Marc S

Yes, the SLB does look and sound good (at least from sound clips I've heard of them) I wouldn't want to put anyone off buying a Stagg - they are great value for money (esp send hand) and a good intro into upright playing - at least, they give you a bit of a flavour for it But I definitely agree about the "body" attachments - I bought one as a bass guitar player, and didn't get on with those attachments at all. I found them very awkward, and later found them to be very unlike the shape and feel of an acoustic DB body which they are supposed to replicate / represent. Again, that may be just me, some folks might find them useful.... Definitely take your time ChrisF, and play as many as you can. The only thing is, you may have to travel a fair bit, and be quite patient - as there aren't too many shops that stock EUB's. And those that do will probably only have one..... Ask if any kindly BC members who live near you, are willing to let you try their EUB. Good luck with your search

I too started with a Stagg EUB. It was a great introduction to upright playing for me, and it fuelled my desire to get a "proper" acoustic upright The stagg is cheap as chips (especially 2nd hand) and fairly light, and nice & easy to lug around, set up and use However, I never got it to sound too much like a Double bass, it always sounded more like a fretless, and to my mind, it never really felt like any DB I subsequently played That said, as I mentioned, it was a great intro to the world of upright, and I got back what I'd paid for it.... The best sounding IMO, was my Eminence - though as has already been said, you could define it as an acoustic DB with a very small body / acoustic chamber and not actually an EUB at all.... I've not played a Yamaha SLB, but from sound clips I've heard, where the players have stated that the sound has been unaltered, the SLB does sound superb NS Design EUBs do look as though they're nice, light & portable - though I think the dots for every note would probably distract me (perhaps these could be masked, using tiny pieces of black masking tape? or felt pen?) I've got a KK Baby bass (bought from Happy Jack on here) and it is possible to get closer to a natural DB sound from it - though it's still not quite there, like the Eminence one drawback with the KK baby bass is, that they're still quite heavy (perhaps the heaviness of their structure helps the sound?) though, in truth, I find that it's as much the bulk of an acoustic DB that makes them awkward to carry, as does their weight They can all be played slap stlye - depending on how they are set up. The type of string also dictates and helps here.... Generally, you'd need a slightly higher action for slap stlye One word here - get a DB / EUB with an adjustable bridge, if you want to play different styles - being able to easily adjust the bridge height will be a real bonus Another plus for the KK Baby bass - adjustment is even easier, as there's an allen key at the back of the neck. This adjusts not bridge height, but it adjusts the angle of the neck I find it so quick and simple to do Sorry, I've probably given you too much info - I am known to ramble on a bit.... But the suggestion of trying as many as you can, and visiting a DB bass bash is the best way forward I think You don't way where you live - perhaps it would be a good idea to update your profile with that info or you could ask local BC members who own EUB's for a huge favour, and try their basses? We're a friendly bunch, and I know I'd be happy for you to pop in if you're anywhere near Cardiff Cheers now, and best of luck with your search

I once had a bitsa P bass which had a Mighty Mite neck The neck was so nice, I was genuinely surprised at just how good it was

Argh. I've got two lying around - you could have had either of them, tsk tsk Actually, I might even have three..... lol But you're quite right - the 2 holes are screaming for a thumbrest

I'm a fan of tort guards, on black.....or white, erm and sunburst too But I must say Lewis, that looks rather nice - much more so than I'd expected Looks great with the maple board too. I want my gold guard back now! lol EDIT: PS. Although it was a tarnished guard, from a Roadworn P, it has polished up rather nicely What did you use to clean it up Lewis?

Hmmmm, no I think I will join you on this one Ian. I think I do too.... Or should I now buy another unlined fretless? Does a lined fretless sound different to an unlined fretless? Can I convince Mrs S I now need another bass? lol

Cheers for popping in Lewis - it was great to see you, and your new bass However, I only just realised..... I didn't make you a cup of tea! What a heinous, un-BC-like crime I promise you can have one next time, and even a chocolate biscuit, as long as you don't tell anyone It's a great bass for the money Lewis. I was really impressed with the quality, feel and finish, and even more impressed with the sound I bet once the action / truss-rod have been adjusted and allowed to "settle" it will feel even better. Love the colour too, really nice, rich 3TSB and in great nick too As I said yesterday eve, the dots in every position on the edge of the neck would probably confuse me - but that's more to do with the fact I'm all too easily confused lol I'm sure you could get used to them, or just dab some felt pen or acrylic paint over the ones you want to black out..... Let us know how you're getting on with it matey. You were right when we were discussing how you alter your playing style when playing fretless I had a quick go on mine just after you left. Cheers, and enjoy your NFBD Lewis

There's a button for "like" "thanks" "ha ha" "confused" and "sad" .... but not for "groan"

Thanks for posting that info + pic Jimothey. Looks like you've done a nice job putting that together and especially the finish Is the wood quite soft, or is it a harder type? Was it treated at all?

Was your J body from the same seller as the people who sell those kits?

I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with this project. Cheers, and don't forget to post some pics and your progress with painting it Really interested to see what paints you use, and how you get on with them I'd seen some paulownia Jazz bodies on ebay, before buying mine, and wondered what they were like..... Does the eBay shop you got it from sell lots of them, and kits for whole Jazz basses Geek99?

Although I have several instruments around the house - I never really get time to spend playing anything much, other than bass and DB I do like the sound of the mandolin though, and always fancied playing one.... I have one, and spent quite a bit of time on it, and got so far.... however, I found the same as Barking Spiders - tiny strings and tiny distances between frets My podgy fingers just wouldn't allow me to play even some of the basic chords Then I discovered Bouzouki - it can be tuned the same way as a Mandolin (though on Bouzouki, D & G string "pairs" are 2 octaves) and there's much more space for my awkward, bass players fingers.... I just need more time to spend on it though! lol If you like Mandolin Barking Spiders - either give Mandola or Bouzouki a try....

Sorry to be late to the party - I only just saw this thread. I was going to mention Nick Cave & Kylie It's something that you might take almost for granted now - as it has been years.... But back then (1996) it seemed such a bizarre collaboration.... I remember being shocked! lol Didn't a couple of the Sex Pistols (Cook & Jones) also work with Phil Lynott?