Marc S

[quote name='Bass_Guardian' timestamp='1493222456' post='3286691'] Having the choice is nice. It's like your local takeaway only having the one dish you usually order..... [/quote] Wise words indeed Bass_Guardian Ah, I feel better about owning several now - thanks for that

Having owned and played a couple of EUB's, DB's, an Ashbory and currently the owner of a Kala I must say, there's nothing quite like an acoustic DB. The Eminence was definitely the closest in feel and sound (with some EQ'ing) The KK is also a great bass, and does feel more like a DB than some EUB's (sounds good too, and not just for Salsa!) Re the Ashbory and Kala U-bass suggestions - both are valid choices for a very small, portable option. They approach the sound of a DB, but they aren't quite there. There are indeed similarities in the their sound, but I never found them to be quite as satisfying or quite as natural. In fact, I found the Ashbory very tricky to play. I certainly disliked the strings it came with, and I did try a different set of strings, but also disliked the feel of those, and somehow, I just couldn't get on with it... I get on better with the Kala, and prefer the sound it produces. The strings IMO are better and produce far less "drag" on the left hand, compared to the Ashbory. But again, they're overly chunky, and a little "sloppy". I may try some Aguillar Reds on it, as they're slimmer and have more tension, apparently. Yes, an Ashbory / U-bass is a nice suggestion, but it doesn't quite cut it, compared to an acoustic DB. I usually carry the Kala as spare - just in case a string breaks or I get a pickup problem, and the Kala is so small, it's easy to pop in the car boot. I sometimes plug it in to jam about before the gig starts, or during a break between sets, and it does usually require more fiddling around with EQ and levels to get it sounding more DB-like. But perhaps this is an unfair comparison, when side by side with the "real thing" I'd still suggest the OP tries one though - they can be fun

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1493200002' post='3286367'] Argh, I don't feel well. I need to get out of this thread immediately. [/quote] My thoughts exactly! lol Actually, I've got too many basses. I'm trying to cut down at the moment, but I really can't decide which ones to sell.... I got them all because I like them. It's taken me a long time to find what I really like, and they are all (well mostly) different from one another. I will try to reduce the numbers - but don't think I'll ever get back down to just one

Yes, these look great. The shape of these has really grown on me too And I do like a P/J pickup arrangement these days Is yours the Mexican or US model? I'm also thinking about trying some D'Addario nylon strings now too

Hiya Mike. I've a gig on (festival) up the valleys - so might be tricky to get along Perhaps I can come for an hour at the start? Are punters welcome to bring gear / guitars along to trade with the stall holders? Good luck with it - hope you raise some cash for the charity, and hope you do this event again

[quote name='Steve Browning' timestamp='1493124296' post='3285794'] I wonder what sort of packaging would be required to withstand the knock that did that to a piece of wood? [/quote] Maybe an additional wooden box?! So sorry this has happened to you. This is why I hate sending musical instruments or equipment by post It seems you take out the insurance etc, but then they don't want to cough up Lets face it - that must have been one hell of a whack As has been suggested, it may have been a forklift Some good advice on here, which is great, and just why BC is such a good forum As others have suggested - stick to your guns, and let them know you're not going to take this lying down Most of all though - best of luck with it, and let us know how you get on

[quote name='philw' timestamp='1493191614' post='3286275'] ........What about the NS Omni Bass? Much smaller than all the other suggestions 'cause it's 34" scale. I've always liked the Omni Bass idea and do occasionally (like, well, now) wonder about swapping my NS CR4 for one: [url="https://thinkns.com/instrument/ns-design-omni-bass/ns-design-omni-bass-nxta/"]https://thinkns.com/...omni-bass-nxta/[/url] Phil [/quote] Yes, I'd seen the Omni bass too. It definitely looks very interesting and certainly one to consider for those switching straight from Bass Guitar, as the scale length is the same. I've not had the chance to try one, but wish I could, out of sheer curiosity if nothing else... The only problem is, that they're rather more expensive than the OP's budget, and they don't seem to come up second-hand (maybe as there aren't many around anyway?) Marc EDIT: If you do manage to get one Phil - let me know - my sister lives in Brighton and I promise to bring nice biscuits!

[quote name='TPJ' timestamp='1493043355' post='3285118'] Buy [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/291335-fs-clarkson-a-one-off-eub/"]Beedster's Clarkson EUB[/url]. If I were nearer to him I would have bought that for quiet practice and better transport. At £200-250, what a deal [/quote] I was about to suggest this too Beedster is a top BC'er and that's a good price Re the swivel problem mentioned above - I meant to mention that in my comments about the Stagg, but yes, it definitely suffered from this problem. Although not always (depending on surface etc) - I did see some suggested remedies for this on here somewhere.... But the add on "appendages" for the SLB also look a good solution - maybe you could fashion something to suit Beedsters EUB?

PS. "The point" had closed due to a single complaint! And "Fuel Rock Club" is under threat due to yes, a single complaint! And the resident who filed the complaint is renting, and not even an owner occupier!

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1493039213' post='3285052'] This really grates doesn't it, move next to a pub well known for having regular music and then start complaining about noise. FFS! Surely if you think it's going to be a problem just don't buy the house in the first place? I despair, I really do. [/quote] Yes, it's a real annoyance to me, and many others too. I mean, would you buy a house next to the sea, then start complaining that you don't like smell of salty sea air, and can't bear the noise that seagulls make? This problem is spreading, and has already closed and threatens to close several venues in Cardiff. Several years back, a great venue called "The Point" closed because someone bought a trendy flat in Cardiff bay, and complained about the noise. It was in a disused church, and was a great, atmospheric venue. Actually, the church had lain empty for years - so turning it into a venue for music & the arts saved it from dereliction A few weeks back the Womanby Street area of Cardiff (known for several live music venues) lost it's superb "Dempseys Bar" and now complaints from residents threaten to close both "Fuel, Rock club" "The Moon Club" next door and "Clwb Ifor Bach" (known as "The Welsh Club") opposite!!! When will this lunacy stop? The whole reason for buying a city centre flat, or staying in a hotel in a city centre, is to enjoy the "vibe" and atmosphere of that city? Isn't it? Take away all the venues and music bars and you have no reason to live in, or visit that city centre.... grrr In the ongoing case of the single complaint re Fuel Rock club, a well known chain of pubs is attempting to convert their pub into a hotel - methinks that this is an attempt to create further rooms where guests can stay, and not be disturbed by live music, and / or for that corporation to take over the whole street, and buy up the other clubs. We all need to act now, to save our live music venues....

Another +1 for lowering the height of the pickup here on each of my P basses, the pickup under the E string is slightly lower (closer to the body) than it is under the other strings And yes, new strings and set-up will also help

Both fab clips! What a great band Thanks for posting

[quote name='Dan Dare' timestamp='1493031881' post='3284918'] I think the trick is to give people enough of what they know/like and sneak in some newer/original stuff under their guard. That way, everyone is happy. [/quote] Yes, this is a good approach I think. The trouble as always, is that everyone in the band needs to be onboard with this idea, and then has to agree on the whole set list (or at least, much of it)

One of the (several) bands I'm currently in, deliberately set out to cover songs you don't hear covered too often. Not just rock songs, but a bit of pop, reggae, ska and a few Northern Soul etc.... Several of the venues we contacted and played, said this was a breath of fresh air, from the usual "sex on fire" "sweet home Alabama" and "Mustang Sally" type of stuff that almost everyone else has played to death. All well and good? Well, yes, but we play these songs, then someone usually comes up and asks "Can you play some classic rock?" or "can you do Sex on Fire?" - so it's almost like you can't win! Also, being based in South Wales, we get asked every time, "Can you play something my the Manics, or the Phonics" - we do a couple of Phonics tracks, but only from the earlier albums. There are pubs where we fear we wouldn't get out alive unless we complied with that request

I too was looking for the same thing. The closest I found to the sound of an acoustic upright, was my Eminence (now since sold). It had a small hollow body though - I realise you had stipulated that you didn't want a hollow body - but this to me, is why when amplified, it still retained a sound close to an acoustic upright. I've had and tried a few EUB's without any form of hollow body, and they never quite match the sound of my old Eminence... I'd say although it has a small hollow body, the un-amplified sound is quite quiet (but not silent) so if you get the chance - give one a try.... My current EUB is a KK Baby bass, bought from Happy Jack of this forum. It's a bit smaller than the Eminence, as it packs down quite neatly. Amplified, the sound is not quite that of an acoustic DB, but it's got quite a nice sound. It doesn't sound like a big fretless bass guitar, as some EUB's can sound, and again, I'd recommend you try one if you get the chance... I've heard several sound clips of Yamaha Silent Basses (SLB's) and they do seem to sound quite like an acoustic DB.... from what I've heard recorded. Of course, in a recording, we don't know what post production and sound tweaking has gone on.... As ever, it's best to try as many options as you can, to make your own informed choice - but as there seem to be fewer DB players around, and even fewer EUB player / owners, that may not be so easy. Can you start a thread, asking whether some local, friendly EUB player might help you with a tryout? Might be worth asking? If you were closer to me in South Wales, you'd be welcome to come & try my KK baby bass... Anyhow, don't rush into anything, and best of luck with your search PS. My DB playing started with a Stagg. They're quite cheap, esp second-hand and worth a try - although mine didn't sound very much like a DB, despite my efforts. (saying that, it got me into the wonderful world of DB)