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Showing content with the highest reputation on 21/12/19 in all areas
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I've got to that stage in Christmas preparations when I am 'JUST IN THE WAY!!' as often as I am useful as far as MrsAndyjr1515 is concerned And so there are snatches of time when I can still make a bit of progress. The bass body and pickguards are getting close to being done. I've started the final finish coats on the body and also added the ebony veneer to the black scratchplate. For the final finish, I am using Osmo Polyx 3032 Satin simply wiped on with a micro-fibre cloth. For sticking on the veneer, I used good old-fashioned Evo-stick (remembering to do it with good ventilation - you forget just how strong the fumes are!) after roughing up the plastic first with some 320 grit sandpaper. This is it after one coat of Osmo on the body and one coat of Tru-oil on the veneer. It will need no more than one more coat for each: The fretboard will yellow and darken a bit when the finish is put on but I think this is going to look pretty smart as an alternative to the bling of the pearl I can see @scrumpymike swapping them round for every gig8 points
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I approach difficult sections of songs by trying alternate positions on the fretboard until I find the most comfortable way to play it Then, and this is the most important part, always working to a metronome, play that section dead slowly, over and over. Record yourself - even better video yourself so you can really see what you are doing. I play a little game with myself where I have to play the section flawlessly three times in a row before I'm 'allowed' to increase the tempo. Oh and only 20 - 25 minutes at a time then stop for at least 5 minutes, do something totally un bass related before returning. This allows your brain to properly absorb the practice. If you're starting to get worse after a period of time on the same part - stop! Go have a cuppa, look out of the window, meditate, chill. Come back to it refreshed.5 points
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It's absolutely beautiful and I'll do a proper review when it arrives.5 points
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I'm finally back in the Alembic fold after a fairly long absence. I have wanted a Spyder for some considerable time and had all but given up on the the chances of getting one after an initial quote ran into five figure territory - and it didn't start with a '1' either! It's a limited run of 50, but they have been available for over a decade and Alembic still haven't made all of them yet. Also, they have not been made sequentially either. The last time I checked the following were still available, although I think one of them has been commissioned since: 22 of 50 27 of 50 28 of 50 29 of 50 35 of 50 48 of 50 It's bit of a beast and I accept it's not for everyone, especially those that have bad backs, but I have to say it doesn't feel that heavy. I think part of that is that it's well balanced. It's 10 years old this year and has been a Case Queen for all of its life. It's set up ridiculously low and really is everything I hoped it would be. That said, I haven't put it through my gig rig yet, so I have that to look forward to in 2020. The case is an absolute monster (see photo for comparison with a standard size case) and the bass in its case weighs just under 42lbs.4 points
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So I tend to have some "I'll never buy" kind of thoughts now and again. I'll never buy a Rickenbacker, I'll never buy a bass with flatwound strings, I'll never buy a Stingray... Some of them have gone pretty quickly. I have owned a flatwound strung bass for a while now (my '71 P with LaBella flats, and I looooove it). A few days ago, another one of those promises went: I thought I'd never get a short scale bass again (I used to own a short scale Gretsch semi hollow), especially not a Mustang because it's too much like a swampy Precision bass. And then I had an afternoon with a few bassist friends, one of which has a '67 Mustang, and one has a JMJ Mustang. And then I knew it. I had to get a Mustang. A JMJ Mustang. So I got on Thomann's web site and there was a B-stock JMJ there for a great price, and after having made a call to Thomann I knew it: this was my bass. So I ordered it. And boy, is it amazing. The neck is gréat, the pickup sounds amazing, it feels fantastic and the stock Fender flatwound strings are just what this bass needs. What a great instrument and what a cool addition to the basses I already own. So now I have four Fender basses (and five non-Fender basses).4 points
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Just looked in the mirror, huh? I found it easier just to give in. I started the year enthusiastically enough by joining in the 'gear abstinence challenge' but, having failed on a technicality (an equal value trade) I dived headfirst into my GAS and ended up buying 6 basses, 3 amps, a new cab etc etc.... Never say never.4 points
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Lying in bed reading this, a glance to my right...4 points
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I do dep gigs , these days more than I would like, but I always ask for a set list. Give me a set list and a couple of days and I'll be as good as the guy I'm replacing. Don't give me either of those and I'll still do the gig, but you'll get what you get, without any apologies. I once had a band leader tell me that if I needed a set list I wasn't as professional as he'd been led to believe!!! I thought that was rude, so I politely declined to play in any band with him. A coupe of weeks ago, on a dep gig, the band leader announced a song. I told him I didn't know it, but he started to play it anyway. I tried to busk it but had to stop in the middle 8. I was just not able to follow it at all. Later I asked the guitarist, who was in the band, what happened and he said he had no idea. He was following me!!!4 points
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Merry Xmas Mr. Hall!4 points
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I saw my surgeon this morning and I'm having another metal bar inserted in my right wrist. I'll have to wait for around 5 months for the op and then 6 weeks recovery time. If it works as well as the last one, I should be back playing by the summer. Heres hoping.4 points
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Hey guys picked up a '67 bassmaster mark II and man am I impressed with this thing! It was just re cap'd, re tubed and the output transformer was re built. Everything is original (except for the capacitors). For a 90 watt amp this thing is loud as hell and when you patch the 2 channels together you can get some pretty awesome overdriven tube distortion. Anyways here's some pics of the bad boy.3 points
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I am selling this wonderful Elrick Bass. It is a bass with an impressive sound record, and not only that, but this model is very beautiful. The bass is in perfect condition of everything, has the typical marks of having been used and played, but nothing important or that affects its functionality. He has some non-original knobs, but more beautiful and softer to handle. Elrick is much prettier when you have it in front of you but the pictures I've taken are bad Specs.: - Elrick Gold Series 5 with water cured redwood burl top. - Build: 2015 - Bought: 2016 - Neck: quarter sawn hard maple - Swamp ash body - Neck mount: bolt on - Fingerboard: birdseye maple - Inlays: Dichrolam Blocks custom - 24 medium frets + 0 fret - Nut width: 48 mm (1,89 inches) - Scale: 889 mm (35 inches) - Fingerboard radius: 304,8 mm (12 inches) - Pickups: Bartolini soapbar pickups - Electronics: Bartolini NTMBF 3-band, controls: Master Volume, PU-Blend, Treble (+/- 16 dB @ 10 kHz), Midrange (+/- 10dB), Bass (+/- 14 dB @ 30 Hz), switches: 3-way mid freq switch (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 800 Hz), activ/passiv - Bridge: Elrick Custom - Hardware finish: black, tuners: Hipshot Ultra-light - Original Case (It is perfect but a lock is broken, it has come off the plastic) - Made in Chicago USA - Weight: 8,5 lbs (3,85kg) I can accept some trade. I am interested in Yamaha BBNE2 LTD (gray) or BBNE2 white, in perfect condition. In this case the trade will take place without contributing money. I'm also looking for a Yamaha BB2025X but in this trade you have to contribute money in my way. Sold IMG_5172.MOV3 points -
I’m thoroughly enjoying Ken Burns’ Country Music documentary series on BBC4 / Netflix at the moment. Anyone else watching / enjoying it?3 points
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Not the best pics, but here's my current Trace rig - AH600SMX with matching 2 x10 and 1x15 cabs, drivers in the cabs have been replaced with modern Eminence units so they're 400w RMS (/ 8 ohms) each. For gigging it normally gets usurped by my "compact" rig (Ashdown MK500 head with 4x8 and 1x15 mini-cabs) but for the bigger venues it's just sublime, and the UV facia lighting is soooooo cool.... My 3rd Trace rig in the past 30 years or so - 1st was an '80's GP7 4x10 combo, then a Twinvalve head thru Mesa 1516 cab.3 points
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Yep........i started 2019 being really strict with myself and limiting where I looked so that I wouldn't fall victim to GAS. Just like Paul, Stewie and many others.......I failed miserably. Ended up with 8 additional basses, one combo, a HX Stomp and I'm happier than ever. I reasoned that you only live once!!3 points
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Repeat booking yesterday - 3rd year in a row and bonus was a very talented mate agreed to do some solos for the Christmas songs - on his flute. Sounds strange but worked a great in rehearsal. So cue the first big solo and out guitarist/ vocalist announces him, we all turn to look at him and he isn’t there! He is in the crowd chatting to someone. He is always a bit random so we are used to it but we took the mick mercilessly. 100+ up dancing the whole time so all was good, asked back for next year.3 points
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Of course yes! The only debate was how much other stuff I might buy to take advantage of the free postage 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️3 points
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Weight: 8lbs No trades thanks. Mensinger Cazpar 5 string 32” scale bass. This is a recent custom order with Adrian and is ‘as new’ condition. It was ordered in strung E to C (and I haven’t changed them). I’m selling it as I just not into five strings (tried twice, lesson learned this time hopefully…). This bass was delivered in early September and is in mint condition (I’ve maybe spent 3 or 4 hours playing it). Tempted to order this again in a 4-string version; it’s a great player, excellent build quality and I’d definitely go for the Haeussel PJ set up with the Aguilar preamp again. 32” is a lot of fun too. I still have the double-wall cardboard postal box; price includes insured postage to mainland UK, pm me for a quote to Europe. I also have a G&L LB100 for sale too. Specs: Solid-body alder body with an eye poplar top wood. Body Finish: Matte Neck Construction: Bolt on Neck Wood: Hard Rock Maple (1-piece) Neck Finish: Matte Nut Width: 45mm Fingerboard Wood: Katalox Fingerboard Inlays: White Acrylic Dots Fingerboard Radius: Without Radius Headstock Type: Matching Headstock (Natural) Headstock Logo Mensinger 'White' Pickup Combination Split Coil/Single Coil Set; neck pup Haeussel PB 5 SPC, bridge pup Bridge Pickup Haeussel JB 5 HB Onboard preamp: Aguilar OBP-2 TK, active 2-band Hardware Color Chrome Bridge Spacing: 19mm Bridge Type: Standard Big Knobs Type: Dome-Style Tuner Type: Standard Y-Style String Type: Nickel (EADGC) Nylon Gigbag Medium Size tee-shirt (unworn!) Weight: 8lbs. Mensinger Cazpar2 points -
Perfect solution. Thank you for your consideration.2 points
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That's unfair, some rickenbackers sound ok!2 points
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Lissie: I was at this gig and it was unbelievable. This never fails to bring tears to my eyes, soppy sod that I am.2 points
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Thanks, I'll get on with ordering the new bass and case then and be an utter PITA round the house until they arrive. Ibanez SR400-DEB and Fame Hard case to keep it in. Then off to a local luthier to de-fret. Nearest decent bass place for me is miles away in Glasgow or Edinburgh, doesn't stop me dropping into the local music shop for a play.2 points
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Whenever I’m passing I always pop in and play something 😄2 points
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I use all varieties of s'locks...have just fitted the new S ( to ACG Finn), all good great design easy on/off...thx guy's for raising awareness2 points
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To be fair, it was your lot (the Beeb) who each year would carry a week of Country music from Wembley (or somewhere), the high point of which would be when they sack-barrowed Slim Whitman on stage to shrieks of joy from denim-clad, tattooed geriatrics with long, greasy hair and droopy moustaches and that was just the women. I know the BBC probably meant well but in presenting a very narrow range of artists which appealed to a set-in-their-ways audience they set back The Cause by decades. As we used to say, what's got 67 legs, 85 eyes and an oxygen tank? The front row at a Willie Nelson concert.2 points
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I really like this - excellent stuff Andy!2 points
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If you p*ssed in it that would be too good for him (or her???). Have a great Xmas and good luck with the op!!2 points
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+1!! Seems that you can buy the one-piece pins separately as you could with the old design. This means that, if you are swapping one strap between instruments - you only have to buy one complete set plus extra pins. I use and like the original Schallers but this is definitely an improvement in several respects.2 points
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Was with my sister just coming into London and she puts this classic soul funk on from Maze . What a soul funk record it is. Robin Duhe's bass playing is just fantastic from start to finish.2 points
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Work is winding down a bit now so I had some time to get on with the Barncasters Heres ‘Ole Smokey’ And here’s ‘The Bulleit’ I can’t decide if it looks better with or without a pick guard And finally the Barncaster bass I’m having the same dilemma about the pickguard I'm leaning more towards no pickguard on the Barncaster bass..............😀2 points
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The 80’s and 90’s Japanese clan2 points
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I'll be there! I'll bring along my latest faker too... (For the record, it's the one on the right which is a real Rickenbacker and a couple of folks had a go on it at the last SE Bass Bash!)2 points
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Mike has spoken. You can have a bash on mine at the next bash mate.2 points
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I suppose it was the same from begining. All compiq's have 4320 analog engine and been designed around that, as they say. Even the Mini and Mini 1. Pictures of the boards are shown in their instagram feed without reserve. They actually say in product description that they use the top-class chip, although they don't name it exactly. One should open their pedal to actually convince himself. If anyone having a Mini can do that, would be nice to have another solid proof, but I don't see this not being true. There is a difference in the chips, especially in the dynamic range and total harmonic distortion, 4320 having better specs than 4305. One thing should be mentioned though. 4305 is the dual supply powered replacement of 4301 chip which is now obsolete. 4320 is single supply powered and that explains the battery option. Also 4320 has 28 pins and that can be seen in all their board pictures old and new. 4305 and the rest of that chips have 16 pins. Is good to see they use the best in class chips. Your review captures everything about this pedal, and I can concur in your findings. This is one of the best featured pedal on the market today. Even the Mini's are better spec and featured than anything else in the same format.2 points
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This has inspired me to order a strip of UV LEDs opf eBay from t Trace Elliot combo, which appears to have the fluorescent silk screening but no UV bulb. Will be fun if it works!2 points
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^^ This.. Thanks for sharing your story @Bassman Sam and best of luck with the op next year! Maybe I'm feeling a bit reflective this morning after a really good gig last night, but reading about what you've been through - and are still going through with this situation - has made realise just how lucky I've been in terms of health and playing music.. As Joni said, 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone.' Merry Xmas btw Folks and here's to some positive outcomes for all of us next year ! 🎄😊2 points
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Got me a B-stock (but brand new) JMJ Mustang for a great price at Thomann. What a cool little bass.2 points
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I'm surprised that no one has found a cure for that yet - a most unpleasant condition, far worse than tennis elbow.2 points
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It's all I ever use. I still can't get over how good it sounds.2 points
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Aye. The original version were semi hollow.2 points
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Vigier all the way: truly wonderful, unique, state of the art instruments. I currently own a Passion III and previously owned an Arpege II (100% graphite neck)... just stunning, nothing like them. The best basses I've owned. Warwicks are great but the market is saturated with all sorts; I've heard that Vigier make 10-12 basses of each model annually... hence, they are like rocking horse poo.2 points
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Mojo, I think a lot of people on Facebook will say they're free just to get the gig, and then they'll worry about minor details such as errr - can they actually play the songs???? later. Your approach is correct of course, but lying and blagging is the norm these days in all fields (see politicians) and thought, consideration and courtesy count for very little. Rant over. PS - I hope you get the gig.2 points
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Well he’s not getting my support! I’m still wearing it.2 points
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Something like this :2 points
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I agree. It's excellent value in my opinion Al Krow. I'll probably get corrected here, (or more likely, shot down ), but sometimes I find it difficult to see the value in some class D amps. There are a few on the market now that are £1000 or so, MORE than this Peavey. I understand that the Bergantino ones have lots of clever features, and some have higher quality components and design, but there are others in that price range that are simply a custom preamp and a bought-in power amp that lots of other makers use. It's all well and good, but for my pub/hotel/club and the odd festival gig, when the drummer's hammering it out, the guitarist is belting it out, maybe keys wailing, sometimes brass, and then the singer and two BVs, the subtleties of that £800 to £1200 amp is beyond lost, on me anyway. Marketing is a well honed and powerful tool, but I honestly don't think an amp costing ten times the price of another offers ten times the performance and utility in the real, gigging world that I live in. But that's just me. And I'm sure most people will disagree. I'd be surprised if they don't, because I'm a grumpy aul fecker... Frank.2 points
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Well, I got a text from the frontman trying to establish if I was going to do the gig or not (give me strength..)? If he was in any doubt before he isn’t now. I also let rip with the most dignity I could muster about how I saw the situation, how poorly they handled it, how as a long-standing and 100% commited band member I deserved better etc etc etc. I then got a reply saying he was sorry how things had panned out, that I was a great guy blah blah blah. Later that night they put a status on their Facebook profile, a few pictures of me and a few ‘nice’ words. I’d like to think that it’s sincere but I’m still livid and see only a load of bullsh*t. In the same status they announced their intention to continue as a two piece, which I find ludicrous, but never mind. Within an hour of their status going live I got a message from the BL of another established local band asking if I was interested in being a part of a new band he’s putting together? One door shuts and another opens. I’m not entirely sure I want to do it yet, (I’m not even sure I even want to keep playing bass at this moment in time) but he said to think about it over Christmas and New Year, so let’s see. In the meantime I’m going to concentrate on my solo stuff, which I’ve neglected for the last four or so years.2 points
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Rubber washers for me on almost all my guitars and basses. I leave the strap attached to the instrument when I put it in a case. The only guitar where this was a problem at all was my MIJ Gretsch Duo Jet, where the strap tended to make the knurled buttons work loose. I fitted a split ring washer and a normal washer to stand the buttons away from the guitar body and that allowed the strap to rotate freely without binding on the buttons - sorted.1 point
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I've owned my 1980 Aria SB1000 since 1986 ish, and I've always had half an eye open for a fretless twin for it, with absolutely no joy - until last week, up it pops on flea bay. Same wood, similar condition (not quite as good as the fretted one, but very good), plays great. It had to be done......1 point
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Schrödinger's bass: when it's in the basket but you haven't checked out yet. There is absolutely no way Basschat is ever going to have its own twelve-step programme. Even its harm-minimalisation efforts leave a lot to be desired. This place is utterly top. Merry Christmas, Stewblack.1 point
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Thanks for all the kind words guys. I'll wait until I see my surgeon again next month and see what he says. I've been here before when I sold all my gear around 10 years ago when I was in agony with the RA but got back into playing after the hospital got it under control. I'm hoping they can perform another miracle this time around.1 point
