BassBus

If it works for you then it's a good way to play, for you. The only concern I would have is the chance of ripping your finger nail off if you really dig in. Classical guitarists use their finger nails to pick strings so why not bass players.

I find lighter gauge strings sound a bit thinner in tone, to my ear anyway. You might like to look at the tension of strings as opposed to gauge. You can get similar gauges with Thomastik strings but they are lighter tension. Tone and price are not to everyone's taste though. Even some black nylon wrapped strings might suit you. They tend to be lighter tension. Might need some adjustment to the nut though. You might like to look into the picking style of players like Gary Willis and Janek Gwizdala as well. Their approach has a lighter picking action but a loader amp setting. They still use the gauges of strings you do.

When you are facing the trus rod opening, lefty loosy righty tighty. In your case it sounds like there might be a bit of back bow so lefty loosy would introduce a bit more forward bow. Put a capo, or something similar, on the first fret. Then hold the E string onto the fret at the point the neck joins the body, usually around the 17th fret. Use a feeler gauge of about .30mm to check the neck relief. If you like to dig in to your playing then a bit more relief might be needed.

I'll second Lw on the planks of wood on 6 and above strings. If you don't want the low B then avoid. I recently switched to fivers for the same reason as you want to. I have changed strings on two of them from low B to high C. Didn't have to change the nut and no problems with them. You will have to adjust the setup though. It's a high C, as opposed B, so the bass is tuned in forths. You really want to keep it that way as it makes playing chords so much easier. Wherever you play the chord on the neck it is the same for whatever key you play it in. A major chord is the same shape whether it is a C or Db major or any other chord. As for instruments. Yes the ESP LTDs are brilliant basses, worth far more than the money you pay. I have the four string fretless. Lovely sound and very slim, comfortable neck. Also worth looking at Corts. Made in the same factory as ESP LTDs. The Cort B5 would be good. Not as widely available though. The Ibanez SR series would be worth looking at as well. SR305 or a second hand SR505 would fit your budget.

I'm not really a big fan of J type basses but Alan's always change my mind. Somehow he has tweaked the shape to look dead gorgeous.

Perfect finish. Love the neck profile and the fretboard is to die for.

Good point, bassfunk. I think that makes the decision on it's own.

Thanks guys.

I am not playing my DB at the moment and will not be doing so for at least the rest of this year. Any of you who have experience of this, would it be advisable to loosen the strings or leave them at tension on the neck? The bass is in a room in the house with no damp problems and low central heating. Any advice would be great. Ta.

Don't think you'll regret this order. I'm a recent convert to Alan's work too. Always liked the Recurve shape. Looking forward to watching this develope.

Who are we talking about?

You are really quite young for this forum. [size=4] [/size] [size=4]Have fun in amongst all the controversy.[/size]

Love the profile on the back. A flat back feels just right to me. What made you choose Danish oil over something else like Tru Oil?

Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Elton John, etc. Age catches up with us all.

[quote name='nick@ibassmag' timestamp='1400751642' post='2456576'] [font=Helvetica][size=3] Regarding the YouTube videos, we have made some of our videos public. This was done mainly as a PR tool to help spread the word while we get established, but we'll be cutting that back as we grow, and there's a lot more exclusive video content to be found inside each issue as our interviews are usually in two or three parts. [/size][/font] [/quote] Thanks for the info, Nick. Good to know it will be worth it. I love the video interview format. The annual sub has been worth it for the Gwizdala and Willis interviews alone, in my everso 'umble opinion, of course.

I was given a free first issue when I subscribed. Cost was £13.99 I think. I'm not sure of the valuenof this as all the interviews are based mostly on youtube videos. That's fine but they always end up available to evreyone on youtube itself. I'm sure I had seen one video on youtube before I received the paid copy. I might be wrong of course.

From the BBC.com website: Can I listen from outside the UK? You can listen to Radio 4 online anywhere in the world however there are some types of content where we are restricted from distributing overseas, usually because of sports rights. If this is the case then the live and on demand stream will be blocked to international audiences for the duration of that segment. International audiences will hear a message informing them of the rights restrictions in place.

You have internet connection? iPlayer dear boy. Congratulations on the baby.

You usually need the weight and dimensions of the package. I once sent a bass to Europe by UPS form one of their depots. The guy there checked size and weight. After it had been delivered I received an increased invoice saying the package was bigger and heavier than I had said. They had to backtrack when I told them it had been dropped off at their depot. Beware. There are good and bad in most of the couriers out there. Wrap the package very well. Don't skimp on the packaging. Then label it very clearly. That can only help it get there safely. Inhave sent stuff with Parcelforce very successfully but they don't insure instruments. Interparcel seems OK but some have had issues. Interlink and I think DPD give you a one hour slot in which your package will be picked up or delivered. They keep to it as well.

It is lovely. Pictures never do it justice. You just can't capture the figuring. Flamed Redwood.

I have to agree with you on that one, Howie. Not everyone gets the proportions right but Alan seems to get there. Black walnut body with a Claro walnut face.

Here's some porn for you. I'm now lucky enough to own at least one bass from each of my favourite bass designers in Britain, if not the World. Namely Rob Green, Chris May and Alan Cringean. Left to right: ACG Finn single cut R Type (fretted), Status S2 Classic (fretless), Overwater Scott Devine Signature (SDS Lite) ACG Finn Status S2 Overwater SDS

You'll pay anything up to about 30% of the full product price plus shipping cost. You are paying customs charges and VAT The following link might be useful for you. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/tax-and-duty.htm

Impressive stuff.

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1399816633' post='2447939'] I'm sure Dawn from Status says "State-us". I spoke to her on the phone about a string order a few months back. [/quote] I don't know. She's usually half way through 'Status-Graphite' by the time the phone connects when I've phoned. So, I guess I have been pronouncing Billy Cobam's tune all wrong for years. Hmm.