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Finally got round to doing a video of this bass, apologies for sloppy playing etc but I really wanted to show some of the sounds!

My standard method of dealing with people looking for money off due to completely insignificant or imaginary problems is to offer them a full refund if they return the item and no alternatives. I'll be very polite and apologetic, but I won't enter into any dialogue with them over discounts or partial refunds; they are obviously not 100% happy so they should return the item and get their money back. In every case I have never heard anything more from the buyer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmHMQoes9un/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link "Super 3rd on a Super Twin. If you have a Super Twin but you’d like a 1x12XN cab for smaller gigs or a 3x12XN stack for big/outdoor gigs then the new Super 3rd is the answer. It’s basically our awesome Super Compact reshaped for stacking on a Super Twin. Also available with a tweeter (and crossover and full HF control). 600W, 8 ohms, 97dB for the Super 3rd. This full stack is 1800W, 2.7 ohm, 101.5dB (max SPL ~134dB - stand well back and wear hearing protection!) Oh and they’re really light in weight despite the heavyweight tone, remarkably compact and as beautifully finished as everything we make!"

Hi all, I'm pretty new here, and new basses do not come around too often for me, so I'm excited to share this - a new Made in Japan Hard Puncher TPB97. But first - what a lovely, respectful community you have here; I've thoroughly enjoyed stumbling upon this website, and the couple of dealings I've had with people on the marketplace have been first class. I love Ps, and have only gigged on two basses prior to this - a second-hand Godin PJ that lasted me 15 years before age-induced niggles made it worth upgrading, and an American Fender pro ii precision, which I owned for a year, but never really gelled with (and a number of little quality control issues were enough to put me off - although that's a story for another day). Since summer, I've been getting around the country, visiting shops, and generally playing as many Ps as I could get my hands on. It's been great fun, making a day of it with friends on a number of occasions. This Tokai was one of the first I played, and for me, none of the subsequent Ps I played felt or sounded as right to me. It also has a feel of sturdiness and quality to it, that many of the basses I played did not. The fit and finish are genuinely first class, and it has a hand-wound pickup apparently, which has a really resonant, piano-like vibe. It cost just north of a grand, so not exactly cheap, but it is lovely. Apparently, Tokai do a factory setup, and then export models get a second set-up at the closest distribution centre to the shop, so it has a nice action out of the case. It was very hard to find anything at all about newer Tokai basses online, or on English speaking forums, so hopefully this will be useful to someone who is curious about their quality. I also played some of the cheaper new Made in China Tokais, which were not nearly as nice. I've had it for a week, and I'm not gigging until NYE now, but can't wait! All in all, just a very well made P Bass, but for those who like some specs: U-shaped neck, but it measures 22mm at the first fret, so not too chunky. It suits me just right. 42mm nut. Rosewood fretboard. It comes with Gotoh hardware, GHS boomers on it, and has a compound radius (7.25 - 10). The only downside so far is that the tweed case it comes with looks lovely, but there is a bit of play in the sides, and I wonder how sturdy it will be long term.

I bid (and won) at the Gardiner Holgate auction recently. Boss CE2, 1981 black label, made in Japan. For me, THE chorus pedal. Eagerly awaiting delivery Pictures to follow

It is now at my home. As I half expected it has a problem being the electrics are dead. He had no idea what he had. I suspect the hidden battery for the EMG circuit is dead. Maybe a cheap jack socket was put it when that was done. It will be dealt with but not tonight. I just cooked beer battered fish and chips which goes well with real ale so they say. My lovely wife is dishing them u as we speak 😉

I'm not normally a fan of Christmas songs and when it was suggested we play this at a Christmas gig a few years ago, I thought, oh no! But to my surprise, when I started learning it, I actually fell in love the bass line and learnt it note for note, fortunately, the rest of the band had learn't their parts properly as well and it was as tight as duck's whatsit in rehearsal, and I couldn't wait to play it live, but on the morning of the gig, a couple of feet of snow fell and the gig was cancelled. Up until this day, I never did get to play it live, but I always run through it a few times leading up to Christmas, just in case.

Hi all, thanks for all the replies. In case anybody re-visits this thread with the same problem, this is what I went for: Kampa Grid Step ...combined with a small retaining strap for extra safety and stability, it looks like this - just the job:

It's not pretty, but I do like it. I need to dig another 2-3mm out of the cavities as the pickups are a bit close to the strings for me. And the neck pickup is way too loud compared to the bridge. The EA half is too 'high' on both PU's I think a bit more hacking and a pickguard will neaten it up. And a custom pickguard - my efforts so far indicate I need professional help there! Sounds good - doesn't have the real growl of a P, but it does have a lot of presence and clarity. I mean a lot of presence - the neck pickup is very rich and in your face. I'll see if I can get it recorded.

eBay will refund you the sales cost or allow you to re-list with no charge if you show evidence of the buyer doing what they've done. I've had that before and they waived the fee I incurred.

I got hose in different area codes - Roddy Ricch

If Orchids Are United - Sham 69

Of Lilies And Remains ～ Bauhaus Just getting up in Japan to see 8 of us browsing ～ the gang's all here, very cool 👍🏻

The shawl of the moon Waterboys

Knock On Wood - Amii Stewart

Lovely bass! Stop me if you already know this but Tokai Gakki was one of the two factories which made Crafted In Japan Fenders from the mid 90s until 2015, the other being Dyna Gakki. The Tokai factory in Hamamatsu has a stellar reputation, going back to the replica-standard clones of Fenders & Gibsons they produced from the mid 70s onwards. Not surprised it's a good 'un.

Public Display of Dismemberment ～ Slayer

You joined up here and raised a 4 yr old thread from the dead just to have a pop at someone you don't know? Wow...

I saw the first Wembley night a couple of days ago. 2 1/2 hour set that included new stuff, some rarities and many hits. A very decent show. @Maude is right about Robert Smith not straining his voice being why he still sounds so good. He's still on it. I have some mutual friends with the Cure and I am reliably informed he does absolutely no vocal exercises whatsoever! The whole band was on fine form. When you look at some of the hard rock singers from that era (Jon Bon Jovi, Paul Stanley, David Coverdale) who have really damaged their voices, Robert was sounding excactly like it was 1984 still. I really think he is something of a national treasure. He was very humble onstage too.

Last night there was an extra jazz jam in the usual pub, but tucked away in an area with a low ceiling to free up more space for dining. Therefore, I took a fretless bass guitar rather than a double bass so that I could much more easily fit into the space. I overheard a guitarist complaining to the drummer that "there's nothing quite like the sound of a double bass, though." As I said to him at the time, there's nothing quite like the sound of a bass guitar either; it's a great instrument that is not necessarily inferior to the upright, merely different. As it happens it was rather pleasant session; I got to sit in a comfy chair and play for two hours without having sore fingers at the end, as well as taking various solos in what would be thumb position without having to worry too much about dodgy intonation or fumbling the strings. The next one is in the same place so I look forward to another relaxing evening.

I was a part of a sports team. I'm the kid on the far right. Me and the guy next to me had already formed a band. 😀 Blue

All I can say is that when I walk into a pub or club with a gig bag on my back I feel like I belong there but if I walk in without I feel like a stranger. I definitely belong on the stage. I'm not comfortable in an audience. Don't know how else to put it.

Complete! Wiring done and pleasantly suprised when plugged in and it sounds like a decent P Bass, controls working as they should, grounding all good etc. and the neck/frets/action are all good. Quite lightweight at 3.7kg. And I guess lightweight tuners could get it down to less than 3.5kg. I'd say it is somewhere between Squier and Player series quality, and it cost about £350 in parts so not too bad value for money (if you don't consider time as a cost!). Possibly will get some volume and tone knobs but I quite like it as it is. And might go for the 3+1 headstock reshape if I get bored/brave. And I might get ultralight tuners, hipshot xtender and a fancy bridge if I feel flash with the cash at some point. But for the time being - job done!

I find a simple "sod off, I'm on holiday" normally does the trick.

My first gig was 20th November 1966. My last gig was 6th December 2022. 56 years and I'm still loving every second of being a bass player. And just because I had nothing better to do. . . . that's 1,768,694,400 seconds!!

So... some of you fine folk may remember how some 2 months ago I went on a rampage to sell my stingrays - simply too much money on gear when I had to recover from windows we replaced at home, and a bathroom renovation...! ... Resolved to sell the 'rays with pain in my heart, replaced by American Original series Fenders, P and J - how great are these basses? I was thoroughly impressed and managed to cash in a grand to ease things on the bank account. Being back in this forum (9 months hiatus to stop selling and buying!) I let my hair off and replaced my rig without much investment... Ashdown ABM 600 head and a mighty Barefaced Six10 - from an Eich T900 and a Big Baby 2. Fast forward the bathroom is done, the windows are paid and I had sold a couple watches so I had more than I needed and then I saw this Ray Special... In the Cruz Teal that only came out on the first series and that I so dearly love...! Out of what I wanted to spend, but received an offer on eBay and then I started to consider... I messaged the owner and he was happy to let it go at the last offer minus fees, pretty much the same price as you see on the regular MM Stingrays these days so I had to pull the trigger. Some crazy 6-7 hours to remind me why I hate driving to Manchester and 320 miles later I got home, set him up, waxed the neck, hydrated the board... et voila... Very, very ambivalent collection right here, Jesus even if it's only been a couple months I missed the stingray tone! Don't get me wrong, the passive Fenders are just brilliant and plan to keep using it... but there you go, a story that started sour selling my most beloved basses managed to come back even better than it started - to happy endings! Ander.

Denis. Blondie

Did it live last Saturday..managed to sing it as bv but the audience filled any gaps!

Yes yes yes, but what's that in hectares?

We played our Xmas gig last Saturday. Merry Xmas Everyone (Shaky) was received with moderate appreciation, Fairytale went down a storm, Merry Xmas Everybody (Slade) had everyone up and singing. We did a tongue in cheek version of Blue Christmas - speeding up after every repeat. Song that got the best reception (based on volume of singing) - Sweet Caroline. Most dancers on (and off) the dance floor - 500 Miles. Bah humbug! 😃

Has this always happened, or is it a new problem..? If, so, what has changed since it last worked well..? With any active bass or guitar, in case of problems, the very first thing to do is to change the batteries for new ones. It might help, or it might not, but it at least eliminates any doubt, and gives a firm basis for further investigation, if needed. Nine times out of ten, it cures the problem, though, so do that first, I'd say.

Sounds like it was a fun gig. We're playing The Blondi Pop in West Bend this Sat night. I hope it doesn't snow. I always turn the horns off on my GK cabs, our sound software doesn't like them. Daryl

A rickenbacker would be right at home in this collection

good choice with the Pacifica, If the plan is to mainly be using headphones then skipping the amp and going for a multi-effects unit (like a zoom) might be a better option, they have loads of useful sounds, amp simulations and if you get the right one a looper as well, not to mention a good tuner all built into a ready to go unit. that should keep him happy for a bit and shouldn't sound bad run into the bass amp (set fairly flat i'd guess) i helped a friend source a cheap Zoom unit a while back and before dropping it over i gave it a reset and a test, i was mightily impressed with the quality of the sounds. then if he sticks with it you can scour the local classifieds for a decent amp. Matt

Been in Aberdeen the last few days with only an old Android Tablet with me - really no good for listening to bass on! After an 'interesting' hike back yesterday, I've been able to listen to this through a decent speaker. It sounds GREAT! Nice playing too (but don't tell @ped - it'll only go to his head )

Making Your Mind Up ～ Fück's Bizz

I have 2 stew no more please.

Back in the 80's I was shopping for a Fender P. Played a bunch of them then , just for something to gauge against, tried a Tokai HP. Never gave Fender a 2nd thought for the next 30 years 😃 Congratulations on your wise choice.

I love gigging. Yeah there's a world of poo to deal with at many of them but they're still always fun and the occasional special one makes all the nonsense pail into insignificance. 10 years ago I was playing pubs for naff money. These days it's all weddings and private functions. The money is decent and from time to time we get to play some special places. Last Friday was a corporate do at the Winter Gardens ballroom for 900 people. This new year's eve gig we are being flown to the Maldives to play on the beach. I think the thing that has kept it exciting is the constant push for something a little bit better. The thing that makes it fun is the guys I play with.

My band were booked to play a wedding in Quimper, France. We set off from the London ’burbs in one van to Plymouth (why we didn’t use Portsmouth is still beyond me) where we had a pre ferry curry. After the crossing, we arrived in Quimper at breakfast time, so a very French repast was had. We checked into the caravan the couple had booked for us and then had the most leisurely set up of all time. We were supposed to go on at eleven o’clock, but didn’t take the stage until one in the morning the next day! Because of the time, we only played one long set and then retired to the caravan, with no need to break the gear down - luxury! Up the next day for an al fresco breakfast, pack the gear up and return home to Blighty. So many laughs along the way, it will stay with me until my mind goes or I peg it. Happy times.

It’s even better than I hoped. Just had 10 mins with it and it’s perfect. More later! Of course huge thanks to Andy for his simply fantastic work