3below

[quote name='thinman' timestamp='1358364331' post='1937938'] I really wouldn't do outside without decent PA support unless you know you're going to be in a confined space with audience up close. Once your bass rig starts to overpower the drums (I'm assuming you're full band?) then they will need reinforcement. That will require a fair bit of PA to be worthwhile and then everything else needs support too. You'll end up with ridiculously loud on-stage levels if you try to do it all with your backline! [/quote] Very true words with good advice. However, if you want to destroy buildings... get a Barefaced dubster and an amp that will deliver 500W+ (real watts lol) (I use a Peavey Tour 700, cheap s/h). you could build a Fearful 1515 and a 6 headcase. I will attest that the BF Dubster with 700W available is 'adequate'.

Commiserations. I had first rejection about two years ago, along with guitar player who I think is outstanding. I also felt we played well for the two full set auditions (no, before you ask there was not an audience). You win some, you lose some, move along no news here.

Prices, prices, prices, there is a recession so lets see what the price tag is. Star bass looks to my taste.

Or if you fancy a BFM omni 15 wideboy - the same as Mr Foxen's but in the wide format for valve heads. I have used the 3015LF in another cab but the rest of it is available. Probably about the size of a 4x10, check website for details. It was pretty comparable to the Barefaced big on I used to own.

Francis, 3below - Kerry, Powys

Take a look at Bill Fitzmaurice's web site.

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1358105210' post='1933249'] .... chunky/wide necks because I have stubby fingers and wide hands. Truckstop [/quote] A very good point to bear in mind. I also have little hands that are stubby. Narrow neck guitars are just too hard too play, insufficient space for my fingers.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1358073129' post='1932525'] +1 I'd check for dead spots, sustain, tone and the action before I'd worry about neck pockets. [/quote] I totally agree on this, check the C on G string in particular for the dead note. If all other notes are good and the bass 'sings' ask the shop to put new strings (not an unreasonable £10 on a £600+ instrument purchase. New strings will show if it is a fundamental unfixable issue or duff strings. Do not worry too much about the neck pocket gap at the E string side. It is easily sorted out in about 2 mins. If there is a gap at the lower side after the top (E) side of neck has been aligned correctly then it might be time for second thoughts.

My Fenders (1990s guitars) x3 are all well built, two are flawless, one has paint sinkage at 22 years. QC might be variable, I chose what I spent my money on. Build quality on most instruments has moved on leaps and bounds, these days I just evaluate a bass or guitar for what it is, not the decal / inlay on headstock. Case in hand, I have a Peavey milestone iii bass. Alder body, maple neck and better bridge than std precision. Apart from indifferent pickups it is a great bass. Is a USA 'name' bass 6x better at 6x price?, will I play 6x better? For the record I am not 'Fenderphile', current bass of choice is a Chinese job (£150), better built than my two USA 'vintage' basses, plays far better as well.

What are the pickups, can not see from pic, I have various ones, will donate to this if suitable.

[quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1357987853' post='1931332'] Thats a pretty standard issue. [/quote] Yes, and I had the same with my 1977 Precision from new. It is very easy to sort. Slacken the strings, loosen neck screws, tap neck on non machine head side to close the gap, retighten neck screws, tune up. Many bolt on neck basses can be made to look as bad as this pic. Fender do themselves no favours with that photo, and not ensuring some shops sort this out if it has happened in transit.

Fender tele, strat neck sizes and profiles can vary considerably. I have one that has a neck that I can only describe as a baseball bat. I love it. As always try a range out.

Have thought about your situation a lot in last day or so, it has made me reflect how would I feel without ability to play From my professional side (not music, no chance, lack of ability) have you had an occupational therapy assessment? You could ask the medics for one. Some of my thoughts run as follows: if you can not hold pick and or can not do finger plucking, what about some sort of glove / finger pick / wrist to hand supported thingy that uses two/three fingers (a bit like a big guitarists thumb pick ). If the hand to bass angle is difficult, what about playing bass on lap, like the late Jeff Healey did on guitar. If you can work out what will help / would make it work there will be the will, the ways and the means to make it happen for you on this forum.

Through the forum I have now amassed the best bass rigs I have ever owned and at sensible money. My amps and cabs all bought through here. Have also gained two really good basses and one ok bass (it was thrown in with case lol) at really fair prices. One bass I had longed for in the 1970's as a student and could not afford so I bought a new Fender P, it was cheaper. The range of advice and support here is just so good. Long may it continue.

The cabs were well made, birch ply, well executed. I had two 2x15 cabs, with hindsight I would say they were on the small side for 15" speakers. No ports, sealed cabs.

Spares - fuses, plugs, cables. Basic toolkit - pliers, screwdrivers, allen keys. Electrical stuff - extension cables, circuit breaker. Combo is an easier take out than head and cab, packing up is a pain after 3 hrs. Watch your kit when packing up, do not leave it unattended, take it in turns to go to car / van. This is when you can have kit nicked. I always put bass in case when not in use. Consider a cheap bass that you will not mourn over if it gets damaged or stolen.

Sorry to hear this. Many years ago I started to suffer tendonitis (left hand). Similar sort of effect, play for a while, wrist swollen, very painful. I gave up bass for several years. About 3 years ago started playing again, so far so good it has just gone away. Even a 3 hr gig did not bring it on. You may get lucky after a break from playing.

[quote name='Jimryan' timestamp='1357504857' post='1923772'] This. Fantastic idea. Brilliant, yet so simple. Cheers 3below. [/quote] Thanks, if it works well you could even go to expense of getting holes finished well and the whole ashtray re-chromed so that it looks original.

I have some alternative plans if you want to keep the ashtray cover. Plan a; Get a spare ashtray cover. Drill large holes into it so that it is easy to see where the strings would feed into the existing bridge. Plan b: use tele bass bridge cover, the string bridge anchor end is open. Plan c: get a metalwork shop to make you an exact size base plate with a fold at the ball end and slots rather than string hole. The fold would be a bit like that on a music man bass. Plan d: Hipshot or Schaller bridge.

Welcome from another Wales bass player of the other sex. Which bit of Wales, North, South, West or Mid? I am getting the Warwick vibe