Leaderboard

I've been very impressed with the build quality from Yamaha. The basses play like instruments twice the price, so if that's the case why not get two? Fretted and fretless TRB 1005.

I just stumbled upon this quirky piece from the BBC archive. Fascinating stuff from these pioneers.

We were invited back to play for the Hackney half marathon runners for a second year, which also included an afternoon slot on the mainstage this time around. A huge amount of fun: 20k+ runners this year, made doubly special for me as my daughter was one of them 😊

I started on guitar at 14 and played my first gig a couple of years later and have been playing and gigging since then. At age 42 I started bass(EB) when I was asked to sit in with a 15 piece big band and I was horrible but got better and worked with several smaller jazz groups. In 2015 I bought a Stagg EUB and then quickly upgraded to a Yamaha SLB 200 and was playing in two bands. Then in 2018 I visited England in time to attend the Double Bass Bash at Bicester and I was totally hooked and came home and bought a "real" bass, a laminate Engelhardt and then a Czech bass and a couple of years ago got my Shen SB 100 and really started to learn about playing upright and got much better during Covid, no gigs but a lot of practice. The latest step was to finally sign up for weekly lessons last October with a great teacher (bass soloist and symphony conductor) and get to work learning how to use the bow and I have made amazing progress and all my playing is much better. I'm currently in a "little big band" jazz septet, I jam with some jazz friends, I'm working with a new band (jazz, blues, soul) and next week will be in the pit band for a musical in a large theatre. A bluegrass mandolin player saw me playing last fall and today I will be rehearsing with him and we will be playing at a couple of bluegrass festivals, something different, I played at a small festival a couple of weeks ago. The most satisfying accomplishment is that I and several other adults have been asked to fill out the low string section of a 30 piece youth orchestra for a concert in June...after only six months with the bow! I have never worked so hard, the kids are so good I really have to get serious about the music and that pressure has really brought my playing to a new level. I turned 77 a couple of weeks ago and although I have played for over 60years most of my real learning on bass has been in the last 5 years, it's never too late.😊

Aka the "Vootar". Dreamed up by Voormann in 1965. Basically a one-off Vox with four bass strings and the top four strings of a guitar, routed to separate amps. A later version was the Cassandra Elk, with 30" scale, of which there are just three, one owned by Macca...

Quite a few bedroom dealers around on social media/gumtree/ebay who are asking prices in-line or in excess of what actual shops would sell the same instruments for have distorted the market and sellers expectations. Not a lot to be done about it really other than have a polite discussion and offer what you think is fair - as a general point of principal I avoid dealing with people who are being obviously unrealistic.

It was my 50th birthday party last night so I surprised my guests by playing bass with the band we hired. Their bassist didn't mind stepping down for one, which was just as well because I made him film it. This is the first time I've played bass in public, with just a quick run through during soundcheck prior to the party starting. The guy making most of the noise is my twin brother. Also his party. Obviously. 😁 20 may.mp4

Two recent acquisitions. First came the BB2000 (from Alex Carr). I’d lusted after a BB2000 since receiving their catalogue when Making Music Magazine did the old business reply card system. As a young musician, I gazed/drooled for hours at the BB pages. I was never into Fenders at the time so I’m not sure why I was so fixated on them. I drove down to Reading and collected this 1982 bass at the beginning of April. What a stunning bass. Change of strings and a Setup to my preferences and it floored me. Stunning tone and playability. The MC924 I drove to a gorgeous village outside Tonbridge on Saturday and brought it home with me. I got it from the original owner who bought it new in 1980. I had an MC900 which I sold foolishly around 20 years ago. They’ve always been in the back of my mind with the intention to replace it. The neck on this one is far superior to the one I sold, the clarity of the tone is so much better than I remember too. Again, string change, Schaller straplock buttons and setup and it’s a beautiful player. Both keepers.

found this vintage Peavey gem and just had to take a gamble! Well worth it! Can’t wait to hook up and play this alongside the mk3

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. The non aesthetically pleasing string arrangement is because I do not have the required B. The string runs over the headstock are due to the non-pliancy of the plastic-coated strings, not because Jez cannot plot his machine head paths correctly.

New Amp Day! (well, Friday was 😅) I took a bit of a gamble on this amp having not been able to try one first, although I have had a number of markbass amps so kinda feel like I know what I'm getting. As my Little Mark Tube had sold in record time (and before this one arrived), I had my fingers crossed that it was going to be good! 😬👍 Going by the specs and reviews, it seemed like it was going to suit me well. First impressions: Oh Damn! It's bigger than the usual markbass amp size! 😮😂 I honestly was not expecting that! Fortunately I have a bag that's exactly the right size for it. It's also stupidly light for a 1000w amp. I don't know if it's an illusion because it's bigger, but it feels lighter that other MB heads I've had (and definitely lighter than my LMII). Well, I needn't have worried, this thing sounds absolutely incredible! The usual markbass quality is there, but this amp seems to have a little special sauce somehow! Someone whose opinion I value described these amps as having some extra 'Mojo' above the LM range, and I think that's a good description. The seperate solid state and tube gain knobs are a bit of a gimmick in my opinion, certainly where you only have a single tube in there, as its not enough of a difference compared to a full tube preamp to really be that exciting. That said, there is a discernable difference between the two sides, solid state is tighter, faster and more articulate, and the tube gain is softer and rounder. I don't think I'd describe it as warmer as it doesn't seem to add any tonal qualities, it's more the dynamic response that's altered. I was unsure how I'd like the graphic eq, as I'm a fan of simple and I like the usual markbass 4-knob eq, plus of course the VLE/VPF, which are handy for quick adjustments. This graphic is great though! Clearly you have a lot more control over your tone, but the frequency bands they've chosen and the way it's been executed means that the tone is always musical even if you cut some fairly extreme shapes! I normal roll with a low mid (and slight low end) bump on little mark amps, but I seem to be able to get more pleasing results on the Stu, and able to find just the sound I want more easily. And man does it sound great! 😍 Oh and by the way, YES IT'S VERY LOUD!!! I nearly had to get a structural engineer in to check the house out 😂👌 PLUS.... The illuminated eq sliders and Jack sockets are super cool! 😎 So, I'm very happy thus far! Two gigs this coming weekend, so we'll see how it fares in real use. Massive thanks to the team at Bass Direct for their excellent service as always 😉👍

Well, I wasn't wrong when I said that other bassist didn't mind stepping down for one at my party ... He kindly packed my gear away for me at the end of the night and I've just come to put my bass back on its stand now I'm back home and found a note from him inside my case 😂 Nothing ventured!!

I generally look somewhat grumpy - for example, wondering why the rest of them are so damn happy and then I try to work out what Mrs Zero is telling me to do and realise that she wanted me to smile But throughout it all, one should retain one's essential dignity.

Hey everyone, I've been away from BC for a bit figuring stuff out. Well, it's a tough one, an odd feeling. I'm not very good at being centre of attention and as Id said above, feel a bit guilty when I know we're all struggling. At the same time, I don't want Andrew to feel awkward for reaching out to the community either as it's a really thoughtful thing to do. Obviously the back story to my woes is a lengthy one, so the original posts to something that appeared vague probably didn't help. I'm not offended though. In all honesty, I didn't really think anyone would notice or care that much.

Nice example. Don't think I've seen a fretless Force 40 before. Apart from the Tele-type headstock this is the same bass as the Washburn SB40 - as played by Bathiki Kumalo on Graceland.

This is my review of the HB Mustang after its gigging debut a few weeks ago.

Just popping home for a bit before continuing around the globe...

I posted the video to show a example whereby, very experienced musicians and sound engineers, have chosen to go back to using guitar amps - instead of the amp modellers they were using - because, in their experience and within the context of their musical setting, the guitar amps offer a tangible sonic improvement over what is currently available sonically from amp modelling products. Their particular gigging situation is obviously more rarified than most of us ever get to experience, but nonetheless, their choice is testament to the fact that guitar amps still offer something important and unique that musicians, sound engineers and producers value.

If you don’t play flats then you’re just limiting yourself to sharps and naturals.

this one sounds OK till I open my gob on it ! so here is my entry to the May 23 Challenge, based on the picture chosen by NickD, last months winner. EZ drummer does the main work , guitar through Waves gtr3, 2 different patches blended , Bitsa 'bassinator' low end with a bit of chorus , and of course the voice of an angel over the top of it ! lyrics for those interested

An item will either sell or it will not. The only issue for me is whether I personally am happy to pay the price advertised by whoever is selling - be that private or business. If I like the thing and am happy to pay the price - wonderful. If I think it is overpriced then I don't buy it. I see no benefit in thinking about it more than that. I've got better uses of my time. Like practising my scales.... [Might not be true]

I know there's a few of us on here, both past and present. Here's a few classics from back in the day that conquer up memories of me high-jacking the car stereo on family holidays.

Ok folks so I’ve added a new pickguard and bridge do you prefer tort or white ( original )

Easy - The Commodores/FNM

Don't worry, I completely missed that too!

What's the best way to share Dan. I normally would share them on my FB page but open to any other options that can help. Dave

Yeah well my brother is famously relaxed about everything so information is hard to come by but they definitely got on really well. They have been messaging since, but my brother lives in Daventry which is a bit far away. Question is, can he be bothered? Watch this space, I'll post updates. I won't ask @johnbiffa if you do weddings but you never know!

But what about your brother and the girl? You cannot leave us hanging like this!

Just a follow up to this - just after writing this original thread, I dipped my toe in the Hofner 500/1 pond and bought an Ignition model, which had had a couple of upgrades done to it. I found it a cracking little bass - fun to play (took some getting used to the scale!) and great sounding. This lead me to start looking for a German made model, and I very recently tracked down a beautiful 2010 German Hofner 500/1 62 RI (known as the Mersey bass). Everything Happy Jack said in his quoted post is absolutely spot on. The German model weighs significantly less than the Ignition, balances better on a strap, is better made, and plays and sounds much better. This doesn't make the Ignition rubbish - I loved mine and it gave me the appetite to want a more expensive model, but it's like comparing a £200 P bass copy with a Fender CS P bass.

Two of my favourite artists...

Didn't realise the Lusithand Alma existed - just ordered one - I've got the original Big Box Diamond which I really love - will see how they compare and feedback when it arrives - The clean blend has me intrigued

Ah, I see, far too subtle for me 😀

I use Small Comfort Straps, adjusted almost as short as they will go! I like to wear my basses like necklaces!

Well, @Waddo Soqable, seeing as you've show us yours.... I was eighteen when this photo was taken. Not much has changed apart from being older, fatter and more weatherbeaten.

Bit of an update…. I didn’t expect a fun project like this to end up being my number one bass, I really didn’t. After many hours playing and a couple of rehearsals, the band love it, I love it…. it’s superb. I assume the pickups (pictured above) are Chinese standard fayre… but honestly they sound immense paired up with the new JHT loom. It’s like you’ve got a Kawai piano strapped around your neck (same weight too), it’s really clear, sustains for days, big clean highs and deep lows…… it’s all the TB you could ask for honestly. I tried a Gibson last week… I prefer this. Yes, the only original parts are the wooden bits and the pickups, but man, these pickups are awesome, whatever they are….. AND in my opinion, proves the point, when upgrading electronics, change your EQ first…. chances are the original pickups are fine with decent pots driving them. Hats of to the Newtone strings too… they play their part in the sound, lovely. So there it is, done, and I haven’t touched any of the other basses since.

One of my most very favourite things ever!!

To understand this I think you need to divide FRFR theory into two parts; full frequency flat response, and then using an active PA speaker to do that. Most bass amps and speakers are coloured, the frequency responses aren't flat and there may be other distortions too. That colouring has become part of what we all expect when we listen to a bass. Initially it was there because the amplification at the birth of electric bass just wasn't very good but generations of bassists used the colouring to their advantage to create music and sounds we all want to hang on to. The downside is that if you have rose tinted bass amps to listen to your bass is always going to have a rose tinted sound. Rose tinting is lovely of course and some people want to stay in that rose tinted world, but you might fancy a change. FRFR gives you your bass through clear glass spectacles. Multi effects units, emulators and so on will then let you add in whatever colours you want, you can buy in a ready made tint or mix your own depending upon your own creativity. It's really hard to get that exact rose tint to copy a particular amp and speaker but the fx have been good enough for as long time that you probably couldn't tell the difference once all the band are playing and the audience really won't. And that perfect P-bass Ampeg tone on you favourite record? That was probably recorded straight from the DI into the desk and fx applied afterwards, possibly mixed in with a little bit of what came out of the speaker. So then the question is whether to use a PA speaker to get your FRFR sound. FRFR is nothing new as touring bands have used floor monitors for years. The advantage of using PA speakers is that they are produced in huge numbers, more is spent on their design and there will be a cost saving because of mass production. If they are designed to put the bass and kick through they will handle bass and buying a box with the amp in means they will be perfectly matched and the internal DSP will protect everything inside from even the most idiotic use. The down side? All speaker designs are compromises, there isn't a perfect speaker out there and PA speakers are jacks of all trades. In cheaper PA's the bass driver will be quite limited, but that is true of cheap bass cabs. There is an issue with plastic cabs, a well built well braced wooden cab will beat a plastic cab every day, but the moulded cabs get better all the time. Portable PA cabs are designed to go on poles so their size and weight becomes an issue and some bass may be compromised to achieve portability. So my experience? The best bass sound I have ever got has been out of a couple of RCF ART310 speakers on poles. On the stage floor they sound completely over blown. I also have some ART 745's for PA. The bass through them on poles sounds like it does through studio monitors. On stage on the floor I don't like them much without a lot of eq to reduce the bass bloom. For gigs I use a bass speaker designed to be FRFR the LFSys Silverstone with my bass amp set flat and a SansAmp doing the colouring in. For me the wooden box and exceptionally good bass speaker combined with truly flat response (I've seen the measurements) works really well. What the audience get though is through the PA. Hope that helps?

Back in the MM game: Love it.

This thread depresses the hell out of me. I'm glad we have it, but I hate to see people who I consider to be friends (even though I have never met a lot of them) pass away

This should help you

Just got in from gigging and it was the first official gig outing for my sea foam green HB Gotoh Mustang whatever the model number is. I have to admit that even though it's still in the honeymoon phase that bass exceeded expectations in terms of tone and performance. I'll try and keep it brief-ish as I need to go to bed but I'm still wired! It's still pretty much stock other than having been copper shielded and a new scratch plate (my Homer Simpson design to replace the naff tort plate that came with it). The strings are still the stock ones, no idea what they are but they're lower tension that I usually use and were comfortable to play and sounded great. It's not unnecessarily heavy, a complaint made against a few other HB models and it was comfortable to play over a 2 hour+ set with a wide strap. Balance was spot on, no neck dive. The neck is slim and comfortable to play, the couple of slightly rough fret edges having been dealt with weeks ago. The frets are jumbo sized which are chunkier than I'm used to but took no time to adjust to. The biggest gripe leveled at this model is the lack of a pickup blend option but not only did I not miss it, it never even crossed my mind that I needed it playing a set that ranges from country rock to 80's cock-rock to synth pop to contemporary dance numbers. It just sounded great whatever we played. I'd sunk the bridge pickup down a touch and raised the P up a bit to give a sound that is biased towards the neck pickup but it still had a chunk of that hollow-both-pickups-on sound but with a bit more low mid thanks to the extra dose of the P pickup. I left the tone wide open all night and it was clear and defined without getting abrasive in the top end. For me, the best thing about the bass is the pickups. They're not just good for the price, they're fantastic pickups full stop, IMO. Deep, clear lows that don't get bloated, plenty of mid range detail without getting muddy and sweet top end that is clean and clear but not shrill or overly bright. The gig was on in ear monitors, no backline. Through the PA at sound check the bass sound was excellent, big and punchy and defined but not overpowering, and the sound sat with the guitar and keys perfectly. Giving the pickups a gentle squeeze of compression enhanced the punch and overall sound in a way that left a big grin on my face all night. They also sang nicely with a touch of low gain saturation from my drive pedal which added an extra dimension to the tone. My preamp pedal had minimal tonal adjustments for the room but the bass doesn't need any extreme EQ settings to make it fit in, it just worked as it is. My main gigging basses cost several times what I paid for the HB but the cheap and cheerful little thing held its won against them. I only really bought it as a 'stunt bass' for more rowdy gigs but I can see it becoming a regular gigging machine. It's a ridiculously good bass for a pitiful asking price and the pickups might well be my new favorites ever regardless of price.