Grangur

[quote name='Cameronj279' timestamp='1420806085' post='2653616'] A lot of people can't really afford to pay a premium on things though. There are lots of factors. I do however get the OPs point that the mark up is quite drastic at times. [/quote] How do YOU know? You don't know their buy costs and overheads.

[quote name='Weststarx' timestamp='1420808022' post='2653657'] I never got to experience that because I'm still wet behind the ears, but you do often get stared at by staff of guitars shops sometimes like they are almost in shock someone came into the store... I guess pretty much anything purchasable will eventually all be online and not on the high street, but with the state of the xfactor music industry these days I can see the end of guitar shops coming a lot quicker and its my generation of 90s kids thats destroying it... I always wondered what kids of the 90s would be known for and I think it will be the death of Rock n Roll and bloody selfies....what a sad sad era to grow up in [/quote] "If you want to change the world start by looking at the man in the mirror."

This month I took Mrs G to buy a keyboard. We went to a real shop that kept good stocks, she tried out loads of keyboards and it took most of the day. I was PLEASED to spend the price the shop asked because without their stocks and facilities how would we know which keyboard to buy? On-line sellers wont help. I'm sure the online buyers here will be the first to moan when all the shops have gone and they're no longer there for them to screw over by adding wear and tear to the shop stock.

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1420806376' post='2653620'] I gave up after just two years of running a small music shop (2004-2006) as even back then I was faced with the, at the time, fledgling internet sales boom and was having to work on 15% if I wanted to compete. Also, backing up what shops are finding with Thomann pricing, I could buy a Gibson Les Paul for £1400 trade when at the time they were available across the board for £1299. [/quote] I used to own a console games shop. I gave up when I could buy games cheaper from Tesco than from the distributors. Also, companies like Amazon are able to sell without charging VAT. It's wangle they can pull by shipping goods to off-seas places with no VAT. That's why Amazon invoices are addressed as from Luxembourg. My guess is this is in many other industries too. I'm curious how folk here know so much about the businesses they buy from. It's ok saying a Fender costs 350$ to make, but what is the manufactures profit margins, and what are the shipping costs, import duty, UK distributor costs, shop overheads and profit, plus of course... UK VAT at 20% on top of ALL those accumulated costs. I'm sure your local shop would bite your arm off if you could show them HOW they can decrease their buy price and get their prices lower while maintaining profit.

Mike Enns was a film director for Disney until he decided to throw it all in an start his own guitar building business. You might find his videos worth looking at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqH2gFufx8Y You could also take a look at his web site and, maybe his full film. http://restrung.tv/

Hi Guys, I was driving through Cambridge today and saw a pub with a sign outside saying "Live Bands Wanted Here" or something like that. It was the "Tally Ho" in Trumpington Road. www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tally-Ho/160167017341217?rf=190368684327818 http://www.lemonrock.com/tallyho I know nothing more, but good luck to all who apply. Cheers Rich

[quote name='gerryc' timestamp='1417170075' post='2617683'] Sold a bit of kit to Jeff, paid promptly, good communications, good guy to deal with, cheers Jeff [/quote] Ditto. Jeff's a top guy. Many thanks Jeff. Its been good chatting. Cheers Richard

[quote name='DaytonaRik' timestamp='1420484799' post='2649908'] Def Leppard cover band [/quote] I'm sorry but I [i]don't believe a word[/i]

Hi Teddyt, Welcome to the club. I'm 55 and a relative noob to bass too. Studybass.com is a great place to start, and if you get stuck post questions here. Cheers Rich

[quote name='jazzyvee' timestamp='1420471158' post='2649674'] I don't play fretless but I've read that ebony is a good choice of material for nuts on fretless basses. [/quote] It is, but it would work on any bass. It's a very hard wood, which is good all round.

...then for a short break from playing TABs; here's an art course: Joking aside; TABs are ok, but they lack some of the key info. Welcome and good luck in your playing

FWIW I recently changed the nut on 2 Warwicks from the plastic nut to the Just-a-nut 3 brass nut. It has really improved the sound of open notes. So, yes the material does make a difference.

Agreed 100% on the lessons. One option you've not not put forward is get someone to look at the current plank and fix the problem. I'm sure there's a BC member near you who'd be pleased to stop the problem. That has to be worth looking at. Edit: BTW, what IS the plank anyway? Is it any good when it's working?

Maybe it's me, but the video isn't coming up. Maybe it's the moving images by PlungerModerno that stop it [quote name='Rumple' timestamp='1420450933' post='2649370'] Sorry I can't help but I notice it's an odd design as the fingerboard ends at the point where the neck meets the body [/quote] I'd be interested to see it as I recon it's made in CGI

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1420239478' post='2647178'] If it helps explain what I'm after... I'd love to be able to listen to a song, identify the key and know what chords apply and what notes would fit. [/quote] Hi Mel, Try taking out a trial-start with Scotts Bass Lessons Academy. I'm registered there and I've learned loads. We also get to have live Q&A sessions with Ed Freidland, Anthony Wellington and Danny Mo Morris. For about £55 a year it's really cheap compared to a 1-2-1 teacher and the theory you learn is all you can handle. www.scottsbasslessons.com

[quote name='sellisnba' timestamp='1420144061' post='2646133'] Just for future reference, what tuners and bridge would be drop in replacements? I fancy fitting black hardware. [/quote] That will depend on the bass you buy. Even Fender tuners vary in size.