Cat Burrito

Love Carol. She sent me some plectrums a few years ago and if I play with a pick I use those. Not that the magic came with them, sadly! [quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1468620121' post='3092269'] The YouTube video of her teaching Gene Simon how to play bass is great. [/quote] Simmons.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1468563323' post='3091725']Very nice, but does it have the classic Hofner thump?[/quote] I believe it sounds typically hollowbody-esque, yes. I don't know if a purist would say classic Hofner but it's close enough for my ear. [quote name='chriswareham' timestamp='1468577562' post='3091871']If it's the same as the violin basses, then I'm guessing the original Verithins were completely hollow bodied, while the "Contemporary" series have a block of wood down the middle for a more modern sound.[/quote] It does indeed have the centre block. Gretsch do a similar thing too.It increases the weight a little bit (obviously) but reduces feedback so on balance it's no problem for me.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1468515277' post='3091520']Are the stings Pyramids? [/quote] Stock roundwounds, presumably Hofner. I normally use flats but these can stay for now.

I had no idea Hofner had launched a long scale version of this bass but stumbled across it this week and decided to end what has been over 3 years of GAS free bass playing. I originally bought a Hofner Verythin bass back around 2011 and bonded with it massively on the live circuit. However, recording our 2nd album at the time became a problem as the producer of the record had dog like hearing and was struggling with the short scale intonation (not entirely unusual for a hollowbodied bass. In the end what was supposed to be all over one album, only made it onto one track. My love affair with Hofner ended and I sold the bass on. As time rolled on I think I probably should have stood up to the producer and certainly not sold the bass on (it really wasn't that bad and only one other band member claimed that could hear something). So seeing the long scale necked version I figured the intonation would be better and if not, I wasn't going to care. Googling around neither Basschat nor the other forums seem to be celebrating this fine bass. Dood's video was good but to be fair my mind was made up. The cherry burst is sweet. It feels very well balanced. Quite light, although a little heavier than the original bass I had. Tonally it just totally pitches it where I want to be. I'm not sure whether to keep the rounds on it or default to my preference of flats but I won't rush into anything. And Thomann have confirmed the case fits the longscale model so I have taken the plunge with a fitted case too.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1468444986' post='3091039']The Classic 50s is quite a step above the standard MIM Precision[/quote] Agreed. My first bass (lasted over 10yrs as my only player) and my current main bass are both Fender 50s P-basses. They are great. No issue with the truss rod as once it is set up it's done. Very playable and (for me) just perfect.

I have (had) the Squier and it's a great bass. I'm just in the process of upgrading my kit but managed 3 years exclusively playing Squire basses. I customised mine with ashtray covers and a 51 style pickguard but these are good basses and the pickup is killer.

I used one solidly for a few years and loved it. I guess they are like Marmite but as old school tones are my thing it totally delivered for me.

I assume Vintage white is okay? [url="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Tim_73/media/IMG_4651_zpsqjk2cbs6.jpg.html"][/url]

10th December '94 at The Old Angel in Nottingham. I fell offstage drunkenly adjusting my backing vocal mic before we had hit the first note. In fact the first note was me landing on my P-bass! Arguably the biggest cheer of the night and the end to a great tour. I'm strangely proud whilst not wishing to repeat the incident.

I went for ages not being able to do this and the answer was simple, practice. Sometimes if the bass if buried a little, I find the chords on a guitar and then work the bass from there. There is no feeling like the first time you finally crack picking stuff out for yourself - it's like a graduation.

You should always play to the key that suits the singers voice so I don't think it's unfair for bassists or guitarists to have to adapt - I've done some songs in more than one band and we've flipped the key. But it's best to not do it at open mic after a few ales! I've played with an Americana band for over 7 years and they *used* to be really bad for saying "this is G, capo 4" and I would forever be correcting them and saying "actually B". More recently they've raised their game and I'm being corrected with "...minor 7th actually!"

I certainly don't have a problem with them, so long as the performer isn't glued to one. I've worked with a minority of players in the past who've used one and it simply hasn't been an issue. As mentioned by earlier posters, I occasionally scribble notes on set lists or cards hidden on the amps but much more in the early days of new songs. It's preferable to getting things wrong but nothing should be a substitute for practice.

I get comparisons to Paul Simonon and comments about cool shoes. Generally the musicianship of the band gets praised and you can't hide a bad bassist in a good band. For the record I haven't played anything punk in 20yrs but I guess our formative years still come out a little.

My latest, a Japanese 57RI [url="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Tim_73/media/IMG_4651_zpsqjk2cbs6.jpg.html"][/url]

I studied Scotty's playing in detail when I moved onto guitar. He is the original and the one who inspired everybody's favourite player. I have his autographed picture in my bedroom and I think today a little bit of rock 'n' roll history died.

With space on pedal boards so often at a premium, I'd at least say it's great news for those looking for 2nd hand TU3 pedals on Ebay and Gumtree.

I've been to Mark's house and bought from him. Very nice guy and easy to deal with. He sold me an absolute quality bass, although I did have to sell it back to him a couple of years later when I was going through hard times.

It's all on my bucket list - in fact I think it's all that is on my bucket list! I did a Gram Parsons pilgrimage in 2010, hired a car and drove through California and stayed at the Joshua Tree Inn, in the room he died in. Naashville / Memphis next time, I have promised myself.

It's been a while since I posted mine and I know have the PF-50t head so here's a slice of retro heaven [url="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Tim_73/media/RetroRig_zpstsqf7qp4.jpg.html"][/url]

I too think P-bass with flats, perhaps a bit of foam under the bridge... but forums always forget to acknowledge that you can pretty much play any genre on any bass.

I'm a huge Gene Simmons fan but I wish he'd stuck with those early 70s Gibsons.

I'm really a bassist but I currently play lead guitar in one of my band and over the last 10 years of a 30yr playing career, as well as bass, I have ventured onto guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica and upright bass with varying degrees of success. These days I really enjoy guitar simply because I put the work into my playing and have got more confident but bass is something that I will always have roots with. I should add I still regularly gig and record with bass too, it's just the guitar band is busier.

I never really have a definitive list but just recently I have been really appreciating the brilliance of Stu Cook from Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Go with the flow, whatever works

I had an all original 1978 mocha brown Fender Precision bass. It was lightweight (which always used to amuse me reading the comments about them being heavy) and was a genuinely stunning player. I sold it only when I had a change in financial circumstances. A lot is said on forums but you won't truly know until you try it yourself.