Marc S

Can't find the thread atm - but some basschat member designed a wide, curved strap a little while back? Maybe around 2 years ago? Anyhow, the strap was well received, and helped some players combat "neck dive" As has been said on your status - whatever strap you decide on, be sure to use strap locks...

In the video to which the OP posted a link - Mark king really is bending those strings a lot It may be mainly down to the (light) gauge of the strings - but it may also be down to the make / brand Personally, I'm not a huge fan of flatwound strings (despite also playing DB) but some wise words from flats players on here pointed me in the direction of Thomastik Infeldt flats (TI's). I wanted some flats for my fretless, and tried some used TI's bought from someone on this forum... I couldn't (and still can't) get over just how low tension TI's are Don't know if MK is using them in that video - it's hard to tell, as even the sound will be processed and EQ'ed by the engineers on the sound desk. EDIT: I used to obsess about trying to get as low an action as possible - but I've since discovered, I actually don't really like the action too low. I've got several basses, and some are set up a bit differently - and I like playing different styles, on different basses, but mostly, I'd like to be able to pick up almost any bass, and not worry about how it's set up....

Bought a KK baby bass from Happy Jack, and I have to say, what a gent he is Great to meet up with him & have a good chat, with both Jack and Bluejay Buy, sell, trade in complete confidence folks BassChat just as it should be

I had a 4003 several years back, as I always liked the look & sound of a Rick (nothing quite like it) As others have said, they aren't usually the most comfortable of basses to play - but you have to just persist for a while, in getting used to the shape. For me, a wristband, just above my right wrist helped to protect my right forearm against the hard biding edge on the body (not a problem for everyone, and only really affected me when in short sleeves). Mine was in near mint condition, and I used to worry about it getting bumped or knocked (on its' debut gig, our singer tripped on a lead, which pulled a cymbal & stand onto it... though there was no visible damage at that time). So I only rarely gigged it, and then sold it, when I got my Shaftesbury faker. I'm glad you've decided not to worry too much about yours getting knocks / scrapes - it's by far the best way to be (I still don't know why I was so precious about mine?) I still really like the sound of a Rick, there really is nothing quite like one IMO. EDIT: Though again, for me, I had to get used to the controls to get the sound I wanted - but I feel there's good scope for different sounds on a Rick. I was a huge fan of Paul Grey's sound (ex Damned / HotRods) - listen to some of his bass on The Damned's "The Black Album" for some great Rick tone... Moreoever, happy NBD for when it arrives

Why do I never find such bargains? lol Great news though - glad you've saved that OLP And you've done a great job on it too EDIT: Also meant to say, I really like the touch with your "comedy" decal / logo - Fab

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1491265004' post='3271723'] 64, bar gigs are 4 hours in the States. Try doing a 3 gig weekend. Blue [/quote] I meant to say earlier.... Hats off to you Blue

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1491307185' post='3271964'] For me, that's the main reason for going along, being thrown into playing unfamiliar stuff with people you don't know, real sink or swim situation. Not to everyone's taste, though, I can appreciate that. [/quote] Yup. Of course, you don't have to jam along to "classic rock" or any other genre or song you don't wish to. But it's hugely satisfying when you are thrown into a setting where you don't know any of the other musicians, you don't know the song - yet you manage to get through it, and sometimes you manage to play it quite well. For me, it's a test and it pushes me... in a good way But the other real positive thing, is that I've met some great people and some new, like-minded mates and band members. I've also been asked to do a couple of paid dep gigs, and found a dep drummer and dep keys player for a band I was in. Sure, there are a few wannabies at these things, a few egos, and some talentless dross from time to time - but this is all balanced out when you suddenly discover someone who's really good

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1491302452' post='3271910'] I've never yet managed to fall off the floor, no matter how much I've drunk. [/quote] You never know Jack - don't speak too soon

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1491052527' post='3270186'] another 15 years all the care homes will be stuffed full of old Punks, I'll have a whole new career [/quote] Me too - I'm going to form a band doing punk songs in retirement homes. We'll be called "last of the mohicans" - playing "Teenage Lobotomy" to a bunch of OAP's - if I can get some young whippersnapper to carry my amp I'm in my 50's too - though this year is quiet so far for gigs, I still love playing. In fact, I can't get enough of it! Though I'm in several bands, the amount of gigs is unpredictable - sometimes it's 3 or 4 a week, sometimes it's just 1 or 2 a month I guess you just have to find other musicians with similar needs /expectations Try a few open mic nights? You can get up & play a few times, go as often or as little as you want. It keeps your hand in, and you might meet other musicians who want the same things from their playing..... I'd hate to give up completely. I had time out of playing for over 20 years (family stuff, house renovation etc) and when I came back to bass, I wished I'd never stopped playing Good luck with your search / decision anyway

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1491215797' post='3271220'] Thanks for all the replies guys, all very helpful! Marc, for me it would have to be the RW P neck, although I would really like it if it was a little narrower, like 1.65" instead of 1.75". IIRC your RW P has a slimmed down neck?.... [/quote] Yes, I got my RW P from Daveyboy on this forum - he'd had the neck trimmed a bit, by a luthier, who has done a fantastic job it must be said I don't know how he managed it, but it feels just as good as my RW J and Flea sig necks, and you really can't tell from the feel or the finish that it wasn't always like that. Dave Dearnaley did the routing for me, so it's now a P/J and I must say, that's the option for me! I generally get the level / volume I want, and dial in the tone control as I want it, then add a bit of the J pickup to suit the venue / band / song. I really like it. And I know what you mean about the P pickup cover, for resting your thumb on too! lol It's just the right shape, and in just the right place on a P. So glad I went for my P from Daveyboy, and so glad I got Dave D to P/J my Squier CV P bass too. They're both superb, but now I really must sell one of my Jazzes, like you.... but which one?

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1491070281' post='3270341'] Warmoth will make you a P shape body and you can have it routed for two J single coils. Add a P neck and you have a precision feel bass that sounds like a jazz I'm also pretty sure G&L have made or make a bass that's basically precision but has two J single coils in it. [/quote] You could indeed get a Warmoth body routed to your spec, and buy Rumple's Limelight neck? http://basschat.co.uk/topic/302501-limelight-jazzprecision-neck/page__p__3271193__hl__neck__fromsearch__1#entry3271193 Or get Mark at Limelight to do you a custom bass? Alternatively of course, you could put one of your Fender Roadworn necks on the Warmoth body? Out of interest, which of your Roadworn necks do you actually prefer? The P, the J, or the Flea sig J? I can't decide - I really like all the Fender RW necks - which is why I can't decide which one I really ought to sell (tho I'm not going to part with the P)

[quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1491094880' post='3270512'] I bought this Kinsman for £33 from Amazon. Discontinued now but eBay will have them. Need to hit it helluva hard to dislodge the DB. [url="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003BNHJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/url] [/quote] I also have one of these. At first, the metal seemed a bit "lightweight" to me, and it didn't seem to be the sturdiest construction. But I've had it several years now, and it has worked really well - no sign of any accidents yet - and it did get bumped into by a singer, on a very packed stage - but no sign of it being displaced from the stand. Inexpensive, but effective IMO

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1490999593' post='3269836'] Yes. I am exactly the opposite. I love all of mine. So when I realise I have too many and that I should sell some, I pick them up to sell them and realise they are the best thing ever and I would be mad to sell them, so I don't! Would love to cut down to 5 though [/quote] This could also describe me! I've owned many more basses, and I've gone around in (an almost complete) circle. But what I have now, I really love each & every bass. I really must sell one or two, just to get down to sensible numbers There are a couple I don't play very much, but when I do, I simply can't bear to part with them. Several of these I know I'd find hard to buy again if I later decided I'd made a mistake in selling them..... I really must sell a couple (at least) but I rack my brains as to which ones, and I really can't come up with an answer lol If you feel you dislike all your current basses - perhaps it's time for a re-think. What are the specs / details you like about each bass? What do you dislike about each one? - Maybe you need to sell a few, to fund a custom build? A bass that has all the positive features of your current instruments, and hopefully, none of the negative elements

[quote name='njbillbass' timestamp='1486414889' post='3231638'] ......I really like how the KK sounds in this setting. And yeah, I know...I'm not a salsa player...I'm not sure why the baby bass gets pigeon-holed for that type of music, but I use it on all kinds of material.... [/quote] Hi Bill, and others I'm tempted by a KK myself. I too wonder why it gets pigeon-holed for salsa, as surely, it's suitable for other genres of music too? Just bumping this thread, as that's a good question - anyone here installed additional pickups to a KK baby bass? Has anyone fitted a slap pickup or rockabilly duo pickup to one of these? I'm thinking a J-tone pickup is cheap and easy to fit.... Also, just wondering whether it would be easy to change the bridge on one of these - for an adjustable type? Anyone done that? Be great to hear your thoughts on this