franzbassist

Here are my three. [b]Ken Smith BMT from 1994[/b] My main bass and a total tone machine. This bass and an Epifani rig (although not this one any more, which way WAY more than I need now!) is just sonic nirvana for me. [b]Wal Mk III from 2006[/b] The only one with spalted maple facings ever made and one of the last two Pete built. Currently wearing the fretless neck (I had fretted and fretless made) [b]Brook Otter Acoustic Bass[/b] The first 5 string they've made. Due to be finished middle of July...

Just heard the ETA on the bass is 20 July!

My guess is a new Status with that wood as a top. Am I right?

[quote name='dood' post='216244' date='Jun 10 2008, 03:32 PM']likewise ;o)[/quote] And as my interest has been piqued, me too

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='215691' date='Jun 9 2008, 08:38 PM']Not to sell by themselves I'm afraid. But I think you might like what I've got planned. [/quote] Ah, so it's the CK signature series Shuker bass line!

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='215103' date='Jun 8 2008, 08:59 PM']Trust me, it will definitely be worth the wait. [/quote] Why do I have the feeling that the words "double" and "neck" will soon be forever linked to CK on this forum?

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='215542' date='Jun 9 2008, 04:42 PM']ooh ya fighter. I was looking at Brook guitars when I was looking at buying a top end acoustic guitar - these were way way out of my price range, but looked like bloody lovely. I hope they play/look as nice as they sound. Fretted I take it? Are you having a pickup fitted?[/quote] Yep, fretted indeed. Toyed with fretless and banjo frets as options, but in the end figured fretted was the best option. And yes it will have a pickup; latest version of the Snake by Headway. No frills.

Not exactly a build diary, as this bass will be finished in the next month or so, but I thought folks might like to see my "Otter" bass being made by Brook Guitars in darkest Devon. It's the first 5 string they've built, with neck profile the same as my Ken Smith BMT. Top is spruce with Myrtle sides and back.

[quote name='jacko' post='133436' date='Feb 4 2008, 10:40 AM']No. He has gary husband and Mike lindup for a start and all the players do their bit. mark just happens to be a very good frontman. Perth 2 years ago was superb so I already have my Glasgow tickets.[/quote] Great drummer, but Mr Husband isn't an original (though he was long term) member of the band... Saw them on the Retroglide tour and they were very good, much better than the stadium-filling bloated beast that was the late 80s/early 90s band. First time for me was at the Guildford Civic Hall in the early 80s and they were great, really great... and this coming from someone who grew up listening to heavy rock! I think the modern reincarnation is more in that spirit of the original band, with the emphasis on small venues and having fun. Then again it could just be a cynical plot on the part of MK to improve his retirement fund....

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='202784' date='May 20 2008, 12:54 PM']Anyone know when the Piccolo will be available? I can't find any mention on Epi's web site.[/quote] No idea, but they aren't the fastest at bringing out new kit....

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='193006' date='May 6 2008, 03:43 PM']when has that ever stopped us buying gear [/quote] Ah, too true, too true.....

An Epi UL 210 on top should be all you need.

Three basses (two Mk 1s and a Mk 3) have sold on eBay in the last week, all for £2k+! Interestingly, the Mk 3 went for the "smallest", which I guess means people regard the Mk 1 as the "classic" Wal to have. I think this is all to do with Pete retiring, and the uncertainty for future production that this has created, but from what I understand the Wal marque will continue, and importantly be in very good hands, when it does resurface. Cheers Gareth

[quote name='Harrythebassdawg' post='161925' date='Mar 22 2008, 07:24 PM']I've seen the Epifani ps 600 for bout $1000 on the US websites, but all of 899 pounds over here!! Does anyone know if this is even worth checking out?[/quote] Hi Harry Yep, I have one and it's a great piece of kit. Every bit as good as the UL series (I should know, I had one of them too), just one channel and different cosmetics. If you want the Epi sound this will give it to you. Cheers Gareth

Yes they're all good. You can hear my band playing a few, both demo and live, [url="http://www.phatmedallion.co.uk/sounds.html"]here[/url]. I've been in this band seven years and I never tire of playing these basslines, and luckily the audience never tire of them either! Gareth PS Forgive the backing vox on some of the live trax - extra backing singers brought in for that gig and they hadn't sorted their harmonies totally