TheGreek

Anything - I have several guitars including 2x Ovation electro acoustics which came in trades, an Aria semi acoustic, a very nice HB Tele with Bigsby, a X-men Peavey (I'm a comic collector) and a half size guitar bought to convert to a bass before realising it would cost more than it's final value. I've had numerous saxophones - but you need to play regularly to get the most from them - I don't. I have a Yamaha Venova Soprano which occasionally comes out, only to be put away before I annoy the neighbours. I bought a tongue drum a while back - it sat on the living room table unplayed for a while before I put it away. Love the tone but the time spent learning to play it is better spent playing a bass. TBH I'm not good with money and find any excuse to impulse buy.

It was over-tightened (concave) so I let the truss rod off a little and it's now virtually flat. Adjusted the saddles at the same time to put the intonation back in tune. My local luthier and Bernie Goodfellow both said to leave a bass to settle overnight before doing final micro adjustments. That's where I'm at. It feels much more playable already.

Seen this?

Thank you...you just talked me out of GAS-ing for the blue one on Gumtree. Apologies for posting this though - I know I'm not the only person who struggles with GAS. https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/yamaha-bex-4-blue-bass-guitar/1411307917

I think he shot himself in the foot. I've just lowered the action - the truss rod was stiff but not maxed out. In fact it was over-tightened so I had to let it off slightly. Made the adjustments - will leave it over night and refine the set up/ micro adjustments in the morning.

I normally change the strings when I get a bass - the amount of times I've acquired a bass and it feels like it was used for gardening.... They need to be clean and grime free as does the fretboard. If they're not something needs cleaning.

Neck is straight so no issue there, however the action is high (for me) and I plan to lower this as soon as I can. Yamaha UK are sending the required parts (washers) which should arrive on Monday at which time the action is going down....better chance of me gelling with it then.

Lakland and Spector in the sun.

If you had to keep just one....

Here it is: I got in contact with Yamaha UK and they're sending out the required parts to make good on the truss rod repair. TBH I'm not sure on the body shape. A couple of options. First is to move it on but this would be a shame as it sounds amazing. Second is to commission a smaller body but I anticipate that costing more than the bass. Need my premium bonds to come in.

I really enjoyed that!! Bass player has a wicked tone....

That needs white knobs

They think they are and that we are idiots for questioning them. Definitely true of guitarists who think they can play bass...

I've been using tapewounds on all my 5ers for the past few months. They give me that phat, old skool soul/ funk sound I've been chasing for years. Nice smooth feel, tension and tones. I'd recommend them - the Warwick and Fender ones are very affordable at under £30. Status are sold out but can supply odd strings.

I'm waiting for the washers to arrive from Yamaha so that I can fix the truss rod issue then I'm going to lower the action and think about fitting some tapewound strings. I need to bond with it before I change them.

There's a nice blue one on gumtree. https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/yamaha-bbg5s-bass-guitar-5-string-in-excellent-condition/1409985180

Nick Smith aka @doctor_of_the_bass. If you need his phone number, let me know.

You are a font of knowledge. Don't know what I'd do without you. Cheers 🍻

The new BB615 with the BBG5S.

My BB615

The new BB615. Not sure about it yet.

It's in amazing condition. As far as I can see, this is the only damage.

The BB615 arrived today. Great range of tones, which I like but TBH I'm not sure about the body size. We must adapt.

The new BB615. Lots of knobs...

That looks really dry....possibly in need of oiling? I don't think I've seen Rosewood that grained....could be Laurel but I haven't seen that many Laurel fretboards. Helpful as ever...