Rayman

I had a set of EB strings via Amazon a few months ago…… I strongly suspect they were fake. They didn’t feel or sound right. Fake strings are a thing, contrary to what some might say.

I honestly struggle to think of an expensive bass I want….. I’m pretty happy with the mid range stuff I have…. maybe an old Stingray though…. I do miss my Stingrays.

It makes me ask this question: Are expensive, boutique instruments relevant anymore?? Seriously, why? (sure I’ll get ***t for that). I also had to put up with the awful invasion of terrible Japanese instruments when I started playing…… if only there had been Sire and the like back then.

It’s funny (or sad whichever way you look at it), when bands fragment, and original band members end up in a kind of tribute band playing their original stuff. I haven’t seen WA since ‘81. There are now two versions? Martin Turners…. and Andy Powells? I assume they are the only original two in both bands…. I watched MTs version on YouTube, playing live….. not many people in the audience? Kind of sad.

🙁 shame

‘81 it was when I saw them….Number the Brave tour….. now I feel old

Oh yeah…… so good

Thanks so much, I appreciate that.

Ahhhh Martin Turner…… I saw Wishbone Ash at Lancaster Uni in the 80s I think. Martin had just left, replaced by Trevor Boulder from the Spiders From Mars. but yeah….. a white bird with chrome pups….. nice

Second hand… probably EBay…. Yamaha RBX170 bass and a Peavey Micro Bass amp. Job done

Lol…. Yep, it dives like Ronaldo if you let go….. keeps you on your toes!

Absolutely love it. I can’t put it down. Over the moon with it.

So this has been my latest project…. details are in the “build diaries” thread. I can’t tell you how much I love this thing. I’ve spent too much on it, but it was fun, and a decent but modest Thunderbird has been transformed into an absolute beast. Thunderous, piano like tone….. it’s absolutely my current favourite, I can’t put it down. Again, details on the build diary thread. So is it worth spending the time and money on it? Absolutely yes, because I love it and plan to keep it. If I do sell it, I’ll loose money, so if it was something I was going to flip, I wouldn’t have spent so much. It’s a really awesome Thunderbird. My mate already has a Gibson and an Epi Pro….. he wants this one too. Very happy with it.

All power to you pal, make every day count.

It’s so much more than just a hobby (I hate that term), it’s a way of life. For me, playing bass, and creating art, gets me through a bad day and makes a good day better. I’ve had an awful week. It’s been very stressful, both at work and for personal reasons. I felt very low on soul coal. An hour on my Thunderbird put a smile back on my face. It’s therapy, it’s energy, it’s SO important for my mental health. I love it.

I just like Gotoh parts. I’ve fitted 707 tuners to a few of my basses, and a 201 Bridge to my Thunderbird. Lovely well made parts that feel quality and work perfectly.

Are you his dad by any chance?

What??

I doubt he earned any big money. Famously Kings X bass legend Doug Pinnick has struggled for money all his life…. Being in the public eye doesn’t equal a big bank balance.

Last time a tried one was maybe 10yrs ago…. Myself and a handful of mates (members here) used to have a mini bash up int’ north. One of the guys had one….. I remember being underwhelmed by the tone, surprising really as it’s covered in knobs (there was one extra one the day I had my hands on it). I don’t know, it’s horses for courses isn’t it….. I know people love them, but I’m not one of them.

I’d rather have a Gibson Ripper

I don’t like them 😳 I’ve played a couple over the years, and thought they were uncomfortable and not that great sounding? I don’t know why they’re getting so expensive? We didn’t rate them back in the day.

The way recorded music is produced is changing so much. I think it’s great, that fans, if they’re able to, can get involved in the production of their favourite artists next record. I’ve pre-ordered Janek Gwizdalas next record for example. I also think it’s good, that the large corporations, that used to hold the future artists in the palms of their hands, are becoming less and less relevant. We, back in the day, we were obsessed with “getting a deal”. It was the only thing on our minds. It’s no wonder so many young bands were getting ripped off left right and centre by business people who couldn’t care less about the wellbeing or future of their signed artists. Pre sales, and crowdfunding, is the healthy way forward. In my opinion.

Oh yes sir. I have them on a P bass…. Absolutely awesome.

Innit? The saga continues