Marc S

Congratulations charic I'll take a listen later Well done matey! PS. Like the design on the cover too

I'm sure there are lots of basslines you play really well on anyway As others have said, Macca was pretty damn good I'm always trying to improve, by playing different stuff, and working out new songs but these days, I don't beat myself up for not getting a bassline absolutely note-for-note As long as it's a reasonable representation, and is in time & in tune with the song I like it when I work something out perfectly, but it isn't the end of the world if it isn't "perfect" Again, no-one in the audience notices lol PS. I'm crap too - but I think only other bass players have realised this

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1405598227' post='2503421'] Thanks to this thread I've been listening to Morrissey all morning Dug out my early 90's CD's and really enjoying some of them! [/quote] And I listened to a few Smiths tracks last night too Absolutely amazing stuff I sometimes forget just how much I like the Smiths....

Useful info on there Thanks for posting

Hi sblueplanet It wasn't that long ago I was in your situation Except I didn't opt for a 1/2 size I did think about it - but there weren't any around when I was looking Like you, I came from playing bass guitar, which is how most of us arrive at DB, I think I found the choice of string almost mindblowing and it still amazes me how many different types there are out there I think Rabbie is spot on - just persist for a bit Build up the amount of practice slowly However, my 1st strings were on a Stagg - and they were pretty awful for Pizz playing So if you still don't get on with your strings after a few lessons - change them before they put you off! That almost happened to me Perhaps your DB tutor could advise / help you here too As other say, it may not be a good idea to cut 3/4 strings down But again, on here Daf Lewis is very helpful, as he's involved with Innovation strings.... He's always ready to help, and seems a nice guy too Perhaps he can advise as to whether his Innovation strings can be cut down? Anyhow, I tried Innovation Silver Slap strings, and I found them sooo much easier to play than those 1st steel strings They have lower tension, and were much easier on the fingers On my most recent DB - were Spirocore Weich's and I've got used to them They're steel, but with some sort of rope core? - Anyhow, persistence paid off - I now love them A word of WARNING though.......! Change strings one at a time - if you take all the strings off in one go Your sound-post can fall over!"!!!! There are plenty of folk on here who are in the know, so check out the DB threads etc I'm just so glad I started playing DB I'd hate to be without one now Good luck, and let us know how you're getting on Also, don't forget - a decent pickup can make a big difference to your sound Cheers Marc EDIT: As an initial outlay, Innovation strings are cheaper than many other brands (I'm not on any commission here BTW - just liked them on my 1st bass)

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1405487508' post='2502282'] I'll have to tell my friend . She always goes to the Rumney Folk Club, I bet she will be there on Friday [/quote] Tell her to come along & say hi ..... better still, you come along with her too I'll be using that nice PJ head and one of the cabs I bought from your good self Debs

Glad to hear he's OK As you say, he's been a very active poster and definitely a good source of friendly, helpful info Hope things settle down, and ubassman is back on here soon

[quote name='r16ktx' timestamp='1405437222' post='2501899'] If only they did bass liver oil... :-D [/quote] Groan!

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1405280443' post='2500448'] I know this has little definite proof but I take glucosamine sulphate tablets and cod liver oil capsules - I used to have some stiffness in my knees but since taking these daily my joint mobility is pretty good - I buy the generic variety from Asda. [/quote] Yes, I use Chondroitin & Glucosamine tablets (you can get them in a combined tablet) I started taking them because I had a knee op a few years back They've really helped my knee, which used to grind and click now & then.... Cod liver oil is good for joints too but you must remember - these tablets are mainly for joints If you have inflammation of muscles or tendons an anti-inflammatory drug is best No harm in taking the joint pills though They may help any other underlying issues, and will do no harm as you get older, you will develop clicks, grinding & stiff joints

Did a gig in TIntern, right on the Anglo-Welsh border on Saturday It was part of their annual "Folk On The Lawn" festival It was a great event - small-ish, really fun, friendly fest and the sun was shining (we played quarter past mid-day) I'd never played with this bunch before, having only agreed to join on the Sunday before! Only one full rehearsal But you know what - sure it could have been a bit more polished, but it went really quite well We've been asked to play a few more gigs since then and we're playing Rumney Folk Club in Cardiff this Friday .... following just one more rehearsal This is almost the exact opposite of what I usually do I don't read music, so I play by ear, and have to rehearse.... Sometimes, by the time a band is sounding really tight - someone leaves! Anyhow, it was pretty damn good, I think and I hope to do a few more with these guys some of them are pro musicians, and they're really relaxed about the whole thing [attachment=166804:DSC_6786.jpg] ...apologies for the loud shirt - just thought it might distract the crowd from my under-rehearsed playing EDIT: PS, I love playing outdoors on a nice day

[quote name='waynepunkdude' timestamp='1405426719' post='2501768'] A lot of it is fully justified. [/quote] ... as are a lot of his plaudits, of course....

[quote name='Phil Adams' timestamp='1405433506' post='2501862'] It's not a Warwick "THUMB" is it? [/quote]

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1405419866' post='2501693'] Is the top of his finger included in the sale?? [/quote] Why on earth would you post an item for sale, using such awful photos? baffling!

[quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1398732613' post='2437115'] Whatever else happens, he was in The Smiths. The most vocal critics of Morrissey didn't like The Smiths, and those people can't be trusted. [/quote] Indeed. I was a big fan of the Smiths, and still am There was never anything else quite like them Morrissey's lyrics are just so funny & witty However, I didn't care for the whole royalty debacle Having read a few books about the band, I can see how these things were all signed & sealed before anyone realised just how big the band would become.... But maybe that should have been sorted beforehand? You have to ask why Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke signed such contracts in the 1st place but Morrissey, Marr, the bands legal team and the record company should have ensured that all royalties were equally shared I think the same thing happened in the Beatles though as well With Ringo & George not getting their fair share.... All that aside, the Smiths were quite simply, brilliant Morrissey whilst with the Smiths was surely Englands' finest lyricist (said the Welshman!) His first solo album was good - but none of his releases have been a patch on the Smiths at their best with a few tracks singled out for exemption from that..... Thanks for posting - on a forum where I've read some vociferous criticism of the man

[quote name='andydye' timestamp='1405334721' post='2500827'] oo, awesome! just have fun being 'normal' with a legend matey [/quote] If I were you, I'd be too busy asking questions of my own Like andydye says - just enjoy being in his company.....

Also, the bridge is really easily lowered on these EUB's You may also find changing strings helps My Stagg came with some really inflexible heavy steel strings Probably fine for bowing.... But I put nylon wrap strings on, and they're much better You could try some of the Innovation strings too - they tend to have a lower tension This may help your playing, and be much easier on the right hand I find Innovation Silver Slaps work well on my other bass..... Try Daf Lewis's Innovation strings trial on this forum - it's free and you might find strings that suit you.... Let us know how you get on

Hello bobunit, Welcome to the forum and like everyone else, I'm really sorry to hear about that scam I hope you can sort something Did you use a credit card to pay for it? If so, I'm sure your credit card company would sort it and refund you That's certainly the case here in the UK, as far as I'm aware Never used Craigslist before, so I've no experience of them I've bought quite a bit of Second-hand gear from people on this very forum and I've made some great purchases, and been extremely happy to deal with everyone Of course, that's more difficult for you being in the US but I hope everyone you meet on here can help in some way.... Please let us know how you get on, and good luck Cheers Marc

Also, yes stick basses can sound & feel more like a big fretless, but you could also consider something like one of these... They do have a small acoustic chamber, so there should be some resonance which if you use a decent pickup, should sound much more like your DB http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/electric-double-bass-/121379275826?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1c42c4c432

I know what you mean I'm a bit younger than yourself, but I get plenty of aches & pains! As you say, it's getting it in & out of the car is difficult enough I'm in a 3 storey house, and getting my DB up & down several flights of stairs was bad enough I luckily saw one of these for sale on here - and bought it right away You don't see many of them in the UK I had previously seen one being played at Cambridge Folk Fest and thought it looked neat It's a David Gage "Czech Ease" bass The body is quite a bit smaller than the usual Db, but it's still a 3/4 scale I find it easier to cart about - mind you, the case is pretty heavy, at least it's on wheels http://www.davidgage.com/store/index.php?cPath=26 I'm glad I bought mine Anyhow, you can also buy folding double basses or as others have said, try a 1/2 size There's one in a local shop, and it really does look smaller + easier to lug around Let us know what you decide anyway

Yes, I'd say rest a while And really rest it - no playing for a few days Also, although some people would recommend not taking painkillers I'd say, take a rest and take something anti-inflammatory, like Ibuprophen That should help ease any inflammation - but make sure you rest the finger Another possibility of course is that it could be an arthritic condition You don't state your age - but although arthritis is more common as you get older you can also develop it at an earlier stage So rest, ibuprophen, more rest then see your GP if it continues Good luck, and let us know how you get on EDIT: After resting, try playing more with the pick, for now....

Yes, squash balls are hollow I'm not sure quite how well they would work in this instance but if you know anyone who plays squash, these are free - they burst from time to time, after much useage.... So it's worth a try anyway..... I have heard tales of Hi-fi enthusiasts, cutting them in half, and using them upside-down as turntable feet, Yes, some people do still use turntables..... apparently

[quote name='Dave Vader' timestamp='1404740532' post='2495239'] I got laughed at by the drummer, who's kit, sans carpeting, still did less damage to the stage than my bass. i get overly spirited and move from one bit of the stage to the other, so I'd have to kick the bit of plywood ahead of me Douglas, but nice idea. Walking stick end rubber may be thicker, if not, my dog has abandoned a large rubber ball in garden, I may drill it and see what happens... Thanks all. [/quote] How about cutting a hole in an old squash ball? Would this work? Worth a try maybe.....

Looks really simple and useful A great idea indeed Thanks for the link

Interesting this The parts all seem to be American I spoke to someone in a guitar shop over the weekend, The guy was considered something of an expert on Fender matters He reckoned that some USA parts were actually made in Mexico anyway.... The pickups seem fine on this bass Glad I went for it now A good bass for that money IMO PS. SWMBO hasn't found it yet