BassTractor

Right now, I'm not that varied. It's limited to the open E on the E string and the open B flat on the B string - without downtuning! In my dark past, I've (written and) performed everything from Medieval music to post modern classical, prog, pop, rock, jazz, country, blues. Sadly never metal. When I grow up, I wanna learn to play a few more notes on the bass. best, bert

Thanks, Mr. Foxen. That seemed quite revealing. best, bert

[quote name='gilli1812' timestamp='1362422953' post='1999531'] happens maybe once every 30mins then nowt for a while [/quote] Before using big money, I'd replace the caps, one at a time. I can't do the math anymore, but IIRC this type of behaviour often points towards ruined caps. Edit, didn't see your last post. Still one cap left to try though? best, bert

Aftermarket preamp you mean? Loads of them. for example the John East J-Retro at http://www.east-uk.com/ . However, I have no idea how well it will fit to your pickups. Others will have to hurry in and contribute. I was wondering: Is there any additional noise? Or just sound cleanly cutting out and coming back? Replacing a capacitor or cleaning the pots might just help. best, bert

Just as an addendum, for those wishing for a career in music, I'd like to add how much us music students would study to get to the top. Depending on everything of course, a normal week could well consist of 60 to 70 hours of studying, including depping and concerts. Roughly half of this time would/could be playing our main instrument (35 to 40 hours), one fourth playing the piano and the rest for theory and everything else. Other people's mileage will vary of course, but the above was quite standard. best, bert

Thanks to Bob for being an enabler at least. best, bert

Apparently, if my searches were performed correctly that is, no-one has mentioned the new Orange valve tester yet. DIVO VT1000 is its name. It should hit the shops next month, and retail at £349. Here's Orange's own vid about it: [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vpnuiZoJtE[/media] best, bert

Hey Matt, Welcome to BC. How did you ever manage to avoid us, eh? Anyway, enjoy the site, the discussion and the banter now you're here. best, bert

IME, music students to a large degree planned for their solo careers without considering enough that only a few of them would make it, and most of them would end up like teachers or, if they were lucky, as orchestra musicians. The realism that is shown in threads like these may seem a trifle void of hope or trust in oneself, but OTOH does protect people from failing miserably. Still, I'd say: go for it. Work your ass off doing what you love, but also make sure that you're realistic in your expectations, and know what you can accept as alternative ways of surviving. best, bert

[quote name='lobematt' timestamp='1362347478' post='1998831'] I don't mind travelling an hour(ish!) to find one. [/quote] One hour(ish!) only? In that case, take a plane to Heathrow, rent a car there and take the 1 hour(ish) drive up to Leamington. Bass Direct have both MarkBass and Aguilar as well as serious competitors to those. I'm only half kidding. It's just so obviously worth it. best, bert

That sounds awful, man. I can very much understand your feelings. I hope that when this has gone by, that you'll be left with the positive memories - they must be there in abundance given that this is such a hard blow right now. Good luck! best, bert

[quote name='WhoNeedsYou' timestamp='1362321327' post='1998309'] [IMG]http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r525/basstractor1/post-29261-0-50179800-1362321224_thumb_zpscb36f9c1.jpg[/IMG] [/quote] That's not natural blonde! That's black/rw/tort! What's wrong with people? best, bert

Slow down, folks! We can't possibly keep up with the speed here! best, bert

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1362310554' post='1998132'] So see if you can buy an old hack for £60 [/quote] I'm sick and tired of you always sneekily trying to sell that chrome Warwick in other threads. I'll give you £52, BTW. best, bert

[color=#ffffff].[/color] [color=#ffffff].[/color] Oh, and before the Dead Spots Don't Exist choir starts howling, here's evidence: Of course I just play around it. Congrats, Torben. best, bert

Tnx! I'll try and check it out. b, b

[quote name='gelfin' timestamp='1362245865' post='1997535'] I found that Ukele bass strings worked well (when settled) and no need for talc or anything else. [/quote] No need for talc? Wow, that seems like a major improvement. Which ones are these? The oft mentioned Aquila Thundergut ones maybe? best, bert

Wow! How did I miss this? Great stuff indeed. Thanks for posting. Nice also to see some love for [b]Buke and Gase[/b]. IMO, they deserve to be more known. best, bert

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1362169635' post='1996832'] Huh! I'd have to play one of these to hide [i]my [/i]arse: [/quote] Mistake, Mark. It's your [b]left[/b] ham that is the biggest. That's what mirrors will do for you, eh? best, bert

Hey Ross, Welcome back then. You were here in october 2011, weren't you? Or am I mistaking you for someone else? Anyway, re-enjoy! best, bert

Hey Iain(?), Welcome to BC, and good luck with the hunt for even lighter gear. Should you need to hear others' ideas on this, then just say the word and people here will share some wisdom. Me I went for Barefaced cabs, and they're in high regard on BC, but not everyone loves them, and some are quite critical. Enjoy the site! best, bert

There exists quite some love for the Ashbory, and I personally wouldn't be without it, but I woudln't want it to be my only bass either. To me it sounds lovely when I'm in the mood for that sound, so to speak, but is quite demanding due to the scale, and of course requires quite a lot of time before one can gig it. That would also translate to many takes during recording - seeing as you're new to this. I'd say: keep it if you can whilst still buying a more regular bass. 200 quid will give you a good one, even when buying new. best, bert

Faith in Scripture restored. Txs! best, bert

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1362163368' post='1996717'] Thanks, but did you mean to post it here...? [/quote] Well, you did ask in your sig that God post in another forum, so I only had to decide what exactly constitutes another forum. best, bert

[quote name='Bret' timestamp='1362156374' post='1996588'] There's a reason they're waist high. If I stacked two cabinets I'd run the risk of hanging myself. [/quote]