Cat Burrito

I have ashtrays on both my basses & have done since the late 90s. Out of interest, does anyone happen to know if the bridge ashtray wll fit over an American Standard P-bass High Mass Vintage bridge? I assume it does because of the use of the word "vintage" but wonder if anyone has first hand knowledge.

Sounds like you'd be better off knuckling down as opposed to being on here! Ha! Joking aside, you sound like you'll be more than equipped to do the job at hand. I'm just in the process of getting my first double bass. From talking to friends who are further down the line with it then you or I, they seem to adapt quite quickly. I'm (slightly) more concerned about my left hand technique for any audience members who are perfect pitch but then I think I'm happy to learn by my mistakes. With your references to Americana / country / rockabilly it sounds like we're doing similar stuff. Best of luck with it.

I don't know about a famous bassist's bass but I'd like an early 70s P-bass - I enjoy the fantasy / the hunt & am in no hurry to get it. I have a lot of flexibility in colour as it changes every week!

Seriously worth doing - I got a load on EBay myself a few years ago. I don't like Grolsch so it cut out the middleman nicely!

A long time ago in a Galaxy far, far away (well 1995 somewhere in the West Country) my wife said I could get a double bass. Nearly 15yrs later this finally looks like it's going to finally be happening. I've traded in some old kit at my local music store & this [b]will[/b] now be a dream come true. It got me to thinking, what do you guys play & who actually wants to play stand up bass as well as a bass guitar? Are you happy with where you are or do you stretch yourself (quite literally!)? Just not looking forward to lugging it about! BB PS Apologies for those who's lifestyle choices are not covered by my poll.

To be blunt, you are in the wrong band! If you are not a full time professional musician this [b]has[/b] to be about FUN! If it isn't, you have to ask why you are doing it. Don't give up - just get your name back out there & another act will come along. Best of luck.

Gotta love a good P-bass. My main workhorse is a 1990 MIJ in the aforementioned sunburst & maple. May I apologise in advance for any drool on your keyboards?

A very strange one. Whilst there is a certain snobbery about capos on electric guitars in some circles (nobody told Keith Richards) they are totally acceptable on acoustics. I can't see the point personally on a bass but people, we all make our own music so I reckon we can all do what we want.

Does he do strap buttons too? ^_^

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='512468' date='Jun 12 2009, 09:41 PM']I was planning to take mine with me ...[/quote] True story - I have (had) an old Vox Fretless that is buried in a cemetary in Hertfordshire following the death of a friend's friend in a bike accident. The family appreciated it.

Sold now though. I had a mate who had a 73 tele bass that he couldn't get rid of. It was ex-Oasis and wound up going for a mere £800. He tried selling with 0 feedback and it looked dodgy but was 100% legit. Someone grabbed a bargain

I really need to check with my road crew.... I wish! I think I get through on a series of pathetically helpless looks & the misguided sympathy of band mates!

I have a late 80s Fender MIJ P-bass too & fitted mine with a Seymour Duncan SPB-1. I was amazed with the condition of the old pup - I was going to put it on EBay until I saw how rusty it was! The bass sounds great now & I see the Iron Maiden tribute bass uses this pickup. Different style to me but shows the versality of it

No surprise that this went 35 mins after your post... wish it were me!

One old tip I've used for years is using the rubber rings from Grolsch bottles as cheap but effective strap locks. I think that one is pretty widely known now. Recently I've come across removing the black plastic pickup covers and thumb rest on vintage Fender reissues & giving the plastic a good scrub with a green kitchen brillo pad. It removes the horrible shiny plastic finish and gives your bass a much better retro finish without devaluing your instrument. What tips can you share?

I think it looks really good. I like the butterscotch though - they seem to look better in person & just not always so good in certain photographs depending on light. Still that 55 look is bang on the money. Great colours!

I must confess I'm sorely tempted to take the plunge

Get lessons to help you out of the rut. And play with more people. Simple as that

I think the cheapest is [url="http://www.guitarpartsshop.co.uk/acatalog/Seymour-Duncan-bass-guitar-pickups.html"]http://www.guitarpartsshop.co.uk/acatalog/...ar-pickups.html[/url] Occasionally the Antiquity stuff isn't readily available & has to be shipped in. Good choice though

The Classic Series of MIM Fenders are simply awesome, guitars as well as basses. I've never come across a bad one, a few decent ones and the rest were simply stunning.

3M Dual Lock is a heavy duty velcro & is readily available on EBay. Give it a try

Parts basses are great if you know what you like & know what you are looking for with regards to each part. If you like MIM basses, getting one & modding it is great too. This also allows you to work out what you don't like about it & modify at your leisure. There is no point in getting a special nut if the original is to your tastes!