Sibob

A friend of mine ordered a Fodera single cut knock-off and it appeared to be a heap of steaming turd. I think he was a little more optimistic about it at the time (probably because he paid for it), but after a whole bunch of work, I think he scrapped or sold it. Si

Same, in the nicest possible way, I haven't missed his playing from trade shows. I wonder what other players have surnames that sound like their (trade show) playing Si

I'm not sure I agree with you on that, have you got some data to back it up? If you'd said record sales have been in decline since 2000, I'd agree! But since the 70's? It's like CD's didn't exist in your world?! . The decline from 2000s onwards is because of the internet and Napster blah blah blah. However there are some studies that suggest the purchase of music is the highest its ever been, but that it simply sells for a lot less now, skewing the 'consumption vs commercial worth' figures. Remember that music is often purchased directly from the artist now too, not through labels etc, so whilst artists are able to more directly monetise their art.....the 'business' side of things feels the hit. Arguably not a bad thing....."What's the problem with the music business??.....the 'business' part of it" The model is simply completely different, talk to Steve Lawson, I think he ran some numbers on some of his 'pay what you want' albums, and it averaged out at something like £7. That's a lot of people downloading for free, and a lot paying much more than £7. I'd also argue that a venue that closes down because of a decline in punters seeing music, doesn't have it's business model quite right. A pub that has covers bands will be a pub that is popular and uses it's band night as an added extra. A venue that runs originals nights will almost certainly always outsource the management of that night to a local promoter and charge that promoter for hiring the venue.....ie they get their money regardless. If no promoter is interested in taking that on, chances are they aren't a dedicated music venue and should have other revenue streams to cover the deficit.....ie a pub. Do we see Academy venues closing because 'no-ones interested in music'? No, they're often sold out most nights of the week with touring ORIGINAL acts. Si

Originals bands don't play for free (assuming they have any kind of management acumen) as a default. They will have a price they go out for (or they should do), which will be set to a scale around how many punters they pull in. That will often be less than covers band at lower levels because landlords simply make the assumption that punters will 'enjoy songs they know rather than new songs'......usually not based on any evidence at all. I would suggest that if a band is good enough, punters who are either into music, or very drunk, will dance to anything. Foo Fighters are an originals band, they get paid......"Don't be dumb, they're the Foo Fighters".......so? Still just an originals band, but happen to be very successful because people gave them the time of day. I know originals bands now who go out for a circa £1000 or more a show, because they pull in a decent crowd at Academy sized venues....they work hard and are popular. The decline in record sales is not down to a decline in bands, it's because of streaming, it really is simple as that. Decline in venues? Much more likely to be because of external factors such as locals complaining about noise AFTER they've moved to the area than a lack of bands/money for them. Read about Agent Of Change and why it's incredibly important for our industry: http://musicvenuetrust.com/2014/09/what-is-agent-of-change-and-why-is-it-important/ This incredibly inaccurate view of 'oh there's no good rock music about at the moment because of the internetz' is also as misleading as originals bands playing for free as a default. There's a ridiculous amount of good music currently, young up and coming bands, but people are generally too lazy to use the 'interwebz' to seek it out. Back on topic. Has anyone actually seen the website the landlord is talking about? I'd put money down that it doesn't exist and the landlord is using it as some idiotic bargaining chip for the bands he talks to. Si

/Thread lol

Bubby Lewis’ MTD 6 with 20mm spacing But yeah, the Ibanez SRC 6 might suit you?! Si

Considered the Ibanez SRC6? http://www.ibanez.com/eu/news/f_products/2014/workshop/crossover.html Si

To be fair, it’s not a new concept, Wing Basses have been doing it for a few years: https://www.wingbass.com/product-category/instruments/ The whole ‘just get a guitar’ thing is boring, it’s completely different. But I do agree that the Stonefield is not the eaiest on the eyes. But none of their range are overly pretty......they sound great though! To be fair, I think the only thing I hate with a passion is the inside-out strat jack socket, it just looks soooo amateur! Si

I actually find it hilarious that it’s 14mm spacing, so absolutely tiny neck for a 6, and you find it huge. My upcoming 6 has 17mm spacing, so will of course be wider, and I know Felix Pastorius’ 6 has 19mm spacing lol. Onviously not a competition, but just funny that it’s the narrowest 6 on the market Si

Linux is based around Unix architecture, as is Apple’s OS. As such, compatibility, whilst usually not ‘official’, is often* likely out of the box if the unit is class compliant. Si *No assumptions should be made, try before you buy if possible.

Interested to know how the output of the J balances with the P you have. I might be interested in dropping a P/J set of Blades into my Lakland, but with the stock J being slightly overwound by Lakland (at my request), wonder if a standard P/J might have the J a little lacking. Have got an email in with Carey about this too Cheers Si

I've used Newtones for years and found them to be consistent, great sounding and excellent value for money. I've fallen away from them in the last 3-4 years as I've started using Flat and Tapewounds a lot more, unfortunately Newtone only make Rounds. I wouldn't hesitate in using their Rounds again, however. Without wanting to derail from Newtone, it's worth noting that La Bella publishes a string guide that might be helpful with regards to wound length of their strings: http://www.labella.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/La-Bella-Strings-Bass-Scale-Guide.pdf Cheers Si

Just a shame there’s no options for the TMB30. The design really lends itself to a shortscale, yet it’s just treated as some entry level bass, something that leads onto the increasing features of the 34” versions. Si

It's taken me 4 days, but thought I'd offer my feelings on the 2018 show. As ever, was particularly excited, and so when I thought I might not make it because of the snow, I spent a good day talking about roads and their condition to Mrs Sibob......needless to say she was bored by it lol. I beat the snowy roads (in no way to the same extent as some peoples treacherous journeys) and got to the show on Saturday about 11:45.......... .......just as Bobby Vega was finishing his masterclass I had my bass with me, for no other reason than I had a gig after the show, but was fun excuse to show a few people my US Lakland 44-94 (passive P/J, think it's the only one they've made in that config) with La Bella Gold Flats. But essentially meant that I stuck to my historical behaviour of not picking up a bass at LBGS. It's not really through choice, but more because I'm very happy with what I have currently, and I always find myself chatting and catching up with everyone, not leaving any time to add to the noise. That said, if Jake's Serek basses had arrived on the Saturday as planned, I would have had another go on those (after my NAMM testing), so was gutted the weather scuppered that. Glad they arrived on the Sunday for him though, they're really very cool....I can see one of those in my future!! (ie I've priced it up with him lol). I enjoyed the layout this year from a functional perspective, I do like open plan, you can see around the place a little easier, however I did feel that the two extra internal rooms dissipated the overall noise better than open plan. Fewer booths than last year, which was sad to see, but hopefully the fact that this year seems to have garnered an overall positive reaction, they'll be back. I fully appreciate that a show like this is probably a PITA to attend, but I'd also like to think that engaging and supporting the UK bass community is high on a number of brands agendas, whether they 'need' the orders or not. Of course, the onus is also on Future to try and facilitate that as well. Booths that would be great to see back next year who were absent this year, including but not limited to: Barefaced, Status, COG, GB, Shuker, Strings & Things. Yes it would be great to have 'bigger brands' there and not just UK boutique, but I think these are largely catered for by retailer & distributor booths, was a shame to see no Strings & Things this year! Had a really interesting chat with Rob Elrick about neck wood preparing and construction, very friendly and knowledgable man, always good to see him at NAMM, so it's a pleasure we can host him at LBGS! Beautiful basses! If I ever went down the route of purchasing a Fodera again.......I'd likely ditch it and buy an Elrick lol. Had some good chats with Alan @ ACG, I have a bass on order, so was enquiring how it was coming and fawning over the Salace SC 6 he had on show. Great seeing the Markbass UK guys, I've been using Markbass heads for probably 6 or 7 years now, and I think a LM Nano will be added soon too! Managed to catch Mr Vega in the SBL room after missing his masterclass, just an incredible player, lovely person and deserved bass royalty as a result! Other than that, LBGS was primarily, as it always has been for me, a wonderful opportunity to catch up with some lovely lovely people that I don't get to see as often as I'd like. It's a fantastic place to meet, catch up whilst also being inspired and humbled in equal measure. Long may it live! See you next year! Si

Hehe Si

Totally forgot to post my newly acquired Bass Collection Jive fretless, very impressed for the money!! It went straight on one of the tunes for JoCee's new album, will make sure I post that about in July (2018) when it's out. If you're reading this after that date, it'll be on Spotify, PM me if you can't find it. Si

They used too, quite difficult to find now though, discontinued and apparently no-one is selling theirs. Si

I'm not sure I'd refer to some guitars at a trade show (in a different territory), but not on the official websites, as a launch. At best that's an 'official leak/preview', at worst, a fairly substantial marketing failure on Ibanez' behalf. It's also worth separating the appointed U.K. Distributor from Ibanez, referring to Headstock Distro as 'Ibanez UK' is a little misleading, they will be at the mercy of any information that Ibanez feeds them. Whilst it's arguable that they should chase info for a new product, if there's no info on Ibanez' website yet, what is there to 'officially' chase?! (You see the cyclical problem here). Have you contacted Ibanez directly? Probably more pertinent a question to ask them when the UK will receive shipment. Si

Looks like it was a successful show for Jake!! The Gallery is going to be taking some stock, and I think I’m right in saying that Bass Direct will have a couple too! Si

If it's not on the Ibanez websites, then the info you have is probably leaked before Ibanez has officially released, meaning that the distributor can't say anything until they get the go ahead. Give them a break Si

You'd perhaps like to think that supporting and engaging with the community had some value?! Fingers crossed Si

I MIGHT be coming for a second day today.....bringing mini Sibob....we’ll see Si

Bobby played again (well Q&A type thing) in the SBL room at 2:30pm. Was very cool. Show seemed busier than last time, and yes, the rooms separated in the main room definitly helped the noise! Ienjoyed myself Si