icastle

[quote name='Bassman Sam' post='1033319' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:46 PM']I went to buy some Dunlop 65 lemon oil on Saturday but when reading the label it said "not for use on maple fretboards". Why?[/quote] Only a guess but probably because it can't soak through the lacquer into the wood and will therefore leave you with an oil slick on the fingerboard.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1033311' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:40 PM']I have an unopened tub of Dunlop 65 because I got it without realising it cant be used on maple boards! AFAIK Im a dingbat.....what do you lot use on maple boards then?[/quote] As long as the necks finish is still intact then all you are going to be doing is cleaning the surface as nothing really penetrates the lacquer. ...Mr Sheen

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='1033290' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:30 PM']Yeah I understand that but how many bass players have you met who know what to do with 12 bands of graphic EQ, five pre-shape switches, etc.[/quote] Well... including both you and me... I'd say somewhere in the region of about none? [quote name='thisnameistaken' post='1033290' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:30 PM']You can easily dial in hundreds of terrible sounds! [/quote] Absolutely! It's never been easier to sound sh*t

[quote name='paddy mcbride' post='1032921' date='Nov 22 2010, 05:20 PM']Hi I made the silly assumption that when I selected passive bypass on my Streamer LX that it was a passive mode. However, after chewing through a couple of batteries over the course of a year or so and looking at a wiring schematic I now realise that the MEC pickups are active and that only the EQ is being bypassed. When playing live I prefer to use my amp's EQ with only the volume being used on the bass so I would prefer passive pickups with an active EQ (for when I do need it) Can someone please point me in the right direction for a good replacement to the active MECs? Is it worth looking at Barts? and could this be done with the existing EQ? Thanks for your help. Paddy[/quote] I think I'd just leave the tone controls on the bass set to a flat response (so neither cutting or boosting the frequency range they control) if I wanted to do all the tone control on the amp. As far as batteries are concerned, two batteries a year for a heavy user is probably just about right - I'm getting about 9 months use per battery. Not wishing to teach you how to suck eggs, but as soon as you push a plug into the bass you start using batteries - so make sure you don't leave it plugged in for days.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='1033187' date='Nov 22 2010, 09:10 PM']To be honest I am suspicious of amps that have lots of knobs and switches and sliders. It makes me think it's probably a fundamentally bad-sounding amp. I think the Hartke LH heads have little in the way of EQ onboard because they were confident it sounded good.[/quote] I think a lot of it is trying to put as many features\functions on an amp in order to satisfy the maximum number of customer wishes and therefore widening their potential consumer group. Unfortunately, this approach sometimes alienates a clump of other potential users in the process of doing so. I'm happy to admit that I've got a Peavey head with 12 buttons too many on it and would have gone for a "cutdown" version without those buttons if they had one in their range that matched my requirements.

[quote name='earlyman' post='1032918' date='Nov 22 2010, 05:18 PM']An enquiry... We all learn stuff off records etc, lines, grooves, solos and all the rest, but how much do you actually notate to paper? Once you've learned to play piece of music from a recording, remembered it, understood it's harmonies, rythms and other nuances, is there added value in actually writing it down? why is this valuable? Love to hear your thoughts.[/quote] I have a slightly different take on this so I shall be playing the role of the Devils Advocado... I don't write things down at all. Firstly it can stifle creative flow by constraining you to "what I always play" because that's easiest to do. Secondly the reliance on the availability of single sheet of paper to be able to play the tune could be a potential disaster waiting to happen. Thirdly, whilst it's fine to use notes in a recording session, the temptation to take them into a live environment is there and I hate seeing people fumbling with bits of paper on music stands whilst watching a live performance.

[quote name='Brave Sir Robin' post='1032745' date='Nov 22 2010, 03:31 PM']Yeah I vote Stingray, but it's a Ric in the video. Either we all need some earwax treatment, or the video is FAKE![/quote] Fake Sir?!? Do you realise what you are saying? This could bring about the end of live music as we know it!

[quote name='Count Bassie' post='1032835' date='Nov 22 2010, 04:30 PM']That's part of the reason I move my strap buttons- I can now get the bass into a more vertical position. I don't like extending my left arm with the palm facing up, it's just awkward and makes my forearm tingle...[/quote] Ah I see now, I did wonder why on earth you were going on about moving them I guess if you're a big PB fan then you'd perhaps want to do that, but I can get the right neck position without straining my wrist with a JB. Don't get me wrong, I've absolutely nothing against the PB - it has to be, after all, the most copied and manufactured bass guitar format of all time, but I just find the skinnier neck or the JB and Ibanez instruments more comfortable and less to worry about.

[quote name='RhysP' post='1032731' date='Nov 22 2010, 03:21 PM']Isn't a Wenge Board one of those things you use to contact the dead?[/quote] No. That'd be O2 Customer Services...

[quote name='Count Bassie' post='1032700' date='Nov 22 2010, 02:58 PM']But you're an upright player. ? I have smallish hands, but can't stand the close spacing on a lot of 5-string basses- got rid of one for this reason. But the Precision isn't really that uncomfortable- I only notice it until I get into a line or a groove. But with the Jazz it's butter. I have noticed that the bigger neck is less an issue for me than where the balance of the bass is. I always re-place the strap buttons this way: Rear button goes up about 10" onto the back of the body. Forward button also goes to the back of the bass, either behind the neck joint or onto the lower horn (like Colin Hodgkison...sp?... a lefty who strapped on his RH bass upside-down, using the lower horn instead of the upper). But still, the Jazz is my neck. And I dig the sound...[/quote] I play both (not at the same time though 'cos that'd just be showing off!). The WAV neck is somewhat chunkier than the PB but because it's vertical the stress on your hand and wrist is different.

[quote name='paul h' post='1032686' date='Nov 22 2010, 02:46 PM'][/quote] ROTFLMAO - You are just [b]so[/b] damn classy Paul

[quote name='Count Bassie' post='1032611' date='Nov 22 2010, 01:52 PM']Just interested in hearing what might be chimed in, if it lines up with Why I've swapped my Precision for a Jazz. I'm happy with my decision as the Jazz feels smoother to play, sounds more effectual with my present context, and just has that more articulate, complex quality I like to hear. I love a good thud, but I am more a detail-oriented person when it comes to sound, so the Jazz makes that happen. But if you're a Fender player and prefer the Jazz Bass, why?[/quote] I'm a whuss - I can't get on with the PB neck profile

[quote name='Dubs' post='1032616' date='Nov 22 2010, 01:56 PM']Crikey! Bargain! [/quote] I know!!!! I've had to have a sit down!

[quote name='Dubs' post='1032555' date='Nov 22 2010, 01:25 PM']I know the ones, I'll find the link, gimme 2 mins... EDIT: [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Stereo-mono-barrel-active-bass-jack-socket-NEUTRIK-/330377176644?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item4cec03a644"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Stereo-mono-barr...=item4cec03a644[/url] I've seen them cheaper though, just google "barrel jack socket", not sure you'll find them for the £2 mentioned below.[/quote] As much as it pains me... [url="http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223988"]http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223988[/url]

[quote name='Gust0o' post='1032459' date='Nov 22 2010, 12:11 PM']You'd think so icastle, but my mind is now starting to work in strange ways. Am considering continuing to blame the painkillers for my back![/quote] LMAO! Well I get blamed for enough as it is so it's always a pleasure to see something else getting blamed for a change!

[quote name='SaxxyBass' post='1032502' date='Nov 22 2010, 12:48 PM']I am supporting my lower arm on the bass, but because the skin is a bit numb it just feels more secure having my thumb anchored in the same place - having said that it might just feel awkard to everybody at first?[/quote] I think that's perhaps very likely. I can remember thinking "there's no way I'm ever going to manage to do that" and nowadays I have to go and pick up an instrument to remind myself just what it is that I do because it's become automatic and I no longer think about it. On the other hand that could just be senility of course...

[quote name='Gust0o' post='1032374' date='Nov 22 2010, 11:03 AM']Here's a question for the tone masters - even when you're admitting that you sound like yourself, how much variation do you find within your playing and gear? I had an odd weekend of seeming to play everything I own; and then spending an inordinate amount of time trying to make it all sound the same, instead of simply enjoying the different basses and set-ups for what they are. I'm not sure if I'm on the right or wrong tracks with that one (possibly a bit of both!) but it made for an annoying weekend, given my usual obsessive compulsive tendencies.[/quote] If I [b]wanted[/b] everything to sound the same then I'd have bought the same bass six times over and saved the trouble

[quote name='SaxxyBass' post='1032307' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:15 AM']Hi all, I'm finding my way round my bass quite well now and have no problem muting open strings with my left hand if necessary but I'm having a bit of a problem with string muting if my left hand is fairly busy. I can't do floating thumb as I need to anchor my thumb on the pickup because I have a permanent problem with my arm - hand is fine just the arm (long story!) So for instance If I'm playing a blues progression and I need to mute the strings that are not in use I'm struggling a bit. I'm fine muting using each finger individually as I "walk" them, I'm doing that quite naturally but then if I move up to play the D and G strings then the E and A strings can ring out - any suggestions how to mute them with my right hand without taking my thumb off its anchor? [/quote] After having a quick check, I use both or either hand(s) to mute strings depending on what's going on at the time. I'm using unused (and not about to be used) fingers on the left hand to mute strings and use my thumb on my right hand to finish the job off if I need to. If you have a problem with your arm being unsupported, have you tried lowering your strap a few inches and using the body of the bass to support your upper forearm on? That'd perhaps give you a floating thumb back... I don't know what's wrong with your arm so only you will know whether that's good or bad for it

[quote name='Mandril' post='1032347' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:32 AM']I had the Orange Terror Bass and I didn't like it. Which power amp might work well with the VT? My budget is what I'll get from selling my amp, I guess around 600-700 pounds. How good are the Sound Citys? Are they something like the hiwatts? Anyway, remember I'm from Spain, so shipping a valve amp from UK might be too expensive...[/quote] Sound City were the budget answer to the HiWatt kit. There's a whole pile of info about them here: [url="http://www.soundcitysite.com/sc_webpages/sc_home.htm"]http://www.soundcitysite.com/sc_webpages/sc_home.htm[/url]

[quote name='AndrewJordan' post='1032295' date='Nov 22 2010, 10:06 AM']Cool, can you remember if it sounded good?[/quote] LMAO - I don't remember what I had for dinner last night mate! I seem to recall a Beatles cover band had it off us, so it sounded right for them if tahts any help.

Nobody really. I just pick a sound and style that complements whatever it is I'm playing at the time.

[quote name='iconic' post='1032173' date='Nov 22 2010, 07:07 AM']they do now I think of it![/quote] Erm.... You considered taking your cat to the vet?

[quote name='StevieD_FenderP2009' post='1032149' date='Nov 22 2010, 02:31 AM']Well what would be the ideal valves to put in those to not have any unwanted overdrive?[/quote] It doesn't work like that I'm afraid. You don't get "clean valves" and "distorty valves" - they just are what they are and that can't be changed within the realms of a feasible setup. It's just the way they are used in the overall circuit, that gives them their unique sound. Personally (and I know I'm going to win myself howls of derision here!) I can't stand the damn things, but that's a matter of personal choice. I'm much happier with solid state amps and the clean, consistant, flat sound that they produce (unless one decides to add a MegaZonk GrindAss MuffMuncher pedal or some such nonsense...). Having now p*ss*d off about 75% of BC by being a bit too honest in my opinions, I'll just sit in the corner here and await my slapping...

[quote name='Bassmurf' post='1032050' date='Nov 21 2010, 11:02 PM']Hmm...see that's one of the things I've been thinking about, does the peavey have too many things on it and can you get a good full sound out of the hartke when it's only got three knobs!?[/quote] Yes I'd happily lose half the buttons on the Peavey for no reason other than they just don't get used (by me at least). The Hartke is, obviously, a little cruder to set the tone on but is it really so very essential to have the ability to "tweak" a single frequency by a fraction? I'd say probably not. As always, the best advice would be to go and try them both out and see which one suits your needs the best

[quote name='flyfisher' post='1032041' date='Nov 21 2010, 10:56 PM']Thanks for that lead. I looked it up but the the commando 12 doesn't have a sliders for the tone controls, whereas the one I used did have. But searching a bit more, I now reckon I was using a 715 combo as it looks the closest to what I can remember on Google Images. The 200W rating would also explain why it put my 70 Ampeg combo to shame. I may have to start raiding my piggybanks for some gas cash![/quote] LMAO - I have unleashed yet another monster into the music retail arena...