Rayman

Awesome gear Joe, perfect setup there.

It's the same one I've had for ages Al, the same one I brought down to the last bash we went to. Since you last saw it in the flesh, it's had Villex pickups put into it, an aged tort plate put on it, and a bit of "accelerated ageing" by myself, involving dragging it around the driveway and adding a few "worn" areas with a hammer and some 180 grit sandpaper!! Actually, I'm rather pleased with the ageing job. There's a couple of dings I wish I hadn't put on it, but I think it looks pretty good. It's only the body I've done though, the neck is still unmarked and will stay so. I love this bass, and I guess it's the one I use the most.

Here's an updated pic of my current crop. L - R back; OLP Tony Levin, MM Stingray, Fender Jazz. Front; Marcus Miller Jazz and an Ibanez K5.

I used a white Epiphone Thunderbird all last year in a metal band. All I can tell you is, it was a nicer playing, nicer sounding, better looking bass than any Gibsons I had tried. Close up, the build quality on the Epi was a little shakey in places, but only cosmetically. The Gibsons I tried also had finish issues by the way, especially around the neck joint. The Epi fretboard was dark and smooth, almost like ebony, and the sound was just awesome, big bottom end with loads of punch too, very Steve Harris sounding to me. Not a lot of top end, but that's TBs for you. If I was in the market for a TB right now, I would go straight for another white Epi. If you [i]have[/i] to have the word "Gibson" on the headstock, fair enough, fork out the cash, but IMO, the Epiphone Thunderbird is a superb bass at a fraction of the cost of the "real thing".

No-one? Could be a lot of money to be made here. They're talking of a possible 4-5 gigs a week!!

Rock bass player wanted in the north west of England, for a UFO/Michael Schenker orientated band, based in Warrington. I was the bassist for "Stagefright" for a year in 2006, and had a great year with them during that time, doing up to 6 gigs a month around the North of England, Lancashire, Cheshire, Liverpool etc etc. They're a full on rock band, big PA, lights etc, and a big sound wherever they play, pubs, clubs etc. I left because, truth be known, I'm not a metal fan these days, so as much fun as it was, I'd had enough, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Great bunch of blokes all around 40ish, very friendly, but still with plenty of ambition to get gigging again and earn some cash. I believe they have plans for bike rallys and clubs which can potentially offer good money. During my time, I used a white Epi Thunderbird, but a modest Roland DB500 miked through the PA provided the thunderous sound they want. They want someone with a bit of energy, someone who won't just stand there like a lemon, but move about a bit. You don't need to be Billy Sheehan (god knows I aint), you just need to be solid and dependable, and best of all LOUD. Age is not an issue, young or old, they don't care, as long as you have some energy!! and as long as your happy to help load and unload gear at gigs. Anyone want to get in touch with them, PM me, and I'll pass their number on to you.

Yes, so I see, is it one of the ones you had before Al?

I still haven't had chance to see NGE since the last time a year or two ago, I'm going to make the effort in the new year. Back then Al still had those lovely bongos, top basses they were.

Spectacliar collection mate, and the Nordy loaded Sterling has returned from it's holiday al Alans' place too, nice. The Glaub is just superb too.

[quote name='niceguyhomer' post='100888' date='Dec 7 2007, 01:51 PM']Hi Peter, The Sterling The Lakland DJ and; A Mexican P - which I've just prised out of my tutor's mitts. Lovely player, great build quality and it's getting a Wizard Thumper for Xmas [/quote] Ahh, remember the MIM P I had Alan, the one Mikeh bought from me? Best Precision I ever played, cracking bass, wish I still had that one.

?? Defensive? I'm not being defensive, I've just disagreed with you, wihch is my opinion, which is what he asked for. If it's a nice bass, then it was worth the money he paid, in [i]MY[/i] opinion.

Well, if it makes you feel any better, IMO, the Korean Squiers were great. I have a Korean strat, which to be honest knocks any of the US made ones I've had into a cocked hat. Beautiful neck, and a great player, it's just a pity I'm crap at playing it. There's a load of utter nonsense spoken about the origins of equipment, and Fenders/Squiers are no different. There seems to be a belief that if it's a JV, or a Silver series, or a blah blah blah, then it's going to be a better instrument for it. Cobblers. Your Squier looks lovely, how does it play? Nice? does it sound good? If it ticks those boxes then it was worth the cash, enjoy it.

Also, the pickups aren't bad anyway, you're better off upgrading the pre-amp to improve the tone, like I may do with my OLP Tony Levin 5.

Metronomes? I agree with Jeff, [i]feel[/i] the music in your heart, lock in with the drums, [i]feel[/i] the groove, and just enjoy playing music. F*** metronomes.

Sounds Great in Heald Green, or Ged Green in Cheadle. Both top places for a setup, but Ged is a luthier too and does all my setups and repairs: [url="http://www.gedgreen.co.uk/"]http://www.gedgreen.co.uk/[/url]

Highway 1 jazz, with a Villex pickup upgrade, just like mine, vintage vibe, immense tone. Find a used H1, then the Villex jazz pups are about £130, but oh my, what a bass it is now.

Jean Jaques Burnel with the Stranglers. [i]CLASSIC[/i] Precision with a pick tone.

I had Deep Talkers on an old 70's Ibanez P bass, very nice. However I use TI flats on my current jazz, and for me, they're my favourite flats, low tension, and quite bright and clicky, just better for me that's all.

My mate has one. Not my bag, but it's his pride and joy, and the favourite of all his Rics.

That'd be great, however, she told me recently that they had no plans to come here, as much as they'd like to.

As far as the day itself goes, I'd say this: Venue excellent, much better than the previous two. Organisation excellent, timing excellent, food better too, generally a much more polished event than before, so congrats to Gary, Steve, Pris and all else involved. Now the downside for me. The acts. I must admit to being a bit of a Stevie Williams fan, and I'm always a bit gutted when we only get 10 minutes of him playing, but hey ho. It was a [i]very[/i] jazz orientated bass day this year, and to be honest, after listening to half a dozen acts including Laurence Cottle, and Jeff Berlin, all playing very simillar styles of jazz, I'd had enough. I turned around to Kev as we waited to the bitter end to see the last act, and said, "if this is yet another jazz player, I'm off", it was, and I was too. This event needs to appeal to a broader range of people if it's going to survive. There should be a mix of rock, jazz, funk, something for everyone, and I for one would [i]love[/i] to see some upright bass too, maybe some rockabilly slap. Another point. If the equipment dealers want to sell gear, I think they should bring low/mid priced stuff too, not just 1965 Fender P's worth 4 grand and the like. It's different for the custom builders of course, but the bass shops should bring more affordable stuff, then they might make a sale. A good day generally for me, but I needed the 3 pints of Guiness to get me through all that jazz. Last year was still the best for me so far, but I'm looking forward to the next one. Again, [i]BIG[/i] up to the organisers, top job, I just needed more variety in the music.