dmccombe7

Had a Flame Sycamore fretless lined WAL early 80's. Bought it new and it had a dead note on the Eb on G string. Contacte WAL and they weren't interested and complete disappointment for me. Sold it within a year. On hindsight the dead note may have been a simple fix but for a young enthusiastic bassist back then i had no great knowledge of basses and what can cause a dead spot. I've had similar issues with other basses since that were simple fixes like saddle not seated properly on my Overwater custom 6 fretless, changing strings or gauge of strings have resolved similar issues too. Even adjusting neck relief has resolved it for some reason. Sounds like i've had a lot of duff basses Other than the dead note i loved the tone and feel of the WAL bass and would love another. Dave

I've heard of the Strawbs but have to admit i've never listened to them. In my mind i had always thought they were more a pop style band for some weird reason. I'm a big Prog fan so will need to have a listen to those albums Karl. Thanks for the heads up on that one. Dave

Watford valves for me too. Explained the differences between valves and suggested a specific type for what i was looking for. They were spot on and could not be more helpful and quick to reply to emails too. Dave

Pretty much what's been said already. Basic chord structures and play as often as possible. Play in car while driving and gets you used to the songs if you are commuting to work every day. Have the notes lying somewhere you can see but not obvious to the audience if possible. Dave

Hemispheres tour was where i first saw them. Bassist was oustanding and a pure showman. Fantastic songs and have to be up there with best support band i've ever seen. That was a fantastic night. Bought the album the following day. Dave

Here's my Thumb NT that i bought 1989. The reach to the nut end is quite a stretch tho and the weight can be hard going especialy as i've got older I've gone thru stages over the years of wearing basses a bit higher but have again returned to a reasonable mid point position. I found that the right choice of strap makes a difference to the neck dive issue. A smooth leather strap allows the bass to slide down over your shoulder. I use a leather padded strap with a suede inside on my shoulder that stops any movement. Its nowhere near as bad as the Thunderbird basses i've tried. As mentioned earlier it has a small body and long neck and if worn high up the dive isn't such an issue. The dive isn't bad enough to put me off buying one at all. The reach to nut end might be a decider tho as it takes a bit of getting used to. The natural position for the bass to sit is the body sits directly in front of you therefore the nut end is quite far away. Def try one with a strap before you buy. I had a loaner of a streamer with the J pick ups and found that a better balanced bass and had a more varied tonal range probably better for doing different styles. The Thumb has a distinct growl to it i've always found. [attachment=256399:The Bass Room 004.JPG]

[quote name='ash' timestamp='1509137316' post='3397008'] Good to hear from Dave the original owner - mine was a 4 and an 8 and I also had a fretted and fretless. I got both on a whim and quickly sold them as they were heavy beasts! The 8 string was nice to play but a bugger to keep in tune! There's an 8 string Shergold at Bass direct at the moment - it's been there for ages I asked him if they'd accept a sensible price but they declined [/quote] Did you own this one at some point too ?

I did consider it as it was one of my first proper basses. Might have been as early as 78 the more i think of it but at £1800 its a bit steep for a Shergold twin neck. Its not something i would ever really play as its was far too heavy to do a full gig with. Maybe a novelty song. I was into Genesis at the time and just had a hankering for an 8 string. Wasn't into the fretless at that time. I tried looking for it as it was traded into a local shop in Hamilton Scotland. Was a bit surprised to see it's now in London. Dave

Have to say it was originally mine. Always wondered what happened to it. I had it custom built. Shergold didn't make an 8 string at the time and suggested trying to adapt their 6 string. Cost me £600 back around 1980 i think it was. And that is the original case that came with it too. I traded it for a new Aria Pro SB1000 Here.s me with it many moons ago [attachment=256385:old photos_0004_NEW (2).jpg]

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1509116524' post='3396791'] I think over the years AC has produced some brilliant basslines. They may not be hard to play, but they're certainly either melodic or make a good groove. [/quote] I'll agree with that. I'm not a huge fan of U2 but songs like New Years Day have a nice simple catchy bassline and for me that's what the band are about. You don't need to put intricate basslines in every song we ever hear. For me Mike Anthony is one of the great classic rock bassists and one of the other reasons he was selected for the band was his backing vocals. He's just a rock solid bassist that allows the guitarist and the vocalist with VH to wander off and do their thing. Cliff Wiliams again another solid bassist with good backing vocals. Is that not what being in a band is all about. He plays what's required whether that's dictated by the other band members or songwriters doesn't really matter. It works for them and the band and they've been hugely sucesful with it. Dave

I've never seen what's inside the encapsulated PCB so can't help with that. You could try searching for a schematic of the newer MEC equivelant as it will probably be pretty similar. Its not encapsulated and all components are clearly visible on the board. The Thumb bass has different pot set up so not sure if a pic of my Thumb bass circuit board would be any help. That's assuming you can see it when the rear cover plate is removed. I don't fancy removing the board to take a pic. Dave

Not sure if this is your model but i found it from doing a google search. Hope this helps. Dave

My pre-amp from my 89 Thumb bass faile and i was unable to get the direct EMG replacement from Warwick as no longer manufatcured. They supplied the MEC equivelant. It was fitted by McIntyre Guitars in Edinburgh. I had the same fault as you have described along with a popping type noise on occasions. I checked all the usual things like cleaning the pots and checking the jack socket connection with a jack inserted. I know how to solder and how to check soldering and it was def a problem with the pre-amp. The crackling could have been down to a poor connection or maybe just the pots needing cleaned. If i remember right the Warwick website or even try the Warwick forum for a schematic for yours. I managed to get one for my Thumb quite easily. That should tell you where the wires should be attached. Dave

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1509013267' post='3395983'] Tim if you have an issue like this again, drop me a PM via BC or FB. I have a good stock of spares in my bits box, which has been running since 1978, so there would be a fair chance of me having a suitable part. Also comes with tea/coffee, chocolate biscuits, and the opportunity to try out kit! [/quote] I don't need any parts but coffee and chocolate biscuits sounds good Nice offer. well done sir. That's proper customer service. Dave

Love my Ampeg tone but reliability of the SVT4 Pro is so bad i now only use it in our own rehearsals studio. Would never use it live. Not had to use their CS either. Worst CS i've had was Hartke. No response at all from emails or returned calls. Best I've had probably Warwick back in 89 when i had a prob with the new Thumb bass i bought. They took the bass back to Germany, repaired the electronic capsule and sent me a box of goodies including an apology letter, sweatshirt, 3 sets of Elites strings, various posters and few other smaller items like pen, keyring etc. Dave

[quote name='AlpherMako4' timestamp='1508533544' post='3392883'] MB200? Rumble 200? [/quote] Another +1 for the GK MB200. I have it and its pretty impressive for its size. Very small, lightweight and also has an AUX input that is quite handy.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1509004146' post='3395872'] You know the rule - if you haven't met one - it's you! [/quote] Brilliant. Feck me i haven't met any ................damn !!!!! Dave

[quote name='Krysbass' timestamp='1508912327' post='3395227'] I've found that its essential to be very detailed in your post on what you are and aren't looking for. A lot of posters on jmb barely write a sentence. When I formed my current band; my post covered the genres we'd be playing, where, when and how often we'd be rehearsing, average number of gigs per month, no divas need apply, experience level, the rule that songs are to be learned at home, so that we are all ready to play them at rehearsals - to name but a few things. The band has come together well and, touch wood; heading into our 2nd year with some great gig bookings. [/quote] Think that's a good point. If more info is supplied upfront without being overkill then it saves having to get in touch and going thru the motions to find out that half the band only want to rehearse or just play 2 gigs a year and only for charity. If its stated up front the guys that are looking to make money won't bother. I have found that most function bands adverts i've looked at do give a fair bit of detail. Maybe that's because they are already organised and know exactly what is required. ? Dave

Cheers guys. I used the schallers mainly because my Thumb bass had them fitted but they have a proper imbedded bolt screw rather than a wood screw attachment and thought i would keep them all the same. I think i have some Dunlop ones so might change my 2 Fenders to them. I use the same strap for both Fenders but my Thumb bass strap is shorter in length due to the top horn button being higher up. Dave

Anyone else have a problem with their strap button screw coming loose quite often. ? It tightens up again ok but eventually loosens off again after a few months. I'm using the schaller strap lock system. Don't think its the same problem as the screw not retightening so just wondered if anyone has a simple solution Dave

Not my usual kind of rock or metal but thought you played it very well and the band sounded very tight. Not a fan of that croaking vocal thing tho but singer sounds like he has a good range. Can hear the similarities to early Maiden as mentioned earlier. Originally listened to it direct from laptop and thought it was a little weak in depth and tone. Put headphones on for a 2nd listen and WOW there it was. The full depth and tone was bang on for that kind of music. The overall tone really did quite impress me. Again the band sounded very tight and all seemed to work very well together. Think the VID clip is a good showcase for the band so all the very best in the future guys. Well done. Dave

Just watched their trailer and they sound pretty impressive. I've never managed to catch their gigs yet but maybe next year. Dave