dmccombe7

Think the build quality and finish is or should be better but playability not so much. Agree i've played some cheap basses that are far superior to more expensive ones i've tried.

Pick up a cheapo 6er. It won't be the best bass you've ever played but it should give you an idea of what 6ers are like. If it works for you sell it on again and buy the 6er you really want. I drove 250miles each way down to Bass Direct to try out 5 string basses and returned with my Dingwall. This might be a stupid idea but what about a cheap flight to a decent Bass shop. An extra £50-£100 flight added to a decent 6 string bass shouldn't be hard to justify. Might be more difficult to justify it for just a try out tho. I've played in many bands with just bass, guitar and drums and it wasn't an issue using 4 string basses. The challenge for me was filling the songs out best i could. Seems like a lot of expense for a maybe with the 6 string. ? Dave

I tried Elixirs few yrs back and think they might still be on my Warwick Thumb that i very rarely use but my recollection of them when i first put them on was that the tension was higher and wasn't as easy bending strings. (either 35-95 or 40-100) I do play them occasionally on my Warwick and they seem to feel ok now. I'm currently trying out flats on my Sandberg VM4 and jury still out for me so this thread might be quite helpful to me too. Before the flats i was using nickel Daddarios and then Fender nickels. Think the D'addarios are better and seem to last a bit longe. My Sandberg came with their own steel rounds and i found them very easy on my fingers for steels that is. Not expensive but you need to get them from Thomann. Dave

Yep. Went from 4 to 6 in one go but then went back to try 5's for a Prog project i was doing and finally back to 4's. I bought a cheaper ESP Ltd 6 string to see how i got on with them. Loved it and when i turned 50 my wife treated me to an Overwater 6er custom and i went the whole hog and bought the fretless version. I love the 6er but its quite heavy and i'm not sure i could play it a full gig. I'm more comfortable with my 4 strings these days. I had no real trouble adjusting to the 6er altho the ESP had 16.5mm spacing where my other basses have 18-19mm I occasionally missed a string with my plucking hand but when i changed to the Overwater with 18mm spacing it was never an issue. The wider neck width was easily accepted and had no real issues there. Using the higher end chords will drop out the lower end in a guitar / bass set up. I preferred the lower B string for depth in bands hence getting the Dingwall 5er but i moved that on. Hope that helps a bit. Best go to a decent bass shop and try one tho. Dave

Had a listen on Amazon short clips there and its excellent. Going to order that one. Reminded me of a friends album Sandin Wilson

Jings that's 5 yrs later and he's grown his hair and dyed it black. Is there anything this guy can't do. He's not bad on the bass too. Sorted. I picked it up wrong when it was sent to me on FB. Having never heard of him i just assumed it was live in Minnieapolis 1987. Bit of a DOH !!!! moment

What Ric is it ?

Er.....YES don't know what i was thinking. Sorted now

What have you bought Dave ?

Someone sent me this on FB and thought it was too good not to share with everyone.

Wishing you a speedy return to playing Sam. Keep us all posted on how things go. Most of all have a great Christmas and festive period will take your mind of it. 🎅 Dave

Had a Rock bass in blue with humbucker pick ups. For the money it was a great buy but i have an original 89 Thumb NT i've had since new and altho it was good they obviously don't compare. Neck was god altho a bit chunky for what i'm used too (Jazz bass is my goto) but i would happily gig with the Rock bass and don't foresee any issues there. Dave

Only thing i have GAS for at moment and for past 6mths is a Kramer DMZ4000 or 4001. Just can't seem to find one anywhere. But i'll keep looking for one in UK. Dave

There's your downfall right there. STOP IT. Dave

Great pic, what's the bass out of curiosity ? Dave

For some odd reason i always thought that song lends itself to Reggae music. I'm not really a huge Reggae fan but do enjoy the occasional hit song. Enjoyed that.

I'l wait for the book Dave. I hate getting teased by famous people

To be honest i thought the production was pretty good and i'm using Sennheiser headphones. Bass sounded really nice in the mix. Job well done i reckon. Dave

Doesn't have that sad Xmas feel of the original but its a great funky version and exceptionally well done. Some nice VID touches with the band VID playing on the car media centre. Loving the bass on your version. What were you using. ? Dave

Might have the answer. Get someone else to buy it for you. Removes all sense of guilt. GAS is gone. SIMPLES Dave

Had a Dingwall NG2 5 string that weighed 8.75 lbs (approx 4Kg) Had no probs with that on a long session. Well balanced too.

Sticking with just my 4 string basses. My Warwick Thumb NT is a bit heavy and not sure i could do a full 2hr set with it. Think it weighs 4.5Kg My Fender basses are fine. Jazz is heavier than my PJ. No idea what weight is tho but full gigs are never a prob. My recent purchase Sandberg VM4 is brilliant. Think its about 3.9Kg. Dave

Have to say that's turning out to be one of my favs this year. @Skinnyman Chris Squire's bass is as always perfect.

Never heard that one before.

Good news about the other band approaching you .......if its what you are looking for. Carry on as a duo ? really. You can have a nice relaxing Xmas and New Year knowing you did it with dignity