Billy Apple

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1329148293' post='1537834'] I've decided you should get switches like these [/quote] You wouldn't think a switch could be sexy, but here it is!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1330819804' post='1563532'] I read a review of this bass in BGM, and it's a good 'un by all accounts. Wilkinson hardware and pup, not too shabby. The V4MVW vintage white/maple version is a nice looker too, and at £269 is in direct competition with Squier, IMHO. [/quote] On the other end of the scale was TM Stevens' Warwick, just off the map. Half way thru his set he got a lad on stage and gave him a go. He lit the LED's and a cheer went up, cracking stuff! Didnt have a huge rig either, played thru a Warwick 115 combo, and sounded great. His backing band were superb in all. edit. put my text in discreet's, now taken out

[quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1330814864' post='1563466'] Also to add to Billyapples post above, did you know that Tony Butler has disconnected his tone pots for years, and this bass is too, if you want it reconnected in his Jhs P bass, you have to specify that you want it to be? BTW billy, if you were sitting behind me, sorry for the coughing, First day out from having flu [/quote] The only coughing, or indeed choking sounds I heard were from the prices in the cafe... Any Sunday BC'ers should stock up from the Tesco's over the road.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1330810606' post='1563417'] Is that the Vintage P-Bass? [/quote] It is indeed. He was playing thru an Ashdown rig (head+410+115), and coupled with [color=#000000][font=sans-serif][size=4] [/size][/font][/color][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Brzezicki"]Mark Brzezicki[/url][font="sans-serif"][color="#000000"]'s drumming, I thought the sound was top-notch. It's a handsome looking bass too. There is another thread here which some have a pop at the validity of a cheap Sig Bass, and whether in fact he originally played a P. Tony told a story about when he was starting out, and being a big Chris Squire fan, wanted a 4001, and the costs involved. Or how everyone else wanted a Fender P. He admits JHS (Vintage) approached him, but his remit was to make something every-bit as good as a P, but at a price that a new starter could manage, and IMHO I think they've done pretty well. [/color][/font]

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1330808310' post='1563374'] Billyapple, i missed you by a whisker a couple of times this afternoon! [/quote] I know, Shell said as much. Maybe next time?

Back home. Bumped into Shelly (Seashell), and both of us went along to see the totally awesome TM Stevens. I found the trade-stand area much too overpowering. I was trying to chat with Alan at the ACG stand, and to play some basses thru headphones, but the stand over the road was way too selfish with their volume (stand C5, naught naughty!). Much props goes to the Ernie Ball stand who supplied many many basses and many many amp/headphone set-ups. Also went to see the Tony Butler Master-class. I was never a huge Big County fan, but I really warmed to him. Funny and humble, with a style that is both simple and powerfull. He raised big tone and sound using what must be the cheapest Sig Bass out there.

Running a bit late, but on my way. Should be there by 12.30. Boots T, cardy, red bovver boots. Me no twitter

Whole day of Bass tomorrow.. Can't wait. I'll be at the ACG stand for a bit, and generally wandering around taking it all in. Will be wearing my 'Boots' Avatar T and also a pair of cherry red Solovair steel-toe boots...... And nothing else!

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1330621337' post='1560585'] [size=3][font=Verdana][color=#000000]“You have a bass I want, can I buy it?”[/color][/font][/size] [size=3][font=Verdana][color=#000000]“Yes”[/color][/font][/size] [size=3][font=Verdana][color=#000000]Sold[/color][/font][/size] [size=3][font=Verdana][color=#000000]Done.[/color][/font][/size] [/quote] That's about the top and bottom of it. The most expensive things I've ever bought are houses, and never ever have I met or spoken to the seller!

The Snappy Snaps thing turns out to be a half truth. They'll do it quicker if you mention the gravity of BC'ers waking into each other at the LBS. I'm in the process of getting a T printed with my 'boots' on. I'm really starting to look forward to this. The weather if London is very nice today, lets hope it holds for the weekend.

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1330590185' post='1559720'] Pretty good, I'd say, and an excellent idea! I think my local Snappy Snaps does this, dunno what the lead time is though. [/quote] You might be pushing it, they have just told me 48hrs

I first thought this was a good idea, but reading arguments from the other-side, I've become inclined to agree with them. I'm always suspicious of items for sale from newbies with no posts or avatars, but with much in life it is 'buyer beware'. I was less aware of scammers operating in 'Items Wanted', a while back I posted for a TBird in there, and received a PM from a no-post-noob asking how much I was willing to spend? I thought this was odd, as it's kinda obvious the price range. I pinged him back asking what he had for sale, and heard nothing back, scammer? Who know's? On the other-hand there was a recent thread posted by a no-post-noob for a brand-new TBird, which set my alarm bells ringing. I followed the thread, and asked a few loaded questions, and it turned out the seller was genuine, he seemed like a decent guy to-boot, and the Bird has no flown. Maybe this feller will stop around, maybe not, but it was a very nice bass at a very good price. I think a genuine sale-thread will develop with interaction from other members over time. Does it make a difference if someone has an avatar and a few notches on the clock? Use your common, and once, twice, thrice, buyer (or seller) beware.

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1330557710' post='1559566'] What are the chances of getting a tshirt printed up tomorrow with my avatar on?! [/quote] I've been trying to get mine on to a badge... I need to get out more, at least I will be on Saturday.

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1330537476' post='1559089'] OK I've done a summary of where and when we are most likely to find people (sorry, I couldn't help it, I am an administrator IRL!) Re: the 'random wanderers' - if anyone hasn't specified Sat or Sun I am assuming Sat. BassDirect - Dbass, Darkglass Bassgear - Molan, TomKent Hartke - Dood guitarguitar - wesfinn MarkBass - Steve Lawson (+ masterclass Sun!) EAD - david l perry Status Stand - G-77 Stompbox - dudewheresmybass [b]Random wanderers, Sat[/b] Lozz196, Rumple, Machines, sibob, billyapple, raggy, discreet, urb (will be at wimbush/thorne masterclasses), goblin, blackmn90, ped, charic, Mr Lizard, The Greek, exbass, louisthebass, seashell, bluejay, hobbayne [b]Random wanderers, Sun[/b] Walman, gcut58, ras52, seashell, bluejay (tbc) Please correct me if I've missed anyone! [/quote] That's a gold star for you, Seashell , very organised. I shall be wandering on Saturday, but particularly in the direction of the ACG stand. Has a venue for a post show drink been decided on for Sat, or are we blagging it at the exhibitors boozer? Anyone know it's name?

After 30 years of attacking wood and strings, I thought It might be a good idea to have a lesson from someone who actually knew what they were doing. I pitched up at Jakes place, and was made to feel very welcome. He has a purpose built study free from interruption, kitted out from the most lo-tech 1880 (IIRC) up-right, to hi-tech Mac studio gear, and a couple of very nice EB's in between. OK, this had been the first ever proper bass lesson I've ever had, and I've had a great afternoon. I'm more about playing than knowledge, but Jake underpinned what I knew, whilst bringing me on step by step. Jake is a positive tutor, so you feel you have something to work toward, without feeling daunted by your (my) lack confidence in your own ability. I would highly recommend Jake to all levels of player. 2 hours, and it passed like 5 mins... and I'm going to go back You never know, Jake, at this rate I might even work out what those strange black dots on those funny black lines are all about!

Spot on. I think the contrast with the rosewood, white and vintage custard looks ace

Looks superb. Creamy-woody goodness.

If you are just messing around with 6 strings, don't worry about big-bucks for valve amps. There are plenty of Solid State combos out there going for little bucks. I've got a Peavy stereo chorus 400 twin. Clean and dirty channel, spring reverb, chorus and flanger, and plays clean and dirty at the same time or individually, all off a foot pedal. With 2x12 drivers, it's insanely loud. It goes all the way to 10, and I've never got much past 4. The other day I saw a 200w model go for about £50 Look out for Carlsboro and Laney stuff, too. I played with a guitard who had a Carlsboro 112 combo and it was spot on

No idea. It's got a Gibson-ish truss rod cover, but a strange head design. It would be great if it was a Gibbo, but I doubt it. Epiphone? Unlikely too. Japanese summik-or-other, probably. Have you had a good look inside the sound-hole, and are there any serial numbers stamped anywhere?

[quote name='keeptrying' timestamp='1330113202' post='1553056'] Have a good one, Jake's a great teacher. [/quote] Thanks for that. I'm really looking forward to it. After nearly 30 years playing, I think it's about time I had a proper lesson. Chances are I've been playing the bl**dy thing the wrong way-a-round all this time

[quote name='Leon Transaxle' timestamp='1330034444' post='1551933'] But is it the most ridiculous? [/quote] Bolt a Tea's-Made to it, and I'm buying one

Jake and I have a date for Saturday!

[quote name='jakenewmanbass' timestamp='1330028616' post='1551793'] I'd be happy to do this via Skype, my ears are pretty good... [/quote] Hi Jake, My IT is in the stone-age, plus I would like someone live to sound off. I remember you saying you were in Aldershot? I can get there no problem. PM if you have time over the weekend?