Marc S

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

Welcome to basschat bopeuph. Hello from South Wales in the UK

The first two had more of a typical P bass sound. The last one did sound a bit like a P bass - just not quite as obvious as the other two. I think I preferred the first one, as it just seemed to have a bit more presence in the mids...... That said, I only listened on my PC, on small-ish headphones, which are OK, but not great quality And as you have pointed out, to truly be a comparative test, all 3 basses should be wearing the same strings I'm looking forward to the answers though Incidentally, somewhere on youtube, there are blindfold tests, in which the blindfolded players are each given 3 different basses: I think a Fender CS, a standard US, and a Squier Classic Vibe. The same tests have been repeated with 6 string guitars too.... and in each case the Squier CV's come out really favourably. My own Squier CV sounds very P bass-like to me, just as much as my Fender P's

Yes, I agree. (although I only have mine on a 4 string, not on a 5'er). I had tried several types of flatwound before, and I'd read a lot of posts on here, from BC'ers who swear by them - plus one or two players who don't like the low tension nature of these strings... I picked mine up, used, from the marketplace on here. The seller said they hadn't had much use, and the silks looked in good condition, so I believe that to be true. I thought immediately that they were quite bright and zingy, compared to the Steve Harris Roto flats that were previously on my fretless bass. Love the low tension, though as others have mentioned in other threads, the tension of these strings is markedly lower than many other flats. It's an odd thing, but every other brand of flatwound I've ever tried has been really high tension, and I say this being a Double Bass player, who is used to playing more types of flatwound on DB. But the very low tension of these TI's seem to lend themselves to that lovely "mwah" sound / vibe you can get with fretless - perhaps it's just because they're easier to bend? I've not tried them on a fretted bass yet - I've stuck to roundwounds on my fretted basses.... must try it one day though, but I just don't want to take the TI's off my fretless. To anyone struggling with the higher tension of flats, I'd recommend these strings. They are pricey, but I couldn't go back now....

[quote name='Stu-khag' timestamp='1481834849' post='3195625'] thanks for all replies. much appreciated and now fixed! [/quote] Glad you got it sorted Stu

Just a couple of pics of my Shaftesbury. I had one back in my 1st spell of playing, back in the 80's In my 2nd spell of playing, it took me a long time to get my hands on another Wish it still had the original TRC. Though the replaced tuning keys are an improvement on the originals...

Just keep looking / trying, and if you're not a member of one of those Facebook groups - join one, plus, check out that Double Basses for sale group on Facebook too. A lot on there may be the other side of the country - but you never know, one closer to home may also turn up.... just get a teacher or luthier to look over it.

[quote name='Burns-bass' timestamp='1482399710' post='3200147'] Best advice I had was to get a DB teacher and get them to advise you. They should understand your technique and your requirement. They can also spot potentially expensive issues..... [/quote] Also, DB teachers may know students who are looking to sell or upgrade their basses too......

Quite a few BD players on here recommend Gedo. Personally, I've not played one, but they do look great, and I've heard nothing but glowing reports about Gedo's sales, packaging / delivery, quality of basses and after-sales service. Ebony is a better wood for a fingerboard as it is a very hard wood. In comparison, a softer wood that has been painted black will not be as durable. (It may also have different acoustic qualities too). Some fretless bass guitars have a fingerboard made of "Ebanol" - which is quite different. It's a man-made material, which is hard and durable and some players seem to like. They use it as a more "green" material, in that it helps to save trees.... I don't know whether some DB makers use Ebanol? Maybe someone on here will know.... My top tip for getting a DB would be to get a used, set-up one from the marketplace on this forum The drawback is that you are just playing the waiting game. I know how that feels - they never seemed to come up anywhere near me when I was first looking! They always seemed to be the other side of the UK. Another place I've seen them come up for sale, is on a local Facebook group. There are 3 or 4 of these based in my neck of the woods (South Wales) one specifically for bass (more so bass guitar than DB) the other groups being for guitars, amps, keys etc. I would never have expected to see that many DB's come up for sale on these Facebook groups - but I have to say, surprisingly more have come up for sale on these groups locally, than have come up for sale in my neck of the woods on this forum.... On a positive note - although you are still a relative newbie to DB - as you have been playing one with a band, you will at least have some experience of how a bass should feel and sound, and hopefully will be able to spot whether a bass needs setting up etc. Is there a DB player on this forum who lives near you, and would be willing (for the price of a pint) to come along & take a look at a DB if you spot one for sale? Good luck with your search PS. When I was looking for a DB, someone also suggested that I may be able to hire one.... is this something that maybe your council, or a school / college could help you with? Worth a few phonecalls or emails anyway?

Back to the OP. If I was looking for a decent Precision - I'd be wanting to try something like this Although I haven't played this one, there's a lot of love for these 62 RI's and I have dealt with the seller before - he's a decent BC'er Great colour, and good condition for its' age too [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/295907-fender-precision-mij-19931994-62-ri-with-case/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1482233345' post='3198618'] PMT don't. Cranes never did either. Only place I know of that sets up their guitars before selling is Gamlins. They get quite a few people buying stuff in PMT & then taking it to them to pay for a set up because PMT don't have anyone that does it. [/quote] PMT certainly set up 2 guitars for different pals of mine (or possibly sent them elsewhere for setting up) And I've played a few basses in there, all of which were definitely set up well. I discussed the possibility of tweaking the action of one bass (if I had bought it) and was told "no problem - we'll set it up to your requirements" Oddly enough, I've played some badly or not set up guitars and basses, in Gamlins! A friend of mine bought a rather nice Gibson SG from them, and it was set up awfully. The guitar was taken back, they charged again for a set up and nothing had changed! So I directed them to Dave Dearnaley, who did a cracking job.... Another pal has also bought a mandolin from PMT, and though that wasn't set up when he first tried it (it was straight out of the box at the time) - they tweaked the bridge with some fettling, and it played beautifully when he picked it up....

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1482220135' post='3198482'] When it comes to poor set up that really is the shop's responsibility. It amazes me that the one thing a bricks and mortar shop has over the likes of Thomann is that they can ensure every instrument from a beginner's cheapie, through to a custom shop Fender are absolutely perfect ( and still they don't)!! [/quote] Yes, definitely. It would be like a car showroom not bothering to wash the cars they are selling when putting them on the forecourt. All the shops I visit in Cardiff / South Wales area set their guitars up before selling. Sometimes they get them in straight from the supplier and they are set up fine - but they still check them over. Only one shop I know of locally who aren't consistent with this - but I wouldn't buy from them.... I'm surprised at the frets being unfinished though, I really am. I've played several of the newer Fenders and I'd say they are definitely better than they used to be (I was off Fenders for a long time, because of such issues). Try another, or as others have suggested - try a Squier Classic Vibe P bass, or a Squier Matt Freeman - you may well be blown away at the high standard of these basses. Or try a Roadworn P bass. EDIT: I've got a Roadworn P, a Roadworn J and the Flea Raodworn J and they are all incredible basses. Also, go the 2nd hand route - there are regularly great basses for sale on here Good luck with your search. Everyone should have a nice P bass

[quote name='MarkJB' timestamp='1481881336' post='3195867'] Love the Smiths too... Mind you I think many of the greatest bands split listeners! Personally I love bands that are creative, quirky and actually say something - I tend to like bands that push the envelope a bit, even if it means it's not perfect. As has been said before, thank goodness we have different tastes, otherwise life would be very boring... We might not have Metal music though, which would be a plus! ;-) [/quote] +1 to this post Re the OP - I can't believe it has been 37 years! Great album, great band - although it took me a while to like the Clash, even though I was into punk music at the time Interestingly enough, I feel the Clash, and this album have stood the test of time better than some of their contemporaries back in the day

[quote name='bcbass' timestamp='1482018309' post='3197067'] [url="https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/0303010566/solid-body-electric-guitars/fender-squier-classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s-in-burgundy-mist"] Fender Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s in Burgundy Mist Was £440! Save now while stocks last! [/url] Brand new Strat for 249£,colour is maybe not at your taste,but,at this price [/quote] That's a great price for a brand new Classic Vibe. A guitarist pal of mine had a CV strat, then sold it to buy a Mex one because it had "Fender" on the headstock. The Mex Strat is really very good - but he wishes he hadn't sold the Classic Vibe, as he afterward thought it was the better guitar..... Re the colour - maybe it's just me, being a bit odd - but I quite like it. It's a bit different to the norm too. It's also one of those colours that seems to suit having a matching headstock colour IMO. Again, maybe that's just me

Hello from a rather damp (for a change ) South Wales Plenty of love and GAS for older Fenders on here I had a liking for Fenders in my 1st spell of playing - and having taken up the bass again, and tried almost every other make / brand of bass .... I'm back on the Fenders again, and this time - I love them even more Welcome to BC, please join in whenever you can, and post some pictures of those old Fenders

Looks a nice bass - I like simple design and controls too Having a now grown up son, I also agree with the finance and family / work / music / gigging life balance thing It's tricky, packing all those things in to life, but you've gone about things the best way, I feel, and got yourself a good quality, good value bass there ...... your offspring can always buy you a brand new MM 5er when they are rich

As the others above have said - try a few and see what feels most comfortable. A lot of guitar players seem to prefer short scale and slim necks, but I know a few guitarists who play full (long scale) bass too. It all depends on how the individual bass feels to you, to your hands and fingers and how it fits in with your playing style.... Sometimes a smaller and / or narrower neck can feel uncomfortable in its' own way - or perhaps you can't get your fingers in between strings (if you're playing finger style, as opposed to pick) - or maybe you prefer space between notes at the nut end of the neck? Personally, I prefer slightly wider spacing at the bridge end of the strings (so I can really "dig-in" when I feel like it) and not too wide + deep a neck at the nut end. My hands and fingers are not huge, by any means. That said, I once owned a fab US Jazz 70's RI bass, but felt the neck on that was too slim. A word of warning here - we tend to talk about P necks being chunkier and J necks being slimmer. That is generally true, but there are slimmer P necks and chunkier J necks, just to add to the confusion... Which is why it's just best to try as many as possible and choose what feels most comfortable to you Good luck with your search