mcnach

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1472549555' post='3121950'] Just for fun Jack - install LAME for Audacity in one click via this URL: [url="http://tinyurl.com/makejackhappy"]http://tinyurl.com/makejackhappy[/url] You'll have to do use IE or Edge though unless you have a ClickOnce extension installed for Firefox or Chrome. (btw if you don't have Audacity installed it will try to install it and fail as the package in the repository for it is currently broken, just ignore the errors!) [b](for anyone interested in how this works, check out [url="https://chocolatey.org/"]Chocolatey [/url]and [url="http://boxstarter.org/"]Boxstarter[/url])[/b] [/quote] oh, pretty cool, thanks!

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1472489047' post='3121514'] If you want to convert a WAV file into MP3 in Reaper you simply choose one of the variations of 'render to MP3'. At this point a window will open in Reaper saying 'mp3 encoder not loaded'. Then you go to lame and download the codec and stick it in the appropriate directory. It's dead easy; if you've used Audacity you'll have no problem. [/quote] Really? It's been so long I forgot I had to do that! ah well... it is really easy and a one-time operation, which is why I must have forgotten I did it... but if not downloading additional software is a must, then that rules out Reaper too I suppose!

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1472468123' post='3121272'] Please DON'T immediately jump in and tell me I need Audacity. I already tried it. Twice. I have no interest in an editor that omits vital files & plug-ins due to "copyright issues" and invites me to source them elsewhere and plug them in. So, once we step away from the Audacity base-camp, what's out there? My needs are VERY simple ... take a WAV file from a rehearsal or a gig (perhaps 2Gb, usually less), save individual tracks as mp3 files, maybe apply some amplification, maybe opt for a fade-in & fade-out, erm, that's about it. Free would be nice but NOT essential. I've spent far too long looking through obviously fake 5-star reviews of crap features and virus-ridden malware, and I'm well aware that almost all of the 'free' downloads are a disaster waiting to happen. I just don't know which ones (if any) are safe to use. I'm talking Windows here, not Mac. [/quote] Reaper! Not free anymore, but only $60 and it's very very good. You can download and try for 60 days without feature limitations: [url="http://www.reaper.fm/download.php"]http://www.reaper.fm/download.php[/url] It does a lot more than you say you need... but it's really simple to use. There may still be places where you can get their older 'free' version before they went fully commercial. I used to have version 0.999 or something like that, the last one before going commercial, which already was stable, takes up next to no space, light in resources usage, and does all the basic editing already. If interested I'll look for it and I can send it over, but you will probably find it online still. If you like it, the $60 is worth paying, in my opinion. They did a great job and provided a serious DAW for almost no money compared to what other bigger names wanted. I like supporting that if I can.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1472511400' post='3121773'] I can see your thinking behind liking the idea of the full-contact of the full pocket shim. I don't think this is a problem with a partial shim as long the connection is solid. The difference between a full pocket shim and a partial one is with a full one, if you effectively want to lower the bridge 2mm, then you will need a 2mm full pocket shim. [b]If you, instead, used a partial shim, you would only need something like a 1mm shim[/b]. Also, if you use a full shim, this is visible as a gap a the the place where you look at the neck in the pocket. If you've used a partial shim the neck touches the bottom of the body in the pocket and nothing is going to be visible. [/quote] probably quite a bit thinner than 1mm. I have often used business cards, which may not be the best choice as they do compress over time, but with a business card thick shim you probably get those 2mm or so already. A little shim goes a long way!

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1472415542' post='3120994'] Sounds like a cool weekend. Fun, great story. Blue [/quote] Thanks, it was fun and a video that I cannot find how to embed here: [media]http://www.facebook.com/rob.bache/videos/1504131166267545/[/media]

[quote name='darkandrew' timestamp='1472490389' post='3121531'] Thanks. It's the first time I've done this sort of thing on a bolt-on. My other basses are all neck-throughs and my guitars are all set-necks. Everytime I buy a new bass or guitar I promise myself that I will leave it as it is - I think I managed to last about 30 mins before giving in to the overwhelming urge to give this one a thorough set up! Maybe next time. [/quote] Ha! but that's the thing, if you can set it up nicely, why not? And in bolt-on basses it means you have to consider neck angle as yet another variable to play with. Glad it worked out!

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1472465992' post='3121236'] The only time I've played with an electronic kit the player didn't have proper monitoring and I was straining to hear him from the PA speakers. That was a very poor stage sound. It's left me with an ambivalence towards electric drum kits. This is one of those "if it ain't broke. . . . " subjects for me. I love the physicality of a well played traditional kit right beside me. I used to play with a very loud guitarist who insisted that my amp was equally loud. I used 6 10's and had FOH in that band. I was happy with a level coming back through the monitors, but he wanted to [i]feel[/i] the bass behind him. I've just done my first gig with the drummer to the side of the stage facing me and now I get it. The feel (the Oomph) of the bass drum pointing right at me gave a huge boost to my playing. [/quote] Yeah, I get that we're used to having that loud thing making a racket next to us, and it feels a little disconcerting at first... but your bad experience above wasn't the kit's fault! It's like saying I broke a string on my white bass and ever since I feel weird about playing white basses... If you have an electric kit, then you must have it through the monitors, otherwise it's pretty crap. I played a 'quieter' type of gig at a local bar where they specified we should use their Roland e-kit so that they can control the levels completely. The drummer did have a small monitor pointing at him, but there was precious little monitoring for anybody else, they relied on our own backline turned down a lot. It was hard to play when you can see the drummer make movements with his arms from a corner of your eye, but without the usual accompanying sound... it was hard to keep time. But that wasn't the kit's fault, it was just a badly thought set up.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1472328299' post='3120422'] We just did most of the 2 hour set with no back line or monitors, I think I've found the point where you do need something! Pah, sound guy that didn't know what he was doing [/quote] Did you remember to check your bass was plugged in? (joking, of course... but 'a friend' of mine once had issues with his gear that turned out to be fixed simply by plugging in )

[quote name='grumpyguts' timestamp='1472455595' post='3121145'] My next bass will be a 5 string Jazz. I played a Squire VM Olympic White - liked it a lot @ £316 from GAK it looks a decent buy. However for £460 from Thomann I can have a red one of these. What to do? I was happy with the neck profile on the Squire, anyone know how the Miller bass compares? [/quote] red wins, I'm afraid

Nice job!

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1472235909' post='3119754'] I had a similar problem with my Cort Curbow 5 (bought secondhand via eBay) where both the G and the low B were causing problems because I couldn't get them low enough. The saddles are of a cast design, which could have been filed for a deeper groove, but for me it was easier to raise the whole neck with a shim. [/quote] that's the type of situation where I'd normally use a partial shim on the bridge end of the pocket. Very thin, for a tiny increase in angle goes a long way several inches down the string towards the bridge. I haven't needed a full pocket shim ever, but I guess in some cases it can happen.

[quote name='darkandrew' timestamp='1472229327' post='3119691'] I know it's already been discussed, in a previous thread,that a partial shim across the last screws can lead to the neck bowing due to the part of the neck that's above the void in front of the shim being pulled into it and creating a ski jump at the end of the neck. I've been thinking about this - is this actually likely as it's not just the neck that would have to bow but also the truss rod that's going through it? I ask this because I've just taken ownership of an Ernie Ball Sterling bass whose E string saddle is as low as it can go but needs to go a bit lower, and so I was thinking about putting a shim in the neck pocket and was wondering whether to use the Ernie Ball partial shim or make my own full pocket shim out of maple veneer. [/quote] partial shims are fine... I very much doubt that that extra cm occupied by the shim can be the cause of a 'ski jump'. Shims like that are typically used to change the neck angle. If you don't need that angle changed but you still think you need the fingerboard raised a bit, an even full pocket shim would be best, but it's less common than just needing to alter minutely the neck angle.

[quote name='Trueno' timestamp='1472396213' post='3120780'] The reason I don't like them is because I've been there and done that. I can assure you I'm not missing any kind of treat. [/quote] our experiences disagree... welcome to BassChat then, business as usual

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1472393481' post='3120760'] I wouldn't call what I make as "income". But over all, if I ignore the couple that I've lost money on, I've built a modest bass fund. To do this I've bought and sold a lot of budget basses. I normally make a modest profit. I've sometimes made over £100 on a bass[b] (not on those bought/sold on BC)[/b]. [/quote] there would be nothing wrong with that...

[quote name='Trueno' timestamp='1472279345' post='3119966'] Drummer turns up with an electronic kit... I'm out! [/quote] Then you may miss a treat. A *good* e-kit is great and sounds great onstage too.

[quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1472389187' post='3120716'] So my band are booked to play an engagement party of Friday night, 2 x 45 mins with a half hour break, fee all agreed etc. So today I've been told that the couple are now trying to book a singer, who sings to backing track to play in the half hour break, apparently the singer will need to use our PA and mics etc. Now I'm not exactly happy about this, we are being paid two fees, one from the venue as we are playing in the pub rather than in a function room and they needed/wanted a band for that night anyway, and we are getting a fee from the couple. Our fees aren't exactly astronomical roughly £350 total, it's our first function gig as a band so we've charged less than an ideal rate to cut our teeth and get a foot in the door etc. What does the board reckon to this? Personally I feel offended that they are looking to book an act to play between our sets, and I'm definitely not happy to let her loose on our PA. [/quote] They cannot offer the singer the use of your equipment before asking you. It's not theirs to offer. I'd be annoyed too. I might be tempted to ask for a low 'rental fee' to make a point. But it really depends on what rapport we have with them. I'd insist on us operating the PA: I would not like someone let loose on the mixer twiddling things (so many clueless people...) that you've set up to work for your band.

[quote name='luckydog' timestamp='1472243749' post='3119834'] So roughly how many basses/gear items per year qualifies as a trader, and is it OK not to identify oneself as such ? In the last decade I've bought no basses, 2 amps, and sold no basses and 1 amp. None on BC. So that's def not me ! Curious what volume of gear other peeps buy/sell yearly, what is normal here? LD [/quote] I don't care, personally. If you have a bass for sale that I want, I don't care how many more you sold that month. What does it matter?

[quote name='luckydog' timestamp='1472236121' post='3119755'] Hmmmm are so many peeps here in the habit of buying/selling basses regularly enough to get excited about? How many peeps here look upon trading basses as a source of income ? I am curious, and suspect it's more than I first thought....... LD [/quote] That's a good question. I doubt there are many at all. And those who do... good luck to them. I see nothing wrong.

[quote name='zero9' timestamp='1472234822' post='3119741'] On a similar note: 1. Don't pay the asking price. 2. Don't accept the buyers lower offer [/quote] It depends on how badly you want to buy/sell, right? I was looking for a white EBMM SUB for months. Then one appeared, a very early one (2003) which I favoured (different pickup wiring). It was in great condition... and seller asked for more than they usually sell for. But I really wanted it, and I wasn't going to take the risk of somebody making a slightly better offer and not getting the bass I wanted for what? for maybe £40-50? A bass I was likely to own for years? I offered full asking price immediately and I still have that delicious bass.

[quote name='Skybone' timestamp='1472210971' post='3119455'] Only ever made a profit on a handful of gear I've purchased through the many years I've been playing. Given the amount of gear I've gone through, the profit is an insignificant amount compared to the losses. Though the biggest loss to date was 50% on an L2000 Tribute. Best profit was on my old 4003. [/quote] That's it. Overall I I have probably made a loss even if sometimes I made a profit. BassChat is a terrible place... it makes you want shiny things!

[quote name='luckydog' timestamp='1472205121' post='3119386'] Exactly this ^ happened to a mate of mine, and 40 years later he still plays the same amazing guitar (it isn't a bass). A lifetime of playing excellence versus turning a (albeit hefty) swift buck............ there's more to life than profit !? LD [/quote] of course there is more than profit! I'm not sure anybody here is arguing that! But If I had that Jazz myself, and I ended up in dire straits... I can see myself selling that, and not for $100, and turning to using a Squier instead. If you *need* the cash, for whatever reason... material things don't matter. Or would you hold on to that 62 Jazz, or sell it for $100, whilst missing mortgage payments, for instance? Of course not

[quote name='4stringslow' timestamp='1472204481' post='3119375'] But what is a 'fair price'? There is no official price list so it's just what the seller and buyer are happy to agree between them. With two bassists buying a bass it's probably fairly easy to agree a price that both think is fair, but widen the scope of the participants and the item I question and it becomes a lot more subjective. I recall a story about someone who had inherited an shotgun, Holland and Holland I think, the sort of thing that could cost £100k brand new. They were a photography fanatic and had long wanted a top of the range Leica camera, worth a few thousand pounds and knew the shotgun was worth a few bob but that was all. So they advertised for a swap and someone did the deal by buying a brand new Leica. Financially, the shotgun was potentially worth far more than the camera but both parties agreed the deal and both were very happy, so it could be judged that it was a fair deal. And that's the main thing isn't it? If both parties are happy with the deal then all is well. [/quote] Absolutely.

Just joined temporarily a ska/reggae band while their bass player is out of action (a few months), had a first gig at a festival last weekend, and now we just returned from a 'minitour', driving with the van down to gigs in Nuneaton, Kidderminster and Rugby on Friday and Saturday. 1h first on the Friday gig, 2h gigs on Saturday... I'm tired but it was a blast. This band usually has just a saxophone but occasionally gets other btass players, and a regular collaborator joined us for these gigs... 'Big' Jim Paterson on trombone. What a guy!!! He was a amazing. I had such a huge grin just listening to the sax and trombone together and exchanging solos... plus the guy is one of the nicest guys I've ever met around the 'musician' environment. I'm still high on music. Or maybe it's lack of sleep The last gig was at a bar in Rugby, The London House Skabar. I played without PA support, with two TKS S112 and the MarkBass LM3, no wall reinforcement... and it sounded awesome, no lack of volume either. One of the best sounding gigs I've had, from a bass point of view. I love these cabs.

[quote name='Shambo' timestamp='1472169381' post='3119161'] To make a sale. To me. I did just explain my reasoning. Believe it or not but there are people who want to do business with mutual understanding and trust. I'm not begrudging the concept of making a profit, but to me it has to be quantifiable and therefore justifiable. I don't want to feel I'm trading with someone who's looking to milk every last red cent out of me because they feel that's the way it's got to be done. IRL I don't want to associate with socially, nor do business with, anyone who sees me as an opportunity before a person. You don't like it? You can move on to the next sucker. If I was inclined to play the market in such a mercenary way, I wouldn't be best served to expose my intentions to my target audience with such bravado. I'd keep my cards a lot closer to my chest. Seems I'm not inclined to such behavior, I'll say so. I think its a virtue... not one that will make me rich admittedly but hey ho, there's more to life than profit. I'd buy a used bass off me, but after this thread, I would be cautious of buying one off you. [/quote] You seem to see it as black or white. I doubt most people who sell anything here just see pound signs when you approach them with interest in buying. I know I don't. I like chatting about gear too and sometimes I've actually shoot myself in the foot because someone asks me something about what I'm selling and I realise that it may not be what they really want, that it doesn't work the way they are hoping... so I explain it to them and give my honest opinion: I've met lots of great guys through buying and selling stuff here. Selling is not a business for me, or for most here. We're here mostly because we have a common interest... passion even: bass, music... so I doubt anybody is here 'exploiting' anyone or looking at the market as a trader would on Wall Street. However, imagine I found an original '62 Jazz bass in my hands... If I needed to sell I'd put it for sale at 'market value', regardless of what I paid for it. Why wouldn't I? I don't know if you saw that thread on talkbass about the guy who ended up with a 62 Jazz for $100. Amazing story. The guy ended up keeping it as far as I recall... but he got a lot of flak when he suggested he might sell as he wasn't particularly well financially. ON that instance there were other factors but let's simplify by creating this scenario: person A has a 62 Jazz. They don't care about it or its value, they don't need it and just want it gone. They ask for $100 person B sees it and says 'here are my $100'. Again, for simplification lets's say he also tells person A 'you know your bass is worth a lot more?' and person A replies 'I know, I'm aware, but I don't need the money or the bass, the bass has bad connotations for me and I don't want to receive anything for it, in fact... just have it, free... here, take it away, don't ever bring it back' so person A walks away with the bass. at some indeterminate point in time (does it matter whether it's days, weeks or months or years?) he decides to let it go. should he give it away just because he got it free? at some point, the bass will be sold at its market value, and someone will benefit financially. Why on earth would it not be him? whose kittens have been murdered by offering something at a price that someone else is happy to pay? Feel free not to buy anything off me. I've never sold anything here or elsewhere thinking of the buyers as 'suckers', and I have a list of people in my feedback thread who seem to agree with that sentiment. You seem to think that selling things at their value and treating people with dignity are incompatible. I'd hate to live in your world. I've bought a couple of instruments from friends, real friends. You know what? I did not expect a reduction just because we were friends. I expected a fair price, which is what they wanted anyway, and I would not dream of giving them less than that precisely because they're friends.