LukeFRC

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1339886925' post='1696030'] I'll subscribe to this to ensure that I never buy a 5 string bass ever again! You get 5 extra notes on a 5 string; 2 of which are very easily accessible by simply dropping the E down to D on a 4 string. I've now tried (at gig/band volume for more than just a song or two) x4 5 string basses and I've yet to find one that sounds as good as a decent 4 string when playing down to low D. I will now sell the 5 tht I have and continue to detune my four strings down to D for the odd song (who needs the notes below that as they are muffled mush any way). [/quote] Warwickhunt, I've been on this forum long enough to have heard you say that many times.... are you telling me you currently have a 5 string (again)? [quote name='ThomBassmonkey' timestamp='1339901408' post='1696108'] I think the biggest two problems with a 5 string bass are: Crap B strings, easily sorted by getting a decent 5er. £400ish can pick you up an L2500 or a SUB5 for example, lots of 5ers seem to be 4 strings with an extra string bolted on and a wider neck which doesn't always work IMO. For a good idea how a B string should be, a 5 string ray or Warwick are definitely basses to look to just to get a feel of how they should be. The neck width, they are wider and the depth of the neck changes over the strings too. Some people have problems with cramp etc on the bigger necks, for some it's worth persevering and getting used to it, some don't bother. Personally I went from a 4 string to a 6 string, then back down to a 5. Once you're used to a 5 string it does everything a 4 string does and more. Because I can play a 5 string, I don't see the point in limiting myself with a 4. I wouldn't mind owning a decent 6er but with my main band being a 3 piece, I very rarely need to play anything high up (the music thins out too much without more instruments fattening it up) and with my 2nd band being ska-ish, I'd struggle with a lot of the basslines with the extra string on. [/quote] yep, a lot of the 5's I've tried were not good B strings, put me off to be honest. I like the idea of a 5 string bass. [quote name='Lewmorg' timestamp='1340036345' post='1698037'] Hi, I've always been 4 string but just recently borrowed a 5 for a few weeks, I couldn't get on with it at all! Feel as though I would have had to of started on a 5 string to be using one a lot! Think im just so used to being able to route back I my E string without having to look or even think about it! [/quote] I get what you are saying, but I don't get it at the same time. Same with I'm used to a D profile neck and that was a C or V so I sold it... surely it's just practice, technique and getting used to things?

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> [quote name=&#39;Ben Jamin&#39; timestamp=&#39;1340142525&#39; post=&#39;1700020&#39;]<br /> <br /> <br /> I agree that illegal downloading may help artists get out there. But honestly, I have never streamed/downloaded a song, liked it, then bought the album. I have however streamed/downloaded a song and then streamed/downloaded the rest of the tracks from the same site. Convenience. And this is what I imagine most people do (as is supported by the statistics of sales etc etc). &#39;Spreading the word&#39; seems a bit of a cop-out really to me really. If I steal a bass from a guitar factory, I&#39;ll just tell the Police that I was planning to play it at my gigs and at some point a couple of people might think &#39;Hey, cool bass&#39; and buy one.<br /> <br /> [/quote]</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I downloaded and paid for in rainbows. I actually paid more for it than I would for a CD, cos I hadn&#39;t remembered CD&#39;s are cheaper now.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">[quote name=&#39;BigRedX&#39; timestamp=&#39;1340134719&#39; post=&#39;1699819&#39;]<br /> It&#39;s a sad day when musicians no longer see the value of music.<br /> [/quote]</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">what do you make of Bill Drummond&#39;s latest project?&nbsp;http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/jul/25/billdrummond</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">&nbsp;</p> <div>&nbsp;</div>

edit... yes dandelion is right, check truss rod first.

as in the headstock end? has someone cut the nut really low?

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1340146874' post='1700130'] Turned into an interesting thread. I guess my problem is that I don't like to "collect" instruments. I see them as (pretty) tools and feel a bit guilty if I don't use them. Especially if they're expensive- would rather have a holiday or money in my sons' university fund than an instrument gathering dust! [/quote] some the values on basses I have bought have gone up over any inflation on money you could stick in the bank

good on him. and using fingers which would lead me to think he actually does know what he's doing. If I was going to mime a bass I would play with pick- purely as the up and down of the hand would look better

[quote name='allihts' timestamp='1340114798' post='1699306'] @McNach The pot was damaged so I replaced it with a status one (the only company I could find that make 100k/100k stacked pot). Some dogey soldering later and it works but doesn't sound as good (to my ears) as the original. Only ever really play my Fender Jazz now though so it's not the end of the world. [/quote] Odd. If you want me to take a look at it just ask. I like fixing things

that's been on here a year or so back, same guy, couldn't shift it.

[quote name='mart' timestamp='1340101866' post='1698988'] That's reassuring! It is hard to tell on that bass, but it looks to me as if on the smallest patch (a ring just over an inch or so wide) the grain doesn't match. I'm just wondering if this is a repair and means the bass took a bit of a knock some time. [/quote] that is the least of my worries I don't get it though.... original 60's fender at top price OK fender 60's neck at top price..... ok this is just a carved lump of wood. I could make one of these!

[quote name='Schnozzalee' timestamp='1340103929' post='1699038'] I couldn't find anything , I've taken them off and am browsing for a high quality set £369 is insaaaaane!!! I'm thinking £60 tops - the guitar is a 1973 Prudencio Saez Model 4 [/quote] http://www.allparts.uk.com/online-shop/guitar-bass-parts/tuning-keys/bushings-buttons/plastic-buttons-for-gluing-or-melting-onto-vintage-style-keys-double-ring-keystone-pack-6-p-2235.html these types? http://www.allparts.uk.com/online-shop/guitar-bass-parts/tuning-keys/bushings-buttons/plastic-buttons-for-gluing-or-melting-onto-vintage-style-keys-oval-p-2237.html

you can get replacement pastic ones for classical guitars

[quote name='megallica' timestamp='1340103035' post='1699016'] What kind of bass did you borrow? I had a similar thing happen to me and borrowed a bass from a female bass player who had a leopard print strap on this Yamaha bass and the strap was so short it half strangled me. If I'd had a few minutes to swap straps it wouldn't have been a problem but it was mid gig and my e string snapped [/quote] Knowing BidredX it would have been a fender.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1340102243' post='1698996'] See that? Proof that multiple bass ownership leads to tetchiness! [/quote] well for me it's more I can't justify 3. Actually 2 and a cheapy work for me, but 3 good ones not so much

I have two. I get tetchy when I have more than two. Some point i'll get a 3rd- a nice jazz bass. Either an old Tokai, or similar japcrap or ill make one myself. Or more likely just buy someones bitsa. probably if I have more than two I will get tetchy and sell the jazz then I will have two

You are spending between £1000 and 2000 on a lefty P bass? You thought of getting one custom made for you?

[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1340064845' post='1698708'] All of the active basses I've tried sounded 'smoother' in the midrange, with a big bottom and and extremely glassy highs. Not bad sounds by any means, but didn't seem to have as much character to me. I found I was always turning the treble down, but leaving the mids where they were as they didn't sound 'right' boosted. All this is IME of course! [/quote] try some more

well if you don't have an allen key to change the truss rod, or you've never heard of a shim, it makes total sense

[quote name='jaydentaku' timestamp='1339948594' post='1696616'] you can't go wrong with emg's. i haven't heard anybody say that they were ever substandard. [/quote] no good well made pickups. You'll find plenty that won't like the tone

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1339965329' post='1697021'] So your passive basses work with knackered jack sockets then? I will get my coat.......... [/quote] actually... active basses normally have switching jack sockets. often enclosed Them old fashioned passive basses often have cheaper open jack sockets - so yes cos you can pinch them together and mend them easily in an emergency .

[quote name='kennyrodg' timestamp='1339970263' post='1697163'] It's the "Riverhead" thats the quality jap one Luke. From Headway, Bacchus etc. [/quote] epic fail