acidbass

Hello all, I've just joined a Beatles tribute band which means that I'll finally be able to put my lovely Beatbass to good use! Can anyone recommend a good set of short scale strings for it? The ones on it at the moment have been there since I bought it, and before I start gigging I feel they need a change. I've never bought strings for anything other than 34" scale length basses, and this one is 30", so I'm a little nervous about buying some that'll fit properly. Flatwounds would also be a bonus (if they're not a complete impossibility that is!) Thanks in advance for any advice guys! Danny

Wow, some lovely basses there! What's with the 'HiMass' bridges though? I know they can be easily changed for something a bit better, but they do take away from the vintage vibe somewhat.

Hello all, So I bought a soldering iron and some solder with the intention of putting together a new passive circuit for my Jazz Bass. I have the diagrams and all the parts too, so basically it's a complete set that just needs some DIY! However, when I tried to solder the components together, I was lost! I did some basic soldering in school many years ago, and remember it being a lot easier than this! The solder didn't stick to the pots or components and I ended up de-soldering everything and taking it apart again out of worry that I'd mess the components up. Has anyone else had the same dilemma? Any advice or tips? I'm considering getting the circuit soldered by a local electronics expert, but the satisfaction of doing it myself and learning a new skill is also a big part of it for me. Thanks in advance! Danny

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='200639' date='May 16 2008, 06:49 PM']does it sound the same with the tube switch in and out?[/quote] Yes, same problem! When I turn the amp on, the little gain dial lights up as normal. However, it only actually picks up the level of the bass signal once every minute or so, then cuts again (ie the needle moves) Any ideas? Will email Ashdown now. Thanks so far guys! Danny

Hello all, I picked up an Ashdown ABM 2x10 Combo last week second hand off a guy in England, and it didn't arrive in perfect condition! When I turn the amp on, the fan starts, the gauge lights up, but at best I get a farty, broken up sound when the Gain and Master Volume controls are even turned up slightly. Has anyone had similar problems with Ashdown? Any suggestions as to a course of action? Thanks in advance, Danny

Nordstrand make a pickup for your needs, as discussed in [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=16191&hl=nordstrand"]THIS[/url] thread! Hope this helps Danny

SM58 for me, but I sang through one of those Sennheiser Mics recently at a gig (not sure of the model number) and it sounded great!

[quote name='Sean' post='196566' date='May 11 2008, 04:20 PM']What's going on with the tape on the pick ups here... [/quote] Good question! I'd love to see a Who tribute band, having seen the original band a few times and always feeling that my ears don't hurt as much as they should afterwards

+1 on what has been said about buying a 70's Fender unplayed, although it is a lovely looking bass! Very Paul Simonon.

Wow, I'd definitely buy that! I spent 6 months perfecting the famed live WGFA (the Shepperton Studios one), and a book like this would have saved me a lot of time! Most of his live stuff, especially towards the end of his life would be hard to transcribe though. I'd stay away from the periods where he used that horrible distorted synth sound, but then again that's just my own preference! Some tracks that I'd include in addition to the ones you mentioned - The Ox A Quick One (While He's Away) Call Me Lightning The Kids Are Alright Sparks Pinball Wizard Substitute Heaven and Hell 5:15 Baba O'Riley Success Story Who Are You Trick Of The Light The Quiet One You So many....can you write 2 books?

Someone on this forum once posted a pic of 3 or 4 Antigua Fenders, and I drooled for weeks! However, as WoT says, it's all about the pickguard really. Not for me at all!

[u][b]Amps I've Owned[/b][/u] [list] [*]Stagg 30w Combo (sold) [*]Laney 65w Combo (blew up) [*]Behringer 3000T Head + Laney R410 Cab (sold) [*]Ampeg SVT-4PRO Head + SVT210 Cab + SVT15 Cab (sold) [*]Hartke Kickback 12 Combo (currently using) [*]Ashdown ABM C210T-500 Combo (currently using) [/list] [u][b]Awards[/b][/u] [b]Best Looking Amp[/b] - Definitely the SVT stack, but it was a beast to lug around! [b]Loudest Amp[/b] - Again probably the SVT, but for it's size the Hartke combo really packs a huge punch [b]Best Live Sound[/b] - Hartke Combo [b]Best Studio Sound[/b] - Ashdown Combo [b]Most Commented Upon Live Sound [/b]- The Behringer/Laney half stack actually, always had a nice loud tone that the punters had no problem hearing. Nice setup for the money. [b]Most Frustrating Set Up to get a sound out of[/b] - Ampeg SVT stack, which is why I sold it! It was hard to hear myself on stage and when paired with my Warwick, which was my main bass at the time, it didn't really represent a good match for the music I play. [b]Overall Winner[/b] - Hartke Kickback 12. Not always loud enough for gigs (I used to run it at around 8-9), but it had a lovely tone and was easy to move around. It was a shame I could never get a similar sound out of the Hartke heads and cabs, otherwise I'd currently have a setup by them. The Ashdown has plenty of power and a lovely punchy sound for the music I'm currently playing, and the Hartke has been relegated to a simple practice amp, a job which it does flawlessly! Great thread, brought back some happy memories!

Good to see a few more NI members on the forum! Where abouts are you based? In any notable bands that I might be able to catch on the local scene? You are of course very welcome, enjoy your stay!

[quote name='that crazy seller' post='190109' date='May 1 2008, 10:46 PM']a squire p-bass would be a good and cheap donner guitar[/quote] What? A Squier P Bass is comparable to my Saturday night aprés-10 pints sustenance?

Please add me to the list too! This sounds like a great read. Danny

Yeah, bring along a mate, plenty of CDs and stuff and make a trip of it!

1. No 5a. Yes 5b. Depends on the size of the venue, but in a 400 capacity venue we normally pay £3-400. We do however hire from a professional live sound company who supply nothing but the best - normally Turbosound but we've also had Dynacord, high end Mackie, HK Audio and the like. Professional standard lights normally run us around £1-200, that includes those little rotating head lights, strobes, hazers, spots etc. Both systems include operators and roadies. 6. We supply venues with a technical specification of what the band needs to play the gig, so that they can source the equipment locally. In this case, we don't include the cost of PA. We also let the venue know that we can supply the full sound and lights at an additional cost, so it's really up to them which they prefer. Normally they pay us extra to book and bring our own, it's just less hassle for the promoter. I honestly can't imagine my band owning and operating PA and lights. Being in an 8 piece band, it's hard enough work lugging the backline around!

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Trace-Elliot-GP12-SMX-Bass-Amp_W0QQitemZ270231001796QQihZ017QQcategoryZ58719QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"]Trace Elliot GP12 SMX[/url] Great combo for a great price - I contacted the seller and he said he'd package the amp if the winning bidder arranged courier collection (which would be around £20) It didn't sell last time with a start price of £350, so I'd imagine his reserve is around £300. Someone could bag a bargain! Danny

In the last week of so I've learned/relearned - 'Too Young To Die' - Jamiroquai 'Sir Duke' - Stevie Wonder 'Rio' - Duran Duran Lots of nice muted notes and frantic playing - great for a workout! I think I'll start most of my warmups with one or more of these tunes!

I've had them ship to me in Northern Ireland, and although it costs a little more they do deliver quite fast. Their customer service is also good should you have any problems! Danny

Probably something to do with the source codes?

Normally auditions for this kinda thing would involve you playing a piece of your own as well as a piece they give you. Can you sight read music? I know when I auditioned for a Big Band around 6 months ago, they just handed me a piece of music and asked me to play it a couple of minutes later. I'd imagine that for any kind of large ensemble, the ability to sight read is always an advantage anyway! If you can do that proficiently as well as having a high standard of technical ability then you should have no problems! Good luck with the audition and let us know how you do! Danny

As long as you have enough power available from your head, there should be no problem using a Trace cabinet alongside a Hartke one! Let us know how you get on Danny

[quote name='BassManKev' post='178120' date='Apr 16 2008, 05:56 PM']tbf if i do need to sand the whole headstock, il probably just do the front n sides and leave the back, so that i dont have to worry bout matchin it perfectly[/quote] If you're gonna sand the headstock and refinish it, you may as well do the back of the neck too IMO to make it more professional looking. Just remember to apply 3 or 4 layers of lacquer evenly with a light steel wool application between coats and you should end up with a nice finish.