Bassnut62

I have an MIJ vIntage 54 Strat and updated to same Lindy Fralin Vintage Hot pups too....killer guitar now! GLWTS

I expect this will upset quite a few; but just being honest to my experiences.....in answer to otiginal Q of When is an MM, not an MM?.....my answer would be when it’s an Ernie Ball. Sorry; but they are not the same instruments, to my hands and ears.

silverface Bassman 135. nothing else needs to be discussed here!!

And here’s the actual Stingray in about 1986. I’ll be wheeling it out again for the album launch gig at The Troubador on 7/9/18!

Mrs Bassnut keeps saying careful what you wish for at your age!!

I will!

Absolutely, and will be playing it at the album launch gig at The Troubador in London on 7/9/18

Never give up is right! Good luck.

Thanks guys. What a bonkers few days, including TV interviews on Sky News snd ITN + BBC radio interviews.

Over the first 4 years of playing back in the 80s I owned numerous basses, including a couple of USA Fenders; but I could never find one that just fit in every way. Then I saw a 1979 Stingray exactly like Bernard Edwards bass. I tried it, loved it, bought it and have never looked seriously at another bass. You can get any tone you need just by using your fingers in different positions or using a pick v close to the bridge, and tweaking tone knobs. It always sits perfectly in the mix. I’ve tried plenty of other basses, including other MM Rays; but none touch the tones of my trusty old bass. I guess that’s why they are so special, especially the pre-EBs.

Well it turns out it’s never too late to give up on your dreams. This is my band from the 80s with yours truly on bass!

Check out work of any of the following up to about 1976: The Meters, Curtis Mayfield, The Headhunters (ref Herbie Hancock), Roy Ayers, Fatback Band, Earth Wind & Fire, Sly Stone, etc

I do have a Klon KTR and admittedly do have some nice valve amps to push with it; but I have to say the Klon is a very very good pedal. Even just using it as a clean pedal without the boost it seems to enhance the guitar's natural tone and response. GIve it some beans and it is one of the best-defined drive pedals out there. All strings remain distinct despite the addition of plenty of balls and hair! It is a class act and according to plenty of people does sound exactly the same as the Centaur. I tried a bunch of Klon clones, including some with much pedigree; but none of them sound or behave as well as the KTR...to my ears anyway. i don't think I am being biassed because I own a KTR, as I have done some shoot outs with quite a few other dirt/drive pedals that I own and it still comes out on joint top with the Butler Tube Driver.......but that's another story.

I use a Tech21 Boost DLA and like it a lot, the tone control can get you into analogue tape arena and the flutter control helps too.

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1491786159' post='3275375'] I sort of have a love-hate thing with strats. No denying their versatility or egonomics and they're at the core of some classic sounds. My Chandler strat is super easy to play - I like the 25.5" scale and maple fingerboard. But the pickups can be harsh sometimes. Mahogany based construction sounds so much nicer. [/quote] If you're talking stock Fender pups, I agree. They often sound both harsh and bland to me. Luckily there seem to be some highly respected pup-upgrades. I only have experience of Lindy Fralin Vintage Hot pups for Strat and they are sweet and toneful, with a little bit of bite when dimed.