guyl

I can't believe no-one posted about the gig in London. If it was half as good as the one I saw this week in Milan, it must have been awesome. Not suprised to hear you lovin that DVD!

Not too sure if anyone has posted reviews/comments about the Shepherds Bush gig - apologies if I'm reviving the wrong thread .....! Cetera's Mr Big heads-up fell at the same time as a RyanAir £1 flights promotion - so we ended up seeing Mr Big in Milan last night (for less than the cost of petrol to London!). The gig was absolutely awesome. Billy Sheehan is a HUGE source of energy - obviously a technically amazing bassist, but also a great listener and supportive team player. As well as a thoroughly entertaining show, Sheehan, Torpey, Martin and Gilbert gave a lesson in high class musicianship. If they tour again, we'll most definately be going - UK or wherever!!

I went to one of Billy Sheehan's Ampeg clinics in Manchester in the early nineties. Queued to say hello afterwards, but by the time we got to the big man I was literally tongue tied. Fortunately my brother came along too who organised the short conversation on my behalf: " Hi Bill - his name's Guy" - "Nice to meet you Guy - I'll sign this photo for you ...Bye!" Still cringing at the memory some 18 years later!

Arghh! Didn't even know about this particular classifieds site. You're not helping with gas at all!

+1 for the "straight to a real upright bass" approach. Getting a decent setup will give you a good start on any new bass - I'd say this is almost as important as the quality of your 1st instrument. Spending on a decent pickup is money well spent too. Good luck!

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='581515' date='Aug 26 2009, 03:47 PM']Peavey did a pair of digital/switching 1U amps (DPC750/1000) but they are discontinued now. They come up used now and again, I'd certainly look out for those; though be aware that they are as deep as a deep thing as regards to fitting into a rack. [/quote] I have a DPC750 I keep thinking about selling. Works well for bass. Interested?

I'd love to try a Big One! (Stockport, South Manchester) Thanks

Me neither!

When they fail, the lifetime guarantee isn't that helpful mid-gig. Non of my OBBM cables have ever failed (on a gig or otherwise) which is even more use than a free replacement! Lots of clever ideas from PW though!

Guy Pratt left sunny Stockport bound for Acidbass about two and a half weeks ago. (Royal Mail 1st Class) He never made it (Until this week, I thought Royal Mail got an unfair bad press - now I know it's justified!) Ahpook, who offered his copy a while ago has now send his to Acidbass - so I guess that is now the communal book! I figured this was more in the spirit than buying a brand new copy and putting money into Guy Pratt's pocket. I feel terrible - sorry - although out of my control.

I owned Finbar's sidewinder from new - more than 10 years. In terms of tone, it is totally amazing. It was big and not light, but still very playable. Looks-wise it was a head-turner - stunning! If I hadn't blown all he gave me for it, I'd probably have it back today. If I ever found a conklin that was identical in sound and playability, but maybe a bit lighter with one or two less strings, I suspect I'd be looking at a "perfect bass" (for me). Has anyone here ever commissioned a new Conklin?

For a few years, I was overjoyed with my B-Band Statement (which sounded awesome). Sadly - it started to die. First the tone started to go off a bit. Then it started to buzz and feedback. Couldn't get any response from B-Band or advice on how to repair, so I changed it for something else. When researching recently, I came across a lot of comments like: "The Realist is excellent but it doesn't last very long". I kinda hoped spending £hundreds on a pickup meant you are set for life! Does anyone know if these kind of pickups have a limited life?

Guy Pratt on his way to Acidbass. A huge thank you to Elom for starting this off.

[quote name='Linus27' post='535598' date='Jul 8 2009, 12:27 PM']Judging by last night, very active [/quote] Sounds like she wants you to have a new bass!

Please add me to the list in Manchester, where it woudl be tested with both electric and upright bass.

I'm in Stockport and very curious! I use a GK 1001 RB II. Your rig is actually on my gas list, although I've never tried either.

+1 for Dave Lunt.

Got back from hols today and Guy Pratt was waiting on the doorstep!!!

Useful advice here. It surprises me how variable MM basses can be. Some guys on here have a few. I'd say don't restrict your list of possibilities - try lots of basses. If you buy at a sensible price you can easily move it on if you change your mind.

Looking forward to receiving it!

Randomly met a man from D'addario today. I took the opportunity of telling him that although I'm a big fan of his company's electric bass strings, my experience of the upright Hybrid Helicores had been poor, being that they died so quickly. He told me that he knew of historic "problems" and had heard many similar tales. D'addario have been working hard to fix the issues and promise that the radically different design appearing in the next "version/upgrade" will be a massive improvement. He understood that experimenting with £100+ strings is an expensive hobby but urged me to wait 12-18 months and give them another try! Might just be marketing talk, but wanted to pass on the info ....