Marc S

I usually go for a chat with the bass player after a gig, not always - just depends on whether I have opportunity, or whether he/she seems to be free. I don't usually ask whether they are BC members. I have asked a couple, but none of them turned out to be - one said he was, but he "never went on there anymore". I've been at gigs where I know another BC member was there, and they came to speak to me, which I thought was great. I think it's good to chat to other bass players, and of course, other musicians too

Thanks for posting your thoughts & findings. A pal of mine had an 801, and I was surprised at how loud it was for such a small unit. I too like Markbass gear. I had a CMD102P combo and that was great. I now use a couple of different heads (not at the same time) with a Markbass 102 traveller cab. It's really lightweight and very powerful, with a nice warm sound. I also play DB, and I've heard other DB players rate the 802 very highly.

I too was about to suggest Innovation Silver (or Gold) Recently, I had a set of Weedwackers on a bass, they were great for slapping, but, just as in your case The E string just had no sustain, and was a bit "weedy". When my new set of Silver Slaps arrived I initially just tried putting the E on, but again, like yourself - I found it was a sound totally incompatible with the Weedwackers.... So I know where you're coming from... How about a Spirocore Weich E, or an Innovation Honey E ? Good luck with your search, and let us know how you get on.... I'm intrigued now

If you tried lots of basses, you may well be amazed at how different they can feel; Weight, balance, neck width, neck depth, body shape / contour, whether there is any neck-dive (and indeed, whether that matters!) The most important factors for you will be how easy it is for you to make a start on bass, and whether it can create that sound that you're after... Try a few more, but if the Epi Thunderbird is the most comfortable and best sound for you, then that's your bass, but defo try a couple more, and don't rush into just buying the 2nd or 3rd one you've tried. EDIT: I've got quite a few basses (about 2 more than Mrs S thinks I need!) but several of them are very different to each other, and even the ones that are supposed to be similar (P basses) are quite different from one another

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1480421164' post='3184190'] That looks good Scalpels are better than Stanley knives for this type of thing but it can be a right PITA all the same. The end result is very effective, though [/quote] Yes, a scalpel should give you a much neater cut. Mind yer fingers tho!

As others have said, second-hand might be the way to go. For that budget, you should get something pretty decent. Buying from a well established BC member is a good way to pick up a used bargain. If you were asking my advice on a great bass, as others have said, a Precision would be great. Preferably a Classic Vibe Squier, or a VIntage modified (VM) series bass. The Matt Freeman Squier P is superb. Someone on here has a Tokai Hardpuncher for around £300. If you like semi-acoustic basses and short scale, maybe try a Chowny bass. Also the Squier Jaguar is a great bass, and available in short scale too. So much choice Good luck in your search - remember to try as many as you can, to find the one that suits your needs.

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1480348218' post='3183571'] It can sound great in the right context. Just don't try to crowbar it in everywhere When learning, start slow. Accuracy is what will make a slap line sound good [/quote] Spot on - It can sound great, in the right song, in the right band. When watching / listening to a really good slap player, I'm usually impressed if they are very quick but if they play every song that way, I usually end up getting bored of their playing The "groove" of a song isn't necessarily the fastest bass playing or the one containing most notes - so often, it's about muted notes, and/or the notes that are "left out" of a bassline that give it feeling, mood & groove I'm not the best at slapping either, I try sometimes, if the song requires it. yes, you can learn but it can take a lot of practice. Youtube can be your friend But most of all - persist with it, don't beat yourself up if you find it difficult.... and good luck

Another welcome from the UK side of the pond. Join in as much as you can

My own thoughts are generally, that I don't like glossy necks. That said, I've one or two with glossy necks, and they are fine. I'm not sure whether they are different materials, but that must make a difference? One of my basses is a Squier CV P bass. That's the glossiest neck I have, yet it doesn't seem to get "sticky" to touch, no matter how hot & sweaty my hands get. It somehow feels "vintage". Is this me imagining it? I don't know, but I've previously owned a bass with a glossy neck, and that was terrible to play in hot weather... My 2 Fender Roadworns have a bit of a satin-y sort of "sheen" to them, and feel lovely I've played 1 or 2 basses with sanded necks, and they felt a bit too "matt" to me - they seemed to have a bit of a drag feel to them Perhaps you could lightly sand the glossy neck? Lots of people do this sort of thing

Made me chuckle this morning Hmmm, Mrs S may well be getting one of these!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1479981342' post='3180716'] I love how these threads go, same as barefaced ones, we get a page of people annoyed at the naysayers before any naysayers join in [/quote] Oh no we don't...... lol

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1479918048' post='3180290'] ....... It struck me as a good enough bass line for the song, any more playing would ruin the atmosphere. [/quote] Yes, this is so important in any song. Some songs need more playing, more complex bass, guitar, or other parts. But sometimes less is definitely more, and in this song it's absolutely the case. It does everything it needs, to drive the song. Sometimes we are all guilty of overplaying. Holding back and giving a song some space is an invaluable lesson, and it's one I've started to learn much later than I should have.....

Another fan of Entwistle PBXN pickups here. The PBX is a good pickup, but the PBXN is even better Though you will probably have to rout out 2 small rectangular spaces in the middle of each pickup cavity - as the oversized magnets on the PBXN's are that much deeper. It's not a huge amount of work though, and well worth it because the Pups are so good. Don't be fooled by the inexpensive price tag. Yes, your Squier P should be absolutely fine. Many of them get modded and are fine basses, but as someone else asked - is your bass set up properly? This can make a big difference. There you go - a set up & install a PBXN. Job done

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1479906771' post='3180166'] In a cafe and the track in the title is playing... and I'm enjoying the bass line! That's all. [/quote] Never been a big fan of U2 personally, but each to their own. That said, I do like some of their songs quite a lot. Played this very song at an acoustic gig once (requested by someone in the pub we were playing, so I learned on the spot) and although it wasn't planned like the rest of the set, it went down really well. EDIT: I meant to add, that I can perfectly understand why you enjoyed the song