Clarky

In case anyone interested, I found this info about J Walter. Pretty sad story involving NYC hiphop scene, Basquiat, and crack/cocaine addiction: The late J Walter Negro (real name[b] Marc Andre Edmonds)[/b] of African American and Cherokee descent is an unsung hero of hiphop and the New York downtown Art and music scene of the very early 80′s The success of the talented but troubled artist was cut short when the minor hit “Shoot The Pump” failed to gain momentum and came to a grinding leading to the group splitting due to J Walter Negro’s drug abuse (Negro, fell victim of the 1st epidemic of crack addiction that hit NYC), and gross mismanagement . The footage showcases the Loosejointz raw Funk, Reggae, Jazz, Latin and true school hiphop infuences, along with Negro’s genius lyrical dexterity, and early rap star quality which was cut short before its prime. [b]Jean-Michel Basquiat [/b]the celebrated artist often guested with the Loose Jointz as most of the band knew him from their highschool days Negro aka, pioneer graffit artist [b]ALI[/b] ( part of a crew named the soul artists, with the likes of [b]Futura[/b] and[b]Dondi White[/b]) suffered a serious accident while out on a tagging run with [b]Futura 2000[/b], he was severley burned in the tunnels of 137 street. NYC in the early 80′s. His face recieved minor burnes but is arms and hands were badly burned. J Walter Negro and the Loose Jointz never released an album, even though an album was actually recorded, the bands music and along with album advance dissapeared with the groups then manager John Moore. The Loosejointz way ahead ecelectic approach and mixed appeal is felt in the performance, touching on the UB40esque reggae\spiritual Jazz feel of the opening song to the Cherokee chanting and fuzz funk boogie, of the rap song [i]52 Cars[/i]. J Walter Negro’s lyrical genius shines inthe performances in this footage, rapping and singing his political and socially conscious rhymes, playfully name dropping [b]Fab Five Freddie[/b], [b]Dondi White[/b] and[b]Blondie[/b], incorperating some of her ‘[i]Rapture[/i]‘ raps into a verse. The Loose Jointz not to be confused with the [b]Loose joints [/b]on the[b] Westend [/b]record lable, had the energy, the music, and the mystique of J Walter Negro, a frontman way ahead of his time, to easily have reached universal legendary status. J Walter Negro died in the 90′s due to cocaine addiction.

Great song from my youth that I haven't heard in years and googled to find it, to my surprise. Fab bass and guitars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XxF4WPh3ME

Sorry but didn't he pass away about 15 years ago? Still, great band

OP amended accordingly

Our Spoombung will be along in a while and disagree. He loves this design. I think, however, he is in a minority of one (or very close)

This is from a 1952 recording of Perdido. Listened to it this morning on a cheapo Duke Ellington 'Greatest hits' compilation and was particularly struck by the bass playing on this track. I've not heard of Wendell Marshall but I understand he was related to the great Jimmy Blanton. Really good propulsive double bass playing, not unlike Paul Chambers in some ways http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfVJuLa0VpU

I also use a SNark clip-on, very easy and responsive. And cheap which is nice

[quote name='reds42' timestamp='1365848238' post='2045135'] My old beastie. Pre-Ernie Ball with the bridge string dampers and stuff. Lovely bass.[attachment=132349:MusicMan.jpg] [/quote] Now that is super nice. My fave Stingray colour combination and PEB too. Lucky fellow!

Hopefully all you DB-playing BCers will chip in with recommended luthiers across the UK (and further) so that this thread becomes an easy-to-consult list should anyone on BC need work doing on their DB or EUB

He would file down the unused nut slots (as it improves the tone), add a "possibly Gibson" humbucker and slap a coat of bee oil on it (thought - wonder if he is responsible for the devastating decline in the world bee population?)

[u][b]South London (Clapham): Laurence Dixon[/b][/u] Laurence did some great work on my Kolstein bass and is a talented luthier (he made the Ray Brown DB replica for Ronny Scotts) as well as a very amiable guy. He is hard to track down though as he doesn't have a website and I had to find his details circuitously. So in case anyone in London needs his skills (especially now that Malcolm Healey is semi-retrired and moved out of the M25 - see below), here are his contact details: Laurence Dixon 78 Rectory Grove Clapham Old Town London SW4 0ED Tel 07947 377520 [u][b]Surrey (Boxhill): Malcolm Healey[/b][/u] Malcolm is (I believe) more attuned to making his own instruments these day, having semi-retired, but will still do repair/setup jobs etc Website with contact details: http://www.healeyviolins.co.uk/contact.php

agreed, I will start the ball rolling

Funk off

Only just spotted this (apologies if this has already been posted about) but it appears to be Jon Shuker's official retailer as well as retailer of other high end gear (eg Low End basses) http://www.bassbarn.co.uk/epages/es140349.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es140349/Categories

[quote name='Myke' timestamp='1365200027' post='2036801'] Never heard of him before but that was really good! How can he chat and play at the same time!? Gonna have to get me one! [/quote] I cannot underemphasise how much this clip fills me with enthusiasm when I am losing interest in playing bass. Such a lovely, infectiously charming and accomplished bass player

Yep, I do indeed have one on my old German flat back and it's a very neat solution. Plus Roger (aka Bassace) is one of BC's true gentlemen so this ones highly recommended by me

The only major currency that has weakened against sterling in the past year is the Yen. So Japanese instruments should be coming down in price quite appreciably. MIJ or CIJ Fenders should be opening up a big gap in terms of affordability vs US made. Also Japanese manufacturers such as Ibanez should be getting cheaper.