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Everything posted by Marc S
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Emergency! First DB gig tomorrow....blister on forefinger tip
Marc S replied to lowlandtrees's topic in EUB and Double Bass
[quote name='mikebass84' timestamp='1430950297' post='2766334'] Pop. Drain. Superglue. [/quote] Lol Actually, you can buy a finger tape, marketed as "Double Bass Finger Tape" Got a roll from ebay, after following a link on this forum When I started playing (and indeed now, if I haven't played for a while, I end up with blisters, or at least, very sore finger tips Before I bought the tape, I wondered whether I'd be able to play with it on but after reading of a few BC'ers who recommended it, I bought one and I have to say, it's relatively comfortable and I can continue playing..... after a fashion and it does seem to stay put as well, unlike plasters I suspect that it's actually a medical product, maybe "primapore" or some such like But I keep my roll in my DB case - in case I get a paper cut etc Personally, I think it's good stuff, and very handy.... Glad the gig went OK EDIT: This is the stuff [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Double-Bass-Finger-Tape-/321740151750?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4ae9351bc6"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item4ae9351bc6[/url] -
Hi Phil, Sorry, no suggestions Though if you like what you already have on the Wal, why not keep it that way? Or maybe just keep an eye open for another bargain, and experiment then.... Just wanted to ask, Do you find the TI Flats are very low tension? I've got a set of Steve Harris Flats on my fretless, and they're good But ideally, I wish they were a lower tension.... Good luck with your string search
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How do you cope with not being able to play?
Marc S replied to dadofsix's topic in General Discussion
Glad to hear you're on the mend dadofsix A friend of mine recently had an op on the tendons of her hand she couldn't play guitar for about a fortnight, and that was driving her mad! So she played Djembe, and some other percussion instruments for a while Slowly, her hand has been improving, and she reckons that playing guitar is good physiotherapy though initially, it was a bit painful.... she took great care not to overdo it, or overstretch... Hope you're 100% back in shape asap -
As Machines says, you really have to know what you want from a bass And I suspect. like many of us, there is not really One bass that does everything you want in one instrument This may be because you are also playing different styles of music, or are after different sounds, or a different "feel" when playing..... I'd just say, before you sell anything, then later maybe regret it! Make yourself a list of what you want from that "one bass" Try as many as you can, to find out exactly what the ideals are and what compromises you may need to make, and whether those compromises can be overcome, or lived with.... For me, my RW Jazz is the best I've played, in most respects Although, if I'm honest, I sometimes wish it had a P/J pickup arrangement I've got a couple of P/J's (a Squier and a bitsa) and I wish my US Precision had the pickups from my Bitsa lol However, I can live with things the way they are, and generally get pretty much what I want from each bass when I choose which one to play (which will also depend on which band I'm with... groan!) A custom build might be a way forward, but you're going to have to be really careful with your specifications perhaps someone like Mark at Limelight would do a P/J custom build? You specify the neck profile, body etc - but maybe a very light relic (if you don't like relics too much) If your P plays like butter, and you really like it, maybe you could get a professional job done to add the J pickup? - I think that's what I'd be tempted to do, I must say Don't see this as a "task" as such - but as an exciting journey! lol I stumbled across my RW Jazz, and I only did this because I wanted a bass with a "vintage" look & sound for a particular band / project - I tried several basses, and the Jazz hit all the buttons and I'm so pleased I tried a bass I would never have done, were it not for that band... Enjoy your quest and let us know how you get on Cheers Marc
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Acoustic guitar with buzzing preamp — grounding issue?
Marc S replied to velvetkevorkian's topic in Guitars
Sounds like a grounding or shorting issue How simple it is to repair may depend on where that's taking place Is it easy to get to the electrics? As it's a cheapish guitar, I'd say, take a look, in case you can see anything obviously shorting, or a loose connection At risk of sounding like I'm also stating the bleedin' obvious Also try a fresh battery, and a couple of leads A guitarist pal of mine had some awful buzzing, with one of his guitars He tried other guitars, then different leads.... Turns out, this guitar only buzzed with one particular lead... ... and that lead was fine with other guitars! Check the jack socket too.... Good luck -
[quote name='Christian Houmann' timestamp='1430678298' post='2763651'] Hahaha! I also love my Limelight P bass. I was close to pull the trigger on this bad boy But now a friend of mine is having it [url="http://s113.photobucket.com/user/Houmann/media/Limelight%20P%20with%2066%20neck_zpsbslxjecz.jpg.html"][/url] [/quote] Mmmm, nice Love the bound neck
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A few years back, I bought a Stagg, and I've never looked back since It was never quite like an acoustic DB and from what everyone else who owns or plays both tells me an EUB can never quite feel and sound like a DB But as a first foray into the world of upright bass and for portability, then an EUB is a fab instrument in its' own right and the most convenient alternative for many players I've now got a lovely Eminence EUB, and that's the closest sounding and feeling EUB I've come accross My Stagg was a brilliant starting point, and many people continue to love & play theirs for years I haven't tried a HB myself, but I'm sure they're fairly similar Good luck in your new venture But beware, as others have said - you may well end up wanting an acoustic DB - even if you can't transport them around easily You may even just feel the need to play a DB after a while with your EUB ....It's just a bug, which bites and won't let go A few tips from me. My Stagg came with awful strings - change them asap Strings - now there's a whole new topic, which is worthy of a forum all of its' own and if you intend to bow, that can have a huge effect on which strings you should opt for..... Don't try to play your DB the same way you play a bass guitar You won't be able to play those Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden riffs straight away! Get some lessons - even one or 2 to get you going, and give you a couple of pointers before like me, you develop too many bad habits Lastly, enjoy! It really is a whole new world of playing Let us know how you're getting on EDIT: To anyone thinking of trying a foray into the world of DB A stagg is a great starting point. A second-hand one on here will set you back around 250 notes and you'll easily get that money back, should you decide to sell later
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[quote name='Kempy535' timestamp='1430464261' post='2761587'] Does anyone know what the bass are made out of and what electronics are in them? I cannot decide if going this way or ordering something from unfinished Warmoth and paining it myself is a better idea. [/quote] You can ask Mark to build a bass to your own personal spec He's reputed to use only high quality components Maybe drop him an email, and he'll let you know what the components are, or specify your own, for a custom build EDIT: I think the necks are licensed Allparts..... I gather he winds his own pickups I do know they have a great, vintage sound Hmmm, a sherwood green P/J ..... dreams
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Is this some sort of sick bassist joke?
Marc S replied to itsmedunc's topic in eBay - Weird and Wonderful
.... wonder how many people had to hold the camera? -
How do you cope with not being able to play?
Marc S replied to dadofsix's topic in General Discussion
[quote name='Subbeh' timestamp='1430362812' post='2760663'] When I'm away without my bass , I run through the things I've been learning recently, in my head, sometimes accompanied by the fretting hand movement. Sounds odd but I've found it really helps things I'm learning to really sink in. Sometimes just looking at tabs or sheet music for scales or songs I haven't played before, it really makes a difference for me the next time I pick up my bass. [/quote] I was going to suggest this sort of thing Just play along, unplugged, and do the actions with just the one hand If you are able to, that is.... Maybe pick up a small drum, like a cheap Djembe, and tap along to music with one hand? - that's something, I suppose Sorry to hear of your accident Not being able to play would be a real downer for me but it should heal in time - sad to hear about blue's friend, who will never be able to play again Hope you're up & playing again asap Cheers, and best wishes Marc -
[quote name='police squad' timestamp='1430375445' post='2760688'] all fixable, go for 250 because it needs a proper set up [/quote] Worth a try anyway.... Does look like a Fender to me.....
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These CV Squiers are absolutely fabulous Great build quality, great feel & sound and IMHO, the Fiesta Red P is the best looker (esp with tort plate) Had one myself, and sold it, to get a Bitsa P/J which is great, but not quite as good, quality-wise as these CV's You're right about the necks on these. They're not as chunky as a US P bass Just a tad wider than a Jazz, and they feel superb, with a great finish and are a joy to play Lucky you, to get it for a song Now, play it, enjoy it, and hang on to it
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90s Fender Japan '57 reissue Precision Bass
Marc S replied to originalfunkbrother's topic in Bass Guitars
No worries matey I meant to add; from what I could hear (albeit in a shop) the Japan P I tried did sound very P-like to me -
[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1429738439' post='2754553'] It's Barbie's bass ! [/quote] Lol This bass looks amazing! I thought at last, I had all the basses I could ever want .... but this has made me think again How good are Retrovibes? What's it sound like? What's it like to play? Great stuff. Glad you like it
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90s Fender Japan '57 reissue Precision Bass
Marc S replied to originalfunkbrother's topic in Bass Guitars
Not tried the '57 reissue specifically, But I've heard they are pretty good I don't know the BC'er selling this, but there's one for sale on here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/260513-fender-51-p-bass-reissue-mij-butterscotch-blonde/page__hl__fender+japan__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url] Could check it out.... EDIT: Though this is a '51 from the description.... I recently played a Fender Japan P in a shop (though not a 57 - think it was a 70's reissue) It certainly felt and sounded like a really nice bass I was sorely tempted, and it looked absolutely stunning too with maple board & block inlays Seemed a superb quality instrument I played another JapanFender P a couple of years back, and a Japan built Jazz. They all seemed to be top quality basses to me I've heard folk say that the electrics and screening are better in Japan Fenders though I don't know this for sure myself.... Good luck with your search and let us know what you decide -
Alcohol, volume and gigging - an article
Marc S replied to Funky Dunky's topic in General Discussion
[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1430209720' post='2758848'] As with most things it's a matter of moderation. I usually get a pint in after setting up and that lasts until the end of the first set. I tend to go for weaker strength beers when I'm playing anyway (under 4% usually) and maybe a half in the second set, so over the time I'm at the pub 1 to 2 pints by the time I'm cleared away isn't going to affect my playing nor trouble the breathaliser. [/quote] I'm usually driving when I play So this reply pretty much sums up my evening at a gig It's usually just the one pint, after setting up and maybe a half at the interval I once gigged and had 3 pints beforehand (someone else drove) and it definitely affected my playing, albeit slightly - but I was aware of this ....so I won't do that again -
bonjour bigyouth, Welcome to basschat I'm left handed, and I play right handed! And there are several of us who do this..... It's not particularly common, but I do know other musicians who are right handed, but play left (including my lodger, who plays guitar & sings) Nice bass collection you have there Enjoy the forum No-one will judge you on your English Because it's bound to be better than most of our French Marc PS. Je Suis un Gallois
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NBD - BC Rich NJ Series Eagle w/DiMarzios - CashConvertors!
Marc S replied to cetera's topic in Bass Guitars
I'm not a big fan of BC Rich basses particularly But this is a bargain Glad you like it Like many of the other replies, I never seem to find those sort of bargains in my local Cash Converters I've heard several people who have got bargains there But I tend to just see cr@p whenever I pop in ... and it's usually overpriced cr@p at that Nice one EDIT: And yes, pics please -
[quote name='ead' timestamp='1429880048' post='2755928'] Just acquired this form a fellow BCer. I'm not a natural Fender fan, but this has the potential to radically change my perceptions.[attachment=190370:Fender Jazz.jpg] [/quote] My RW Jazz certainly changed my perceptions I wasn't particularly a Fender fan before I got mine either I bought it for one particular band - now I use it most of the time Lovely basses - enjoy it ead I couldn't be without mine now
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Yes, Jazzneck is right You could always try just a few small dabs of WD40, on a cotton bud too If you don't want to be taking the bridge on & off etc That way, you'll keep the overall look /effect of rusty, pitted screws and not have new shiny ones - if that offends your eye, or new screws look too new on a RW bass
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Fretless - The Police. Simply fantastic bass lines
Marc S replied to mcnach's topic in General Discussion
[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1429738272' post='2754547'] I've recently rediscovered The Police...... .....Things like "Roxanne". There are only a few notes (the timing is key for this one, 'though) and nothing complicated at all... but it feel great to play. Sometimes the simplest basslines can be amazing. [/quote] Absolutely! The Police are one of those bands I seem to sometimes "rediscover" I hear a track on the radio, and think "Wow, I'd forgotten how good that sounds" ... and instantly head for my old vinyl LPs Spot on re the comment about "simple basslines" too It's not about how many notes you can cram in, how tricky a particular lick or riff is ... It's just about the bass sounding right, and fitting the song As you also point out, the timing on Roxanne (and some of his other basslines) is tricky, despite the overall simplicity and it's the tricky timing that makes some songs... Sting is a strange character, for me Sometimes I like him, sometimes I don't But his bass playing and singing really worked in the Police EDIT: And they were all great, and perhaps understated musicians -
That looks rather fab DaytonaRik I'm sure if he were still with us, PL would like it too
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Ah, I see Mind you, I can't believe how necks can vary so much There seems to be more difference in recent years Once upon a time, a P neck was a P neck Now they seem to vary in width, depth and radius..... My old 70's P had a hugely chunky neck I bought a US P the other day (woo hoo NBD) and the neck is nice, wider than my Jazz, wider than my Mex / Bitsa P But not as wide as my old P and comfortably shallow front-to-back... hmmm I too had an Ibanez SR500 Davy Lovely bass, and hugely under-rated IMHO However, I grew away from liking the very slim neck, and particularly, as I prefer finger-style playing rather than plectrum I prefer the string spacing of a Fender, for my right hand.... Gig the bass for now, and carefully think before adding a bridge pickup I'm sure you'll prefer the sound, and the flexibility but you need to take care, not to damage the body of the bass, when routing out space for the pickup & wiring etc Good luck with it
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Bought a David Gage DB docking station and a Fender P bass from Nick What a decent bloke. Both items in great condition, as described Willing to negotiate, and completely honest & trustworthy .... after 5 minutes, I felt like I've known him years Deal with confidence BC'ers Many thanks again Nick / Old Horse