JapanAxe

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1376257087' post='2171511'] Chromes are well-known as some of the brightest flats you can buy - it's got to be down to the materials used. I've tried La Bellas (like them, but too 'floppy' for me) and currently use Lakland Joe Osborne Signature Flats, which I like very much - 'stiffer' than La Bellas but not like Chromes - I found Chromes too 'stiff' and too bright for my liking. [/quote] One of my reasons for trying the Chromes was to see if I would want them on my 5-er - stiff is good when it comes to the low B! There is still a lot less top than from rounds when using a pick though. I will see how it goes over time and in a band situation.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1376255895' post='2171487'] [url="http://www.touchstonetonewoods.co.uk/products/straplocks-endpins-170/schaller-strap-lock-spare-nut-and-washer-956.aspx"]http://www.touchstonetonewoods.co.uk/products/straplocks-endpins-170/schaller-strap-lock-spare-nut-and-washer-956.aspx[/url] [/quote] Bargain!

I prefer the white plate but I am biased as I have CAR & mint white on my Sandberg.

I think I may have a complete spare set in black that you can have. I can't get up in the loft just now because my neice's kids are asleep upstairs, but will check in the morning.

Just fitted Chromes to my Sandberg and surprised to hear a fair amount of zing. There was no zing when I put Elite flats on my fretless, so what's making the difference - string brand/material, frets, or what?

Went to a jam yesterday and got andyonbass to play the L1505 through his rig (acoustic image amp, can't remember what the speaker was) while I listened from out front . It sounded as punchy as a very punchy thing. Result!

If you are interested in boots with 3ft zips perhaps someone here can point you to a suitable 'special interest' website!

I belong to Gretsch-Talk and a couple of other model-specific guitar forums. I don't really see the benefit in another general guitar forum, or have I missed the point?

Dry cleaning shops often take in repairs or have contacts who can do sewing jobs. The problem will be finding a zip that's long enough!

Nice bass but that Jazz pickup needs the stealth treatment!

+1 for Richer Sounds - great value and proper customer service.

Mart bought a gig-bag from me, paid promptly and kept in touch throughout. Oh, and a thoroughly nice chap

Having studied this thread in depth I have just taken delivery of a set of D'Addario Chromes 45-100 for my Sandberg VM4, which is basically a P with an extra MM pickup near the bridge. These will replace the roundwounds that it came with. Comments to follow soon!

Yes definitely go for used, you can get more for your money that way. Take an open-minded bass-playing friend with you when bass-shopping. And don't be satisfied with 'that'll do', go for the one that says 'take me, I'm yours'!

The Sonia connection is bound to push the price up

*NERD ALERT* In para 19, I think you mean 'timbr[u]a[/u]l qualities'; 'timbral' is an adjective meaning 'of or pertaining to timbre', whereas a timbrel is a percussion instrument. */NERD ALERT*

[quote name='mart' timestamp='1375906335' post='2167355'] [i]thinner[/i] strings does not always mean less tension in the neck, or not enough to make a noticeable difference. [/quote] True, but check out and compare the quoted string tensions on any of the 'Family Tension Guides' accessible form each range's page on the D'Addario site - e.g [url="http://www.daddario.com/DADProductFamily.Page?ActiveID=3768&familyid=18"]this[/url].

[quote name='deanovw' timestamp='1375909109' post='2167409'] its not very exciting but i like it. [/quote] That was in Bass Direct when I visited! Seriously, that freakin' configurator is a recipe for GAS

[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1375900255' post='2167200'] I didn't see it as any of those things. Rock was a music of rebellion but also an art form -- something to listen to. Disco was about partying -- something to dance to. Rock music was progressing as was the musicianship. Solos and wild experimentation were a growing part of it. Disco was about precise rhythm, repetition and simplicity. [/quote] This kind of illustrates the whole rock=authentic, pop=artificial conceit - no offence intended Lowender, it's a long established phenomenon!

Definitely don't drench it with WD40! You should be able to remove the nut completely. Even if it's at the end of its travel, you may be able to get a bit more effect out of it by fitting a suitable washer. Have you checked the gauge of strings on there? You can do this with a micrometer or vernier caliper. A lighter and/or lower gauge string should give you less neck relief. Any pics?

Great intro Joe! It would be good to see some pictures of those basses, maybe before-and-after photos of the double bass?