Marc S

My first double bass was a Stagg EUB As such, it was a cheap introduction to the wonderful world of double bass (and I'm so glad I bought it, for that reason) They are much more portable than an acoustic DB but it didn't sound much like a DB to my ear..... More recently, I bought myself an Aria - like the one in the picture It has a small hollow body, and I had hoped this would help it sound more DB-like Also, it has 2 pickups; a piezzo and a magnetic one, and independent switching and control of each [attachment=179105:Aria EUB.jpg] It is an improvement, sound-wise over the Stagg but it still doesn't sound quite like a proper DB to me and I suppose it never quite will, because, as others have said EUB's aren't the same as DB's Although many say EUB's sound more like a fretless I also play a fretless, and I have to say they aren't quite that either They are in something of a category of their own I'd like to get the most DB-like sound from my EUB as possible I'm going to be playing at a few festivals next summer, one of them in Brittany and I'd really much prefer to be able to take my EUB, for sheer convenience (customs etc etc) I recently bought a Zoom B3 effects unit, hoping to be able to get a more DB-like sound and with a bit of messing around with the tone controls on my EUB, and the fretless sound effects on the Zoom pedal - i got a bit of an improvement, but it's still not quite what I'd like... At a bass bash, I recently played bass guitar, through a Roland Midi effects unit some kind BC'er brought along That sounded superb. But there are 2 drawbacks 1) The Roland unit is expensive 2) You need to use a Roland Midi / pickup unit - and these are made only to fit bass guitars, not EUB's (they aren't the right shape, size, or curvature) I've heard some soundclips, and people saying that the Yamaha Silentbass is the best, and most DB-like sound of them all From what I've heard, I have to say, it does sound superb But they are pricey..... I'm reading this with interest, and would like to hear what others have to say and if anyone has a patch for the Zoom B3, or any hints & tips on getting a better sound with it please, please let me know (I must admit, I haven't really got used to using it much.... yet) I know what you mean about the ageing process, and the condition of your back My years are advancing too! If you can get a second-hand Stagg from someone on here I'd say give it a whirl... They are easier to lug around, but don't expect too much of a true DB sound There are a few websites devoted to improving the humble Stagg, should you want to try some modifications If you decide you don't like the sound, you can always sell it on, and you would get pretty much what you paid for it Let us know how you get on and what you decide anyway I'm reading with interest! Sorry it's a long reply, and there are probably no real answers

[quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1419104529' post='2636678'] Yeah I saw that last night. Made me have a good long think if I could rock shell pink..... [/quote] I think this must be the best looking bass I have ever seen! Wow! just Wow!

[quote name='spacey' timestamp='1419001096' post='2635620'] Its who hold the patent that matters. Rickenbacker invented the Humbucker pickup but never patented it, they also let the guy leave with the basic Musicman design, What Rickenbacker made a music man ? Yes in a primitive form and it hangs on the wall. Yet they dont hold the patents so those that do call the shots. [/quote] ... but was it not also said (including by you?) that this was a question of "morals"? ("patents were not mentioned at the time hmmm....) Although Patents have been in place where morals existed, history is replete with examples of patents being applied for by someone who stole the originators' ideas...... Or those who could afford to pay for the application! Another point that hasn't been discussed, is that of young players, who own copies, because that is all they can afford.... My first bass was a terrible Rick copy. I aspired to the "real thing" - one day I later had a fantastic Rick copy - but I still aspired to owning the real thing .....Which I later did All of my young pals at the time, had copies,by all manner and standards of builders At the time, these copies were all they could afford and every one of them really wanted to get their hands on the real thing, one day, when they could afford it etc etc And those who continue to play have all done so... So my point is, if manufacturers prevent copies of their instruments being built / sold Are they not missing a trick, by discouraging younger players from aspiring to their "real deal" instruments? Rickenbacker are a real case in point here There are very few Rick copies out there by comparison with Gibson or Fender So young players grow up playing Gibson or Fender copies (licensed or otherwise) so when they can afford the real thing - what do they buy? This has also been borne out by music shop staff I know..... (one of whom is a very good friend, and we have discussed this very fact)

[quote name='Rabbie' timestamp='1418937121' post='2635088'] .......Another good rule of thumb is to develop a facial expression which makes you look like you are listening to what the fiddler has to say, whilst in truth you are thinking about a sandwich.... [/quote] Top advice, and substitute "fiddler" for guitarist / singer / drummer wherever applicable! I always thought that in the main, 3/4 was pretty much the standard size used in bluegrass as it seems to be in Jazz etc etc I tried a 1/2 size recently, for the 1st time (playing a 3/4 usually) And I found the 1/2 size wasn't quite as "small" as I expected.... I had initially thought about getting one in the future, to save my back / space in the car/ ease of lugging around But I don't think 1/2 size is that much smaller, from a practical point of view In fact, my 3/4 David Gage has a smaller body, and certainly felt a little lighter than the 1/2 size I think I's stick with your 3/4 if I were you I've also seen a shallower bodied 3/4 double bass maybe that's another option for aiding portability?

Also re copyright issues, What has not been mentioned here, is that Fender themselves "stole" / "borrowed" their headstock design from Bigsby, Who had themselves stolen / borrowed the general headstock design from very early Spanish acoustic guitars Here's a link to the BIgsby site I'm searching for a pic of that very early Spanish guitar - but I have seen a pic and a museum article on it.... if anyone else remembers where this is, please feel free to post I think the instrument was dated around circa 1880, if my memory serves me..... [url="http://bigsbyfiles.blogspot.co.uk/"]http://bigsbyfiles.blogspot.co.uk/ E[/url]DIT: I say this, fully realising that copying a logo and copying an overall design may be regarded as two different things but copy the basic design of the headstock is what Fender did....

I'm not normally a fan of really sparkly basses But I have to say, this one looks great Perhaps it's the addition of the mirror pick-guard too? As gary mac says; it's not a bass to be hiding at the back of the stage with.... It's fab news that you're really pleased with the bass and that it came well set up too Happiness is indeed, a fabulous bass guitar Looks like Christmas has started early for you this year Enjoy...... EDIT: How much of a bargain was it? - if you don't mind me asking......

I'm some way off being 60 yet But I'm heartened to learn of so many people over 60, who are still playing regularly I certainly intend to go on for as long as I can I've played with a lot of different musicians over the past 2 years or so Most of them a fair bit younger than me Some of the younger players have surprised me, with their lack of knowledge re musical past and influences etc But then equally, some have surprised me as to just how much they know and the sheer range of their own influences Many have been far more open-minded than I was, at their young age This too, is really positive IMO When I first played bass, my rig was huge and heavy, and gave me 150W Now it's a quarter of the size, a third of the weight ..... and more than 3 times the power! Now, for someone of advancing years - that's what I call progress

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1418669772' post='2632193'] If it was me I'd shield the cavity first..... [/quote] My first thoughts too... Definitely a good starting point I believe the later Japan-built "non-export" models were very well shielded in that respect... As others have said, check the rest of your wiring / connections too It is possible that you have a slight dry joint somewhere I always solder using flux these days I'm no particular expert at soldering or electronics, but I have done a fair bit in recent years Most solders contain flux, but applying liquid flux to a joint, just before soldering, improves matters and speeds up the action of the solder Check that bridge earth wire too I recently bought a Fender pot, from a local shop and it wasn't too expensive... Good luck anyhow

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1418979200' post='2635343'] If you put build a "bitsa" bass and put a Fender logo on it then the problem is that its technically illegal. You're breaking the law if you try to sell it, regardless of whether or not you're open about what it is..... [/quote] Indeed - but if I had built my own bass, or commissioned someone else to, and applied a Fender logo to it - that's my look out Technically, it may be illegal, but as others have said Fender don't seem to be too bothered about it, as long as I'm not selling it as a Fender, or attempting to pass it off as such Builders of custom made replicas don't seem to be trying to pass their instruments off as "genuine" and fender don't seem to be overtly bothered by this practice Again, I make the point that perhaps this may be partly down to them not wanting to be seen to go down the same route as Rickenbacker, and being completely OTT about it If I were CEO at Fender, I think I'd be more worried about the people who are applying logos to Squiers, and trying to pass them off as genuine USA Fenders..... Yes, relicing guitars & basses seems to divide people but as someone who has moved from the no camp, to the yes camp (as long as it's done well) I will again iterate the point - no-one is forcing you to buy or play a reliced bass or guitar I don't dictate to others about their choice of wallpaper, clothes, music etc etc [i]ad infinitum...... [/i]

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1418947523' post='2635222'] Very poor analogy. That's the equivalent of starting with a Fender and then replacing (say) the BBOT and pickguard, in which case no-pne would argue it shouldn't still have a Fender badge. A better analogy would be building a Caterham or Westfield kit car and sticking a Lotus badge on it. [/quote] No it isn't - Limelight use Fender built / licensed parts Whereas Kit Car companies like westfield, Dutton etc do not supply their kits with parts made by Lotus.....

I've got to say, I've pondered quite a bit (partly due to having to sell another bass first) but my ponderings are only about what colour / finish to opt for.... Having emailed Mark quite a few times over the past few weeks I have to say, he always replies very promptly and with more options / choices (making my decisions more difficult!) I will definitely be ordering a bass from him in the new year because every time I see a Limelight, I love it! Certainly the ones I have played, and the reputation of these basses goes before itself.... PS. I'm sure your GAS will return Rumpole..... sorry, but it does seem to bite again....

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1418918448' post='2634856'] I find it hard to believe that Fender are still unaware of the Limelight basses. The fact that they seem to have done nothing about it would seem to indicate that they can live with this (very minor) level of threat to their brand. Imitation is, after all, the most sincere form of flattery. [/quote] One of the points a failed to make, and well put Conan

[quote name='spacey' timestamp='1418914786' post='2634793'] How is it nonsense, if it has a logo, it is a trademark counterfeit, thats the law of the land unfortunately..... [/quote] It is nonsense, because Your point was about counterfeiting and fakes! No one is trying to pass Limelights off as the "real thing" - yet in earlier posts you seem to suggest that I'm sure there are people trying to pass off some guitars as fake - but certainly not Mark There's a difference between "counterfeit" and "reliced" and you are lumping one in with the other Yes, it has a badge on, but no one is trying to sell it as anything but a replica, or tribute to.... Your thread title "Snide basses and ridicules prices" makes no sense at all What exactly is "snide" or who is being "snide"? Some well made custom relics are in fact, tributes to great guitars and, I'm sure you meant "ridiculous" rather than "ridicules" - but for a custom built bass, to an exact specification, the ones I have tried have been rather low priced, considering their quality.... Further to your comment re the logo If Fender want to get upset about this, that's their place (and it's the law of a different land - the USA because not all "lands" have exactly the same law) but I would say that they don't want to run the risk of looking as OTT as Rickenbacker have been seen to be, regarding their complete over reaction to Rick copies.....

The debate about whether a Limelight should sport a Fender logo is nonsense! If you restore an old MG sports car, with 3rd party body parts (to replace the rusty MG ones) .... does this mean your car shouldn't be wearing an MG badge anymore??? The logo is just part of the overall look of the instrument, and if that's what the owner wants - fine! The words "fake" and "counterfeit" are suggestive that someone is trying to pass these basses off as a genuine old Fender, and it's pretty obvious that no-one is trying to do that If they tried to sell it as a genuine Fender, then they are committing an offence Take it from me, I've owned 2 old Pre-CBS Fender basses, and I've tried 2 Limelights The Limelights absolutely win, hands down, on playability, sound, feel etc etc Mark is using top quality components, and creating top quality, bespoke instruments and furthermore, he's helping someone get the instrument of their dreams - which otherwise, they'd never be able to afford If you don't like relics - fair enough - it's all down to taste, and it's your choice No-one is forcing you to play one or buy one I wasn't particularly a fan of reliced basses, until I got my Roadworn Fender Jazz It's the best, most comfortable, great sounding, versatile bass I've ever played or owned no contest - and I've owned early Fenders, Rickenbackers, a Musicman and several others over the years What is really satisfying though, is that I don't have forty fits every time I gig my roadworn Jazz I've owned new / mint basses before, and found that I was paranoid about getting them scratched or some other muso knocking a cymbal stand onto them..... Gigging with a pre-reliced bass is such a liberating feeling, honestly! There are other builders of reliced basses out there, and I've seen some real OTT stuff, and some tat But if you haven't tried a Liumelight bass yet - you have no place criticising them until you have! They are superbly crafted instruments, they feel great, comfortable, and worn-in (not worn out!) and sound amazing To those who insist on mint, un-touched basses That's fine, it's your choice - but they are supposed to be for playing, They are working instruments, and will get knocked and bumped over the years If you want to keep them absolutely mint, I don't know how you can, without putting them in a glass case, ..... and never using them... and what do you do if it gets a knock or scratch? EDIT: I believe that Mark now doesn't normally fit the Fender logo on his custom basses BTW

Hi Coredelia, Welcome to the site I started off (many years ago) with a really awful bass But the key is, to persist with it, and get something better as soon as you can Save every penny you possibly can, and get yourself a decent bass My favourite is my roadworn Fender Jazz - it's absolutely awesome I've owned more expensive basses, but this is the best IMHO You could always start your venture into the world of Double bass, with a cheap Electric Upright (EUB) That's what I did, and have never looked back Anyhow, enjoy your playing, and its nice to hear you're so keen on music It is indeed, part of the very fabric of life!

[quote name='Drax' timestamp='1418826522' post='2633733'] I read this as a poem [/quote] Why thank you

Think I'd develop a headache, and excuse myself a bit early! Hope it's everything you wanted another early Christmas - it's not fair

You are not alone, I knew exactly what you meant, as soon as I started reading your post I can't think of any titles, but several tracks seem to have odd sounds that sound like a phone, doorbell or something that seems to stand out, just for a moment I was listening to an Arcade Fire album recently, and again - sorry I forget which track but there was a very definite sound, that sounded like my old phone I recall listening to it several times when I had that phone, and being convinced it was a text coming through.... Listening to the same track, 2 phones later down the line (and with very different text alert sounds) I was still convinced I could hear my phone..... I've experienced this sort of thing with several different tracks & bands So I'm also glad I'm not alone now too

[quote name='MoJo' timestamp='1418811421' post='2633509'] No thoughts on the TC Electronic BG250? [/quote] I have a TC Electronic BG250-208 I'm in several bands / combos / outfits The larger, louder, more rocky stuff I use a larger rig I bought the TC for smaller gigs, or when I'm playing with a duo or trio It's pretty light, in terms of lugging it about, and quite powerful, for such a small amp There is also an output, to enable you to go through a PA - which can also be handy Personally, I think the sound is pretty good but sometimes (poss depending on venue) I can't quite seem to get the sound I'm really happy with It's OK, but sometimes it seems to lack a little "bottom end", or the mid range tones seem a little harsh... I also find that if I'm stood almost in front of it, I can't hear myself too well - but that goes for many bass amps Wedging something underneath, to tilt it slightly upwards helps a bit Oddly enough, there have been times when I seem to hear myself, and think I'm too loud (when others think I'm not!) ..... again, this varies between venues and which bass I'm using One reason I bought the amp, was to use with double bass, in acoustic duos & trios again, it sounds fine - but not quite as good as I had anticipated (I have 2 pickups installed on the DB, one transducer, and one with transducer + mic) Using the trans/mic pickup with pre-amp, the sound is definitely more DB-like using the DB transducer only, this amp tends to sound a little "flat"..... but again, I think that's to be expected At 250W this amp does pack a bit of a punch, but it will depend on how loud the rest of the band are and how many band members there are too..... It's very portable, handy-sized and lightweight For the money, I'd say it was fairly good I was looking at the Markbass 208 combo, and this is more than twice the output, at a fraction of the price Try one out in a shop, or see if you can find a friendly BC'er near you, who'll let you try theirs first Other options are the new range of Fender Rumble amps They are even lighter again. I tried the Rumble 100 recently, and was surprised at how loud it was, the quality of sound, and useful features, but I was stunned at how amazingly light it was Mind you, they are more pricey! Good luck with your search Let us know what you find Don't rule out buying second-hand..... Hope this helps a bit Marc

Interesting - I posted a question a few weeks back, asking about effects that made eub sound a bit more like db... I tried my eub with my new zoom unit, & the preprogrammed fretless sounds are OK. Might try a bit of compression on top of the fretless effect... ... When I have time to work out how to use the zoom unit! Lol