omikin

I have a Fender Precision American Standard from '97-'98 with thru-body stringing. I foolishly assumed that this meant I had the option to do this if I wanted. When I put new strings on it when I acquired it, I strung them through as it seemed like the natural thing to do, and didn't pay much attention to the bridge. I've just bought a set of Lakland flats, and it says on the packet not to string through the body as this can cause flats to crack. Two questions: 1) is this likely? I had Fender flats on it for a year and no problems of cracking etc 2) why wouldn't the bridge allow normal stringing? Seems daft to me. Okay, three questions: 3) is there a replacement bridge that would allow through body and normal stringing?

Barefaced Super 12 V. Aural nirvana.

Sounds like a winner. Just ordered myself a set!

Thanks, mate! They seem a lot more reasonably priced too. You seem to be mainly a P bass user (as am I) so I will take your recommendation gladly.

I switched from rounds to flats about 18 months ago. Stuck a set of Fender flats on my P bass, and quickly put them on the Rick and the Jack Casady afterwards. I love the tone and feel of them - right up my street. Not too bright and beautifully playable. The bass guy in my local Dawsons was telling me about D'Addario flats and enthusing about them but from what people on here are saying they're quite bright (for flats), but I'm interested in upgrading my Fenders. There's clearly a lot of love for the La Bella FLs, although my instinct is to go for the La Bella FSs as the 45-105 seems more natural for me as it's what I've always played. Anyone played both? Also - are the Lakland ones as good?

I will use headphones a bit, but I also want something to use without headphones.

I'm thinking of getting a very small practice amp for home use. It doesn't need to be very loud as I will be using it in a room with my son asleep next door. I'm thinking of one of the following: Fender Rumble 15 Ampeg BA108 Hiwatt B20 Anyone have any advice on the above or indeed other alternatives?

Andy - where did you get it from for 320?

I've just spent 20 minutes with this bass, and I have to say I was very impressed. It hadn't been set up, but out of the box it was certainly okay - I would stick flats on it and lower the action slightly (and I'm not sure where it was on intonation) but by and large it was very nice. Playability was great, nice feel to the neck which has the narrower nut than the original bolt-on t-bird, and even thought I generally play a P-bass and a 4001, I did like the neck. I didn't put it on a strap but the position of the strap buttons suggests neck dive would be minimised. I did like the sound from it, and I could achieve the sort of tones I'd be after by rolling off the bridge pickup volume and the tone slightly. Verdict: as soon as I can get approval from my line manager, I'm getting one.

In Dawson's in Leeds they have the tobacco burst and the white. They look v nice. Going to play one on Thursday or Friday.

Anyone had a go on one of these yet? I saw one today but didn't have a chance to fiddle with it. Looked okay to me, much nicer vintage burst than the standard Epi t-bird. No gibbo to compare it to though.

I can only add my voice to those championing the OTB / Barefaced combo... [attachment=124408:rig.JPG]

Already posted in Amps and Cabs, but thought I would share here too. Orange TB 500 and Barefaced Super 12 (with Ric 4001 and US Fender P). Usual pedals are an Ibanez Bass Tube Screamer and a Devi Ever Ruiner. [attachment=124406:bass rig.JPG] I used to have a Marshall VBA 400 and a Matamp 2x12. This rig sounds clearer, and is about 10% of the weight...

Just seen these on the Epi website. Spec seems to be so close to the Gibson as to be well worth a punt. *GAS*

@doghouse I'll take the Bassman down next Sunday to rehearsal and I'll report back. I bet as soon as I've tried them together I won't want to part with the Bassman....

Used it at rehearsal last night and was really really pleased with it. The others in the band commented on how nice it sounded. I can get such a nice tone from my OTB (have had the original valves swapped and there's a mullard in there now...) with this cab that I'm even considering getting shot of my Fender Bassman 100, as it seems like I would no longer have any need of it. Never thought I would say that.

Thanks! I'm very pleased with it.

So after a longer wait than I had initially anticipated (due to supplier issues beyond Alex's control), my Barefaced Super 12 arrived this afternoon. Just getting it from the FedEx van I was amazed at how light it is. Massive tick in the box there. Unpacked it and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the finish, after what some people have written about these cabs. Looks extremely well put together and finished, and tremendously durable. Plugged in my OTB and my US Fender P, and had a bit of a play. Whoah! First thing I had to do was turn it down from the setting I usually had it on for my Matamp 2x12 (800w RMS). This thing is loud! Turning the OTB down to about 1.7, I was worried I might lose some sound, but it was so clear, so warm. People's descriptions about these cabs putting out just what is put in are perfect to explain what it sounded like. I felt like I was hearing the Fender properly for the first time. Played and played with that and my Rick, and realised an hour had flown by. Before getting this cab I was on the verge of selling the OTB and getting something else, but I think I just needed to hear it through the right cab. With the S12V it's a match made in heaven. And it looks fantastic too! Had to call Alex and tell him how fantastic it is. Now our guitarist wants a guitar cab from him!≈ Possibly found a cure for GAS...?[attachment=123791:IMG_0646.jpg][attachment=123792:IMG_0647.jpg][attachment=123793:IMG_0648.jpg][attachment=123794:IMG_0649.jpg]

I'm expecting delivery of my Super 12 V today. I'm therefore "working from home" and expecting to take quite a few breaks...

Sold my Matamp 2x12 to Gary and met up with him today to bid farewell to it. He's a top fella and great at keeping in touch so the sale was swift and seamless. Hope this helps scratch the old-school itch, chief!