Marc S

I like the thought of a rig you can vary I'm in a few bands / combos, and also play DB or double up (on BG & DB) so I need flexibility A Markbass combo will give you 350W on its' own and 500W when you use an 8 ohm extension Conan is quite right too, of course the amount of Watts doesn't necessarily indicate how loud a rig is But most modern, decent gear is pretty loud for its size these days My Markbass 210 certainly is, and with an extension cab..... whew I used to use a heavy old Traynor valve head, a big, very heavy 2x15 and a 4x12 This wasn't as loud as my 210 combo on its' own

I use a Markbass 210 combo That sounds a lot bigger than it is As an extension, for larger cabs, I use an additional cab - a Phil Jones 4x5 I know some would say 5" speakers and even 10" speakers can never sound truly "big" But honestly, they can, or at least are ample for the biggest of pubs or clubs I played open air, without going through the PA at a large park, a little while back The sound guys had to ask me to turn down!! You could try using your cab with a 1x12 combo, or a 2x10 combo to give you 500W Plenty of people on here seem to use a 1x12 combo and 1x 12 extension and seem perfectly happy with it I used to play in the 80's too So I know where you're coming from let us know what you opt for .... and look after that back

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and findings with us Painy Nice to know what others think of the sound - especially at gigs You can try instruments in a guitar shop but you don't really get a true idea of what it would sound like in a live situation.... Your thoughts on the pickups backup what I anticipated they would sound like.... Must try one out soon I'm getting GAS again!

In my 1st spell of playing, in the early 80's (before my 25 year absence!) There was a general feeling or ethos that you either played a Fender, Gibson or Rickenbacker .... or you played rubbish copies During this time, in any music shop you heard the derogatory term "Jap Cr@p" banded about to refer to anything that wasn't a "major brand" This may have been partly true - as there were an awful lot of terrible guitars about back then But some of the stuff coming out of Japan in particular was brilliant The musical snobs thought otherwise, of course But I can recall many incidents of them dissing Squiers as awful, cheap copies and wondering what Fender were doing, allowing this rubbish to be associated with the Fender brand.... Those early Japan Squiers are now highly collectible, and prized for their superb build quality I had a Japan-built Rick copy bass, marketed as a Shaftesbury, which was just a stunning instrument of the highest build quality, and produced a stunning sound Nowadays, the quality of so called "lesser brands" is of an incredibly high standard Particularly the Indonesian Squier Vintage Modified series, and the China made Classic Vibe series are awesome You'd think that the brand snobs would have learned their lesson with the Japan Squiers ...... but maybe that's expecting too much of them? Most of us would never watch a band thinking "my amp is better than his" or "his bass is just a copy of mine....." Don't concern yourself about those who are so petty, that's all they can do If you're happy and comfortable with your bass, and the sound you get and if the band are happy with your sound - then keep it that way If anyone questions you about it - just say your backup bass is a Fender / Rick / Gibson / MM / whatever ...... but it has let you down - so you left it homer and decided to stick with your more reliable instrument

.... And don't forget, Seasick Steve makes some fabulous music, and a very healthy wagepacket From playing a guitar that was worth $10...... about 15 years ago!

If your Sammick sounds good, play it I wouldn't worry about what anyone else thinks As someone else said, if you told people it was a custom built bass, they probably wouldn't know As a bonus, there's something quite liberating, about gigging with a bass you're not too precious about too....

Another convert here I used to use a 4x12, valve head and a 1x15 I now use several combinations (depending on what band I'm with) I've got a Markbass 210 combo, and a Phil Jones 4x5 Or I use the PJ cab with a PJ valve head The Markbass alone gives me 350W, and it's a great, well-defined sound Coupled with the PJ cab I get 500W, and find it's useful to sometimes be able to split the speaker positions... I can't believe how lightweight the Markbass stuff is, and how loud it sounds I too am of a "certain age" and don't think I'd ever gig again, if all I had was the option of the old gear I used to use.... Don't risk putting your back out Get some new lightweight gear PS. A few months back, I was staggered at just how light the new Fender Rumble amps are!

Misery stick? Double Bass day? - let me know I'm up for that, but is there a "happy stick" available too?

I think it's definitely worth a try Sounds a great idea I have a 5 string, and I don't really play it that much I keep dabbling with it - but for me, I sometimes lose which string I'm playing, with my right hand. I know persistence is the key here, but sadly I don't have too much spare time I do like the sound of the lower notes though, and as Truckstop says The low E fretted does sound a little different I've fitted a hipshot D-tuner to one of my basses, and love the ability to use standard tuning, and get that low D when I want it (I like it so much, I'm after a hipshot for my Ibanez acoustic BTW - if anyone has one for sale?) I'd say give it a try - it'll cost you a set of 5 strings, or maybe some old strings and a new B Worth an experiment anyway Let us know how you get on with it

[quote name='Jono Bolton' timestamp='1423050004' post='2679934'] I really want a Squier Matt Freeman in Vintage White to go with my black one. I have pretty average goals in life. [/quote] Ah no - if you really like Squier basses, then it's not an "average goal" - just cos it doesn't have a big name on the headstock .... it's just that you realise just how good these basses are Me? I've got too many basses, and really love everything I have So I shouldn't be GASing at all at the moment .... But I keep thinking about ordering a Limelight P bass..... And quite fancy the Dee Dee Ramone Fender P signature they've just released Groan......

[quote name='phil-m' timestamp='1422830632' post='2677399'] hi my name is phil, thanks for the ad,i am from st helens , merseyside, i gave up playing bass,guitar in the late seventies, a decided just before christmas to take up bass guitar again, looking forward to joining in the chat, and learning the present day jargon you guys use lol [/quote] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Wilkommen phatty, or as we say in Wales, Croeso! I'm sure your Mark Hoppus is a fine bass It's easy to be dismissive about any bass, and have GAS for more / better gear But I think you've made a good start.... I'm in my 2nd phase of bass playing, having given up for over 20 years! And I've gone full circle, and come back to Fenders My fave bass guitar is my wonderful Roadworn Fender Jazz Sometimes it takes you a while to actually know what it is you want from an instrument[/font][/color] [font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#282828]And phil from St Helens - it seems you gave up even before me! Welcome back to you too sir There are times I wish I hadn't given up - but moreover, I'm just glad to be back phatty, I promise never to mention the War......wick - I never got on with my German bass Though it was a well made, quality bass it just wasn't for me in the end Now I'd better get back to work .... I'd rather be on BC, or playing my bass, but there we go Cheers Marc EDIT: Is it possible to mention Wales, without mentioning sheep? ..... or the rain [/color][/font]

Thanks for that link gary mac Has anyone used the sheilding paint? Saw it in the Haynes Fender Bass Manual, and just wondered how effective it was? EDIT: Like this stuff eg http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CONDUCTIVE-GRAPHITE-SHIELDING-PAINT-REDUCES-GUITAR-HUM-BUZZ-PAINT-ONLY-/171335822312?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item27e4692be8

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1422913600' post='2678411'] I can't keep using the same reasons for a bass that suddenly turns up, can I? [/quote] Well, you could tell her that you took one to the repair guy ..... and he's re-sprayed it for you too! Always keep an empty guitar box in the shed / garage etc Take it out of the house, struggling slightly - to make it appear as if the box is full ..... bring home the box, complete with bass inside And if the bass is being sent to you via mail simply discard your old box a day or 2 before the new bass is about to arrive, keeping the new box for your next NBD! Simples

[quote name='spongebob' timestamp='1422646472' post='2675197'] I love the look of the Classic Vibe 70s Precision. Quite steep at around £380, though. [/quote] The Classic Vibe series are outstanding quality, honestly! There are tests on youtube of guitars and basses Some of the tests are blindfold, and the players think they're playing US, and even custom shop instruments... £380 is perhaps a bit more than we're used to paying for something with a Squier logo on it But for the money, I think they are immense quality I'd say they stand up against anything £500 and over I've played a few of the newer Mex Fenders lately, and they're good - but not as good as the CV series IMO I've also played a couple of US basses, new and secondhand, and I think my Squier CV stands up to any of them Same for the VM series really - fantastic instrument for the money Great news thebrig - £120 for a great instrument - happy NBD to you Something of a bargain, I think - enjoy it and if the missus hasn't seen it yet, just convince her you've always had it, in the back of a cupboard somewhere lol

I use fast fret. It's OK, and nice & easy to apply But I quite like the idea of trying something else... I use Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol) for other purposes - NB, not drinking! You can get it on ebay It's a really effective cleaner - just not tried it on strings yet Where do you get Citrasolv ubassman?

[quote name='dodge_bass' timestamp='1422730789' post='2676256'] Yarp. It's sitting in my little studio right next to me as we speak! It's lush alright and sounds brill too. Very glad I snaffled it up! [attachment=182509:IMG_1680.jpg] [/quote] I'm not often envious - especially as I'm actually satisfied with the basses I have (for the moment anyway) But sitting here reading this thread, and this comment in particular ..... I am now really really envious! Lucky you - it just looks perfect to me One day, I'll order one of these fab basses.... Cheers all - but please stop teasing me with all these pics

The quality of guitars coming out of China these days is really high I quite fancied a Modern Player 4 string at one point I'm sure those pickups are awesome, and look as if the bass will pack some punch! I've got a China-made Squier CV 60's P bass, and the quality of that is absolutely amazing especially for the money! Once you've played that gig - please let us know how it sounds I'd be very interested - as I might still be tempted..... one day Enjoy your New Bass Day

Hello from just across the water, in South Wales - which is having a rare sunny day atm! Welcome to the forum

Yes, they do play good I've tried a couple in my local guitar shop, and every one has been great I've got a VM P bass, with P/J pickups and it's brilliant I also have a Classic Vibe 60's P bass .... and the quality, sound and playability on that is even better than the VM series Again, I've tried another since, just to compare - and just as good A guitarist pal has a CV tele, and he loves it.... Says it compares to any US Fender he's played Squiers have come on leaps & bounds lately.... If you haven't tried a Classic Vibe yet - I highly recommend a go .... a word of warning though - you will want it! lol