Marc S

Hi @bassjim- how did you get on with this problem? As has been suggested, try a fret rocker tool first. Also, it may just be that you have a fret that is high because it has become loose. Sometimes, these only become apparent when the strings are under normal tension. A luthier would be able to correct this. They sometimes need just gently tapping back into level - but sometimes a thin, fine glue is needed to hold them in place. I once had a bass with high, loose frets. I couldn't work out what was going on, but a luthier sorted it quickly for me. Let us know how you get on. Best of luck

Not seen one of those before. Nice to have it as a two project bass! Happy NBD. Enjoy

Fish n' chips - Eddie & The Hot Rods

I just noticed that my original post in this thread was exactly a year ago today - and funnily enough, I've a few "experiments" to report on. Since buying this bass, and absolutely loving it - I have tried a couple of different necks on it. I recently bought a Fender US Jazz neck (from this very forum), and had a Fender MIJ neck (which I'd intended to put on another body.... and will try, at some point). The Jazz neck being typical Jazz width, and the MIJ neck being slightly narrower (42mm) and slightly more shallow, front-to-back. I like the original neck on this bass - it feels nice & smooth. But I was looking for something a bit slimmer. The same, original pickups were used throughout, as were the strings (TI Flats) - so the neck was the only factor to change. Sadly, I'm not "tech savvy" enough to do a decent recording, for proper comparison - but I did try each neck configuration through the same couple of amps, and my headphones. So it's my ageing ears that we must trust for these comparisons! I had wondered about different wood types, and talk of Maple v Rosewood boards - the MIJ neck, having a RW board, and the original P neck and US Jazz neck being Maple. The sound was definitely "snappier" on both maple boards, and slightly "softer" with the MIJ Rosewood-boarded neck. The added width of both the original, and the MIJ necks definitely helped pronounce the low-end notes a bit more. The original P neck definitely producing more sustain than both other necks - but perhaps that's partly down to a slightly better fit in the neck pocket? The original neck being just a tad more snug.... Of course some of this may also be down to better matching of wood types at the factory? You would assume that with this Classic series, the selection process at the factory being more rigorous for the more expensive models. I did some recording as part of a new project last night - at a music school studio, and really liked the sound from this bass. The engineer also commented on how much he liked what he heard. What I can say for definite, is that one year on.... I'm still really loving this bass. I really regret selling my Squier Classic Vibe P bass - but don't regret buying this one.

Sorry folks - I've not had chance to do anything re getting a pickup for my Bououki as yet. I've been rather busy with DIY "stuff" - my garden fence blew down several weeks back, and I've been digging, repairing, rebuilding, concreting new posts in.... as well as work and looking after Mam. Also, I got myself a new upright the other week - a rather lovely BSX slim bodied EUB / acoustic bass, and I've been rather distracted by that. Funnily enough, I've just started a recording project with a Greek gent (a really decent bloke), who is the lead guitarist & studio engineer in the project. He also plays Bouzouki - so I've forewarned him I want to pick his brains in the coming weeks. I'm hoping he has some ideas & suggestions to add re a pickup. (Plus, he's a music teacher, so I'm hoping he can offer some guidance on playing techniques too) I really wish I had more free time - cos I love the sound of the Bouzouki

Ah, I must admit - I'm terrible at home-recording / tech type stuff. However, in a couple of weeks, I'll be doing a video with one of my bands, at a really decent studio & venue (Acapella Studios , Cardiff) I'll share that as soon as I can. I did once own an Eminence @JPJand I have to say, I really liked it, but I definitely prefer the BSX. It feels a more solid, better construction (the bridge on the Eminence always felt a little "lightweight" to me. Plus, I really like the sounds from the BSX. I particularly like the wide ranging EQ settings. The pre-amp seems really nice, and the pickup has a nice, natural sound to it. I'll see what the studio engineer says about it. I met him before, when I had a jam session, using my Ibanez Upswing. He really liked the sound from that, although not quite "upright-like" he thought it had a great sound of its' own.

Just a quick update as to my thoughts on this bass. I'm really so glad I went for this fabulous Upright. I'm really enjoying playing it, and I love the sound. Not gigged it yet, but had a kitchen practice with singer/guitarist and fiddle player..... both band-mates said the bass looked interesting and really nice, and both commented on how good it sounded. What has been a real boon with this upright, is the fact I can pick it up quickly, from the A-frame guitar stand, and just sit on the sofa and play it. I don't need to stand up to play it Pizzicato - as the body is so small, I can just play it easily. It's something that is encouraging me to play more often, even if just for 10 -15 mins at a time. I can jam along to YouTube or the radio, as I have the remotes to hand on the sofa next to me. One thing I might do in future, is to change the strings for something lighter gauge.

Beautiful Truth - The Proclaimers

The sun always shines on TV - A-ha

Here is the BSX alongside a standard P bass. What I forgot to mention earlier, is a real boon - I can play this upright while sat in comfort on the sofa. It's just the right height with endpin retracted and the bottom of the body doesn't get in the way....

Included with this bass, was the bracket to fit to a stand (it will bolt onto a cymbal stand). But so far I'm finding I like the removable tummy-rest. It's quite comfortable, and you can angle it to your preference. With the endpin retracted, the bass will sit in a standard A-frame guitar stand. Also attached a photo of the controls. T, M & B knobs have a centre position too, which I'm sure will help.

They're not too heavy. It's about the same weight as my Ibanez Upswing - albeit the Upswing weight includes stand. Yes to the gigbag - they come supplied with one. They also break down like the Eminence - you can fit them in a golf case, for taking on aeroplanes. I had an Eminence, which was great- however, I think this feels more "solid" & sturdily built. Love the sound from it - practicing in the house, it really sounds like a full bodied upright. Really glad I bit the bullet on this 😀

It's a BSX (brand) Allegro model. They're only sold by Bass Direct, I think. This one was 2nd hand (they rarely come up).

I have searched for ages for a portable, EUB type upright that sounded and felt like an acoustic upright for ages. I've been round the houses, and had settled on my Ibanez Upswing.... although it doesn't sound that much like an acoustic upright, and didn't feel like one either. Interestingly though, I quite like the way it sounds, and band mates and punters alike have said the same... I've really enjoyed playing it, and it certainly has been portable. Funnily enough, I've always had questions, comments and compliments whenever I've gigged it. Last Friday, 6 or 7 people in the audience came to chat to me afterwards. But just the other day, this bass came up - and they don't turn up 2nd hand very often. So I took the trip and tried it. Straight away I could tell I was going to like it, and now, at last, I have a portable upright which sounds and feels like a true acoustic DB. The controls are good, and make the sounds from it really flexible - volume, treble, middle and bass. And I'm liking what I get at home through a small amp or headphones. Can't wait to put it through a big amp, at a venue. Unplugged, it's loud enough to practice along to a youtube video. My only decision now is whether to keep the Ibanez Upswing - because I've rather grown to like it.... doh!

Travellin' Man - The Dead South

Accidents will happen - Elvis Costello & The Attractions

I'm doing the same thing - doubling up with bass guitar and upright (usually my EUB these days). I had an "A-B BOX ABS-520" for a while. It's like other ABY pedals - but it has separate level contols for each input. Of course, EQ may be quite different for each instrument. However, it's tiny & lightweight, so may be OK for some scenarios. I recently bought an EBS Micro Bass pedal from this very forum. It's an ABY, but with a built-in pre-amp. This seems ideal - but there are lots of dials & buttons on it, and it'll take a wee while to get used to. (I keep setting the wrong EQ to the wrong channel - Doh!) My favourite solution though, was getting my MarkBass EVO1 head. It has 2 separate channels, with separate EQ controls, plus some pre-set amp tones, and I really like it. The only downside for me is that it lacks illumination on the control panel, and tweaking the controls on a dark stage can be challenging. This solution for me though, is my favourite. The EBS Micro Bass pedal is my reserve plan, or for when I'm travelling light, or without an amp.