gary mac

Yes and when it happens, it's such a pleasing thing.

I took delivery of the bass on Friday evening when @Grangur kindly delivered it to me at a gig. I didn't play it there and then, as I thought it preferable to familiarise myself with the controls and switching possibilities at home. Others before me have already described the timber, hardware and components used, so there's no need for me to do the same. What I will say, is that the quality of workmanship, timber and hardware is all very good. It is not without faults however, but again this has been detailed by Rich @Grangur What I will say from the off, is that this style of instrument, although very attractive, is not one that I would go for, that's not a criticism of the build but just my preference. I suppose it's about my more conservative taste in basses, to me a more standard P or J bass just looks and feels right in a function/pub covers band, which is the type of gigging that I'm involved in. Having said that I took it along to last night's gig, with a view to just playing a couple of numbers, only to find myself really enjoying playing, what is for me a very different style of instrument and keeping it strapped on for the entire first set. Importantly for me, it was very shoulder friendly and balanced very nicely on my strap. Initially I felt a bit disconcerted by the thickness of the neck up in the first position. Actually I don't think I've encountered a bass with such a thick neck profile but once I forgot about that and just got on with playing, it wasn't a problem, nor was the radius which is flatter than my usual preference. Sound wise it was impressive, although I have to confess that I didn't really experiment much with the settings, there wasn't time, we didn't even get a sound check. To me, that makes it all the more impressive really. For the record, I think I had both pick ups on and with the middle switch in the down position (can't recall what that actually does), volume control up full and the tone rolled slightly off. The only adjustment that I made was with the tone control, this is something I always do on my P basses, to suit certain tunes. Anyway, it was punchy, articulate and had a pleasing growl going on. It could certainly be heard, loud and clear over an enthusiastic drummer and two guitars. Although I was happy with the sound, I have to say that I'm not convinced by the controls and think that the switching options are somewhat confusing. Having said that though, as mentioned earlier, I normally play basses with just two knobs, so it could well be down to my short comings in understanding the relationship between the pickups and the various options available. My preference would be for a simpler form of rotary blend/volume control for the pick ups, along with a tone control for each. Have to admire Marco for his building skills and then sending his creation out to be critiqued by us lot. This bass, with a few tweaks, a little attention to the frets and nut could be a real winner. I've enjoyed my couple of days with it and thank Marco for the opportunity to try something a little different.

Very nice, a proper rock bass

That's great, thanks

Well hopefully it won't be picking up any dings whilst it's in my care. I'll try to get some video footage of it in action tonight. Marco. Although there was an explanation of the controls somewhere in this thread, can you enlighten me further as to exactly what is what?

Thanks for bringing it over @Grangur and staying to listen to the band. I'll take it along to tonight's gig and give it a blast

That would be good and you'll be in for a treat playing one of Trev's Wals.

Happy to wait Rich, no rush at all.

I'll be happy to do some set up work to it, unless of course, Marco would prefer that it stays as is.

Cheers Rich. Talk soon then.

Looking forward to trialling this bass, plenty of gigs over the next few weeks, so should be able to put it through its paces.

Sorry, not going to be able to offer advice. Maybe you could give me some advice though, as I've been thinking of getting one of these, as I'm really struggling to hear our vocalist. Is it a piece of kit you would recommend?

That looks great Rich. Classy neck and board.

Very lovely, even the cases from that era were handsome.

I view factory settings as a guide. Prior to setting up an instrument for a customer, I will ask questions as to their playing style and preferences. Once the work is complete, I will get them to have a play and if necessary, I will then make any further adjustments.

Chunky indeed.

Chris, if you can't get a curve bottomed one, they are fairly easy to shape. I've taped sand paper to the fret board and then sanded the base of the bridge on that.

I loved the MB cabs that I used for a good few years but I really didn't like them with any of the selection of MB amps that I tested them with at the dealers. I settled on a Genz Shuttle 6 and then loved the whole rig. Would still be using that rig today but health issues saw me going for an even more lightweight alternative. I do have a little TC amp as a spare and for the cost, it's a great little amp. From a practical point of view, I wouldn't buy another TC amp, having recently tried to repair one for a customer. It was just not cost effective.

Nice one Discreet, looks really handsome.

Never seen one of those before 👍

Chromes are best not cut down in length when fitting, it might look like too many winds on the post but it's most certainly the best way to do it. They are also more likely to survive a few taking offs and putting back on again.

Always found them very smooth and slinky. Maybe higher tension than what you're used to.

Well done @Grangur , excellent work mate.

I have just fixed the very same problem on a Telecaster. As well as being loose, there was a very visible crack through which I was able to get some Titebond wood glue. This was applied using a pin, once I had a fair bit in there, I used masking tape to apply pressure to the repaired section and force it back against the wood. Obviously the cracks in the paint are still visible but the paint is now nice and firm.

My daughter got herself an Ibanez bass (not sure of the model) with a hardcase for £100. Total bargain, I've set it up for her and would happily gig it.