Norris

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1415710878' post='2602881'] But it's not Pop Art. [/quote] I know it's not pop art, but it is Mondrian :-)

Mondrian looks cool

[quote name='mickcope' timestamp='1415706568' post='2602815'] ...In terms of upgrading it - a lot of people talk about upgrading the pickups - any news welcome [/quote] See what it sounds like first. If it's not quite what you want then a set of Seymour Duncan QPs would be a reasonable place to start.

Billy Idol has never done a day's work in his life

None of the members of The Cars hold a UK driving licence

In 1967 Eric Burden and his band had to spend 6 weeks in quarantine before starting their US tour

Lemmy needs the four of hearts. Don't fall for his bullsh*t!

The B52's are actually named after the road near their home village of Belcoo in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Genesis were originally formed by the female sibling of the developer of the smallpox vaccine

Wide enough? [url="http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Black-Roundline-Downpipe-Length-2000mm/p/431865"]http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Black-Roundline-Downpipe-Length-2000mm/p/431865[/url]

It might also be worthwhile checking out the software + USB controller options that are available (e.g. [url="http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&pn=70303"]this USB controller[/url]). They can work out cheaper than standard controllers if you already have a laptop, and could be more versatile. However, I like a stand-alone dedicated box for the simplicity (once I've programmed it!)

I wouldn't trust anything apart from my top-hanger Hercules. Having a thunderbird might also have something to do with it. I strap all of the long stuff (guitar stand, mic stand, etc.) together for easy carriage

I use one of these - [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_dmxmaster_i.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_dmxmaster_i.htm[/url] I am only controlling standard 3 channel RGB lights, but the spec says it can use up to 16 channels per fixture, including scanner motor controls The only downside is the crappy euro-socket power supply. I keep meaning to find a more robust one for it!

Throughout my "career" I've predominantly played in pub bands. There again we tend to be quite casual, enjoy a bit of banter with the crowd, and like the freedom to be able to "prat about" at the less-inspiring gigs (which means we visibly enjoy ourselves & which can turn around an indifferent crowd by doing so). My day job means I'm unlikely to start doing stadium tours, especially at my age/obscurity and the fact that unless you are famous it doesn't really pay [i][b]that[/b][/i] well. I am quite content to be a "Weekend Warrior"

Enough to make my first "proper" bass a Rickenbacker - around about 83/84. Before that it had been a Franconia P copy bought from a school mate.

I saw him play in Eastbourne as a young sprog. Still memorable now. RIP

I have an Aria Pro II SB-1000. I bought it second hand around 85/86 (part chopping a gorgeous 4001 for it!) and it was my only bass for about 10 years. I eventually bought a US Jazz and the Aria hasn't been played since. Several years in the loft didn't do it any favours. A mate of mine has been restoring it for a couple of years (!). I hope to see it soon...

I have a thunderbird with the "much slated" 3-bolt bridge. It's not particularly high mass either, but the tone and sustain are fantastic. I have no issues with it at all. I've never swapped out a bridge, but have a couple of Jazzes - one USA strung through and a MIM non-through. Not an appreciable difference. I suspect a high mass bridge would have as negligible effect. Colour me sceptical

[quote name='Romeo2' timestamp='1414680113' post='2592180'] ...but knowing how much amazing quality bass you get from basses manufactured in Asia... [/quote] Back in the 70s and a lot of the 80s the stuff coming out of the far east was pretty cheap and ropey. These days it's a whole new ball game. They are producing high quality guitars and very reasonably priced.

Back in the 80s you could hardly give away any old Fender that wasn't pre-CBS. All the 'modern' 70s instruments were regarded as second rate. Now they are worth so much (regardless of actual playing quality) it's a brave person that will actually gig a 70s Fender. I don't really own old guitars. My oldest instrument is my Aria Pro II SB-1000 - a keeper for sentimental reasons. Everything else I own was made within the last 10 or 15 years.

Get your mains sockets checked as a priority! If in any doubt consult a qualified electrician

Having said all that, I quite like that they've reissued Bass VIs, Coronados and Starcasters. I can't justify buying any more guitars though.

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1414501539' post='2589855'] How about just changing the neck? MightyMite are pretty good, Warmouth or a 2nd hand? Example = http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lic-by-Fender-70s-Maple-Precision-Bass-Neck-MM2907-/331356036454?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4d265bdd66 Cheerz, John [/quote] Status graphite necks look rather splendid too

Here's another one. Back in the late 80s we went out as a trio. The guitarist and I turned up to the gig and started setting the kit up. After half an hour or so there is still no sign of the drummer. So we called his house - no reply (these were the days before mobile phones). We continued setting up and phoning. I can't remember fully what happened but somehow we got half of the drum kit to the venue but still no drummer! We ended up playing the first spot as a duo whilst bashing whatever bits of drums we could. Meanwhile the landlord despatched a horde of regulars to the drummers house. He was fast asleep following a heavy lunchtime session! They eventually dragged him down to the gig in time to do the second spot

Back in the 80s I was playing in a show band at a very posh black tie do. The band leader / keyboard player had been sampling his favourite tipple all night, but towards the end of the night must've had a bad one. As he stood up at the end of the set he wobbled slightly, put his hand out to steady himself and shoved his keyboard off the front of the stage. It crashed to the floor and laid there groaning loudly at the assembled guests. The last set actually sounded better with no keyboards