martthebass

I understand that D! You'll have to let me know how this works in a band context. One thing I found with my SN is that it sounds less aggressive (in a good way) to some of my previous Rays. I always poo-poo'ed the potential effect of roasted maple necks (and ebony boards come to that) but I can't argue that there is a difference against bog standard SR4s I've previously owned. It's a shame the new ones don't have figured necks - I love the birdseye on my PDN, it really works well with the roast. I'd love the whole neck to be lacquered to show it off to it's best but I understand that most have a preference for the oil/wax finish below the headstock.

Don't disagree HJ. I end up in physio every 2 years or so - not back but wear and tear on the 5th and 6th. Trapped nerve city....... Physio suggests exercises to help build a bit of muscle mass but also instructs on posture (so no bass hanging below your knees......). Not always easy if you want to be active on stage but you can do your best. I tend to use 8lb basses on stage now to help and only use 9lb plus basses for single spotters or jams.

Glad you got sorted Tom. Those bezels are great - had one on mine from day one, very functional.

Don’t think I’d be happy with that neck pocket either, I’ve had it and accepted it on £150 basses but at £2000+ I’d expect much better. I’m assuming this crept through QC - don’t think I’ve ever had an MM like that.

Absolutely awesome gig headlining the MAG rally on Friday Night at Duncombe Park in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. Outside gig, under canvas, great stage and sound and lights crew. Packed tent with very enthusiastic crowd. Crowd loved our, slightly rocked up set of 70s Glam Rock classics. Wish all gigs were like this.

I’ve just sent him a message on your behalf.

Casapete - over to you?

I wish.......certainly not with a 9lb plus Stingray!

I know what you mean Pete - still love that OGWT footage of Tina on Psycho Killer with the modified Mustang. I still have a Jap re-issue in the same colour scheme (with the cream 'racing' stripes) in homage. Like Discreet, I think I was in love despite the pudding basin haircut!

At the minute I exclusively use Shorties for gigs (Glam Rock outfit - plenty of movement required for a man of my advancing years), a pair of Mustangs, both around the 8lb mark. Some compromises (I prefer the sound and string tension of my Rays) but they get the job done and I finish the gigs pain free.

Very nice D, looks very similar to my 'old style' Starry Night PDN jobby. I'd love to be able to justify one of these but swmbo would string me up by the danglies... Is this going to provide competition for the Precisions?

'Why can't I play that bit....my hand's too cold........why is the fan directed at my hand.........can I move the fan with my foot.......bugger I've knocked the fan over'

I've found a fair bit of variation over the years on Stingrays. I owned a 1990 from new for about 12 years, it was a cracking bass but it was on the heavy side I can't say it was anything special. Ditto with a 2002 standard SR4 that was similarly meh. Also, very briefly had a pre EB (1980) in my possession that was a boat anchor and needed to be thrashed to get any life out of it. Best ones I've had by far were a 30th anniversary that felt put together with loving care and had a lovely rich sound (shouldn't have sold that one!); a 2001 2EQ fretless with a nice figured neck (that feels very slim for a standard Ray4) that does the mwhahhh sound perfectly (still have this one) and a 2016 Starry Night PDN that is beautifully constructed and sounds rich and fat (Roasted neck, Ebony board and Ash body?). I don't really buy into the pre-EB vs EB argument, there are no doubt differences but they are just that, differences. You may prefer one over the other, but quality wise I don't think one is necessarily better than the other as a rule. YMMV and all that.

I always feel sad at the number of pompous tosspots who elect themselves to a 'position of authority' in a band. Why all the seriousness when for the majority of us it's all about the enjoyment, not a career?

Agree and disagree on some of this. I agree the bass can come over bass light compared to a P bass in some situations but that's part of the DNA and it also depends on which pups you're running - if you're on the bridge only it goes into classic 'clank plank' mode IMHO (but I love this sound in the right context). I play finger style aggressively (as did Geddy) and it sounds just as good as when I use a pick. I also use a MarkBass amp and it doesn't lack heft. I agree on the finish - not the most robust, more like the thin nitro (even though it's a UV catalysed poly) of a roadworn Fender. From a personal point of view, I like them, BUT there is no way I could live with one as my only bass. If you can own only one bass then there are other basses which cover more territory but how many of us only have one bass lol?

Very true. I've played some really hideous set ups in 'dealers'. Should be able to get a near straight neck almost 'Status' like action with just the right amount of buzz to make sure it sounds like a Rick.

He plays a 4004 (a Cii I think but could be a Laredo). A different beast, 2 humbucking pups - sounds very different to a 4003/4003s. I had one briefly - I also found it unfocussed and undefined, apparently if you change the pot resistances it's supposed to open it up a bit.

Pretty much agree CB. Mine got a fair bit of use in my previous 80s band but not so much in the Glam Rock band I’m in now. Very distinctive sound and fun to play - not a problem finger style if you fit the bezel. Lots of sounds available if you play with the knobs - just like a Jazz (not in sounds obviously)

Popcorn ordered, feet up on the sofa.....eventful evening of Ricky bashing programmed. But seriously two very marmite bass manufacturers at almost opposite ends of the bass spectrum.

Perhaps he's just generally upset with the world because he can't find Matalan shirts that fit properly?