JohnR

I do most of my song learning away from the bass. I like to write out a chord chart and map out the song structure. I have a Word document template I always use for this. The process of writing it out really helps me remember things like variations and fiddly sections. I also use iReal Pro app to programme in the songs and play along with as it helps me concentrate better than if I were to just play along with actual recordings. There are no short cuts and it is just a matter of putting the hours in. I try to make it more educational by learning the song on guitar or keyboard so at least the time spent is helping refine my playing skills (I don't have any) on those instruments. You will find ways to keep it interesting. When all else fails just play muted dead notes to cover any gaps. Good luck.

My long-awalted Sandberg California TM2 five string will be arriving soon and I want to buy a case. The Fender ABS molded case looks like an option. Have any of you experience of a Sandberg fiver in this case? The complication for me is that I am left handed but I have found a supplier of the left-handed version of the Fender molded case and just want to know if the Sandberg will fit before buying it. Thanks John [attachment=227204:0996175106_gear_frt_001_nr.png] [attachment=227205:0996175106_gear_inter_001_nr.png]

I haven't tried the GK MB500 but as probably just about to buy one tomorrow to tide me over until the Darkglass head arrives.. I owned the TC BH800 and got rid of it recently. I was happy with the tone but the flashing lights of the tuner slowly drove me mad.

I got a lovely email from Dr. Lars this evening to say the parts I need will be in the post next week. Outstanding.

Final, final update. On impulse I sent a message to Schaller this evening using their webform. I got a reply a short while later from Dr Lars Bunning who is the Schaller managing director and owner asking me to send a picture of the damaged machine head and he would try to source a spare part. This is stunning service from Schaller in trying to support a part purchased over 28 years ago. It has completely made my day. John

Final update. I have managed to fix (bodge) the broken machine head so panic over. For future reference the Wal Mk1 has a 17mm bore. The Schaller M4S light (thanks Gareth) looks like a drop in replacement at 71 grams. The existing Schaller is 103 grams. I also learned that the 1/2 inch variant of the Hipshot Ultralite would fit albeit with an additional hole having to be drilled for the screw. Neck dive has never been an issue with this bass but it would help my back to reduce the weight where possible. It will be going back to Paul as soon as my Sandberg arrives so I will avoid doing anything rash until then. Thanks John

I am dying with anticipation waiting for this to arrive.

Thanks so much for the help. I have emailed Paul and hopefully will get this sorted quickly. The irony is that this bass is due to go back to Paul shortly for a service and I was just waiting for the backup Sandberg to arrive before sending it off.

Thanks Gareth. Yes, I was looking at that option when my head was turned by the Ultralites. I will probably end up going down this path. I need a replacement quick as this is my only bass at the moment so it will come down to what I can obtain quickly. Terrible timing as I ordered a Sandberg back in April to use as a second bass and it it due in the next few weeks. John

Hi All. I have just broken one of the Schaller tuners on my 1988 Mk1 Wal Custom and am considering replacing the entire set with Hipshot Ultralites. Can anyone tell me if I need the 1/2" or 3/8" Ultralite variants? Thanks John

The Sandberg I ordered back in April won't be delivered for another month at least yet I am getting hot and bothered over a Maruszczyk Jake. I am also eagerly anticipating the Darkglass head.

I have just bought the Kindle version and am looking forward to reading it.

Why not just go for a good external USB audio interface? Lots of good options with the added bonus of being able to do low latency recording so you will get some added bass value. A few examples to check out are Steinberg UR22 or the Focusrite Scarlett series. John

Thanks so much for this. I am in the market for a new head and agonising whether just to go for the Genzler, wait for the Mesa Subway D-800 to come back into stock or hang on to see what the Darkglass head does. So tempted just to go for the Genzler as I took delivery of a new Vanderkley 210MNT and have no head at the moment.

I contacted them about a refinish recently and got a reply the same day. Extremely helpful.

I have had my Wal since new and could never part with it.

Linn stopped making CD players a while back and moved to digital streaming devices. Naim is also undergoing a similar transition. I have a Linn Makik DS-I [url="http://www.linn.co.uk/digital_stream_players"]http://www.linn.co.uk/digital_stream_players[/url] which is superb. I have ripped all of my CDs to lossless format and the convenience of having instant access to all you music cannot be understated. I can stream to the Linn or to any other computer or DLNA device in my home. All of my music in every room at any time = bliss.

I am talking about the tail and not the saddles. You end up trying to force a B string into a slot cut for a G sting or even a C string on a Sixer. I owned a Thumb 5 and two Thumb 6's and they were all the same.