Marc S

The thing I like about the Elfin, is not just that it's very small & lightweight - but the bridge is just about the same size as a standard one, and the neck at the heel is also fairly wide. So even if you have fairly fat fingers, it's still easy to "dig in" and play pretty much normally with your right hand. The left hand / spacing takes a little getting used to - particularly when you get around the 12th fret. But I do like this bass, probably more so than my Kala U-Bass..... Yes pete.young, I like the pale blue colour - though I'm not sure if I'd prefer black..... EDIT: The colour & size of this bass mean that in some people's eyes, it looks a bit like a toy... until they hear it of course

Here's a really tiny bass I picked up a few months back. I got it because I wanted something really tiny & lightweight, that I could easily take to pub jam sessions. A local folk club often does pub trips, and we go along to some lovely country pubs and take over the pub with an afternoon-long jam session. We sometimes go on the bus, or cram as many musicians & their gear into as few cars as we can. So I wanted something that didn't occupy the laps of everyone in the back seat - as the car boot is often full! This bass is a Tanglewood "Elfin". I think it's around 25" scale. I don't know its' exact weight, but it's ridiculously light, and whatever pickups they've installed are great - because if you heard this bass while blindfolded - you'd swear it was a full scale P bass. It's a mini monster, and though I don't use it too often..... It's going nowhere - I love it Here it is, pictured alongside my Squier Classic Vibe P bass

[quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1483807078' post='3210280'] .....There is no TI 30" flats , or I would try them..... [/quote] I'm sure I've seen them in my local music shop Aren't these suitable too? - I know it says 32" - but it does state "Short scale" in the description.... [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thomastik-Infeld-JF324-Flat-Wound-Short-Scale-Bass-Guitar-Strings-/322218365772?hash=item4b05b6134c:g:rD8AAOSwbYZXe9Zp"]http://www.ebay.co.u...D8AAOSwbYZXe9Zp[/url]

Ah, that's the spirit! You really have to have a DB to hand, and play it as much as you can, before you decide whether it's for you or not. It's not the sort of thing you can tell from 10 mins in a shop. Glad you bit the bullet. Watch those youtube videos - especially the ones on holding the bass / posture and stance first. Then take your time and be sure to do warm-up exercises and scales. One real positive note, is that if you decide it's not for you - you will probably be able to sell your bass for pretty much what you paid for it I'd still get a luthier, or friendly local BC member to have a quick look over it if you can - make sure the set up is good etc Most of all - welcome to the wonderful world of DB, and good luck

I think maybe they've stopped production already. I could be wrong there, but I know I read that somewhere. I'm not trying to panic / rush you into buying one - but it may be that it's only the existing stock that shops are now selling I had expressed an interest at my local PMT music shop in Cardiff. They had 2 in their original batch, and they sold really quickly. One of the guys there said he'd order me one in for a deposit. He said the deposit was returnable if I didn't like the bass, as it would sell quickly anyway. Saw him just before Xmas, and he said he'd tried to order one for another customer, but couldn't get one atm.... so it may either be that there aren't any available at PMT's suppliers, or that they have indeed stopped the current run..... I dithered and pondered about one of these. Luckily, a local friendly BC'er had taken one in trade, and offered it to me. I didn't "need" it - I already had way too many basses, including my fabulous Roaworn Jazz - but I love my Flea sig EDIT: No QC issues whatsoever - it plays superbly, is quite lightweight and with a gorgeous neck (different to my other RW Jazz) and lovely sound / pickups too......

£600!

Glad that you came back to BC Though you are definitely not old...... trust me

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1483652468' post='3209089'] The K&k Bassmax is a decent sounding pickup thats easy to install. It's also the hottest (loudest) pickup I've used, so if you want a strong signal, that's the one to go for..... [/quote] I have one of these - bought second-hand from this forum, along with a K&K pre-amp, as complete package. It's a great mic and the piezo pickup is really good too. The pre-amp handles the signals from both mic and pickup - via a stereo lead. Both channels then have a separate volume control. Depending on where I'm stood in relation to my amp, I may have to be careful with the level of the mic, or it may feed-back. That said, I have to be stood really close to the amp, or setting the level very high before it does start to feed-back. I recently used my bass on a large stage, with big house PA, and did some studio recording..... (not at the same venue) I had time on both occasions to try just the piezo pickup, and both sound engineers preferred my sound with mic and piezo pickup combined. It did sound good, I must say - the sound was much more akin to the natural, acoustic sound of a DB. Can't comment on the other pickups mentioned above as I've not tried them. I also have an EUB (Eminence) with a shadow pickup & pre-amp, and I think it's not bad for an inexpensive system.

PM sent, as test / further test Marc

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1483606163' post='3208550'] The only solution I can think of is shim the neck or rout a cavity for the bridge. I don't like either of these solutions. If the ever want to change the bridge the rout will be the wrong shape and, as the OP says, it's wrong having a shim in a bass of this value. I'd return it to them. [/quote] Yes, spot on Grangur Send it back. As Karlfer says - be nice to them for as long as you need to I'm sure they'll sort it for you and exchange for another bass Good luck

[quote name='Wylie' timestamp='1483541946' post='3208068'] I have short- and long-scale basses. Hand size, and relative ease of getting around on a short-scale neck aside, play one to see if the string tension of a short suits you. A longer string requires more tension to bring to pitch. After the somewhat floppy strings of my short-scale, my long-scale Fender feels great. [/quote] Tension of the strings is also down to the gauge, and differs between manufacturers and brands too.... I don't particularly get on well with flats for instance (even though I also play DB) but the TI flats on my fretless are amazingly low tension, even though they are full scale. I recently picked up some Neon DR strings too - I like them, but I find they're slightly higher tension than the 2 other brands I'm using; Rotosound and D'Addario (if that's how you spell it! lol).

It's a big move for you both. You both need to be sure it's what you want. But it sounds to me like you need a change. One of you being a natural speaker must be a big advantage. I'm sure you'll learn more quickly when you're in the "deep end" Whatever you decide - best of luck with it. And I think your age is definitely on your side. Don't leave it too late .... Just realised, that sounds like I want you to leave - but really I don't, honest EDIT: For me, I'd have to check out the local music scene first - I'd just jam along whenever & wherever I could.....

Yes, you can read a lot of books, and they definitely can teach you a lot But I learned the most valuable lessons by just getting out there & playing. I get fed up with learning about music via books too - I just want to go off course a bit too much It's probably a sign of my ignorance & inability to read the music....

Hi, I'd say keep on practicing those scales and doing your exercises for a start. But as Jecklin says, keep listening to the genre you intend to move into. In fact, listen to as wide a range of music as you can, and play along to that. Go along to a few open-mic nights nearby. Maybe just take a bass guitar to begin with? - It's easier to lug around, and no harm to be able to play DB and BG, I would say. open-mics will help develop your listening skills and get you used to jamming along with other musicians who may also play several genres / styles. You often end up playing songs you may not even like - but that again is not necessarily a wholly bad thing - it's good to be outside your comfort zone from time to time.... Is there a local folk club or music club near you? I joined a folk club near me - they often do pub jam sessions and I get asked to come along, as most of them play guitar, mandolin / mandola etc... so being a bass player, I'm usually welcome. Good luck with your shift to a new genre - BTW. I can't read a note and have never played with an orchestra - wish I had done that sometimes EDIT: If you're listening to and playing along with music outside your genre - I'd say any practice is not strictly "wasted" if you really want to make that change

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1482168934' post='3198198'] ....Try a few 34" basses where the bridge is set well back...a Cort Curbow is a perfect example (and maybe a perfect bass for you). Although being, and sounding, full scale, the nut is inches closer to you than many other basses... [/quote] I forgot to mention this in my first post. Some long scale basses don't feel as long as others, due to body shape, where the bridge is set etc. Also I've played a few short scale basses that don't feel that short - due to having a small body, the strap button is set further back, and so the nut is further away from you... Again, it's all down to personal taste, comfort and preference etc etc. But do let us know how you get on When you walk in to a guitar shop - let them know your situation - I'm sure they'll let you try as many as you like (if they're any good)

As Burns-bass says, it's really difficult to comment re a DB you haven't tried, or even played - perhaps even more so than a bass guitar.... However, Antoni seem to have a pretty good reputation for entry-level / beginner level DB's. And I'm sure there are many experienced players out there who also play them, and there will be experienced players who swear by theirs, over more expensive instruments. There are quite a few Antoni's around, so spare parts should be readily available, and I'm sure most decent luthiers will have worked on one.... Is there a DB playing Basschat member, or a local luthier who would be willing to take a look at the bass? It's worth asking, maybe post an ad on here? Perhaps the price of a pint (or 3) - but it could stop you wasting your money, or prove the bass is a bargain... If you were nearer me (in Cardiff) I'd take a look & give you my opinion (not that that is worth too much lol) My first EUB was a Stagg. As soon as I had learned a little on that, I had the itch to get a "proper" acoustic DB too! So I know the feeling. Go along & try the bass for as long as you can. Maybe walk away for a day or two and ask if you can come back & try it again - at least let the seeler know you are truly interested, and not just mucking around. most of all, good luck with it EDIT: Also, as henry says above - you do indeed get what you pay for. But perhaps saying that Antoni's are pieces of throwaway wood may seem a tad "strong" - I know what he means re the comparative quality of more expensive instruments, but from what I've seen, they are put together fairly well for the sort of money you are talking (made in China doesn't necessarily mean "awful" or "low quality" - just look at the Squier Classic Vibe range). A good set-up will help make the Antoni more playable (if it hasn't had one). If you're going to spend loads more money, then you have to wait a long time to save more money, and you still won't have the experience of playing an acoustic DB to help you judge the next one you buy - at least the Antoni will give you that... and looking at their second-hand value, you should at least get your money back - which is a good reason to buy a used bass. You could also think about spending just a tad more, and buying a Gedo DB - these seem to get rave reviews from owners on this forum. Or keep an eye out on the marketplace on here? - most BC members seem to be honest & straightforward, I have to say. Then it's just a waiting game.... and I know that itch will want scratching

I dabble a bit on a Bouzouki. It's basically the same tuning as an octave mandolin / mandola. Or you can tune it in the Irish tuning mode. I started trying to play mandolin a few years back - but I found the fret spacing and string spacing a bit too small for my fingers. This was a bit of a let-down for me at the time, because my wife had bought me a nice mandolin for Christmas a few years back, and I've always liked the sound of the mandolin. The Bouzouki, having the same tuning, but basically being rather larger, is a lovely thing to play. It's quite loud and has a lovely ring to it. I bought mine from local guitar shop A-strings near Pontypridd, in South Wales. It is made by Ozark - I had come across their instruments before, having borrowed a Tenor Guitar for a while. I was mightily impressed with the quality of the Tenor Guitar, and the owner, my pal Malcolm hadn't paid much for it The Ozark Bouzouki was only just over a hundred quid, and a quick tweak of the truss-rod (in the shop) and it just felt so nice to play. At that price, it was a steal, I thought - so I just went for it. I only really dabble and mess around on it for fun. But at £110 quid - it's well worth it. I've seen these on-line for that sort of money, and if you want to try one without spending too much - go for it EDIT: I don't find mine to be too trebly at all - in fact, it sounds really nice, and rather better than its' price tag would suggest A keyboard & guitar playing folk club pal has a rather more expensive mandola, and he really likes the sound of my Ozark, and couldn't believe the price I paid for it

I had a Rick (4003 copy?) bass briefly - I took it in trade, and hadn't intended on keeping it, I just wanted to see what it was like. in terms of playability and general construction quality. I have to say that for such a cheap price, the Chinese Rick copy was a really good bass! It looked roughly like the real thing, in terms of shape - though the body had some contouring that isn't present on a real Rick. Though actually, the edges are more rounded on the copy, and the contours of the body actually make the bass "sit" more comfortably, and I found it quite nice in that respect. The neck was rather more wide than the real thing, but not quite so deep - so I actually quite liked it, and got used to the extra width of the neck quite quickly... The sound was, well, maybe just a bit Rick-like. The pickups are obviously very different from their real counterparts, and the wiring was very odd. There were some suggestions at re-wiring on the Facebook fakers group, and I thought about doing that fairly simple mod, but in the end, didn't get round to it. I actually quite liked the sound from the bridge pickup - it surprised me just how good that pickup could sound. As I say, it wasn't quite like the "real thing", but it was a sound I quite liked. Overall, and given the original price of the bass, I thought the quality was really very good! That said, I've heard a few horror stories about instruments from that same source - none of them first-hand mind you - just via forums and youtube EDIT: Of course, I had picked up the bass in trade - but the original owner had said he hadn't needed to tweak anything much - just a bit of a truss rod / bridge saddle adjustment. i.e. he hadn't needed to fettle the frets or anything - these were nice & smooth.. Re an earlier comment about Chinese QC - yes, early Japan instruments were often falsely accused of poor quality and often derided by musicians, but I think the same is now true of some China made equipment. At risk of repeating myself (again lol) I have owned 2 Squier Classic Vibe basses, and have played a few other Classic Vibe guitars - the quality and consistency of the China made Classic Vibe instruments is absolutely superb! The same appears to be the case with the Squier "Matt Freeman" sig P bass. So China is already making superb instruments, without QC issues.... well, in at least one factory anyway...

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1483380628' post='3206717'] I've played completely acoustically loads of times and it's not so much a problem being heard out front, but hearing yourself is a different matter! Acoustic instruments are designed to project sound forwards - unfortunately you have to stand behind them to play the buggers. I use a Roland Microcube so I can hear all my duff notes clearly. [/quote] Yes, even with a normal acoustic DB, I usually plug in to an amp. And that's playing along with other acoustic, unplugged instruments. Others opposite you may be able to hear you clearly, but I struggle to hear myself much - so I always use an amp, even if it's just a small one.....

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1483133683' post='3205021'] ..... You never know some Bassix DB owner out there may just be keen on formulating a trade involving a Sire V7 5er..... [/quote] Its always a bit of a long shot when youre looking for something specific in the world of DB / EUBs, as its so specialist. May be something of a long shot, but might be worth placing an ad on here anyway EDIT; The Eminence does have some acoustic volume, as it has a small acoustic chambered body, its plenty enough to be able to hear yourself when playing unplugged, but not loud enough to "compete" with an acoustic guitar

I'd replace those pickups if I were you Glad you had a good NBD I think I had best make my next bass a similar purchase, as Mrs S thinks my basses are taking over the house

I don't know about the Bassix, but I do own an Eminence. Although The rev describes the Eminence as an EUB with acoustic properties, it does sound more like a true acoustic DB than other stick type EUBs. Although, acoustically its much quieter than a full bodied DB. This of course, can have late night rehearsing advantages re sleeping partners and neighbours. When amped, with a bit of careful EQ'ing, the Eminence can sound very good. But one problem with "folding" DBs is that they can take a long time to set up - perhaps longer than you may appreciate..... my Eminence is the removable neck type. Handy for flying / packing down into a smaller, more manageable shape & size, but it takes quite a while to put back together with bridge & strings taking a good while to position + set up properly. I've only taken mine apart a couple of times, and each time, cursed myself for doing so - I was in quite a fluster before a gig, and the strings seemed to take an age to settle, even though they were properly stretched beforehand..... Just thought I'd mention it. Perhaps a BCmember near to you would be kind enough to let you try different EUBs? - so you can try a few different types before you buy? Worth asking.... Good luck with your search