mcnach

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1423051758' post='2679956'] Compressorgate: a low threshold, a fast attack time, a slow release time, a hard knee (jerk), and very little gain. [/quote] Fantastic!

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1423050212' post='2679936'] There's nothing wrong with a difference of opinions. Obviously sometimes on the forum, people state their opinion as though it's a fact, and this does rankle, causing the sort of personal/insulting posts we saw on that thread [/quote] Yup. Sometimes it's very unfortunate. That thread was not a great moment for any part involved, but no part was innocent! I think that trhead should be made into a sticky as an example of how how easily things can go wrong, and as a lesson to us all about chilling the f**k out when typing here. I see so many online arguments that would never get to that stage if it were a real conversation in person, where people have other cues like body language and intonation... Things are taken far too seriously here sometimes.

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1423046099' post='2679874'] +1, and I think it's because the vast majority are able to contribute at some level to a discussion about pickups, a lightweight rig or a sunburst finish as opposed to a discussion about modes and pitch axis theory. Gear subjects can include many more people as all members have some sort of gear but not everyone plays in a band or wants to learn theory or record etc. You don't even have to play to contribute. Re the OP, I'm not sure there's anything to be learnt from pro musicians that couldn't be imparted in an interview. In my mind, there are two types of pro anyway. There's the superstar household name (obviously many are top of their musical game but there are some who don't even know which strings they use or how to tune a bass) and the pro working studio / gigging type. Neither is likely to have time to contribute but if they do, the first short burst of "you're talking crap" will put an end to it. The superstar has better things to do and the working pro session / depping / gigging player sees no advantage in imparting all his hard won knowledge about "how" and "who" to the possible future competition. [/quote] Some "superstars" do have the time and enjoy mixing with us mere mortals, without being looking for adulation. I've only met one such person, a guitarist, several times... he was a joy to be with, he had experienced so much and was still interested in exploring new gear and he'd share his experiences as he was recording his latest album... This is a guy who has played with several top tier world famous bands. Humble, funny, knowledgeable, helpful... He even gave me some backing tracks for me to play with (essentially his tracks without his lead guitar) when I told him how much I enjoyed playing along to the songs at home. There are some people like that, he wasn't really learning much from me, that's for sure! But "superstars" can also be just... well, human. Some are nicer than others, just like with the rest of us.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1423043579' post='2679828'] New gear is the quick fix but in a month's time you'll be searching for more new gear once the new gear effect has worn off. [/quote] Exactly. You could practice, and you'll see small improvements over a long period. Or you could just buy sh*t, and enjoy instant gratification... Buying things is easier than actually learning to use them well. I know what I'm talking about, my toy room is full! I personally go through periods... at times I don't buy anything at all, that's when I'm busiest mostly. Then there are periods where I'm not gigging much, band stuff going a bit slow... and I can suddenly buy a ton of things. Especially if the band slow period leads to my wanting to join/start another project, as I may take that opportunity to do soemthing different, new sounds... new gear!

[quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1422993432' post='2679310'] "Good evening, we are a Jimi Hendrix tribute band." "Stairway!" [/quote] "Freebird!" No?

[quote name='thumbo' timestamp='1422992210' post='2679287'] Are you taking requests? No. Can you play Hotel California? [/quote] Maybe he was asking whether "Taking Requests" was the name of the band...

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1422995563' post='2679366'] i agree i really can't play fast or comfortably with a lacquered neck and i don't even sweat a lot.. just feels like its holding me up. sorry about the sanding Jose. i like to feel the wood. [/quote] I thought of a number of things I could reply to that, but I changed my mind... it's too obvious, not even 'discreet' bites that one

[quote name='mentalextra' timestamp='1422984289' post='2679159'] What do you do about keeping the lacquer off the frets, do they have to be masked up? [/quote] I don't know... I don't do that part, I only request what the final result should be I suspect they get lacquered, and then cleaned out afterwards. My frets were oh so shiny when I got teh bass back

[quote name='DaytonaRik' timestamp='1422970043' post='2678958'] In a similar vein, on Saturday a guy a little worse for wears wanders up to me playing in Think Lizzy and asks if we can play some Led Zep! [/quote] I have been asked for Nirvana and Metallica... while playing in a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band. Some people are just a little thick

Ok, here's a quick one:

Mine is done too, I picked it up two weekends ago (it was ready the weekend before that!). I should post pictures, it looks and feels great! drT, I guess you'll call me Bonkers, but I don't like fast necks. I want one that goes as the same speed that I am at, otherwise I'd have to run after it and that doesn't sound like fun I never got that "fast" neck thing much. There are comfortable necks, and less so. To me it's more about the profile. My lacquered necks don't feel sticky to me (various brands). There's just something about their touch that I like a lot. And I think they look better too... and stay that way longer. To me bonkers is sanding lacquered necks! I'm not sure what it is that David Wilson used on mine... it felt very very smooth, the hand just glides on it. He said that the lacquer he uses has something or another (I was tired, I don't recall, I should ask him again ) that gives it that feel. My neck is only slightly tinted. Nothing like the yellow on my Classic 50 Precision and the like. So as it is, it's slightly paler than the body, but only just. It's supposed to darken/yellow slightly over time. He said that sunlight will clearly change it over the next six months or so, and more slowly afterwards. It looks really good. I really need some new strings, 'though... I'll take some pictures to show here. Horizontalste, yours looks fantastic too! Nice yellow tinge as well. The Stingray was great before, but it was looking decidedly "weathered". So much better now. Pictures coming soon.

Everybody needs a Tele!

[quote name='subrob' timestamp='1422715336' post='2675959'] I bought a white progressive series 5 er. I had to do a lot of work on the neck to get it playable, I shimmed it in fact. [/quote] Shimming a neck is pretty much one of the "normal" things you might do to a bolt-on neck while you set it up to your liking, that's not "a lot of work". How were the frets? sharp ends? did you need to level them?

[quote name='andy67' timestamp='1422716871' post='2675983'] And to be fair, I think the MIM Classic 50s P is every bit as good as the U.S. Standard P. [/quote] The classic 50 series is superb!

[quote name='ubit' timestamp='1422719397' post='2676019'] I don't know where you get the more middle bit from Mcnach! I find it's got tremendous bottom end. More than enough! [/quote] They do have bottom end! But also more mids than most other similar cabs. Probably because a lot of other cabs are a bit scooped perhaps. Either way, the BB2 is the bass cab that has the most mids (for any given setting) than any other equivalent cab I've owned. I never said it didn't have bottom. They do! Not as much as the Compact, but they do.

[quote name='GregBass' timestamp='1422716710' post='2675980'] Hmmmm. More middy could be a problem, as it's the mid I tend to EQ out. I really need cabs with a deep bottom end and capable of punching out lots of top. [/quote] well, more middy, but perhaps because we're used to other cabs that are more mid-shy. They seem pretty flat, or flatter than most others. But you'll be using some form of EQ, right? It's just that whatever EQ you use, you'll probably need to modify it before it sounds good. Like with any other cab, I suppose

[quote name='Muzz' timestamp='1422703415' post='2675780'] I had a Compact and a BB2 for a short while and ran them both at a rehearsal, which was immense with my F1 and Fusion. Two BB2s will be huge sounding, and you'll be able to walk in carrying both of them. Even my drummer volunteered to carry mine. You'll need to re-EQ, mind - they're very clear, and will start off sounding very different to your current cabs. [/quote] another BB2 (+Compact) owner here... Lots of volume, those BB2 cabs are nice sounding, but you'll have to rethink your EQ again as they tend to be brighter and more middy than most other cabs. Ridiculously light for their output.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1422630957' post='2674898'] It is if you're a buyer who's willing to hold out until the price drops even further. [/quote] but not if another buyer who is not as patient as you steps in

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1422709902' post='2675878'] In the meantime, you could try one of those false beards that hooks over your ears. No one would notice. :-) [/quote] or use these... they work for head and beard all at once!

Hey, Happy Birthday, Martin!

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1422536861' post='2673791'] Plenty of people rave about them though too, so don't just be put off by my opinion! Not everyone likes the same pedals, there are plenty that get glowing reviews that I think sound like crap! [/quote] Yeah, quite subjective in the end. I thought the Ultimate Drive was pretty cool. There are better pedals out there, but not at £30.

[quote name='LITTLEWING' timestamp='1421701190' post='2664171'] I'm looking at somehow tilting back my combo to hear better when we're playing but can only find stands for sale which will raise it off the ground. I know the normal practice is to have a cab as much on the floor as possible, but is there REALLY any discernible loss in bass and 'good' tone if it's up in the air somewhat ? [/quote] LIfting it from the floor will remove quite a bit of the low end. Tilting it but leaving it low, not so much and the mids/top end which are directional can reach your ears better, so it may be a better option... However, although the extra bottom end feels nice, if you're mic'd or DI'd and your combo is only really a monitor, then the primary objective is for you to hear what you're playing. In that case, lifting it and bring it closer to your ears will probably be best. You may not get the same deeper lows onstage, but you'll hear better and might even be able to lower the stage volume, which is not a bad thing. Just try it

Hmmm, master volume crackly? The master volume pot also works as a mute (pull to mute)... I wonder if it could be something as simple as a duff pot.

[quote name='JPJ' timestamp='1421775301' post='2664879'] I'd go with wire wool rather than sandpaper, just takes the shine off with no danger of sanding through [/quote] It sucks, however, when you get bits of wirewool stuck to your pickups... they just won't come off... so watch out! I'm sad, 'though, about this thread... I've seen so many formerly glossy necks butchered, sanded through to the wood...