4 Strings

I'm not a wood expert by any chalk. But, maple necks on basses seem to have changed and I wonder if its to do with slipping standards in the quality of wood. The necks of my old P and on my bitsa are Fenders from the '70s. Very difficult to see any grain in them, seems an almost homogeneous cream. Same for my '79 'Ray. More recent Fenders, and guitars of other makes, I've had a good go at seem to have much more grain pattern. Perhaps 3 or 4 here. Is this because its nearer the outside of the trunk? Was this wood not used for necks years ago? Is the more homogeneous wood more dense? More springy? Or is this all nonsense and to do with my ridiculously small sample?

You certainly have to listen to someone with a name like that. 'irresponsible or unjust' I think are the key words here. Its for us to discern that.

Why don't they do whatever to all their guitars? If rolled edges to a fret board improves the playability, why not do that to others? Oh, they do. On the videos from the factory the roadworn process appears to be about little chips etc. The Fender ones certainly don't look as bad as the sander mad stressers.

Wharwhar, about the sh*ts! I'm sure there was a range of bass players used on their studio work but Jermaine's playing live is really good, much better than I was expecting, doesn't duck out of anything.

[quote name='musophilr' timestamp='1337335337' post='1658262'] How many church-going bass players do we have on this forum? In my experience they're a rare breed. [/quote] More than expected! There's a thread somewhere, but I can't find it. You're right, they're rare, we have 4 sets of musicians on our rota, I'm the only bass player.

[quote name='radansey' timestamp='1337331514' post='1658132'] Agreed. As a musician in a worship context, I always take exceptional care to ensure that I sit well in the 'mix' with a tone that is appropriate, played in a sensitive way, and that reflects each song - especially with songs played during communion. There are times when the song way be more 'rockier' and in that circumstance, I play accordingly. Therefore, I was quite shocked and concerned with the comment last Sunday. Ross [/quote] In which case maybe refer them to the music leader, or whatever you have in your church. Pre-warn the leader that they may be coming so that he/she can be prepared with their own view rather than react/cower under the complaint. If your leader thinks your playing is as you suggest, and I'm sure it is, they'll deal with it appropriately. Gets you off the hook too as you're 'just' the bass player, not the one with overall responsibility for the sound, or even what is trying to be achieved with the sound. But, to reiterate what others are saying, this isn't something you should take personally.

I would agree that the complainant may need a gentle chat about music and electrical instruments and (!) drums. However, at church we play to serve, not for our own egos. Like a lot of things, it all goes a bit upside down at church. When I go to a gig I want the bass loud and I want the bass player to be a good one and give his best chops (I notice them all) and I'll thoroughly enjoy the band and go and tell the bass player how good he is and how he's the most important member of the band. When I go to church I want his ego left at the gig, I'm there to worship God not to listen to a bass player. An attitude of 'this is what I do so like it or lump it' may have its place on a stage but is rather arrogant and childish in the context of a church music group when he's there to help lead people to worship God. I'd rather have no bass player if he's going to distract from someone's worship. Its a lot harder being a good bass player at church that in a band, even if the music in the band is likely to be way better. Bit like being a good ref at football, you don't notice the good ones but they can make the game, the crap ones get noticed by ruining the game.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1337212464' post='1657342'] 6' 6" double bed? Isn't that a Super Kingsize? [/quote] I suppose it must be. Pain to get sheets though.

So there's no-one in Britten who can think of any more puns?

Okay, someone else rack their brains for another pun like that, I've Rachmaninov.

Working away here, listening to a live Jackson 5 recording and Jermaine is pretty hot on that bass! Wonder why he wasn't used for the recordings. (Wilton Felder on most of the early ones, I understand sounds like he used a pick, whereas Jermaine sounds like fingers)

[quote name='Dr.Dave' timestamp='1336918005' post='1652666'] It only takes one - correct. You. Church - pub - back of a truck in a field - stadium. You're the player , and you need to develop big enough brass ones to say 'i'm in control and I'm happy with my sound - you're entitled to your opinion but it's not as important to me as my own'. [/quote] Kind of, but its worth remebering for who's benefit is the bass being played. If it's for the bass player's benefit he could wear headphones instead of backline then no-one will be bothered how loud he has it. If it's for the congregation/audience then there's no point playing in a way that they don't like. Taking a wide view from the audience is always a good idea so that a single, personal view isn't the focus. Many people say 'great', some give a considered and honest answer, not always the one easiest to hear. What makes you a better player is what you do with that. (He didn't say your playing was pants, just too loud for his wife.) I play in church most weeks, those who find the band too noisy sit away from it. But if someone tells me I'm too loud I don't take it personally, I just consider their opinion. I may choose to act on it.

[quote name='Sean' timestamp='1337195985' post='1657076'] Yes, I know. I know full well. I was inferring that the vast majority of folk spell [i]Squier[/i] incorrectly I must remember that dry wit is sometimes better heard than read [/quote] Or worse still, when its read by me. Sorry.

What's actually 'worn in' on a Roadworn?

I can do better than that, I won't charge but you have to leave your bass with me for 10-15 years. Expensive basses that play nicely and look cool will get a more stressed look. If you forget to leave the case I may only need 1-2 years. We jest, the real question was whether this concept is still popular, and it appears it is.

[quote name='Sean' timestamp='1336214691' post='1642552'] ...I can't bring myself to own any brand that is misspelled more times than it's not [/quote] It's named after Mr Squier, the originator of a strings company bought by Fender even before CBS bought Fender. He's spelled his name correctly.

[quote name='Al Heeley' timestamp='1337175723' post='1656659']... then theres the 'classic orange drop caps' that hold charge in a more vintage manner... [/quote] <tut> made me laugh!

Heh, I'm still trying to work out if the 'red wine stain' is there from new? - If it is, is it printed or is it marked on afterwards, so each one has its own 'character'? Poor Ampeg, rather than charging more for 'stressing' they're going to be knocking bits off their prices to shift it. Unless the person who took the pics missed the 'Road worn' sign swinging above it. This brings an interesting point about the real roadworn products, what has to be wrong before it's actually 'wrong' and not 'skilfully applied stress'? The shop could get away with quite a lot. In fact, does anyone think that the real roadworn products are really returns where spotty kids have put a dig in a guitar in the shop and it gets returned to the maker? Costly to repair/refinish they make it look intentional.

Zac is really lovely. My lad knows Magic Johnson and Zac even allowed him to play a number on drums at a time when he was depping for Pete. Unfortunately timing ended up being against the realisation of that little fantasy and so it never came to pass.

Was this the context of it shutting down (certainly sounds like a protection circuit, but there's no point it protecting you from playing!)? My painfully expensive GB makes a clicking noise, but only when being very heavily overdriven in a certain way, not a usable setting and so not a problem for actual playing.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1337150823' post='1656119'] My '95 sterling is definitly worn in, compared to newer models. The edge of the finger board and frets are very rounded and really comfortable, and the neck has gone soft as arseholes. [/quote] Really? You've worn through the finish and actually wearing the wood and metal away with your hands? I know this eventually can happen and 17 years is a long time, I've never come close to making any inroads on that score for over 30 odd years. Old cars with 100s of thousands of miles may get a little smooth in the steering wheel, but then that's soft plastic.

[quote name='nick' timestamp='1337121847' post='1655997'] Fresh from picking up my Harley Benton BA500H head ... However, after about 90 minutes, the head started intermittently cutting out & switching on. Glad I tested this before gig at weekend! Guess it's going back to Thomann now. [/quote] Whoops, I'm thinking of buying on of these as sort of back-up/practice and not found too much in the way of reviews. Thanks for this, let us know how you get on. Now they're back in stock I was looking forward to what appears to be a bargain.