JamesBass

So over the last few years, there has been a few high profile live performances that have included Holograms of deceased musicians. Most notably Tupac at Coachella 2012 and Michael Jackson at the Billboard Music Awards 2014. This is a topic that I am looking at for my dissertation, I'm a music student studying performance. When I've read about, and watched video footage of the said gigs, I've always felt VERY uneasy, and reading that some promoters/production companies have plans to expand the use of this technology, it got me wondering what sort of gain there is from this, and what effect it will have on live music and live musicians in particular. Primarily I'm asking members of BC the following questions: Have you ever seen a Hologram used at a gig? Do you ever want to see a Hologram used? How did/does the idea of seeing a deceased musician performing "live" make you feel? How much would/have you paid to see such a gig? Ethically is it right to "resurrect" someone? Have you ever done a gig with a hologram? Any and all input is appreciated!

[quote name='Ashdown Engineering' timestamp='1416349187' post='2609368'] totally different pre amps and power sections so the CTM 15 is tonally very different to the CTM 100/300. the big CTMs are much bassier in general [/quote] This is something I can seriously vouch for! It's why I love my CTM300! It's just stupendously warm and full in tone!

I'd probably say going digital for the size you're going for would be best. Software wise I'd hop on to the apple forums and find the logic/pro tools thread and ask in there, also check out the manufacturer forums/ reviews. I am making the assumption you're using an Apple Mac. If not then I wouldn't know where to check, but I'd assume you'll be fine!

For what it's worth I have a CTM300 and it's an utter monster! I've barely pushed it past 8 o'clock! I use it through a Laney 410, which isn't great as ideally I need a better cab, but that's another matter! The 100 will almost certainly be fine for your needs. My 300 is such a beast I'm thinking of picking up an Aguilar TH500!

Not sure that's even a blonde finish judging from those pics! Looks more like a shoreline gold to me! I'm seriously tempted by this bass!!

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1415892282' post='2604914'] Hi guys, Interested in the opinion of guys who have specifically used both the new La Bella Low Tension flats as well as any flats in Thomastics range. I ask because I've historically never liked the tension of flats, but trying the La Bellas was a bit of a revelation. However their options in gauges are prohibitive, for those who have tried, how do Thomastics flats compare from a tension point of view? Many thanks Si [/quote] I've only used TI flats, but I came to them from using D'Addario EXL170BTs and the tension is nigh-on the same. To me the TI's are just perfect tonally and feel wise. I can't recommended them enough!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1415728980' post='2603170'] Well I am, actually - but I don't think this is the appropriate website for that sort of thing... nice bass, though! [/quote] Well that wasn't very discreet! Don't worry, I've got my coat and am in the car

[quote name='DanEly' timestamp='1415717275' post='2602984'] [url="https://flic.kr/p/pJN2DU"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/p5kKdb"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/pJJTjb"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/p5kLgo"][/url] So this little number came today... [/quote] That looks fantastic! How does it play and sound? Are we to expect a little soundclip/video clip next?

[quote name='Jazzneck' timestamp='1415645137' post='2602357'] The ghost of RL Spencer applied it - why do you need to know? [/quote] Wanted to see if Mark was doing them again as I'm saving to order one of his basses.

[quote name='4000' timestamp='1415628781' post='2602114'] Well a broken boiler may have interrupted my impending Limelight build... [/quote] A broken clutch has interrupted mine! :/

My new Uni band was something that was thrown together by our lecturers for our first gig and while I am one of only 3 bass players between 6 bands, we were given 2 bands each and for me one of my bands felt like I'd been with them for decades and the drummer and I in specific really hit it off and grooved from the first note, the other band was stupidly hard work and has resulted in me leaving that one for a different band as the clash of personalities was just huge! The drummer was very much a straight hitting guy who can't groove much at all, the guitarist, who is a mature student, was stuck in his 80s rock hay day and has very little experience away from that sort of thing. But the band with the good drummer has now sat down and we've decided to take ourselves seriously and look to get paid gigs outside of uni and stick together for a minimum of a 2 years to see where we can go as everything we've done to date has sounded awesome and everyone has become very good friends. I myself am already very close with the drummer, even if he lives a 2-3 hour round trip away by car. I'm also very close with the female vocals we have in the band and can't see myself ever not enjoying working with these guys or at the very least not remaining in contact and working together whenever possible!

This for me has it all! The tone that I'd die for and the groove and feel of a true master! In fact the entire Voodoo album is utter bass-fection! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17LQRXXrWjY

[quote name='Jazzneck' timestamp='1415525372' post='2601065'] Voila! No: 00139, elle vit! [attachment=175882:021.JPG] [attachment=175883:009.JPG] [/quote] Is that a Fender logo on the headstock? Guessing you added that yourself as I thought Mark had stopped doing them?

[quote name='yanto' timestamp='1415449135' post='2600423'] Just stuck a set on my P deluxe. Had a set of Fatbeams on before, but no adjustment to truss rod required and no floppy feel that everyone talks about. Nice feel and agree about playing in the upper register, and no clanking on the frets. Tempted to stick a set on my Ray, but I'll maybe leave rounds on for now so I have a rocky bass as well. Iain [/quote] Glad they're working out for you, I think people have a strange sense of feel for these strings, especially if they go from some more tense strings. I happened to come to the TI's after playing some fairly low tension D'Addario EXL170BTs for a good number of years so the transition has been made easy for me. If anyone is looking to get some flats, then as long as you can afford them then get them! They have an awesome feeling under the fingers, the tone is even and full across all strings and registers!

[quote name='StringPing.com' timestamp='1415355707' post='2599474'] I suppose they are popular with BassChatters for a reason I've never tried them before (don't really have a bass that suits flat wounds), but I'm going to try them out now! [/quote] Find a cheap P bass and slap a set of these on, give them a week to loose that "new string" sound and feel and then you'll wonder why you haven't used them before! I had a practice today with a Uni band and we play swing, jazz, bosa, blues, and soul style music and EVERYONE was telling me how much they love the tone I'm getting! There's so much warmth and thud from these strings but there is no loss to clarity up the register! Which is great for chucking in the odd harmonic or chord a la Mr Pino Palladino! [quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1415372795' post='2599731'] It's odd that they only make them in one gauge/tension. Given that Thomastik's more popular double bass strings come in several tension and scale length options I'm surprised they haven't considered it. I liked the set of TI Jazz flats I had on a Westone fretless, though I found them a little too soft feeling for the way I play on fretted bass. [/quote] I do agree that it's strange they have the one set, but in a way I guess it means they can focus on getting these right every time! I have to admit, I did want to get a set that had a bit more to them under the fingers, but having played them solidly for a week or two I cannot complain about them at all! They feel great and the tone isn't sacrificed AT ALL for having a slightly lighter gauge!

[quote name='StringPing.com' timestamp='1415271301' post='2598551'] Awesome! What do you think of them in terms of playability? Getting on well with them? [/quote] Yeah they're stupidly easy to play, the tension felt no different to my EXLBTs to be honest so I've gotten on famously with them, I've also slightly lowered my action so it helps even more so! Don't think I'll move to ANY other brands!

[quote name='StringPing.com' timestamp='1415271301' post='2598551'] Awesome! What do you think of them in terms of playability? Getting on well with them? [/quote] Yeah they're stupidly easy to play, the tension felt no different to my EXLBTs to be honest so I've gotten on famously with them, I've also slightly lowered my action so it helps even more so! Don't think I'll move to ANY other brands!

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1415224593' post='2598229'] Depends what you mean by period correct. With a few exceptions Fender basses really haven't evolved much in 50 years and those that have tend to be the less sought after examples. MIJ '62 RIs tend to be a good bet although prices are going up rapidly [/quote] The feel and tone really, aesthetically you can do what you please and I appreciate that, but for some reason the 66 I played felt like no other Fender I've ever played, and the tone was spot on, granted it was through a B15 but the bass was eminently responsive in all aspects.

So what alternative is there to a Fender Custom Shop if you want a period correct bass? I know of Limelight but what else is on off short of buying an actual 60s bass?

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1415204839' post='2597879'] Yeah, same one I knew anyway but also checked the serial number! I was pleased to see it there, though the price was a bit keen. Great shop No Tom though. The AVRI's are quite nice, better than the USA std in my opinion but still not as good as CS. The new prices of the AVRI are the same as 2nd hand Custom Shops (er, check the link in my signature ) [/quote] How strange! Wish I had the money to just get the 66! It was phenomenal! Best bass I've ever played! Hands down! I've played one of the AVRI and found the finish poor, and the tone way too middy and clanky, not the smooth articulation I expect from a 60s era P bass!

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1415184461' post='2597484'] There is some slating of Fender on BC, the big boys always get that. Considering how many pros use then they must be really bad.... I love the CS basses, quarter sawn necks, excellent woods and great pickups. Plus they look very cool, and unlike other makes, can actually resemble a vintage Fender, rather then a 'reliced guitar'. Of course, like any make, you sometimes get the odd duff one. But rarely. By the way, that 66 you liked used to be mine, and is now for sake on this forum! [/quote] Not sure its the same one? The one I played was in No Tom Guitars in Denmark Street and was up for £5995! Played superb! I get where people are saying it's hard to compare custom shop to a Limelight, but what else is on off along the same lines? I'd love to own a custom shop bass, but I'd want to feel really involved with it for the price ie; going in to the shop helping choose my woods etc etc. To pay that much and do the order via email or phone just seems a bit of a cop out in a way! What are people's experiences of the AVRI P's?

Back in April I foolishly played a mint 1966 Fender P Bass up in Denmark Street and ever since then I've had an obscene level of GAS for a vintage Fender or for a bass that gets me as close to that feel and sound without costing vintage prices! So what's peoples experiences like with the Custom Shop basses? The 64 Heavy Relic looks and sounds lovely from the few sound clips I can find, but is it worth the price tag when compared to something like a Limelight, which many who own vintage are raving about?

Can. Of. Worms But, as a good definition of groove, I'd say Pino's playing on Voodoo by D'Angelo is as pretty good as you'll get.

[quote name='jazzpunkrock' timestamp='1415046077' post='2596120'] Thanks a lot to everyone for your comments and thoughts!! Before I bought this Squier I had chance to play 4 Squiers and this one was the best one. Another three were ok. For me there isn't big difference for playability just I like Pinos neck little bit more because of nut width is a bit bigger than Squier has. And Squier definitely don't require much more effort to play. I did also professional setup for Squier. Just basic setup with low action nothing more. And now ladies and gentleman the truth is: number 1 is Squier Affinity and number 2 is Fender Pino Palladino Sorry but my finger technique isn't very solid sometimes I can handle sometimes not and I recorded Fender Pino first and I hadn't warmed up jet. Yes I am agree that 62 pickups are more middy and Pino is more even. Need to mention that first song (I Want you back) recorded with foam mute under the strings and tone knob half way on both basses. Second tune recorded(Blues) without foam and tone knob turned full down. Third song (YYZ) recorded without foam and tone knob turned full up. Yes both has rosewood fingerboard. [/quote] Glad I got it right then! Thanks for giving us this comparison though! Cracking playing, and a very good test!