Cat Burrito

I enjoyed Peter Criss' book (Ex-Kiss drummer) purely because he is such an idiot and doesn't realise it. The same with ex-Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley except he is an idiot who totally realises it. Gene Simmons was just boring. Duff McKagan's book had a decent uplifting tragedy to success story that I liked. Bobby Womack's book (available on Kindle) is a total car crash as is soul legend Bettye Lavette's which starts from her being dangled out a building by her ankles by per pimp before picking UP the pace - essential stuff! Makes those bad boy rockers look like The Waltons!

[attachment=130620:humour bass.jpg] Nashville won't know what hit them!

I must confess I've been surprised that in 7 pages this hasn't turned into a big old bun fight. We're all different and want different things from bands. Seems pretty straight forward to me. Personally in 25yrs my bands have almost always been original bands but then I've been fortunate to work with some very gifted writers. I'd rather play covers I like then work with a bad writer. Not really experienced these arrogant musicians everyone is going on about, they tend not to get past audition (if that far!) on the rare occasions I've stumbled upon them. I'd never knock or claim to not understand someone wanting to do covers. I can see strengths in all types of bands as well as disadvantages.

Just to redress the balance 3 of the 4 Fender basses I had from this era were lighter than average. There are some heavier examples but this is certainly not always the case

From 1979 to 1981 they used the S9 serial numbers so you'll need to ensure you have your birth year and not be a year out. I have a 78-79 and regularly enjoy reading some of the criticisms of old Fenders - some people having tried one 30yrs ago and others who haven't actually (I suspect) actually played one but seem quite happy to dive right in with an opinion. My limited experience in late 70s / early 80s Fenders has been entirely positive.

Surely it all depends on the bass? I've seen black basses look terrible but also look really cool. It also ultimately comes down to personal preference too. So I'm afraid I fall somewhere in the middle

I've even used mine live (!!!!) and for recording. Stonkingly good little amps. *I wouldn't advise using them live normally but the fact remains these are great fun

Two out of three isn't bad; I only have one head / cab AND I pretty much just use one bass (I've only got the two anyway) so it's good to be back to where it always used to be. The bit in the middle of my playing history probably has me as one of the worst GAS casualties on this site but I grew out of that 2 or 3 years ago

I emailed [font="helvetica, arial, sans-serif"][color="#282828"]Carol Kaye once & she sent me her autograph and some plectrums. If I play with a pick I always use the Carol Kaye ones, except I mostly play fingerstyle.[/color][/font] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]EDIT - This is Carol Kaye and those are my fingers you are using too![/font][/color]

Keith Richards

There's always loads on EBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-precision-bass-guitar-pickup-covers-/160789707634?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&var=460068052292&hash=item256fd03b72

I used to but being a rare example of someone who cured their own (fairly serious) problem with GAS I started regularly using just one bass about 3 or 4 years ago. It makes you bond with your instrument more and helped get me a tonne of cash as I sold off everything that was surplus I now own 2 electric basses and it feels great

It's been said before in a round about way but for me it is snobbery - over taste in bands, over gear, whatever. It'd be boring if we all liked the same thing. From my point of view if I wasn't obsessed with music I would be so much further down the career ladder, have more money and probably still be married. Thank god for rock 'n' roll!

I own a couple of late 70s Fenders and this one raises a couple of questions for me. Firstly though, Fullerton is just the factory Fender used which arguably gives it more credibility and as a simple rule, the older the higher the value (condition aside) so pre-CBS is very highly regarded. The neck is a 3 bolt one which tend to be less popular with some collectors. Those knobs are clearly non original and there appears to be surface rust around the jack socket which makes me wonder what the electrics are like - and I note no pictures! I don't recall those paintjobs until the early 80s so I wonder if that body originally went with that neck but I could be wrong. That to me looks like a parts bass with a 78 neck so probably a value around £600. A decent example of a 1977 bass would go for up to £2000 (but less so in the current climate) and this would mean original case, immaculate condition and photos showing the original pots etc. If you are looking to buy a vintage Fender there is a wealth of knowledge on this site so don't get ripped off. Sometimes stuff is priced to sell quickly but there is a lot out there that isn't what it claims to be.

I echo the comments on improvements in bass technology these days. I don't own a bass with roundwounds on at present and play Americana, classic rock, rockabilly, folk and blues. Plenty of gigs are out there for old school players [quote name='iceonaboy' timestamp='1362500447' post='2000257'] I can't understand how Steve Harris gets such a bright sound from flats. I struggle to get such a sound from round wounds! [/quote] He uses a fresh set every gig, that's how

I own one of these too & I'd forgotten how cheap it was. Great for days when the hard case looks like hard work

It's an interesting thread. My girlfriend is always suggesting I buy [b]more[/b] basses but I've done the whole 30 instruments at once thing so haven't bought anything in over 2yrs and sold about 75% of it off since my divorce (by choice!). Just from personal experience (& not judging anyone on any posts here) if you have to lie to your partner or buy a bunch of stuff you rarely play, something *may* be wrong with the relationship. I agree with SpaceChick, this isn't a problem exclusive to one gender. Now if only I could get over [b]my[/b] addiction to shoes....

I moved onto guitar from bass a few years back and stayed at it for about 3 or 4 years before returning to bass. I think when it comes to experienced musicians too much emphasis is placed on our main instrument. I've worked with lots of players who are not on their main instrument and as long as you practice it usually isn't a problem. I was never an amazing guitarist but in the end I went to a teacher and asked him to help me stop sounding like a bass player when playing guitar - and to his credit he did! It's great being back on bass but I've gigged on mandolin, guitar, dobro, upright bass, harmonica, banjo and bass guitar. I'm not a stunning musician but I will put the time in to ensure I don't embarrass myself publicly too much

I haven't seen it in years, last one I remember was Jarvis Cocker / Michael Jackson which I guess was a little while ago now

I played Hofner for a while after 20yrs of Fender. If you practice enough I don't think scale length change makes a huge difference and it's easy to adapt to the change. I reckon it's mostly in our heads and a lot of players are put off short scale before they've really tried them or given them a proper chance.

They sound like a fun bunch of guys

I think all musicians wind up seeing a band at some point move away from what it started out as and equally we all work with people we don't like so much at some point - so yes to both those. Try and resolve it and if you can't and it bothers you, walk. I've done this for 25yrs now. The next band can always be better. I'm currently playing what I want & like everyone in the band which is why I'm 4yrs in with this lot

We use a cajon sometimes and I think they really are great. First time I saw one it blew my mind so the last 3 bands I've been in we've bullied drummers into getting one

[quote name='BurritoBass' timestamp='1347436328' post='1800658'] For me it's the Hofner Verithin, my only bass I play these days [/quote] I wonder if I'm the first one here to have sold their "keeper" since this thread? No issues for me though, life goes on

I refinished with a, um, no finish! I just love that 70s no paintwork look