Chris2112

[quote name='cetera' post='1065807' date='Dec 21 2010, 03:48 PM']The more recent stuff maybe.... but you can'tt deny the quality of the older EV loaded 'Diesel' cabs ...[/quote] Well, they wouldn't be the top of my "to own" list, Cetera...

The first rig I used live properly was my 1989 Kubicki Ex Factor #1777 into an Ashdown MAG amp owned by the venue I played at. These days it's my 1989 Kubicki Ex Factor #1659 and my ACG Harlot Singlecut into my Ashdown MK500 combo. Well, this is a studio only rig as I've given up on live playing to enjoy the comfortable, musical surroundings of the studio.

Thats whats best. I've turned my nose up at about three basses this month that I would have bought in a second 6 months ago, when I had considerably less cash saved than I have now. Spending it on basses is just a circular thing, and finding the bass that really makes you overjoyed is a fairly rare thing. I'd rather keep it and just enjoy the basses I have at the moment, which are the best I've ever had!

I've always found Mesa gear to have been a bit naff...looks like you've been done a favour!

Yes, it's quite enough for me. If I need a low D I'll use my Kubicki and open the D Clip, but usually I don't. I much prefer 4 strings, to the point where I avoid 5 and 6 strings in most cases.

[quote name='mgibson' post='1065418' date='Dec 21 2010, 09:46 AM'][u][i][b]Thank you[/b] [/i][/u]to all of you who replyed, its clear to me that there are some reacurent themes knocking around on here and I will take this to heart. Quick question: does anyone have any suggestions about stuff to transcribe?, 'cause I've done a bit but not loads and I think staring off on something like Birdland, might be a tad ambitious. [/quote] That live version of Birdland from Germany would be a good one to start. It's not too difficult a tune, and that particular version has a nice swinging feel. Even better is the original with it's stark, upright beat. But starting simple and not working beyond your ability is key, because if you try and transcribe Stuart Hamm's "Country Music" as a first go you'll just end up frustrating and playing on the Xbox again!

[quote name='Vibrating G String' post='1065242' date='Dec 20 2010, 10:38 PM']And don't forget to learn a non musical skill that can make you money so you can eat [/quote] This is the most important thing. Everyone at 15 would have loved to play music for a living, probably only Hadrien Feraud did! Make sure you've got real skills so you can get a real job at the end of school, and think twice before going into music as a higher education choice. After all, the days of there being a new Anthony Jackson are long gone!

[quote name='steve-soar' post='1065128' date='Dec 20 2010, 08:58 PM']Have you had your end away?[/quote] LOL!

[quote name='donut' post='1064794' date='Dec 20 2010, 04:58 PM']This one is probably my favourite out of all the ones I've seen: [/quote] I remember seeing that, was it Talkbass where I first saw it? Anyway, I thought it was really cheesy and naff looking, especially when you compared it something like Al Di Meola's Rainbow PRS...

As good as the LeFay effort is though, the Dingwall name is still synonomous with fanned frets, even more than the NOVAX name...how ironic! It's like saying "the best boutique bass made in New York City" everyone is thinking Fodera!

Ah, I've seen that collection grow all the way from the Yamaha to the Overwater...everyone seems to end up playing top shelf handmade stuff in the end!

To me it has a slightly more elegant look than the Vigier.

I'm not really seeing the obvious Kubicki influence, but I do like the look of that. I think that kind of "massive pickup" style pickup cover is a useful thing given that so many people like playing with ramps these days.

[quote name='LawrenceH' post='1064235' date='Dec 20 2010, 02:20 AM']I like the concept of fanned frets, but would be more interested in a less extreme version of it - say a scale length that varied by an inch or so.[/quote] If this were the optimum arrangement for the system they'd probably be making them like that.

His Warwick Streamers sounded amazing, it's a shame he stopped using them so quickly when Fender offered him this bass! But you can see how much it means to him to have it.

Yes, I must admit I have seen a fair share of cases where a bassist has used effects which have served only to highlight how bad they are. I've seen some particularly brutal mistakes with delay units, particularly where the delay sound is out of time or when huge glaring mistakes are repeated back fresh through the delay unit. Good grief! User discretion is advised!

[quote name='Wil' post='1063651' date='Dec 19 2010, 04:04 PM']You quite rightly say in your second paragraph that if someone were to make a ridiculous, blanket statement about a player's tone you'd probably dismiss their point of view outright, and yet you've made the exact same kind of statement about every single player who's ever wielded a P bass?[/quote] If I ever hear a good sound coming from a P bass I'll be sure to let you know! I'm not saying that it's a bad design in every sense, because it spawned the Yamaha Attitude bass which has produced some incredible tones.

I've always been interested in these basses, but they do come with a hefty price tag. I still want to hear one being given a fair play. Steve is amazing but he always plays so near the neck with so many harmonics (a style which is his own, in fairness) but it's not something that will appeal to the vast majority of fretless players. I'd like to see it given some Jaco style fingerstyle over the bridge pickup to see if it will burp and growl like a jazz should.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1063432' date='Dec 19 2010, 12:25 PM']OK Chris we get it you dont like P basses! Im not the biggest fan but do you have to call them "dire" or what was it before "clunky"? Some people happen to like them and you are only making yourself look silly IMO.[/quote] Pete, I'm sure you can see where I'm coming from here. In terms of discussing the tonal differences between a capable modern bass and something old skool, there really isn't a bass that sums up that farty old sound better than a P bass. I can totally understand why some people are still using P basses, because there is still a market for that (imo) horribly outdated sound. Please don't think I'm being "silly" simply because I voice a certain opinion. I've just seen someone refer to "Victors monotone, dynamically dead twang". I assume they must mean Victor Bailey, because no-one with a working pair of ears could say that with a straight face about Victor Wooten's tone, and whilst I agree that Bailey has never had the best tone I think it certainly proves it's a case of different vinegar strokes for different folks!

[quote name='skelf' post='1063559' date='Dec 19 2010, 02:37 PM']While it is very nice to be included in the above company my prices are no where near Fodera,Wal and Almebic. Alan[/quote] Of course Alan. The comparison is made on an assessment of quality across the board, not price. I think it's fair to say that your basses represent the best value for money in the UK at the moment. I think it's fantastic that you're able to produce such brilliant instruments at such a reasonable price point!

Billy and Paul are amazing together. The stuff they do from 04:21 onwards in this video is absolutely incredible...what a tune!

I saw this when Billy posted it a few days ago and I thought it was alright. Like most Mr Big it seems to have the usual great guitar and bass parts spoiled somewhat by lacklustre drumming and cheesy vocals. Billy and Paul are an awesome team but Mr Big has never been their finest moment. Having seen Billy live a few times now with Steve Vai and having seen Paul Gilbert live too I can confirm that they are indeed amazing but better off in these situations as opposed to Mr Big.

Also, if you struggle to get your slap grooving in a band context a compressor can be very useful, ironing out any blips and giving you a level playing field on which to slap!

I'm sure you'll find a folk scene!

[quote name='Fat Rich' post='1063345' date='Dec 19 2010, 11:13 AM']Music has changed a lot and the bass has probably become less important in the mix for many producers unfortunately so a less upfront sound is usually required.[/quote] Perhaps this is where the problem lies! And while I'm on this track, I think it's a shame that since the return of Wal they've started trading again at pretty much over "peak panic" prices, starting at £3200! I could stomach paying £2000 even for a new one but not that much. I guess they must be cranking them out fairly slowly with a full order book, but if they lowered the price then Wal could quite feasibly enjoy another boom like they did in the 80's and become the "in" bass. I certainly think they're popular enough in terms of demand to be able to shoot to the top of the UK luthier's market if they were priced right. I absolutely love their basses but they're out of touch with their "working man" aesthetic that gives them their charm.