Bassman Steve

He's clearly been a big influence for such a mediocre player. I guess I'm just even more mediocre as a result.

I wonder if anyone has compared an original Precision to a post-54 contoured Precision? That would eliminate the influence of the body. As I have said, my slab definitely did have some extra oomph to it (not a technical term) but have no idea why.

What type of car is it? I have always favoured the back up against a wall trick but then I have always driven an estate/van when gigging.

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1402604687' post='2475332'] The first being that some strong Muslims believe that stringed instruments are too sexual and that music containing them are evil. The second - thinking back to my devout Christian Mum (God rest her soul) that was devastated as I stopped playing the oboe as she felt I had a musical gift from God. [/quote] I hope it's not any of 'ist to find the notion of the follower of a faith which finds string intruments 'too sexy' and yet plays the oboe somewhat grin-inducing. Maybe I'm thinking too much of Peter Cook summing up as the judge in the Jeremy Thorpe trial from many years ago. Anyway, I digress (and apologies for any offence, if caused). I guess no words from us will affect the outcome so I hope you find fulfillment in your chosen path.

To me, he's the Jamerson of rock. He has the perfect tone and plays exactly what the song needs. My biggest influence (I discovered the Precision bass thanks to him) by far and very under-rated by many (I would happily be as under-rated if I had his royalty cheques).

Oh, it's that very one!

One available right now in amps for sale.

Pencil me in although I'll confirm when I can. I'll bring along Boogie Bass 400 and diesel 2x15, Boogie 400+ and 2x18 (for the reggae fans) and the Walkabout and some Precisions if therer's any interest in trying any of that lot.

I'd flog the 4x10 and get another 1x15 - but try the 8x10 and see what your ears tell you.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1401892442' post='2467928'] But the point is...we do these things according to how we hear them...and I think that is the best way and reason to do it.. [/quote] This.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1401180722' post='2460771'] Yeah taking a back up tuba is overkill in anyones book..... [/quote] and completely un-necessary when you can visit an all-night tuba store (obscure Police Squad reference).

Interesting. Thanks for that info. I'm not sure I'd see that much difference in the sound as a result of the fingerboard being a cap rather than a single unit with a skunk stripe. It was my considered opinion that it was the extra mass in the body that did it. The original Precision (pre-1954) is similarly huge-sounding - albeit with a different pick-up. I would be genuinely interested to understand how the neck construction makes that difference if anyone can explain.

I probably have fairly strong opinions on stuff. I do try to make sure I state it's only an opinion and would never claim to know everything about sound etc. The opinions that I do have are drawn from a lot of years of playing so I'm at least comfortable with them as far as they affect me. Are they accurate? For me, definitely yes but I would expect that to be true for pretty much everyone. Probably more about how you express disagreement. If you imply someone's an idiot for having a different view then you tend to look the idiot yourself.

I have to say, rather like new cars, I don't really understand why you'd buy a new bass when there's such a great variety of second hand stuff around. At least if you don't get on with it you can sell for what you paid for it and lose nothing. I accept there may be a new model out but are they so much different?

For myself, as the owner of a 60's Precision with a scratchplate that has started to crack I just want a good replacement. Doesn't building in a warp put stress on the plate and therefore make it more likely to crack? I think many would see the warping and think that it won't last too long. I know that's my reaction. As for used and abused. I think the problem with a new guard is the fact that it is untarnished, not the fact it's straight.

As asked, I have been trying to upload the file of the track I recorded with my slab bass but it just won't happen. Not sure but it just keeps failing. Happy to email if anyone is that fussed but I can't attach it here. Sorry.

I hide my inability to solo by swearing blind that any bass solo is inappropriate.

True, Tommy Bolin's solo albums have just brilliantly diverse music on them. Teaser, especially, is a superb album.

Radical thought. Why not use the Ric for the punk outfit and stick flats on the Precision. Again, you're more than welcome to dive round and see if anything I've got provides a solution. There's old and new to compare. Courtesy of my Rotosound deal I'll even supply your first set of flats (provided you like 45-105).

I went to the shop once - with my young daughter - and was told, by the owner, that I couldn't go upstairs (where the vintage guitars were). This was at a time I still owned all the nice old Precisions I had once. I couldn't be bothered to explain that she was used to being round far more rare stuff than he had so just left and never went back. I'm sure he doesn't care but that attitude put me off. Oh. I remember them having a Precision in there that had been right royally messed about (it had two jack sockets I recall). Nothing on it worked properly and the idiot (lying) salesman tried to tell me it was all ok and designed that way. No time for the place at all, seemingly run by a snob employing liars to try and make sales.

I'd probably respond better if I knew what you were trying to say. What is a Precision sounding cab? An 8x10? A Portaflex? A 4x12? The market is full of all of those types (though fewer 15's which seems to fly in the face of what you're implying - I think). Solo bass? It's how it sounds in the mix, not on its own surely - unless you're Stanley Clarke maybe.

I'm horribly old school and use 15's but have a 2x18 which gets occasional use too. I hear all the arguments for 10's and 12's but have always found them too 'responsive' for my crude technique, they seem to be far less forgiving than some lumbering great 15" cone. I have had the same sound for about 35 years now and still love it so I have desire to change at all. I dare say a lightweight 1x10 could sound great but I don't actually care. Precision bass, valve amp and 2x15 - I'm a cave man so bite me!

I think the Troggs demonstrate a rather more robust way of dealing with this on their 'tape'. :-)