Coilte

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1403874595' post='2487328'] Yep, if you don't feel comfy playing a string it's going to affect you no matter how good it sounds. Think I've just been lucky in that the various types I've had were all acceptable to me from the feel perspective. Still don't quite like that feel of brand new rounds but it soon wears off after a few gigs. [/quote] Wish I was as easy going about strings as you seem to be. I use both nickel rounds and flats, depending on the music being played. For the flats, I have always used Thomastik, and after trying a good few rounds, settled on DR Sunbeams. I love both their tone and smooth (for rounds) feel.

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1403862763' post='2487163'] I've found the strings contribute marginally more to my overrall sound than say the colour my bass is painted but that's about it. [/quote] What also attracts people to certain types/brands of string is the [i]feel[/i] factor. Even with nickel rounds, there is a world of difference "feel" wise between certain brands.

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1403815795' post='2486854'] How long do strings last unopened in their packaging out of interest? [/quote] Good question ! I'd imagine if the package was put into an airtight container they'd last a pretty long time.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1403804586' post='2486683'] I am hoping that discontinuing them is part of some master plan by Thomastik . [/quote] You could always email Thomastik and ask them exactly that.....nothing to lose in doing so. [url="http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/contact"]http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/contact[/url]

"Lord of the Strings" seems to still stock the Super Alloys : [url="http://www.lordofthestrings.com/lots/RALBD/Thomastik/1570.html#1010"]http://www.lordofthe.../1570.html#1010[/url] You could always buy all that they have remaining !!!!

I have no personal knowledge nor any dealings with the "Bass Doc" but I know that he is well liked and respected around here. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

Good on you for apparently seeing the funny side of it. At least the weather seems to have been on your side.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1403544827' post='2483775'] I doubt Willie Weeks,and Nathan East are short of a gig, but they seem to be happy to play with him. [/quote] True. If they are happy to play with him..that's their call. Does not change much though. All this still does not get away from the sheer [i]un[/i]professionalism (getting back on topic) of the man that is Eric Clapton. Most "old pros" would not treat an audience the way he did in the OP's post. Also, most pros would not come out with his public utterences in '76...no matter what his own private views were, or what "influence" he was under.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1403543788' post='2483764'] I'm sure they are aware of it - the event concerned isn't exactly hidden under a rug. [/quote] Perhaps they are aware of it but are prepared to accept it, giving that Clapton along with other English artists helped to bring blues to a larger (white audience). It still does not reduce the cringe factor though.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1403541974' post='2483743'] His remarks were about keeping Britain white, which is not in conflict with his apparent love of black music & musicians or even Mandela . . . . just as long as they don't want to live here presumably, so not really hypocritical from his perspective. [/quote] I accept your point. However, I always cringe when I see "happy/clappy/smiley" photos of him in various books and magazines, alongside famous bluesmen. Wonder if they'd be as happy if they knew of his sentiments ?

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1403539521' post='2483711'] Have you got a source for that? [/quote] Not to hand, but if you do some research I'm sure you'll find it. EDIT : A quick Google search threw up this. I am sure there are lots more like it : [url="http://rockaliser.blogspot.ie/2010/12/eric-claptons-evil-speech.html"]http://rockaliser.blogspot.ie/2010/12/eric-claptons-evil-speech.html[/url]

[quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1403538182' post='2483692'] Also (and just so we're clear), his political views are not the issue here. [/quote] Fair enough, he is entitled to his views, but it still beggars belief that someone who has gained fame and fortune from playing mainly blues music could even consider saying such things....albiet stoned, drunk, or both. Seemingly when later challenged about his remarks, he refused to take them back. Then he had the balls to appear at a function to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 70'th birthday. A hypocrite... to say the least.

[quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1403515946' post='2483339'] (although I don't doubt somebody will dredge up something from his past to prove me wrong ) [/quote] Now that you mention it.... It would appear that Clapton does not "do" professionalism and respect for an audience. Why ? Google "clapton's infamous 1976 concert" if you are interested.

[quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1403512599' post='2483286'] After 50-odd years at or near the sharp end of the business [/quote] .....you would have expected a more professional attitude towards his paying audience.

[quote name='tedmanzie' timestamp='1402957386' post='2478376'] Yes they are much less tension including the lightest LaBellas (extra light 039 - 096) [/quote] +1. TI's are one of the lowest tension flats out there.

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1402858515' post='2477346'] Played for a couple of hours and still was unsure. [/quote] That's much too soon to reach any conclusions one way or the other. Wait a couple of weeks at least. They can be a bit sticky for a while at the start, but that wears off.

On the subject of ear plugs.... Even when genuinely playing at a low volume, the average band (guitar/bass/drums) will produce enough volume to damage your ears if you dont wear ear plugs.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1402259914' post='2471499'] So why buy right next door and bitch about the noise. [/quote] Maybe because people have a right to peace and quiet.... no matter where they choose to live ?

[quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1402241490' post='2471247'] like he said, playing AC/DC softly ...yuk [/quote] I think "softly" is the operative word. For a band to be enjoyable to listen to and still rock... you dont need "Wembley Stadium volume" in a small local pub venue.

[quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1402231312' post='2471153'] We dont play that loud [/quote] I've heard that said lots of times...sometimes after the roof of the venue has been blown off.....

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1401728399' post='2466261'] To be fair, the OP wasn't really expressing a [i]need [/i]for others opinions (as in 'asking for permission'...), simply soliciting the experience of others who have had the same curiosity. I can quite understand that, as I'm 'righty' (I nearly wrote 'normal'..! ), and started out on drums playing 'righty'. I reached a 'plateau', and decided to reverse the kit. I've been playing 'lefty' since, and made a modest career of it. I sometimes come across a 'righty' kit and can play some rudimentary stuff that way round, but made far faster progress once I'd made the switch. Yes, I'm still planning to do the same on bass or guitar, simply for the fun and challenge. I doubt, anyway, that I'd be mistaken for Flea, however I played; it's only a personal curiosity. I'm equally convinced that not all players feel inclined to swap, but remain of the opinion that, if one way round feels more comfortable, it's nevertheless possible for most to play either way if the will is there. I think I'd better be putting on my tin hat again, though; I feel the angst welling up out there. [/quote] Nah ! No angst here anyway. People's time is theirs to spend as they wish. Granted, if playing a certain way is more comfortable, by all means it is worth doing. Personally, just to keep progressing as a player is enough of a challange to keep me going for the rest of my days. To each their own.

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1401725201' post='2466202'] We each have our own set of motivations, which can change over time. A challenge is a challenge, be it a completely different instrument, or simply 5 strings rather than 4. Some folks even like to bungee jump (I'm told...). Different strokes, maybe..? [/quote] I agree with what you say. I just dont [i]understand [/i]the logic, or why the OP needs other opinions on this. It would take a long time just to get to the standard that the OP is now at. For what.... ? A challange....? If that what floats the OP's boat....fine. Bungee jumping would not be my cup of tea, but I understand why someone would want to do it...for the thrill and rush of adrenaline.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1401717698' post='2466101'] IMHO the time you spend learning to play left handed would be better spent practicing right handed... [/quote] +1. Learning to play right handed to the best of your ability would be a better and more constructive challange IMO.

I think the obvious answer is to make the information stand out better...kind of like a highlighter does. To my eyes the coloured ones are easier to read than just plain black and white. I don't think the actual colours themselves have any significant meaning.

[quote name='iconic' timestamp='1401431972' post='2463483'] I wondering if her books are any good? [/quote] I have some of her bass instruction books and one DVD. While there is a wealth of knowledge to be gleaned from her books and DVD's, IMO the presentation leaves a [i]lot [/i]to be desired.