Roland Rock

I only play a couple of covers, both of which would have been recorded on four string basses, but I use the low B on both. Both are in the same key as the original, and I never venture below bottom E. On one, the original would have been played around the third fret position on the E string, but I find that playing it in the eighth fret position on the B string means less stretching of the pinkie, less overall movement, and a lovely fat tone which suits the song really well. On the other, I play in the same position as the original, but we have added a kind of Drum and Bass middle section, and the B string allows me to easily go down an octave, which works nicely in that section. Basically, anything that allows me to forget about my fingers and concentrate on the music is a good thing IMO, and the five string has been great for that,

Next up, 21st November at The Maze, Nottingham, supporting Bristol reggae band First Degree Burns - check 'em out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qftO07cU3Y http://www.themazerocks.com/gig/first-degree-burns-the-afterdark-movement-ujahm

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1413826178' post='2582450'] What cabs would you recomend pairing them with? [/quote] You talkin' to me? I've only really played this through the Super Twin, and it seems like a great match, very full and clean, with super low end clarity. Oh, I recorded three bass tracks straight through the Avalon into the desk. Prior to that, I would usually mic up the amp, as direct to desk can sound a bit weedy, but no such issues with the Avalon. I had to have one after that

@Cape Bar, Hockley Hustle 19/10/14 with guest trumpet player James

I wouldn't buy something that I don't like the look of, but luckily I like the look of the BF. The only thing I would change on mine is to have the porting concealed by the silver cloth grille. As a cabinetmaker myself, I am very aware when something has not been built properly, but the two I've had (both CNC cut) have been absolutely fine in terms of assembly, solidity and quality of fixtures. I must admit that I didn't like the speakon sockets being proud on the back of the '69er, but this has been addressed on G3 cabs. I can see why people don't like the Tuff Cab finish, as it is very textured, but I'm fine with it. My last cab had a nice oxblood tolex/vinyl covering, but that didn't stand up well to bumps at all. The Tuff Cab is very hardy stuff! I'm not a fanboi at all. They sound great to me, but I won't get upset if someone disagrees. There have been times of bad customer service (not responding to emails/going way over promised build times) and the delivery price is crazy (£60 for a large cab??) But overall, it's the right cab for me*, so I tolerated these things. *I'd have tried another brand, but for storage reasons, my cab needs to be max 13" deep, so that's most others out :-(

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1413802002' post='2581970'] Nice rig! How noisy are the fans in the Crown? [/quote] Cheers! The Crown has 'proportional speed' fans, and I'd say virtually inaudible on startup. In fact, I can't say I've ever noticed fan noise.

[quote name='KingPrawn' timestamp='1413758529' post='2581671'] A Crown? give me details. Mines hooked up to my SWR head. [/quote] The U5 makes a superb preamp as long as you like clean, and don't mind the presets rather than tweakable EQ. Putting it through a quality power amp like the Crown just amplifies that lovely core tone with minimum colouration. If I really wanted more EQ options, I could create up to twenty presets of my own spec on the Crown, but i love the core tone so much, I tend to bypass the U5's presets and keep the Crown in 'DSP OFF' mode. In addition to that that, you have a top notch DI for the sound guy to plug into. It's ideal for my current band and sound - clean, deep and clear.

I have mine paired with a Crown power amp, and it's so full and clean - I absolutely love it. Of course it doubles up as a superb DI as well.

[quote name='Myke' timestamp='1413729979' post='2581288'] K'tulu [/quote] Wasn't that a Caravan song? Edit, just checked the album, it's "C'thlu Thlu"

[quote name='gelfin' timestamp='1413647452' post='2580537'] Price drop now at £4500 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TONE-KING-CONTINENTAL-AMP-1994-SUPERB-TONE-OWNED-BY-THE-BLACK-CROWES/321554827943?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107083358%26meid%3Da5bd5f1befb24d44b6de4b932f88063c%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D20140107083358%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D321551913579 [/quote] That's made it Twice as Hard to resist

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1413647319' post='2580535'] I've seen this symbol a number of times and never managed to work out what it is. Can someone explain it to me? [/quote] It's a wink, as in "only joking" or "I'm also in on that joke"

[quote name='Merton' timestamp='1413576239' post='2579863'] Surely with the Gen 3 cabs, with new handles, he has done precisely that? [/quote] But the G3 handles are still shinkillers!

In memory of the great reggae drummer, Style Scott, who died this month: http://youtu.be/kNoumR7Bwbk

Yeah, I'd agree that that's ash

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1413441572' post='2578221'] .....looking like a coconut on a stick [/quote] :-D

[quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1413436689' post='2578197'] Are they light weight [/quote] No :-D Thumbs may be small in body, but the density of the woods generally makes them deceptively heavy [quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1413436689' post='2578197'] distinctive sound [/quote] Yes! Warwicks have a 'sound', but the Thumb is the most Warwicky if them all IMO - it really has that growl [quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1413436689' post='2578197'] or just very good [/quote] That's a matter of opinion. Very well built, that's for sure. It you like the aforementioned core tone, then great. The small upper horn and small body can lead to neck dive. Also, it looked silly on my large frame. It's a great quality bass, but only you can tell if it's right for you.

There are a number of things about my individual pedals that I like: I like that they are handmade by enthusiasts I like that they are analogue I like that they look cool and have cool names I like the way you can swap pedals out and experiment Oh, and I like the way they sound. I may well like how a multi unit sounds too, but it won't tick any of the above boxes

Thanks. Shame I don't still live in Blackheath, or I'd have delivered it directly, no envelope required ;-)

PM'd for your address

Didn't Jaco used to strum an open chord, lay the bass on the stage, then climb onto a stack and somersault, landing with his foot muting the chord - or have I dreamt that? Not sure I'd be happy seeing my bass up there :-D

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1413357101' post='2577360'] Surely the strap button could be located anywhere on that top tentacle thing, meaning zero neck five? NECK DIVE !!! [/quote]

From Saturday nights' gig - they gave us a saucepan full of beer!? (Guitarist pictured) We usually get beers provided, and I'm usually driving. Grrrrrr

Great, thanks folks. The good news is that I probably have everything I need already. Will have a play with the suggestions above

I love their stuff, but hadn't listened to them for ages. News of Mark's sad passing prompted me to dig out some of their stuff tonight.