franzbassist

My basses are as follows: [b]Ken Smith BMT Elite G 5 string[/b] - made in 1994 as a fretless, I bought it off Reba McIntire's bass player and had it refurbed at the Ken Smith factory. Played it as a fretless for a while but then decided to get it fretted by Paul Herman (ex-Wal) and he did a superb job. It's pretty much my main bass, unless I am in the mood for.... [b]Wal Mk III 5 string[/b] - made in 2006, the last but one built by Pete the Fish. Totally tricked out to my spec with solid walnut core, spalted maple facings (supplied by me after a ski-ing holiday in Vermont), custom pickup spacing etc. Given the fragile state of the company at the time, and indeed since, I had Pete make me a fretted and unlined fretless neck as I wasn't sure there'd ever be another Wal made. Wonderful bass made by a wonderful guy. For my blues band gigs my main bass has to be my [b]1996 Fender Jazz[/b], all original March 1966 (same month I was born) neck and most of the parts (either when I bought the bass or since I've owned it), but with a repro body by Bravewood Guitars. Without doubt the best passive bass I have ever played. For pub jams, home noodling, it's a [b]Martin BC40[/b] 4 string. Sourced off eBay from a Martin employee who'd bought it from the factory; he told me it was the final prototype, and as it has no serial number I have no reason to doubt him. This means the bass is early 90s, probably 1991/92. No pic for this yet Cheers all Gareth

I think these are the guys who make the Overwater bags? [url="http://www.harvest-guitar.com/"]Harvest Leather[/url] Also, Levys Leathers top of the range bags are very nice. Gareth

[quote name='ped' post='91350' date='Nov 20 2007, 11:37 AM']I used to buy all the magazines and talk with people about what I wanted and what my ideal rig would be etc etc - really good fun. Now though, my setup is very different to what I 'imagined' it might be, and I never buy the mags or go into shops much because they kind of don't interest me as much now!! Same with you Gareth?[/quote] Yes, I used to buy the mags and go to shops and shows, and of course the internet has been terrible/brilliant for the GAS, but now I think I'm just settled gear-wise and can focus on other things - like actually using the stuff! Playing music is hugely important to me, it's part of what defines me as a person, and I've gone through a lot of gear to get where I am now (which, as has been noted, is some pretty top notch stuff - all boutique but still awesome gigging kit!), but I've moved on in what really drives me. I think having kids has made a big difference to who I am, priorities change, or maybe I'm just getting older and heading into a comfortable (early) middle age?! Pass the pipe and slippers please love! Cheers all A philosophical Gareth

I play in a disco tribute band and we play all the classic lines like "Disco Inferno", "Everybody Dance", "Ain't no Stoppin' Us Now". They all sound hard, but like anything the more you play them the easier they get. Plus a lot of the best basslines it's the [i]groove[/i] that makes them - "Sex Machine" for example - not a hard line in itself, but to nail the groove is another thing entirely. Same goes for the bass solo in "Le Freak".

Whispher it quietly, but I haven't changed anything in my setup for must be pushing a year now. This is unheard of for me, but I honestly think that maybe I have finally found the perfect balance of basses and amps/cabs for me. Every time I play I can choose a bass to fit the gig perfectly, my rig copes with anything I throw at it, sounds wonderful and doesn't weigh a ton or take up an estate car to move around. It's a nice place to be. Just for reference, the gear is as follows: 1966 Fender Jazz 1994 Ken Smith BMT 5 Elite 2006 Wal Mk III 5 (Fretted and Fretless necks) 1992 Martin BC40 Acoustic 4 into Epifani PS600 amp and two PS112 cabs When I think of all the money I've spent over the years on gear that came and went it's pretty depressing, but at least now I think I've got it sorted. Just wanted to share.... Cheers all Gareth

Had an impromptu gig with the two guitarists from my blues band last night in the White Hart at Witley near Guildford. Just three voices, a Fylde Mandolin, a Lowden acoustic and my Martin acoustic bass. No drums, no amps, no keys, no mikes. We played for about two hours and just reeled out loads of stuff (we know a lot of material - we've been playing together on and off for over 20 years!). Was a great time. And in tribute to Rich's post above, here's a bassist's eye of what's in front of me at most gigs with my other band... Cheers all Gareth

Also posted in "Items Wanted" About 6 years ago, maybe a bit more, I had Roger Bucknall at Fylde make me a wonderful acoustic bass. Like a fool I sold it, to a guy who lived on the Isle of Man I think, and now I'd love to see if I can get it back! Anyone know where it is now? Cheers Gareth

I wanted one... wasn't selling one. I agree that is pretty pricey for a hackjob. Scratchplate isn't original either.