ikay

Hiscox locks use a simple generic type key (pic of mine below). If they can't send you a replacement it shouldn't be too hard to make something that will unlock it. [attachment=109625:P1010395.JPG]

Lighter gauge strings are good for a more expressive tone on fretless. Heavier gauge for more thump and less mwah. Setup is also a critical factor in generating the tone you're looking for, much more so on a fretless than a fretted IMO. I'm no expert, just learning as I go by trying things out and finding what suits me. Be interesting to see what the fretless gurus of BC have to say!

Status halfwounds have a nice smooth feel and sound good to me, brighter than flats but less zingy than rounds. They do mellow with age but should last longer than rounds and will be much kinder to your fingerboard. Reasonably priced too so worth giving them a go. Trimming long scale strings to fit generally isn't a good idea, particularly for the lower A and E where you really need the taper to wind round the post.

This vid on YT shows an Eminence neck being removed and re-installed. You can see the neck joint about 1 minute in - [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5QkD7CUNLs[/media] And here's a Kolstein Busetto neck being removed. Good view of neck joint about 3 mins in - [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN_5Flm5yiI[/media] Interesting project!

Sounds like a good find - if you decide not to buy it please drop me a pm

Excuse the cack handed retouching but looks OK to me [attachment=108766:J+H IV.jpg]

I did the same thing to a Squier VMJ a while ago - total weight saving was around 160gm (5.6 ounces) so it does make a noticeable difference. Set of four will cost around £100 over here but there is a used set on ebay at the moment with a BIN price of £65 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hipshot-Ultralight-Bass-Tuners-/110885130556

Some info on the Rock Palace website here: - [url="http://www.rockpalace.com/en/product/Landscape-Swing-Bass-Artist-AVC"]http://www.rockpalac...Bass-Artist-AVC[/url] They're available from this distributor in the Netherlands: - [url="http://www.bmi.nl/"]http://www.bmi.nl/[/url] (search for Landscape) Also this demo on YouTube (how's your Japanese?) - [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FST4PfHeveo[/media] Looks like an interesting alternative to an Eminence or BSX

DR DDT strings - http://www.drstrings.com/catalog/ddt-bass-strings

[quote name='Baxter' timestamp='1337799231' post='1665709'] I've used thumbpicks all my playing life. Dunlop M is my preference. Dead easy to play with!! [/quote] Thanks, I'll give those a go

Anyone here use a thumb pick? I can't grip a regular pick due to cramping (focal dystonia sort of thing). I've read about Andy Billups from the Hamsters but can't find any pics of his modified thumb pick.

The standard Fender moulded case like this fits both J and P basses [attachment=108548:Fender Moulded Case.jpg]

Ruck, where did the hot and cold wires from the controls attach to the pickups? In the pic from 7string the red and black leads on the lower coil look suspiciously like they're both soldered to the brass bottom plate which might be part of the problem

Might be worth contacting Yamaha in Milton Keynes - UK Technical Support is available by telephone on [b]0844 811 1116[/b] - Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (4.30pm on Friday). Speak to someone there and email them a pic, they may be able to help

Good question Dave! On the attached pic they look the same size as the pickguard screws [attachment=107961:p1_uzstbehhe.jpg]

The undamped strings are just resonating in sympathy with the plucked string which is all quite normal. Second fret on the G is an A which is a strong harmonic on the D string. Seventh fret on the G is a D so a direct sympathetic vibration. Same applies to the other strings. There will be loads of sympathetic resonances all over the neck if you don't mute the unplayed strings All sounds as it should be to me.

+1 for TRB Mk 1. Had my TRB5 for over 10 years now, lovely bass, a regular gigging companion and one I keep returning to. I bought it used and had the chance to play it back to back with a Mk II which just felt nowhere near as good to me. Don't know what it is but there's something about the early TRBs that's a bit special. [attachment=107839:P1020722.jpg]

Looks like a Yamaha SB5A "Samurai" bass. One popped up on ebay last month http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-1968-Yamaha-SB5A-Samurai-Bass-Guitar-60s-surf-tone-fender-jazz-/320878730004

[quote name='Mr Bassman' timestamp='1336723958' post='1649900'] Looks [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-4-electric-double-bass-noblest-great-Black-/270751438184?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0a0b1568#ht_7677wt_1180"]Chinese[/url] to me [/quote] My goodness Mr Bassman, I think you've hit the jackpot!

Hi Clarky, I wondered whether it was an Aria but the chap seems convinced it's a Yamaha. Also the headstock and machines are very different to the Aria, the gears look more like a traditional URB. All very mysterious

Now posted on the Upright/EUB forum - apologies for duplicating

Can anyone tell me what this is? Listed on Gumtree as a Yamaha but no model name or other details. All the seller can tell me is that it's a solid body with a pickup under the bridge and a 3mm jack socket (bit odd) and vol/tone on the back. Scale length is 40.75 inches. [attachment=107586:Yamaha upright 2.jpg] [attachment=107587:Yamaha upright 3.jpg]

Some John East preamps have concentric pots with a split upper shaft. May be worth having a chat with John to see if he can point you in the direction of a supplier. (http://www.east-uk.com/)

Lam necks are the equivalent of go faster stripes IMO. Having said that, I do love my ACG