniques, theoretical approach (if thats ur bag), interesting note choices, common patterns Become borderline copycat (bedroom more than band, dont wanna undo your own work afterall) Come back off of it by solidly playing your own stuff (in a sense, become a mimic of yourself...interesting) Congrats! You are now fused! I wonder if this is more of a unique mental approach than one that could be taught...but if anyone feels like trying do let me know how it goes. You gain such a myriad of hybrid techniques its unreal and open up to many more note choices also.

Been using D'addario Pro Steels Extra long, gauge 30-130 (6-string) for maybe 4 years solid now. Not badly priced (£30 Stringsdirect), last a long time and theres tension to suit all needs. I use finger, slap, tap...whatever I need and catered my gauge for it: 30 - 45 - 65 - 80 - 100 - 130 Not too thick on the lower strings or they sound duff when tapped, yet on a 35" you dont need to worry about them flopping about. Might make the switch to DR LoRiders tho as these dont work so well on my most recent bass. Cost about £5-£10 more than D'addario's tho! :-O

Oh hell yes! I'm buying one of these just because! Haynes Manuals...remind me of my childhood. Used to read my grandad's Reliant Robin / Kitten Haynes just for the "funny pictures" of gearbox's etc, imagining the real object in my mind...for some reason when I put hands on a Haynes now I just get that warm memory of my Grandad...and one that has Fender basses in it...well...it's a dream come true! My fav Haynes right there...file it next to Morris / Austin Mini!