JapanAxe

Quite hard for me to relate to many of these posts as I feel pretty much addicted to playing. I dread the thought of not enjoying playing.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1452603564' post='2951474'] If you're a semi-pro, does that mean that you earn half as much as you've spent on your equipment? [/quote] Hard to deny... [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1452607752' post='2951552'] People keep mentioning top quality equipment. Off the top of my head, 4 of my tutors at uni were most definitely pro, they played Fenders, musicman, cort and aria basses. It's how you play what you play. [/quote] I agree, the important thing is that your kit should be reliable, so that it won't let you or your clients down. I was one of those mentioning 'top quality equipment' - but where is the top really? £1,400 Fender USA? £2,500 Dingwall? £10,000 Fodera? Of course that's a whole other thread along the lines of 'Why pay more when a Squier CV does such a great job?'

I regard myself as semi-pro - professional approach, but not my (whole) living. This is how I describe my 'job role' on my LinkedIn page:[list] [*]Selecting and maintaining top quality equipment [*]Keeping my skills up to date [*]Actively seeking out musical opportunities [*]Communication with the client [*]Preparing thoroughly for the engagement [*]Punctuality and courtesy [*]Contributing to safety in the workplace [*]Interaction with the other musicians [*]Playing appropriately for the song, the engagement, and the client [*]Dressing suitably, both on and off the stage [*]Acting as though the client's reputation were my own [/list]

You got ask Dave (OBBM) to send the cable(s) to your workplace

[quote name='toneknob' timestamp='1452531521' post='2950883'] More awesome. Look out for Garson, Gabrels and whoever the drummer is here. Amazing. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xup_RSisiWQ[/media] [/quote] The drummer is Zachary Alford I believe. Note how Carlos Alomar (the other guitarist) makes do with a tiny pedalboard...

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1452535203' post='2950930'] Wouldn't a classic smiley face eq work better here when loud, Instead of the frown your suggesting. [/quote] No, you end you just accentuating the lowest notes, plus finger noise and hiss! The warmth/roundness is all to do with the mids.

I presume you'll be checking back in 8 months' time!

[quote name='spectoremg' timestamp='1452513256' post='2950579'] Ashes to Ashes. Just when I thought he was finished (again) he came up with Scary Monsters with this diamond on it. [/quote]+1 from me!

Check out anything from the 80s 'Newgrass' movement. Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Mayer, Russ Barenberg, Glen Worf, and Mark O'Connor all played on each other's albums - you can hardly go wrong!

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1452410230' post='2949628'] I heard on the radio he wanted to use jazz players to play rock , in the hope that something new would be created [/quote] Chuck Berry did this, and it was. They called it rock'n'roll! Listen to the jazz-swinging drummer and bass player vs Chuck's straight-8 guitar on Johnny B Goode.

[quote name='Mickeyboro' timestamp='1452407811' post='2949626'] I would be amazed given the changes (huh?) he's been through that there are any true lifetime fans who've connected with everything. [/quote] Very true. I've never bonded with the Black Tie, White Noise album - it just sounds too shiny!

Well I have worked through a lot of the examples in the Bass Bible. There are so many subtle variations for the different beats.

Just bought it today and had a first listen this afternoon. Loving it! The Next Time never really got going till halfway through, but Blackstar is full of little gems. For context, I have been a Bowie fan for 40 years. Favourite Bowie albums - Low andy Ziggy Stardust. Favourite Bowie single - Ashes to Ashes.

I believe the culprit here could be the way TC optimise the Class D output stage in their amps - their '[url="http://cdn-downloads.tcelectronic.com/media/914735/tc_electronic_bass_amp_power_rating___active_power_management.pdf"]active power management[/url]'. It is likely become more apparent as you wind up the wick

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1452342594' post='2949034'] Some closer and more detailed pics of the 'aged' mint guard here... these people do a good job. Very plausible. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Relic-AGED-MINT-GREEN-60s-PRECISION-BASS-PICKGUARD-5-for-Fender-P-Bass/321969186843?_trksid=p2060778.c100276.m3476&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140725133651%26meid%3D22d065f4d1d54556b27371d285aeb783%26pid%3D100276%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D191772965213"]http://www.ebay.co.u...%3D191772965213[/url] [/quote] They also do distressed bodies in vintage colours - worth considering for a bitsa build.

That is all.

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1452295414' post='2948748'] Realised actually using correct length strings helps for correct tension. Going to be ordering new strings Monday. [/quote] If your Mustang is strung through the body you will need 32in scale strings to accommodate the extra length of string running through to the back of the bass. With short scale (30in) strings you could find the silk comes over the nut.

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1452081984' post='2946159'] Where's Kirsty ? [/quote] Here she is:

The Mustang needs a 32in set to allow for the extra length passing through the body.

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1452067822' post='2945965'] Is the short scale baron sold that he taken I kid not an angle grinder to the bridge..... [/quote] Twincam, you are starting to talk like the Google translation in your signature!

4 - see signature. It's the Precisions that see most of the action!

I find [url="http://supermegaultragroovy.com/products/capo/"]Capo[/url] (Mac only) incredibly useful as a transcribing and practice tool. I've been transcribing in one form or another since my first year of guitar playing. I sometimes pull out transcriptions I have done years ago and realise how much better my ear has become.